Darwin Correspondence Project

Down Farnborough | Kent

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My dear Sir

I am glad to say that the Laughers are quite well; & I have heard one make a very odd note, which I suppose was laughing.

You may rely on it, I will rear the first pair & let you have them, of the Scanderoons: they are now sitting, but rather badly & whether they will hatch I am rather doubtful.—

With respect to vertebræ, I shd not like to be quoted; but as far as one casual look went, they certainly seemed to have an extra neck vertebra; but whether they have not one less in back, I will not say positively, for though I have now many skeletons, I really have not had time to look to them well—it is so much less trouble to do such work, when one's materials are nearly complete.—

My present so called Scanderoons though much larger than the diseased Bird, which I had from Mr Baker, are not, I believe, nearly so well characterised.—

I shall be very glad to meet you at Anerly.

With many thanks for all your assistance to me, | Yours very sincerely | Ch. Darwin

I am very glad you are going to give a Paper to Zoolog. Soc.—

Your Polands (one died) are going on admirably.—

P.S. I have just looked at skeleton & I believe I have made simple blunder; but the neck has not been well cleaned & I cannot make out certainly.—