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.

Gives references to experiments on cowslip for W. H. Harvey.

Suggests possible sources of error in results. Feels evidence is overwhelming that cowslip and primrose are varieties.

Has received laudatory verses on the Origin from some botanist; suspects Francis Boott.

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.

Sends copy of Origin.

Discusses stripes on hybrid of donkey and wild ass.

Will let ADB know if lady consents to sending rabbits to [Zoological] Gardens.

Asks about gestation of Canidae.

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

Thanks for information on cave rat.

CD is obliged for news of J. D. Dana’s recovery.

Will use BS’s information about cave rat in revised [3d] edition of Origin.

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.

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.

Bearer brings three Porto Santo rabbits. Will ADB keep them and see whether they can be crossed with some other breed? CD believes they have become much reduced in size and modified in colour since their introduction into the island.

Has completed MS on poultry [for Variation].

Thanks for information on their courtship.

Sends MS on fowls for WBT’s inspection.