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The Charles Darwin Collection
The Darwin Correspondence Project is publishing letters written by and to the naturalist Charles Darwin (1809–1882). Complete transcripts of letters are being made available through the Project’s website (www.darwinproject.ac.uk) after publication in the ongoing print edition of The Correspondence of Charles Darwin (Cambridge University Press 1985–). Metadata and summaries of all known letters (c. 15,000) appear in Ɛpsilon, and the full texts of available letters can also be searched, with links to the full texts.
Is sending a copy of Variation [to be published in a few days]. It cost more labour than it is worth.
George Darwin is Second Wrangler.
Requests entomological data on sexual selection, especially proportions of sexes.
Sends Queries about expression with note: "a great hobby of mine".
Has looked through BDW’s papers and finds heaps of facts on sexual differences. Asks questions on sexual differences in particular species.
Thanks JJW for his paper on apterous insects [see 5939], which contained much new information.
Asks JJW for any information he may have on sexual selection.
Describes an experiment, still untried, of staining tail-feathers of male pigeons in bright colours to find the effect on courtship.
JJW’s note on birds was one of the most interesting CD has ever received. Asks several questions. CD is puzzled by cases of magpies whose mates were killed but who always immediately found others.
Alexander Wallace denies any effect of colour in sexual selection among Lepidoptera.
BDW’s letter [6051?] and his notes are a "mine of wealth". The negative evidence is of much value. Sexual selection is a perplexing subject – finds he "must make the best of a rather bad job".
Sends copy [of Variation].
Thanks BDW for new facts about Anthocaris [see 6156].
Asks BDW to observe stridulation apparatus in male and female lamellicorns.
On the delay in receiving CD’s new book [Variation] and his delight in a borrowed copy.
Encloses a Prospectus on his new periodical "American Entomologist" devoted to economic entomology.
Comments on the talents of his young partner, C. V. Riley.
Requests photographs for Riley of CD and Westwood.
Dr J. L. Le Conte has not yet received the request that he furnish CD with information about the stridulatory organs of Coleoptera.
Thanks BDW for pamphlets [by S. H. Scudder and J. D. Caton].
His information about Cicada is of extraordinary interest. Discusses stridulation organs which certainly sometimes differ in the sexes. CD would be curious to know if "dumb" Cicada can breed.
Thanks BDW for extracts about "drumming" [of male Cicada to attract females].
Asa Gray and Hooker doubt that 13–year and 17–year Cicada forms should be considered distinct species. CD is inclined to agree with them.
Suggests observations be made of ratio of females to males in the rarer form.