Asks JM to consider publishing a MS on John Wesley by CD’s niece, Frances Julia Wedgwood [John Wesley and the evangelical reaction of the eighteenth century (1870)].

Has received clean sheets for Italian translation [of Variation?].

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.

Thanks WH for sending a table about sheep. Wishes to know if the sheep belonged to one or several breeds. Mr Harward, a breeder of shorthorns, has tried M. Thury’s plan, and it failed.

No summary available.

Glad to have JJW’s opinion on nest-building. Wallace’s view [that skill is learned] is opposed to many facts.

Asks JJW about birds and their behaviour.

Wants information on the first plumage of different breeds of canaries.

Thanks for references.

CD in error about Torfschwein.

Comments on German publications.

Asks about breed of fowl in which females have spurs.

CD cannot remember whether correspondent believed the wing that Gallus bankiva opens and scrapes before the female, is ornamented. He fears it is not.

Thanks WWR for information in answer to his queries concerning expression.

Asks when horns first appear among a breed of sheep on the Guinea coast,

and for information about the gorilla and chimpanzee.

Asks about African ideas of beauty.

Sends some questions on secondary sexual differences of fishes [missing], which he hopes AG will look over.

Invites AG to come to Down.

Encloses queries on sexual differences and nest-building habits of fish.

Thanks for answer to questions.

Has analogous questions on reptiles that he will send to AG. The subject interests him, but CD must try not to fall into his common error of "being too speculative".

No summary available.