Can WBT help get an answer to a query on ducks?

Has heard of a case of special sterility in cattle, in which a particular pair are sterile, but the individuals are both fertile with others.

CD interested in hybrid sterility and encloses his preliminary MS. Outlines experiments to test for existence of sterility in breeds of poultry and pigeons.

Experiments on dimorphism have led him to change in part his opinion as given in Origin, and he is now asking pigeon and poultry fanciers for any examples of special selective sterility [i.e., a particular pair are sterile when crossed, but each individual is fertile with others] and hopes to investigate its inheritance.

Has WBT ever heard of a case of the regeneration of monstrous (extra) toe on fowls?

Inquires about a curious pigeon reported at the Philoperisteron [pigeon fanciers’ club].

Discusses experiments that WBT will undertake to investigate whether particular pigeon and poultry crosses produce sterile hybrids.

WBT progressing with breeding experiments for CD.

CD making quicker progress with Variation.

Sends MS on fowls for WBT’s inspection.

CD working on Variation; he will soon want corrected fowl MS [Variation, ch. 7].

WBT’s breeding experiments produced no sterility.

Wants his fowl MS.

Will shortly return WBT’s skulls.

Asks for return of page about pigeon crossing.

Asks for WBT’s help in arranging for woodcuts to illustrate pigeon chapters of Variation.

Arrangements for woodcuts for Variation.

WBT’s excellent article on crossing.

Instructions for Luke Wells about woodcuts for Variation.

Fowl MS has arrived safely.

Sends pigeon MS for WBT’s perusal.

Further instructions for Luke Wells.

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.