Dear Eyton

Would you, when out shooting, observe one point for me: it would really cost you hardly any trouble & would greatly oblige me, who have no opportunities; viz, whether in muddy weather any dirt clings to feet of Partridges Pheasants or any birds whatever especially waders.— I have had one or two cases given me with a good deal of dirt; but I suppose it is very rare.— It concerns distribution of plants with small seeds.—²

If not asking too great a favour, I sh^d. so much like any dirt-clogged cut off feet sent in letter, that I might try with proper precautions, whether any such pellet included any live seed.— Pheasants must, I should think, sometimes have dirt on feet.—

Forgive me asking this favour & believe me | Yours very truly | C. Darwin