CD concerned with rabbits and ducks because evidence of their single origin is "better … than in most cases".

Death of William Yarrell.

States his requirements with regard to pigeons and his interest in ducks and rabbits. Inquires about poultry seen at Leith Hill.

Specifies pigeons in which he is interested. Has become almost more interested in rabbits than anything else.

Has received fowls from interior of Sierra Leone.

African fowls from Sierra Leone are pugnacious and amorous.

Has received nine skins from Walter Elliot of Madras; WBT may describe them if he wishes.

Expects some Persian fowls.

Can WBT inquire about the fertility of certain duck hybrids?

Emma’s illness prevents his attending Philoperisteron [pigeon fanciers’ club].

Expects larger collection of skins from West Africa.

Has received some poultry from various parts of the world.

CD is glad that WBT is describing the birds that he acquires.

Is glad WBT is willing to describe the poultry CD can acquire. Sir James Brooke promises Borneo fowls.

Would welcome eggs of any rumpless fowl so that he can investigate how early in development rudimentary organs are rudimentary.

Has not noticed much difference between skeletons of ducks.

CD is sending two pairs of Persian fowl, from Hon. C. Murray.

Thanks WBT for various offers: a drake, a young silk fowl, a rumpless chick.

The German pouters are not old-fashioned ones but fancy birds, probably crosses since they do not breed true.

Has some fowls from Sir James Brooke, which WBT might like to display at Zoological Society.

Accepts a dozen eggs of rumpless Polands. Having so many enables him to see whether the breed "comes true".

Asks what colour turbits have dark tails – "it is just the class of facts which interest me".

Do fowls when crossed throw odd and unexpected colours like pigeons?

Lists pigeons and poultry he is forwarding to WBT.

Wants details of WBT’s Poultry book [1856–7]

and is anxious to purchase his long-winged runt.

Thanks him for help and information on fowl crosses.

Is glad WBT is investigating "the tail question"; hopes he will work out "down & colour point". Is much interested in runts, which seem to vary more than other breeds.

CD anxious to examine rumpless chick 24 hours before hatching.

Needs only one nearly-hatched chick.

Has all published numbers of Poultry book [1856–7].

Has acquired some runts. Thanks WBT for information. Lists pigeons he is sending.

Arrangements for delivery of pigeons and poultry to Down.

Will collect no more pigeons. Is awaiting Burmese fowls’ skins coming via Berlin.