"P. S.—I have always worn my engagement ring in my nose. Is this the right place?"
And the Doctor wrote back:
"Dear Bertha—In introducing one pig to another I would avoid using the word 'meet.' 'Get acquainted' is quite all right. Remember that the object of all etiquette and manners should be to make people comfortable—not uncomfortable.
"I think turnips at a wedding quite proper. You might ask the guests to leave the tops on. They will then look more like a bouquet.
"Sincerely yours,
"John Dolittle."
PART III
[CHAPTER I]
THE ANIMALS' MAGAZINE
The next thing I must tell you about is the Prize Story Competition: The fame of the Puddleby fireside-circle, where the Doctor had amused his pets with so many interesting tales, had become quite a famous institution. Too-Too had gossiped about it; Gub-Gub, Jip and the white mouse had boasted of it. (You see, they were always proud that they could say they were part of the great man's regular household.) And before long, through this new post office of their own, creatures all over the world were speaking of it and discussing it by letter. Next thing, the Doctor began to receive requests for stories by mail. He had become equally famous as an animal doctor, an animal educator and an animal author.