Encloses feathers from a diseased hen which has assumed cock plumage.

Forwards proofs of the engravings for Variation.

Alterations to the woodcuts of poultry for Variation.

Has had the blocks cut as requested and forwards the proofs.

Encloses article on habits of jungle fowl.

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

WBT has been corresponding with Prof. Newton.

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

Egg colours in fowls.

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].

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.

Agrees to help determine the sex ratios in domestic animals.

Eight-year record of sexes of chickens.

On proportion of sexes in birds.

Describes change of plumage in chickens in order to be sure he is clear about the age of chickens on which CD wants information. Encloses feathers to illustrate changes.

Information on proportion of sexes born in sheep.

Numerical proportion of males to females in greyhound puppies.

Forwards a basket of eggs of pile game fowl.

Sends C. M. Browne’s notes on transmission of colour in greyhounds [see Variation, 2d ed., 2: 40]

and a letter from Major Holland.

WBT to visit America.

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

Did not know of complex change of plumage. From WBT’s letter, CD thinks six weeks to two months old is the best period. Sends details of breeds and other particulars.