From Edward Bartlett   20 September 1871

Dear Sir,

I have examined a number of the Geese in the Gardens and find they vary in structure of lamellæ.¹

The Egyptian goose Chenalopex ægypticus as the lamellæ well developed on both mandables, and uses the bill in the water like a duck, by throwing the water out at the corners.²

The Black and White goose, Anseranus melanoleuca, of Australia³ and the Spur winged goose (Plectropterus Gambensis, West Africa, have merely the smooth rigdes inside the mouth of the upper mandable and very slight points on the lower rigde, I cannot say if these birds use the bill like the duck but will ascertain, this later bird as less lamellæ than the former of these two.

The Chleöphaga melanoptera or Andian goose, as very slight lamellæ like the Barnacle, Ruddy Headed, and Canadian and this genus,⁴

I will forward to you some skins for examination, and the price I will put as low as possible so that you will be able to select any of the specimens you may think proper

I am | Dear Sir | Yours faithfully | Edward. Bartlett

C Darwin Esq

E Bartlett | 70 Delancey Street | Regents Park | N.W.