But this seems to be running into the groove of apology, and I never apologised to anyone for anything in my life. For fear I should begin now, I will close this letter, remaining, Your friend, J-hn Br-ght.
P.S.—I observe that in my haste I have not called you a fool, or directly stigmatised as such anyone alluded to in this letter. I am afraid this will be regarded as a sign of growing weakness. But I will bring up the average in the next letter I write for publication.
DARWINIAN ANCESTOR
Composing the Song, "For O it is such a Norrible Tail!!"
"Our ancestor was an animal which breathed water, had a swim-bladder, a great swimming tail, and an imperfect skull."—Darwin to Lyell.
