Dear Mr Darwin,

Thanks for your kind letter.¹ I have no doubt I can get exact information on the point you refer to—and by this post write on fallow-deer to Mr Wright (whom I shall request to communicate direct with you.)² I also write to Mr Macneil of Colonsay as to red-deer and roe-deer—and about the same to my friend the head-forester of the great Breadalbane forest of Black Mount, who has been more than 40 years among deer.³ I shall write to you with their replies as to all three species.

My brochure on deerhounds, I hope, may get out this year—but has been kept back by other literary matters.⁴

Yours very truly | George Cupples

Charles Darwin, Esq^r.