To W. B. Tegetmeier   11 February [1868]¹

My dear Sir

I am going to ask you, as so often on other occasions, to aid me if in your power.— I want to know the proportion of birth of males to females in as many domestic animals as possible. Now has this been ever recorded with poultry, especially Ducks, or, pigeons.—or Turkeys or canary Birds &c &c &c. Perhaps some of the great pigeon fanciers w^d. know whether they habitually rear a large excess of males or females.

As you have a good memory, perhaps you may remember references in regard to domestic quadrupeds, as cattle, sheep, horse, dogs & rabbits. If you would be so kind as to keep this subject before your mind you might find out from Rabbit-fanciers &c &c. I never thought the subject w^d concern me, so did not keep references, & now I find that it does most essentially.— Do not trouble yourself to write, until you get, if you can, some information for me; & I believe that you will excuse my begging this favour.—

Would it do any good putting the question in the Field? if so would you do so, as one of Editors perhaps your name w^d. be more effective than mine; but if you like you could sign my name.—² I have written to Gardeners’ Chronicle about higher quadrupeds, but Heaven knows whether I shall get answer & to Buckland about Fish.—³

I told Murray to send my Book to you at Field Office; if you have not received it, let me hear; otherwise do not thank for forms sake.—⁴

I have been heartily rejoiced to see your Pigeon & Poultry books so well spoken of in many Reviews—⁵

I hope you are well: I am better but a good way from strong.—

Yours very sincerely | C. Darwin

Could you ask at any Pigeon Club about Pigeons