From J. J. Weir [after 27 February] 1868
Summary
Trusts his paper ["Apterous Lepidoptera" (1867), printed for the West Kent Natural History, Microscopical, and Photographic Society] showed that he is thoroughly a disciple of CD.
Cites evidence that birds undoubtedly distinguish colours. [see Descent 2: 110.]
| Author: | John Jenner Weir |
| Addressee: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Date: | [after 27 Feb] 1868 |
| Classmark: | DAR 84.1: 77–80 |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-5939 |
To John Jenner Weir 27 February [1868]
Summary
Thanks JJW for his paper on apterous insects [see 5939], which contained much new information.
Asks JJW for any information he may have on sexual selection.
Describes an experiment, still untried, of staining tail-feathers of male pigeons in bright colours to find the effect on courtship.
| Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Addressee: | John Jenner Weir |
| Date: | 27 Feb [1868] |
| Classmark: | Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-5942 |
To J. J. Weir 29 February [1868]
Summary
JJW’s note on birds was one of the most interesting CD has ever received. Asks several questions. CD is puzzled by cases of magpies whose mates were killed but who always immediately found others.
Alexander Wallace denies any effect of colour in sexual selection among Lepidoptera.
| Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Addressee: | John Jenner Weir |
| Date: | 29 Feb [1868] |
| Classmark: | Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-5958 |
| Darwin, C. R. | (2) |
| Weir, J. J. | (1) |
| Weir, J. J. | (2) |
| Darwin, C. R. | (1) |
| Darwin, C. R. | (3) |
| Weir, J. J. |
