Darwin Correspondence Project

37 Albany St

Feb 27 | 1868

My Dear Sir—

It affords me great pleasure to think that my humble writings are of use to such a `Commanding officer' as yourself 

Mr Lee took the score of the fish. I send you another copy. There are always more Cocks than hens with Salmon & Trout caught in the net in the winter—but more Lady than gentlemen Salmon caught with Fly in the Summer— Please also recollect that the Smolts that stay in the upper water have something to do in the way of reproduction  All the male smolts have ripe milt  the female smolts never any eggs. & yet each drop of the sperm fluid contains thousands of spermatozoa. I always give my eggs lots of milt because I fancy nature would not have made more cocks than hens if they were not wanted—

Then again—after spawning many cocks die—few hens. this looks as though nature said now you have done your work— ``die & make room—for younger males''. The old kelts are the fellows that die not many grilse kelts—

I send you a paper that may be of use. I took no notice of it & I forget the date 

Do you know a French book ``L'Act de procrier un fils ou une (daughter) a voluntier'' or words to that effect. I think I have a copy somewhere. I shall take the liberty of sendin you my official report on ``Close seasons'' & shall be grateful for any remarks.

Yours obed |F Buckland

I will set this matter going in Land & Water

C Darwin Esq

There are generally more Boar than Sow Rats. I used to breed hundreds. Write J Bush Esq Clapham Retreat Union Road Clapham  a first class fellow  I gave him my stock & he goes on breeding  He is Treasurer to Acclimatisation Society