To Briton Riviere   29 May 1872

My dear Sir

I thank you for your great kindness. I shall be very glad to get the drawing of the dog engraved.¹ A lady, who I think is a good critic has just remarked, I think with truth that the outlines of the back and flanks are too smooth; but perhaps this is owing to its unfinished state. I cannot but think, and I hope you will reflect on this, that it would be an improvement if the tail were a little more raised, and if possible a little curved to one side. I shall send my MS to the printers next week, so that to save time, will you have the kindness to send the block when finished to Mr. Cooper 188 Strand, and I will instruct him to lose no time in engraving.²

With very sincere thanks believe me | Yours faithfully | Ch. Darwin