Summary

Now has 89 pigeons. The laughing pigeons are safe at Down. Can WBT spare a pair of Mr Gulliver’s runts?

Summary

His laughers are well, and he has heard them emit an odd note.

Thinks there is an extra vertebra in the neck of the Scandaroon, but is not certain and may have blundered.

Summary

Is collecting only pigeons that differ in proportions, so declines some birds offered by WBT.

Summary

Inquires about pigeons seen at Anerley show.

Summary

Instructions for delivering pigeons to Down.

Has Scandaroons for WBT.

Summary

Will forward the Scandaroons.

Is crossing all his pigeons to see which are fertile.

Hopes WBT’s work on fowls’ skulls is not forestalled by T. C. Eyton who also has a grand collection of skeletons.

Summary

CD concerned with rabbits and ducks because evidence of their single origin is "better … than in most cases".

Death of William Yarrell.

Summary

States his requirements with regard to pigeons and his interest in ducks and rabbits. Inquires about poultry seen at Leith Hill.

Summary

Has received fowls from interior of Sierra Leone.

Summary

African fowls from Sierra Leone are pugnacious and amorous.

Summary

Has received nine skins from Walter Elliot of Madras; WBT may describe them if he wishes.

Expects some Persian fowls.

Can WBT inquire about the fertility of certain duck hybrids?

Summary

Emma’s illness prevents his attending Philoperisteron [pigeon fanciers’ club].

Expects larger collection of skins from West Africa.

Summary

Has received some poultry from various parts of the world.

CD is glad that WBT is describing the birds that he acquires.

Summary

Is glad WBT is willing to describe the poultry CD can acquire. Sir James Brooke promises Borneo fowls.

Summary

Would welcome eggs of any rumpless fowl so that he can investigate how early in development rudimentary organs are rudimentary.

Has not noticed much difference between skeletons of ducks.

Summary

CD is sending two pairs of Persian fowl, from Hon. C. Murray.

Thanks WBT for various offers: a drake, a young silk fowl, a rumpless chick.

The German pouters are not old-fashioned ones but fancy birds, probably crosses since they do not breed true.

Summary

Has some fowls from Sir James Brooke, which WBT might like to display at Zoological Society.

Summary

Specifies pigeons in which he is interested. Has become almost more interested in rabbits than anything else.

Summary

Accepts a dozen eggs of rumpless Polands. Having so many enables him to see whether the breed "comes true".

Asks what colour turbits have dark tails – "it is just the class of facts which interest me".

Do fowls when crossed throw odd and unexpected colours like pigeons?

Summary

Lists pigeons and poultry he is forwarding to WBT.

Wants details of WBT’s Poultry book [1856–7]

and is anxious to purchase his long-winged runt.

Thanks him for help and information on fowl crosses.