From George St Clair   14 August 1869

Dear Sir,

In your last book you say you have heard of a family of six-toed cats” (Vol. I. p. 48.)¹ I have seen two members of such a family, in this town.

I learn that the first was brought here from Brighton by M^rs. Grimbly, of the High Street, & afterwards came into the possession of M^r. H. Walford, High Street.² It is said to have had six toes on each of its two front paws. It is now dead, but has left a score of descendants, of which one or two in every litter has had extra toes. One now in the possession of M^r. H. Walford I have seen. It has six claws on each front paw; & differs from others of the family (from all others of the family as far as M^r W. knows) in having a sixth claw on the left hind foot also & in possessing a bushy tail. The feet attract notice by their largeness, as soon as you ⁠⟨⁠see⁠⟩⁠ the cat. The family are said to be goo⁠⟨⁠d⁠⟩⁠ ratters. I saw another six-toed cat ⁠⟨⁠of⁠⟩⁠ this family in the possession of the Rev. H. A. Nash, formerly of this town & now of London.³ I have also the names of thr⁠⟨⁠ee⁠⟩⁠ other persons in this town said to possess specimens; & I think I could procure one for you, if you like. If you do not wish for one, nor place any value on these particulars, pray pardon me for troubling you.

I am, Dear Sir, | Yours faithfully | George St. Clair.

Cha^s. Darwin, Esq. F.R.S.