Summary

Discusses the development of horns in reindeer and other deer.

Summary

Suggests that Cupples weigh puppies from one week old, rather than two weeks old.

Summary

Wishes Cupples had said something about health. Sends regards to Mrs Cupples.

Summary

Thanks GC for his assistance. "The data for all that I have to say about the Scotch deer-hound are, owing to you, almost sufficient; and much better data than I have got in many other cases." [See Descent 2: 260.]

Believes Dr Stirling would be compelled to admit some change in "the famous protoplasm in our domestic races, both in regard to the structure of the body & qualities of the mind".

Summary

Many thanks for present of a dog: he will arrange its collection from the train whenit arrives in London.

He is correcting proofs of Descent, and will send GC a copy.

Summary

Will collect the "precious animal" [deerhound puppy] from King’s Cross.

Thanks GC for information on the perch.

Summary

Bran [deerhound puppy] is thriving; enjoys English life.

Summary

Asks whether GC knows who gave CD a scolding in last Edinburgh Review [Apr 1873].

Summary

Thanks for report on J. V. Carus’ lecture.

Glad to hear suspicion about J. H. Stirling groundless.

CD has not seen R. W. Emerson. In last two or three years has seen several Yankees. Saw a good deal of the Nortons [Charles Eliot and Susan Ridley Sedgwick].

Summary

"Last night it suddenly occurred to me that I had not sent you the last Edition of the Descent of Man published in November."

Summary

Applies sexual selection to origin of dog race [deerhound]. Proposes descent from a large extinct dog.

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

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

Refers to letter from John Wright offering to help CD on his queries about deerhounds and sexual preferences.

More details about a terrier bitch previously referred to [letter missing].

Summary

Weighing ten deerhound puppies for CD each week.