From George Cupples   13 September 1869

My Dear Mr Darwin,

I lately saw an old man in this neighbourhood (above 90, but in full possession of his memory and characteristic Scotch shrewdness) who was for more than 40 years a mole-and-rat-catcher. He states that he has often heard it alleged among the fraternity of the trapping line of business that there is a decided majority of males in the nests of young rats, and his own experience disposes him to corroborate this. As to moles, he had not happened to think of the question (if I understood him rightly)—but I only saw him for a short time, and can easily see him again. He spoke of a professional friend who is to be in this part of the country ere long, and who could doubtless throw light on these points.¹

I did not get in all my returns on sheep—and nothing on cattle. If you have much time before publication or completion, I could obtain further statistics on any head that might appear worth while to you—²