My Dear Mr Darwin,

I write a single line to say that your Deerhound puppy will be ready at the end of this month. He is the best of the litter—and all are capital specimens.¹

I am sorry he is not grey— he is fawn or cream colour, with black muzzle and ears, similar to one of mine in Kent (Longfield Court, Dartford),² which has turned out a splendid animal. The mother of yours is a fine bitch—the father is descended from Sir Walter Scott’s celebrated “Maida”, and is son of the 1^st. prize dog at two successive National Shows (Birmingham.)³

He would come in a hamper by rail—and I would send full directions beforehand for management &c.

I hope you are tolerably well and in full ability to go on, also to take interest in what is astir scientifically & otherwise

Ever truly yours George Cupples

To | Charles Darwin, Esq^r.