WCP2262

[1]

Newcastle on Tyne

19^th Oct^r 1870

Dear Sir,

I have not paid any especial attention to the subject alluded to in your note¹ of the 13^th Inst.

I am sorry therefore that I cannot give any distinct answer to your queries —

I have no doubt however that birds never breed until they are mature, and judging from analogy [2] I think there can be no doubt that mature birds of all ages pair indiscriminately, of course it is well known that in the gallinaceous birds there is no discrimination with regard to age — It is so with the Barn door fowl, Turkey &c —

Also, this is the case with the Geese & Ducks —

Yours truly | John Hancock²

[3]³