Darwin Correspondence Project

C/o Charles Heddle Esq. | Sierra Leone—

June 28. '68

Dear Sir

Mr Tickel, the civil commandant of Badagry writes to inform me that two rams of the Guinea breed born on Feby. 10th. showed horns on 6th. of March. This single observation from a man who is not an observer cannot be depended on of course, though useful to compare with other observations of a like kind. Alas! science has not penetrated to the Coast— If you care sufficiently about the matter to do so you might easily obtain a young ram & ewe from this colony for about £2 or less & my host Mr Heddle the leading merchant here, & a man of intellect (though not scientific) has promised to ship them for you, should you require them— His address is above—

I have just returned from the interior after an absence of five months & return tomorrow with the hope of discovering Source of Niger which is not far from here but in a very awkward locality— I shall be absent probably 3 months & if I can be of any use to you pray write & instruct me— I must confess that your queries about expression are too difficult for me to answer. I do not possess the faculty of seizing a fugitive change of feature especially when unprepared for it.

I saw a blue-eyed negress in the interior pure African, & not abnormal in respect of complexion &c. She was brownish but not more so than average of her tribe— Hilly country.

I remain | Yours truly | W. Winwood Reade

Charles Darwin Esq