WCP2381

[1]¹

Rosneath

Oct: 5/78

My dear Sir

I shall be vy glad if my signature to the Paper² you refer to sh^d prove of any use to you.

May I ask you a question on a point of [2] natural History which I think you will be better able to answer than most men.

Do monkeys pair — that is — are they monogamous animals? My impression is that they are. But I am [3] not sure on this point[.]

Among Birds — some species in the same Genus, are monogamous, whilst others are polygamous[.] As — the Grouse which pair and Black[illeg.] which do not.

Among the mammalia [4] there is the same difference[.] But their habit, on this respect, is liable to change on domestication[.] Domestic dogs do not pair. But Foxes do and I suspect also the wild Dogs do so also –

The habit among the "Primates" In this matter is a subject [5] of interest - and as it has fallen in my way to enquire into it, I sh^d be glad to know what your extensive knowledge enables you to offer me upon the [6] question.

I have always understood that the "Anthopoid Apes" especially are strictly pairing animals.

Will you be so good as address to [7] me 11. Grosvenor Crescent, Edinburgh.

Truly | Argyll³ [signature]

[in another’s handwriting] Addressed to Alfred R. Wallace.