From John Jeremiah   11 March 1871

Sir,

Having perused your excellent book on The Descent of Man,¹ with much pleasure, and an increased belief in the general principles of Natural Selection, I feel induced to send you this as a mark of gratitude, and while engaging you with this letter, I beg to contribute the following fact regarding the transmission of a habit from a female cat to her offspring, which of course will confirm the truthfulness of its possibility, so well advocated by you in the “Origin of Species”.²

A Female Cat, had a partiality for Milk, and was fed on it daily. At times, the servant, used unknowingly place the milk mug, which had a contracted mouth, within reach of her. The cat finding it impossible to insert her head, would invariably, if undisturbed, put its paw into the milk, withdrawing it, lick the milk off, and so continue this process. She had a kitten which in course of a short time did the same, and now that the mother is dead, he still retains this trick and feeds himself with his paw as often as the milk mug is within reach. No doubt you are in possession of stronger facts than this one, but I trust you will pardon me, if I have uselessly trespassed upon Your valuable time

Again expressing my sincere gratitude for the pleasure and instruction derived from your last work

I remain | Yours very respectfully | John Jeremiah J^r

C. Darwin Esqre