My dear Sir

I am going to beg a favour of you which I shall be very much obliged if you will grant.

The females of the Merino breed of sheep do not possess horns, & I am particularly anxious to learn at what age the horns are developed in the young rams, in comparison with other breeds in which both sexes have horns. I am very anxious to know whether the horns in the young Merino rams appear earlier or later, or grow quicker or slower than in other breeds of sheep in which both sexes are horned in the same district. Merinos appear to be extinct in England, but as Saxony is their head quarters perhaps you c^d communicate with some agriculturist, & procure for me trustworthy information, & this w^d be a very great kindness.¹

It caused me very great regret that owing to my absence from home I did not have the pleasure of making your acquaintance when you were in England.²

My dear Sir | yours very sincerely | Ch. Darwin

P.S. Do you know how your translation of my last book has sold?³