On the day of Mr Darwin’s birth 209 years on I remember the jolly chap causing a hullaballoo with his new book. I read in many a newspaper of his rambunctious stories and tales of how we, and many creatures, may have come about. How contrary some of the clergy fellows are becoming in their Cackle-tubs at the very thought!
So many people think he is selling them a dog with the pictures of the fantastical animals and plants he has brought from his travels. Not I! I have seen wondrous plants brought by trading ships from the East and West whose seeds and leaves are used in our confections. Still all the hubbub at the dinner table of my chums is full of the why, whats and whereforarts that this book leaves for us to ponder. What an exciting time we live in and how far we have come to try and understand the wonders around us in 1859.
Charles’ expressions explained:
Selling you a dog – lying
Cackle-tubs – pulpits