Thanks WBT for help with woodcuts [for Variation].

Has returned WBT’s curious feathers.

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

Encloses article on habits of jungle fowl.

Blocks for Variation are much improved. WBT deserves membership in Zoological Society.

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

WBT has been corresponding with Prof. Newton.

Hopes to begin printing Variation at the beginning of next year.

Is tempted to cite Mr Zurhorst’s case.

Hopes to send pigeon and fowl MS [of Variation] to press in a fortnight.

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

Egg colours in fowls.

Gives his opinion on the ancestry of domestic ducks, geese, and guinea-fowl.

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].

Thanks for calling his attention to ancestry of guinea-fowl.

Returns some of WBT’s skulls.

His MS is with printer, but book [Variation] will probably not be out until November.

Asks whether WBT can carry out poultry mating experiments for him.

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.

Believes beauty of male bird important for attracting mate in wild. Will be interested to hear how a dyed male pigeon is received by the hens.

Sends the revisions in the latest edition of Origin.

Thanks WBT for proofs of his new book [Pigeons (1868)].

Hopes he still intends to try the experiment with dyed pigeons.

Was surprised to hear of B. P. Brent’s death.

Has seen CD’s "carte" offered for sale.

Wants information on sex ratios in domestic animals. Can WBT help?

Agrees to help determine the sex ratios in domestic animals.

Is much obliged that WBT will undertake tabulation of sex ratios in racehorses, greyhounds, and cattle.