I have been puzzled what to do for the man. It is so much easier to do harm than good by meddling—and yet I don't like to leave him to "casual docking."
In that first letter he has got—on his own hook—about as far as
Buffon and Needham 150 years ago.
And later to Professor Howes:—]
Hodeslea, Eastbourne, February 12, 1894.
My dear Howes,
Best thanks for unearthing the volumes of Milne-Edwards. I was afraid my set was spoiled.
I shall be still more obliged to you if you can hear of something for S—. There is a right good parson in his neighbourhood, and from what he tells me about S— I am confirmed in my opinion that he is a very exceptional man, who ought to be at something better than porter's work for twelve hours a day.
The mischief is that one never knows how transplanting a tree, much less a man, will answer. Playing Providence is a game at which one is very apt to burn one's fingers.
However, I am going to try, and hope at any rate to do no harm to the man I want to help.
Ever yours very faithfully,