My dear Sir

I am going to beg a rather unreasonable favour of you.— I called yesterday at M^r. H. Weirs² & he told me that some Leghorn Runts are to be sold on Tuesday at Stevens.³ Would you be so kind as to purchase a pair for me (or single bird) that is if the Birds have short tail, long legs & long neck, in short appear of a different shape from your Smyrna Runts, which in shape are like what I already possess.—

I would go as far 20^s, or 25, or even 30, if they appear very distinct in shape; but M^r Weir thought that perhaps they would go for under 20^s.—

I presume that you could purchase a basket & send them with the enclosed address by some trustworthy Porter to Golden Cross, Charing Cross by 3 oclock.⁴ & I could repay you immediately for these incidental expences & whatever you paid for them.— But I am well aware that I am asking you to take a very scandalous amount of trouble.—

If by any odd chance a pair of black Carriers, very long in the Beak & narrow in the Head, were to be sold for 20^s (I do not care much for wattle) I sh^d. be glad of them. But the Leghorn Runts are important, as I sh^d. never be able to pick up skeleton.—⁵

Forgive me if you can & believe me | Yours sincerely | Ch. Darwin