Summary

What progress has been made with pigeon drawings for Variation?

Can WBT persuade Mr Zurhorst to repeat a pigeon experiment?

Summary

Discusses pigeon and poultry woodcuts [for Variation].

WBT’s poultry book is at last in the hands of a solvent publisher [The poultry book (1867)].

Summary

Gives CD genus and species names of the singular humming-bird; distressed by specific name made necessary by revised laws of nomenclature.

Summary

CD is pleased [about need for a new edition of Origin] but even more grieved – for it will delay his next book [Variation]. Progress of natural history will make many changes necessary in Origin. Nevertheless, proceeds with 32 more woodcuts for Variation.

Summary

Has had the blocks cut as requested and forwards the proofs.

Encloses article on habits of jungle fowl.

Summary

WBT’s fowls’ skulls are being engraved; will see pigeon illustration proofs when he can.

Summary

Encloses feathers from a diseased hen which has assumed cock plumage.

Forwards proofs of the engravings for Variation.

Summary

The blocks [for Variation] have been forwarded to Murray.

WBT has been corresponding with Prof. Newton.

Summary

Comments on pigeon and poultry woodcuts.

Observations and queries on poultry.

Summary

Alterations to the woodcuts of poultry for Variation.

Summary

Thanks for the remittance.

Both WBT and Mr Zurhorst will repeat Zurhorst’s experiment to eliminate any chance of error.

Edward Blyth is writing on Indian cattle for the Field [27 (1866): 55–6, 77].

Summary

Sends copies of photographs of himself. Asks for photographs of German naturalists.

Comments on EH’s account of Protogenes primordialis.