Summary

Reversion of tamed animals to wild behaviour.

Summary

Pairing habits of birds: polygamy among ducks and canaries.

Information on the proportion of sexes in fowls and other birds.

Summary

Proportion of sexes in ruffs [see Descent 1: 306].

Colour display in linnets, songbirds. Courtship display of Australian pigeon at zoo.

Summary

Answers CD’s objection [see 6121 and 6146] about sexual differences and protective colouring. Summarises his theory of colour in nature.

Summary

Measurements of the Bornean ape (Macacus inornatus, Gray). [See Descent 1: 151.]

Summary

BDW believes the coloration of species [of Anthocaris] provides a case of sexual selection.

The state of entomology in the U. S.; Darwinism now a common creed, especially among entomologists.

Summary

Has read Variation;

is preparing a monograph on Scotch deerhounds. Offers CD information on size of male and female deerhounds.

Might not the effect of human mother’s imagination on "character of offspring" support Pangenesis?

Summary

Reports another case of syndactylism.

Summary

Requests CD testimonial for Sherardian Professorship of Botany.

Summary

Replies to CD’s query on expression of emotions.

Summary

Thanks CD for testimonial.

Summary

Answers CD’s queries on difference in size of male and female Scottish deerhounds; female preference for larger males; details about ratio of sexes born. Quotes from letter of Archibald McNeill on difference in size of male and female Scotch deerhounds.

Summary

Sends proofs of his fish paper.

Will observe modification of colour in fish.

Is studying the development of the axolotl.

Encloses notes in reply to CD’s queries on fishes.

Summary

Asks CD’s permission to translate Variation into Italian [translation not published until 1876].

Summary

Has often thought CD would find vast material for his ideas in study of entomology and Lepidoptera. His price-list of specimens proves only that collectors of Lepidoptera catch more males than females, not that there are more. He accounts for this by the less active habits of the females. [See Descent 1: 312.]

Summary

On false claims that female cattle can be produced at will.

Summary

Asks function of several twisted parts (stem, petals, germen) in hardy orchids. His reading of Orchids makes him suspect that the parts are connected with fertilisation.

Summary

Has passed on copy of Variation to American Academy [of Arts and Sciences]. The U. S. reprint is not very nicely printed.

Summary

Replies to CD’s queries regarding sexual differences in gibbons’ voices, chameleon behaviour, and the occurrence of spurs in pheasants and peahens. Discusses sexual differences in structure and habit within certain bird species.

Summary

Answers CD’s question on whether any female birds regularly sing.