To John Dean Caton   20 March 1869

Dear Sir

Your former kindness leads me to think that you will excuse me asking you two or three questions—¹

In books of Nat Hist the male of the Elk or Wapiti is said to be darker colored than the female; if this is the case is he darker in his winter or breeding dress, or during the Summer?²

Is it possible that you could enquire for me from any hunters who have had much experience with the American bison, whether the thick mane of the bull protects him in his battles with other bulls? This might possibly be known to witnesses of their contests or by the position of scars from old wounds. Lastly, though it is very unlikely that you should be able to answer me, Do the females of any of the deer which you have kept show a preference for one male over another?³ I have lately felt much perplexed & have made enquiries from those who have closely observed deer in England what is the meaning of the terminal branches of the horns, for a single point would be a more effectual weapon?⁴

I have lately been making much use of, and & quoting yr most interesting paper—⁵

Pray believe me dear Sir | Yours faithfully & obliged | Charles Darwin.