My dear Sir

I thank you sincerely for the potatoes, which arrived safely & are planted; they may come in very useful in crossing, as our cultivated potatoes present some odd peculiarities in their reproduction.—²

I shall be exceedingly glad of the foot of the Partridge, if you can get it for me: I will weigh the earth & then see, with due precautions, whether it contains any seeds capable of germination:³ I presume the foot will turn out to be a wounded one. I suppose you feel sure it is not a stupid hoax.—

With my sincere thanks for your kindness— | My dear Sir | Yours sincerely | Ch. Darwin