My dear Sir

From facts given me by M^r J. Jenner Weir & his Brother, it was stupid in me not to have suggested to you to colour the breast of the pigeon, where the metallic tints are displayed, instead of the wings or tail.—² I certainly sh^d. be very much obliged if you would do this; & if in course of summer you have the opportunity it would be capital to place 2 males with one female, one of the males being coloured on breast.— You can have no spare time, otherwise I w^d ask you to buy on my account a few young pigeons & keep them for me & try the colour.—

I was very glad to have the pleasure of seeing you yesterday.—

My dear Sir | Yours very sincerely | Ch. Darwin

M^r H. Weir says that some male pigeons, from playing antics & courting the female so well, are troublesome from causing paired females to be unfaithful to their mates; & that such “gay” males (as the fanciers call them) have sometimes to be shut up.—³ Have you ever heard of such specially amorous “gay” deceivers??