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.—²

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

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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.—³

Many thanks for your enquiries about Finnikins.⁴ I have written to Geologist in Maestricht about these same birds, who declares he will take any trouble for me.—⁵

I have received to day catalogue from M^r Bult of Steven’s next sale,⁶ 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?⁷

My dear Sir | Yours sincerely | C. Darwin