Reports safe arrival of rabbit sent by WBT.
Now has 89 pigeons. The laughing pigeons are safe at Down. Can WBT spare a pair of Mr Gulliver’s runts?
His laughers are well, and he has heard them emit an odd note.
Thinks there is an extra vertebra in the neck of the Scandaroon, but is not certain and may have blundered.
Asks whether Allegheny Mountains are sufficiently continuous so that plants could travel from north to south along them.
Hopes AG’s work on geographical distribution is progressing, as he has questions on plants common to Europe which do not range up to Arctic.
Are intermediate varieties less numerous in individuals than the varieties they connect?
Inquires about pigeons seen at Anerley show.
Is collecting only pigeons that differ in proportions, so declines some birds offered by WBT.
Instructions for delivering pigeons to Down.
Has Scandaroons for WBT.
Will forward the Scandaroons.
Is crossing all his pigeons to see which are fertile.
Hopes WBT’s work on fowls’ skulls is not forestalled by T. C. Eyton who also has a grand collection of skeletons.
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.