Asks FB’s help in identifying an article in The Field about the fins of fishes growing again after being cut off, and inquiring whether he has heard of the re-growth of organs in the mammalia or birds.
Invites CD to visit offices of the Field; editor wishes CD to place natural history inquiries there.
CD sends thanks for information; will write about the fins.
His health is weak and he is "almost smothered" with facts and inquiries, so is trying to restrict the scope of his present work, on variation under domestication.
Salmon and trout increase in size with river.
Wishes to show CD fish hatchery near Hampton Court.
Quoted CD’s book on self-destruction within species in a salmon arbitration case.
Asks for comparison of otter-hounds’ feet with those of other dogs.
Changes in oysters.
Sorry to hear CD ill.
On his return from Galway, will arrange with CD about visiting and showing him his specimens.
Would be delighted to see FB for a few minutes but his health is so poor he doubts it would be worth the trouble for FB to visit.
Thanks about the otter-hound.
Was glad to see CD at museum.
Asks CD to sign and return enclosed item.
CD did not cover oysters in his book; FB can point out curious facts about them.
Introduces Cholmondely Pennell of the Admiralty, who wants to speak to CD about a literary matter.
Has heard from Mr Pennell, and written to say too ill to see him. Would like to hear about skin between toes of otter hounds in comparison with other hounds.
Sends copy of Land and Water, a journal he now edits. Has quit the Field. Asks CD to patronise his columns with queries, as other zoologists do.
Declines contributing to Land and Water. Asks if Frank Buckland can insert a question about the feet of otter hounds.
Thanks for CD’s patronage;
will pursue CD’s query about otter-hounds.
Remarks on continuing debate over CD’s views in BAAS.
Has been hunting for an otter-hound for CD.
Hopes CD will visit his museum at the Horticultural [Society].
CD is much interested in FB’s remarks in Land and Water on the apparent excess of male trout over females and asks for further information on other fish, birds, and domestic quadrupeds.
On the proportion of sexes in salmon, trout, and rats. [see Descent 1: 305, 308.]
CD sends thanks for information; he will write to Mr Bush.
In relation to the fecundation of ova CD adds that he has compared the use of very little pollen against an immense supply; found no difference in number or weight of seeds or in their germination.
Sends Salmon Fisheries Report. Asks for CD’s opinion on his "close season" chapter.
