CD is interested in the gradation of character in the lamellae of the beaks of ducks. He finds that they are less developed or prominent in the common duck and goose than in true ducks. Is OS able to provide him with any information on this subject?

CD appreciates the great trouble OS has taken in providing a bundle of observations. [See 8001.] They are useful and will save CD from at least one blunder.

The structure of the beak of the shoveller "filled me with admiration".

CD would like to see the Prion [see 8016]. May he immerse the head in warm water so as to open the beak? Directions for sending the parcel.

Very glad to see Prion. [See 8029.]

CD offers OS upper and lower beaks of various ducks and geese if they are of interest to him.

He appreciates the two specimens [skins of Mergenetta and Aix sponsa], especially the Mergenetta, which as far as sifting is concerned, is a capital link between the shoveller and the common duck. Arrangements for their return.

Obliged for his memoir ["On the avifauna of the Galapagos", Trans. Zool. Soc. (April 1875)]. His surprise that the birds from the different islands prove so similar. Comparison of the habits, nests, eggs of the commonest species of each island would throw a flood of light upon variation.