Summary

Thanks WBT for help with pigeons and poultry.

Will probably be away at the time of Anerley show.

Summary

Has been invited to see Mr Bult’s pigeons.

Summary

CD concerned with rabbits and ducks because evidence of their single origin is "better … than in most cases".

Death of William Yarrell.

Summary

Is attempting to get skins of poultry from all quarters of the world. Wants to inspect poultry collections.

Summary

"Excessively" interested in theory of bees’ cell formation.

Fears few of his pigeons will be of any use to WBT.

Hopes WBT will describe foreign poultry breeds.

Summary

Lists pigeons and poultry he is forwarding to WBT.

Wants details of WBT’s Poultry book [1856–7]

and is anxious to purchase his long-winged runt.

Thanks him for help and information on fowl crosses.

Summary

Inquires about pigeons seen at Anerley show.

Summary

Discusses pigeon and poultry woodcuts [for Variation].

WBT’s poultry book is at last in the hands of a solvent publisher [The poultry book (1867)].

Summary

Discusses various pigeons and would welcome receiving any odd breed. Some pigeons have died from overeating bag salt.

Summary

Accepts a dozen eggs of rumpless Polands. Having so many enables him to see whether the breed "comes true".

Asks what colour turbits have dark tails – "it is just the class of facts which interest me".

Do fowls when crossed throw odd and unexpected colours like pigeons?

Summary

Has lost time through illness.

Suggests an experiment to see whether the progeny of a pigeon cross are affected by a previous impregnation.

Summary

Has received some poultry from various parts of the world.

CD is glad that WBT is describing the birds that he acquires.

Summary

Ask some questions on pigeons.

Remarks on the discussion of bees’ cells at the Leeds BAAS meeting. CD fancies he has the true theory with regard to their construction.

Summary

Variation in cats.

Is comparing skeletons of poultry.

Summary

Inquires about a Mr Smith, who might prove helpful "in the domestic bird line".

Summary

Information is sought from correspondents regarding the mental powers of Polish and other tufted fowls. CD finds it hard to believe that the protuberance of the front part of the skull, which is accompanied by a change in the shape of the brain, would not produce a change in mental powers. References to Bechstein, Pallas, and Tegetmeier regarding the stupid behaviour of these birds.

Summary

Responds to CD’s queries on Sierra Leone: fertility of European animals introduced to W. Africa, relationship of health and complexion of Europeans, etc.

Summary

Details of peculiarities in poultry.

Is examining wild varieties of rabbit.

Summary

Sympathises with Brent’s legal difficulties. Declines offer of a cock silk fowl, but accepts offer of a German old fashioned pouter pigeon.