My dear Sir

As on many former occasions, I am going to beg earnestly for a little information.¹ Judging from the structure of the beak & published accounts I imagine that the common goose does not sift the water out of the sides of its beak, like a duck. Is this so? Does any species of goose sift the water in a partial manner, as well as use its beak in tearing or biting herbage? I am trying to trace gradation in structure & habits, & this w^d be a very useful piece of information.²

The common goose has lamellæ on the borders of the beak, partly confluent, & which seem to serve as teeth. Now has any goose quite a smooth beak? or has any goose (& this w^d be more useful to me) less developed lamellæ, knobs or teeth, than has the common goose? If y^r son has a specimen, not very expensive, of any such goose i.e. with beak nearly smooth (if such exists) I sh^d be much obliged if he w^d send it to me in a paper parcel addressed C. Darwin Esq. Orpington Station.³ S.E.R.

As you are so busy, perhaps yr son w^d be so kind as to answer for you any of the above questions on which you can give me information. The beak of the Shoveller Duck which I procured from your son is one of the most beautiful structures which I ever saw.⁴

My dear Sir | yours sincerely | Ch. Darwin

P.S. I enclose an addressed evelope to save you as much trouble as possible.