Dear Sir

I am most sincerely obliged for your great kindness. The hostile dog does excellently; but the hairs on the neck and shoulders (and not on loins) ought to stand closer (a serried mass) and to be more erect; but I daresay that you intend to explain this to Mr. Cooper. Will you have the kindness to do so, and I will despatch the block tomorrow (Monday morning) telling him not to touch it, till he hears or sees you.²

The other drawing does not appear to me to express affection and joy. I showed it to several of my sons and other members of my family, without any explanation, and they all thought, as I had done, that the expression was that of a humble dog coming to be beaten. I believe that those are right who have said to me that it is impossible to represent a dog wagging his tail, as we associate movement with the expression. I fancy that I can see a few alterations (but whether they are possible I know not) which might improve the expression, but I doubt whether it is worth the trial.

And now I want to beg a little favour of you and to excuse me. I have been trying in vain to think of some book or other trifle which you would like to possess and keep as a mark of my obligation to you. Will you therefore be so good as to procure some trifle for yourself with the enclosed³ and believe me | Yours truly obliged | Ch. Darwin