CodalSearch this book — or all of Codal…⌘K
Projects
Sign inStart a book
nydus/Life and Letters of Charles Darwin — Volume 1Public

This volume presents a collection of Charles Darwin's personal correspondence, organized primarily by the subjects of his research and publications. The letters are supplemented by excerpts from his diary to provide a chronological framework for his professional career and personal character.

Page 447 of 696
Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1.IX. — LIFE AT DOWN.

look at my five boys as something awful, and hate the very thoughts of professions, etc. If one could insure moderate health for them it would not signify so much, for I cannot but hope, with the enormous emigration, professions will somewhat improve. But my bugbear is hereditary weakness. I particularly like to hear all that you can say about education, and you deserve to be scolded for saying "you did not mean to TORMENT me with a long yarn." You ask about Rugby. I like it very well, on the same principle as my neighbour, Sir J. Lubbock, likes Eton, viz., that it is not worse than any other school; the expense, WITH ALL ETC., ETC., including some clothes, travelling expenses, etc., is from 110 pounds to 120 pounds per annum. I do not think schools are so wicked as they were, and far more industrious. The boys, I think, live too secluded in their separate studies; and I doubt whether they will get so much knowledge of character as boys used to do; and this, in my opinion, is the ONE good of public schools over small schools. I should think the only superiority of a small school over home was forced regularity in their work, which your boys perhaps get at your home, but which I do not believe my boys would get at my home. Otherwise, it is quite lamentable sending boys so early in life from their home.

447