. . . described Bilbo as follows:
"I picture a fairly human figure, not a kind of 'fairy' rabbit as some of my
British reviewers seem to fancy: fattish in the stomach, shortish in the
leg. A round, jovial face; ears only slightly pointed and 'elvish'; hair
short and curling (brown). The feet from the ankles down, covered with
brown hairy fur. Clothing: green velvet breeches; red or yellow
waistcoat; brown or green jacket; gold (or brass) buttons; a dark green hood
and cloak (belonging to a dwarf)."
Letters, 35
(#27)
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"‘I think he was a silly little man,' said Councillor Tompkins. ‘Worthless, in fact; no use to Society at all.'
"‘Oh, I don't know,' said Atkins, who was nobody of importance, just a schoolmaster. ‘I am not so sure: it depends on what you mean by use .'
"‘No practical or economic use,' said Tompkins. . . .
. . .
"‘It is proving very useful indeed,' said the Second Voice. ‘As a holiday, and a refreshment. It is splendid for convalescence; and not only for that, for many it is the best introduction to the Mountains. It works wonders in some cases. I am sending more and more there. They seldom have to come back.'"
