To W. D. Fox   22 August [1855]

My dear Fox

Many thanks for the little Dorking received this morning. You sent before a White Dorking. I sh^d like to know in what respect the “splendaceous” Dorking received this morning differs from the white, except in colour:— You once said the breeds of Dorking were considerably different. I have had from you. diag Aylesbury

Call Duck.

Wild

White Dorking

“splendaceous” Dorking Chicken.

Cochin

Bantamramme

When I get the Game & Spanish I shall be complete. A neighbour, I find, has very true Spanish, & I have just sent to know whether I can get chicken from him, & will append P.S.

By your letter you seem to think you have sent Spanish, but I have not received such.—

But I have received a magnificent, stupendous old Spanish Cock, (& his bones are now whitening) from M^r Wilmot(?);¹ I did not write to thank for I did not know name & address, & I forgot to write to you, which I ought to have done.—

With respect to other old Birds, I must get old Dorking, Game, Cochin, & Sebright Bantam, & Call Duck. Some few of them you can perhaps help me to; the rest I can get somehow or Buy from Baily.— I have had a pair of rumpless Fowls given me. And I have now got 4 splendid races of Pigeons, which amuse me extremely.—

Thank you very much for all your manifold assistance & believe me | Ever yours | C. Darwin

P.S. | I can get a Spanish Chicken & am truly glad to save you one murder, you best & kindest of Murderers.—