244 DARWIN'S LETTERS TO R. TRIMEN 



With respect to humour, I think dogs do have it, but 

 it is necessarily only of a practical kind. Everyone 

 must have seen a dog with a piece of a stick or other 

 object in his mouth, and if his master in play tries to 

 take it away, the dog runs with prancing steps a few 

 yards away, squats down, facing his master, and waits 

 till he comes quite close and then jumps up and repeats 

 the operation, — looking, as if he said, '• you are sold ". — 



I have many letters to write so pray excuse brevity. 

 — My book has been very successful as far as sale has been 

 concerned, and has hitherto been in most cases treated 

 very liberally by the press. — My notions on the moral 

 sense have, however, been much reprobated by some 

 and highly praised by others. — I have no news to tell, 

 for I have seen hardly any one for months. — 



I am extremely sorry to hear that you are no freer 

 of official duties, for I feel sure if you had more leisure 

 and especially if you lived in the country, you would 

 make some grand new observations. — 



With every good wish — 



Pray believe me 

 Yours sincerely 

 Ch. Darwin 



17. 



Written by Sir George Dwrwin, signed by 

 Cha/rles Darwin. 



Down 



Beokenham 

 My deab Mr. Trimen, Thursd. July 27. 71 



I was much surprized to receive your letter and 

 I am sorry to hear of the cause of your hurried return 

 to England.' — 



* In consequence of the death of his father in March, 1871. 



