Dear M^r. Darwin

You are always so kind about my little observations,— which might be better worth noticing if I could see— that I am emboldened to mention a Pug, of which I am the proud possessor. He has very strong affections, which being combined with an exceedingly stiff & curly tail, put him into awkward predicaments. When he is extra affectionate, he lies on his back, & however much he might wish, couldn’t possibly get at his tail, & so, as he must apparently wag something, he wags one of his hind legs.²

I hear John has seen you, & I do hope something will be arranged.³ I go to Brighton today, as people seem to think it will do me good: & it is a kind of native air to me—but I think I am like the patient at the Bull, of whom M^rs. Gamp observed that “native airs, nor native graces neither, won’t bring him round.”⁴

With love to M^rs. Darwin, I am yours most truly | E.F. Lubbock