From William Farrer   4 January 1878

Sir,

The enclosed is a leaf of the Australasian Newspaper: it contains an account of the origin of a new variety of the Merino sheep, which has lately appeared in Victoria.² As I had lately read with very great pleasure your ‘Variation of Animals & Plants under domestication’ when this appeared, and as there seemed to be circumstances connected with this breed of sheep, which would be likely to interest you, I saved this leaf for the purpose of sending to you: and as I have brought it with me to England, I take this opportunity of sending it, in case you have not already seen it.³

I am not personally acquainted with M^r. Currie: but from what I have heard of him from hearsay, I have no doubt that he would answer with pleasure & intelligence any enquiries you might desire to make from him. His address is

J.L. Currie, Larra, Skipton, Victoria

Your book—The Variation of Animals &c—caused me to feel great interest in Nathusius’ works.⁴ From the way in which you speak of them, I am led to expect that they may contain good expositions of valuable principles connected with the ‘Science of Breeding’. This is a study that I have been trying to make my own for several years (although I am not pecuniarily interested in Stock.) I therefore, take the liberty of encroaching on your knowledge & kindness, and will ask you to be so kind as to jot down for me the names of a few books—English & Foreign & especially Nathusius’—which treat in a satisfactory way of this subject.

This subject is one, that is of great importance in a Stock-raising country like Australia, and I entertain a hope of being able at some future time to organize a club of kindred spirits, & getting some of the best foreign works on this subject translated.

Any list, therefore, that you may be kind enough to prepare for me will be regarded as of great value; and I shall endeavour to take back with me to Australia copies of the works it contains.

I am, dr Sir, | Faithfully yours | William Farrer.