To W. B. Tegetmeier   27 July [1857]¹

My dear Sir

I have to thank you for two notes.— Pray never speak of obligation to me, as I am certain the balance lies quite the other way.²

I am glad you like the Barb: I shall most probably have more to offer before long.— I am sorry to hear the Jacobins are so poor; I never looked at the eyes.— Were the white Turbits or owls (I forget which they are called) good: they came from a Lady who is & ought to be a good Fancier.— Anyhow they are easily killed.—

Very sincere thanks for the offer of Gulliver’s Runt, which as you offer it so very kindly, I will gladly accept.— I sh^d. not kill it till next year; if you think the Hen w^d. be quite full-grown by that time, she w^d. do as well as the Cock, otherwise the Cock w^d. be better, but you must not sacrifice the Cock if of use to you.—

With respect to the Ghondook Hen, if you really do not intend to breed from her, I sh^d. certainly be very glad of her for skeleton;³ & she c^d. be sent to Nag’s Head,⁴ recently killed so as to come sweet.—

I think you had better send the Birds to the Nag’s Head. I suppose you c^d get messenger to go for about 1^s 6^d & I c^d repay you by stamps as that w^d be safer & as cheap as sending up to Tottenham C^t. Road & your sending there likewise.⁵

My dear Sir | with thanks | Your’s very sincerely | Ch. Darwin