From:
Charles Robert Darwin
To:
Alfred Newton
Date:
9 Mar [1874]
Source of text:
Cambridge University Library (MS Add. 9839/1D/60)
Summary:
Asks AN to vote for CD’s nephew, Henry Parker, at the Athenaeum.
Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
Asks AN to vote for CD’s nephew, Henry Parker, at the Athenaeum.
Questions correctness of two statements in Origin: 1. That fulmar petrels are the most numerous birds in the world;
2. That the increase of one form of thrush in Scotland has been concomitant with the decline of another form.
Cannot answer AN’s questions about Origin; it would take weeks to find the references. Assures AN he stated nothing without an authority he thought good.
Feels sure missel thrushes have increased in number since his youth. Starlings have also increased astonishingly in Kent. "How inexplicable most of these cases are".
In a P.S. remembers his source for statement about increase of missel thrushes in Origin.
Wishes CD could publish Origin with footnotes.
Increases in bird populations: starlings are increasing, but AN cannot give reason; mistletoe-thrush increasing but not ousting song-thrush. Doubts trustworthiness of [George?] Edwards, CD’s authority in Origin on this matter [see Origin, 6th ed., p. 59].
AN opposed to bird protection legislation to prohibit egging. Argues egging does not decrease number of birds.
Can give no definite information. Believes severe winters are by far the most important check on numbers of birds; the destruction of eggs is of subordinate importance.
Thanks CD for his opinion on egging. Despite the intensity of the practice sufficient eggs always remain to carry on the breed.
No summary available.
No summary available.
No summary available.