Gives the results of crossing experiments; some interesting and curious facts.

Discusses poultry crosses, "what a hopelessly difficult subject is that of inheritance!" Gives details of some pigeon crosses he made; cannot positively recall which produced the blue bird.

Sends queries for "Fanciers"

and asks about the mating of the queen bee.

Thanks WBT for observations on colours of newly-hatched pigeons of different breeds. Asks if breeders have noticed any differences in lengths of time eggs were incubated in different breeds.

Asks whether crossing breeds of hive-bees is advantageous

and whether different pigeon breeds have different incubation periods.

Explains and apologises for the lack of detailed quotations in Origin.

Thanks for information on pigeon hatching

and on drones.

Believes occasional crosses indispensable.

Regrets he has nothing that he could contribute to the Field and cannot spare the time to work out anything on bees’ cells.

Is obliged for WBT’s "curious case". Discusses the effects of castration on development.

Would like to borrow WBT’s collection of fowls’ skulls.

Asks for WBT’s opinion of G. Ferguson, the author of a poultry book [Ferguson’s illustrated book of domestic poultry].

Thanks for skulls

and information about Ferguson.

Is working on rabbits’ skeletons.

Asks whether WBT will read over his MS sketch on poultry when done.

Wants rabbit specimens.

Asks for some unspecified items to be sent to him. The Half-lop [rabbit] should be killed, but without damaging the skull. Has not opened the box with skulls yet.

Thanks for agreeing to read MS.

Outlines poultry breeding experiment he would like to see tried.

Details of peculiarities in poultry.

Is examining wild varieties of rabbit.

Inquires about rabbits.

Sends list of queries on poultry.

WBT’s fowls’ skulls have arrived.

Thanks WBT for information on pigeons and poultry.

Has completed MS on poultry [for Variation].

Thanks for information on their courtship.

Sends MS on fowls for WBT’s inspection.

Asks for return of his MS [unspecified].

Orchids taking up all his time.

He longs to be at work again on poultry and rabbits.