Fowl MS has arrived safely.

Sends pigeon MS for WBT’s perusal.

Further instructions for Luke Wells.

Concerning an illustration for CD’s book.

Thanks WBT for information on pigeons and poultry.

Has lost time through illness.

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

What progress has been made with pigeon drawings for Variation?

Can WBT persuade Mr Zurhorst to repeat a pigeon experiment?

WBT’s fowls’ skulls are being engraved; will see pigeon illustration proofs when he can.

Comments on pigeon and poultry woodcuts.

Observations and queries on poultry.

Thanks WBT for help with woodcuts [for Variation].

Has returned WBT’s curious feathers.

Blocks for Variation are much improved. WBT deserves membership in Zoological Society.

Hopes to begin printing Variation at the beginning of next year.

Is tempted to cite Mr Zurhorst’s case.

Hopes to send pigeon and fowl MS [of Variation] to press in a fortnight.

Gives his opinion on the ancestry of domestic ducks, geese, and guinea-fowl.

Thanks for calling his attention to ancestry of guinea-fowl.

Returns some of WBT’s skulls.

His MS is with printer, but book [Variation] will probably not be out until November.

Returns WBT’s box of skulls. One or two skulls may be elsewhere, but CD does not have the strength to search for them.

Asks whether WBT can carry out poultry mating experiments for him.

Believes beauty of male bird important for attracting mate in wild. Will be interested to hear how a dyed male pigeon is received by the hens.

Sends the revisions in the latest edition of Origin.

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.

Wants information on sex ratios in domestic animals. Can WBT help?