Summary

Eight-year record of sexes of chickens.

Summary

Has read WBT’s interesting communication on bees’ cells [Athenæum 16 Oct 1858]. Would like to see his excavated cells.

Summary

Forwards a basket of eggs of pile game fowl.

Summary

Asks for return of his MS [unspecified].

Summary

Is glad WBT is willing to describe the poultry CD can acquire. Sir James Brooke promises Borneo fowls.

Summary

Reports the results of some poultry crossing experiments; comments on transmission of different features.

"My unlucky Book [Origin] will be published 1st week in November."

Summary

Inquires about the differences in plumage between chicks and adults of certain poultry breeds. Is anxious to know whether the chick’s plumage closely approaches the adult’s in those breeds in which the sexes resemble each other in plumage.

Summary

Arrangements for delivery of pigeons and poultry to Down.

Summary

Sends paper on mimetic analogy [Intellect. Obs. 6 (1864): 307–13].

Mongrel experiments are progressing, but he has observed no signs of sterility.

Summary

Thanks for answer to racehorse query;

would be grateful for correction of any errors in Variation.

Summary

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

Summary

Has received nine skins from Walter Elliot of Madras; WBT may describe them if he wishes.

Expects some Persian fowls.

Can WBT inquire about the fertility of certain duck hybrids?

Summary

Thanks WBT for his help with poultry

and informs him about his forthcoming work [Origin].

Summary

Thanks WBT for proofs of his new book [Pigeons (1868)].

Hopes he still intends to try the experiment with dyed pigeons.

Was surprised to hear of B. P. Brent’s death.

Summary

Testimonial in support of WBT’s application for curatorship of the Hartley Institution.

Summary

Wants his fowl MS.

Will shortly return WBT’s skulls.

Summary

Would like to meet with WBT while in London.

Summary

"I thank you much for your note. The object, of course, is what you say. I did not guess that I shd have to pay so much per hen to Baker & the experiment would not be at all worth such a sum. I have not a single hen worth sending to Steven’s. If it really will not cost you much trouble, & you could get me some Hens & a young Spanish cock of pure breed . . . I will try to experiment and shall be very heartily obliged to you". CD mentions satisfactory local hens of a particular breed and an experiment being conducted on "Silver Barbs [with] black wing bars & white rump or bar at end of tail".

Summary

Many thanks for Boddaert [see 9389].

Summary

Has received fowls from interior of Sierra Leone.