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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

Thanks WBT for tabulation of sex ratios in racehorses.

Would like to meet with WBT while in London.

For experiment on effect of male beauty, pigeons should be coloured on the breast.

Likes WBT’s review [of Variation] in the Field [31 (1868): 309, 350].

Awaits remarks on coloured pigeons and proportion of sexes.

Inquires about the colour of first plumage of poultry breeds and development of distinguishing features.

Inquires about plumage of poultry breeds.

Did not know of complex change of plumage. From WBT’s letter, CD thinks six weeks to two months old is the best period. Sends details of breeds and other particulars.

Would like information on the first plumage of poultry.