Summary

WBT interested in ancestors of domestic guinea-fowl, ducks, and geese.

Egg colours in fowls.

Summary

WBT will try experiment for CD if Mr Zurhorst cannot do it.

Summary

Encloses his review of Earthworms.

Summary

Thanks for information. Sclater was source of statement about Numida ptiloryncha [as origin of guinea-fowl] in The poultry book [pt 12 (Dec 1866): 288].

Summary

Encloses information on sex ratios in thoroughbred horses.

Summary

Forwards a basket of eggs of pile game fowl.

Summary

[Queries in CD’s hand answered on same pages by WBT.] Sexual selection of fowls; role of beauty in cocks.

Summary

Does not believe in regeneration of monstrous toe.

Pigeon and poultry experiments.

Peculiar pigeon at Philoperisteron [pigeon fanciers’ club].

Summary

Points out errata in Descent.

Summary

WBT’s beard exceptional in that it is darker than his hair [see Descent 2: 319].

Summary

Has seen CD’s "carte" offered for sale.

Summary

All the blocks [for Variation] are now engraved except the rock-dove.

Summary

Answers CD’s queries about polygamous birds. Does not think appearance of cock makes any difference to female. Dyeing the male has no effect on female.

Summary

On proportion of sexes in birds.

Summary

Thanks for the remittance.

Both WBT and Mr Zurhorst will repeat Zurhorst’s experiment to eliminate any chance of error.

Edward Blyth is writing on Indian cattle for the Field [27 (1866): 55–6, 77].

Summary

Asks if CD would like to subscribe to a reprint of Edward Blyth’s Field articles on cranes.

Summary

WBT’s eye is getting on very well.

Enclosure comments on a note to folio 1 [of CD’s MS on variation], WBT thinks his works not worth citing: his edition of the Poultry book was never completed and Profitable poultry is out of print.

Summary

The blocks [for Variation] have been forwarded to Murray.

WBT has been corresponding with Prof. Newton.

Summary

Gives the answers of two of the best dog breeders to CD’s queries.