Discusses results of his examination of fowls’ skeletons. Wants to quote TCE on variation in skeletons of allied species. Asks about skulls of birds with topknots.

Asks TCE to confirm some general statements on resemblances in skeletons of birds of same genus.

Asks TCE to verify whether otter-hounds have more skin between their toes than other hounds. Also interested in cases of infertile matings between normally fertile individuals.

Thanks TCE for information about breeding

and for his promise to measure feet of otter-hounds [see Variation 1: 39–40].

Sends bird specimens for examination by TCE [for Birds].

Has been unwell.

Thanks TCE for his descriptions [of specimens for Birds]. Has already expended a high proportion of Government grant on birds, but if TCE thinks engravings are needed, he shall have them. He may keep the bones.

CD has become a father.

Thanks TCE for copy of his book [Osteologia avium (1867)].

Recalls visits to Eyton.

Has heard that book by Alphonse M[ilne]-Edwards [? Recherches anatomiques et paléontologiques, 4 vols. (1867–71)] is excellent.

Asks when horns appear on young male fallow deer.

Thanks TCE for fawn’s head.

Comments on dubious story involving natural history of Formosa. Suggests that Robert Swinhoe could give an answer.

Thanks for facts about ducks.

Thinks TCE will be converted to principle of evolution if he continues testing facts for and against it. Natural selection is another question.

Has been working hard on collecting English and foreign birds. Yarrell has written of new birds discovered in England.

News of work in progress by Leonard Jenyns, P. J. Selby, and John Gould.

Cautions CD to beware of insects when he sends any birds’ skins – otherwise there will be only feathers, beaks, and legs remaining when he returns.

Has examined feet of many partridges, but has not been able to obtain any quantity of mud from them.

Sends photograph. Asks CD for his.

Sends a copy of his Osteologia avium.

Variation in pigs’ heads

and in Convolvulus.

Is trying to determine conditions governing whether or not a salmon will rise for a fly.

On development of horns in fawns of fallow deer.

Further observations on horns of fallow deer. Sends fawn’s head.

Disagrees with the "Darwinian theory"; does not see evidence enough to support it. Will send CD any notes he makes for or against.