Darwin Correspondence Project

Down Bromley Kent

Nov^r 3^d

My dear Sir

Many thanks for your kind note: I ought to have mentioned, that the two other African cocks, have a treble comb; the two external parallel crests being small: otherwise the 3 birds are hardly distinguishable.

I have M^r Eaton's curious Book.—

The Malay Eggs would be much better in Spring; but if ever you have opportunity I sh^d be very glad to buy an old Malay Cock for skeleton.—

Since writing to you I have received from the Hon^ble Walter Elliot of Madras, skins of following poultry, diag 2. Game Cock & Hen (of great size)

2. Black-boned, hairy Cock & Hen 2. Caffir Cock & Hen with curled feathers.

1 Cock of doubtful origin ticketed Rangoon

2 Common or Pariah Cock & Hen, such as are commonly kept by the country

People.ramme

Now if you would like to examine & describe these 9 skins, I shall be delighted to send them you, ie if you yourself wish it.— They would require to be sent in large Box, but not very heavy & I could send them on Thursday week. to Carstangs or elsewhere, carriage free.— But I sh^d require them back in a few weeks, & you could then return me the head of the wild Jungle Fowl.—

I expect soon to receive some Persian Fowls, which are at your service, if you like, but please to understand that I do not wish to give you trouble & I make these offers only on the chance that you yourself would like them; for if you did, it would give me very sincere pleasure to repay you in small part, your kindnesses towards me.—

Many thanks for your enquiries about Finnikins. I have written to Geologist in Maestricht about these same birds, who declares he will take any trouble for me.—

I have received to day catalogue from M^r Bult of Steven's next sale, but there seems nothing that concerns me.—

Please in any notice about African Fowls, do not forget to introduce about their being brought over by the kindness of D^r Daniell. Also if you wish to see & notice the Madras Fowls say that they were sent to me by great kindness of the Hon^ble. Walter Elliot.—

Would it be of any use, & sh^d you object to put in enquiry in Cottage Gardener, whether any one has crossed Call, or Hook-billed, or Penguin Ducks with common Ducks, & whether Hybrids were fertile with other Ducks or inter se If there w^d be any chance of getting information, would you enquire for me?

My dear Sir | Yours sincerely | C. Darwin