From Lewis Wright   22 December 1879

Dear Sir

Looking over my “Book of Poultry” for revision, it has struck me that you might be interested in the chapter on the “origin of the Domestic Fowl,” and I therefore send you a copy.¹ It is written some six years ago, & some items regarding the G. Stanleyii may be of use to you. I have since heard of similar facts but not had time to verify them: the fowl has by no means rarely been kept in England for greater or less time, imported by Jamrach & others.²

Perhaps I may venture to add that there are several errors in the poultry section of “Variation in A. & Plants.” I have not the book at hand, or looked at it for some months: but if my memory serves me, you say on some one’s authority that hundreds of Spanish might be bred pure, without the occurrence of a single red feather.³ The exact reverse is the fact: red is constantly occurring in all black fowls, & is kept down by the most rigorous breeding.

Things are better now, shows having during the last six years fixed many varieties more than formerly. But within a year or two either way of the date “Variation” was published, the late Mr Lane of Bristol, then the most celebrated Spanish breeder of the day, told me he had killed scores of fine birds for their red feathers.⁴ I have several times intended to make a note of this for you, but forgot it. Apart from any theory, you will I trust pardon my supposition that you may feel an interest in the facts

Truly yours | Lewis Wright

Ch. Darwin, Esq.