fatal, I fear.

About breeding, I know of no one book. I did not think well of Lowe, but I
can name none better. Youatt I look at as a far better and MORE PRACTICAL
authority; but then his views and facts are scattered through three or four
thick volumes. I have picked up most by reading really numberless special
treatises and ALL agricultural and horticultural journals; but it is a work
of long years. THE DIFFICULTY IS TO KNOW WHAT TO TRUST. No one or two
statements are worth a farthing; the facts are so complicated. I hope and
think I have been really cautious in what I state on this subject, although
all that I have given, as yet, is FAR too briefly. I have found it very
important associating with fanciers and breeders. For instance, I sat one
evening in a gin palace in the Borough amongst a set of pigeon fanciers,
when it was hinted that Mr. Bull had crossed his Pouters with Runts to gain
size; and if you had seen the solemn, the mysterious, and awful shakes of
the head which all the fanciers gave at this scandalous proceeding, you
would have recognised how little crossing has had to do with improving
breeds, and how dangerous for endless generations the process was. All
this was brought home far more vividly than by pages of mere statements,
etc. But I am scribbling foolishly. I really do not know how to advise
about getting up facts on breeding and improving breeds. Go to Shows is
one way. Read ALL treatises on any ONE domestic animal, and believe
nothing without largely confirmed. For your lectures I can give you a few
amusing anecdotes and sentences, if you want to make the audience laugh.

I thank you particularly for telling me what naturalists think. If we can
once make a compact set of believers we shall in time conquer. I am
EMINENTLY glad Ramsey is on our side, for he is, in my opinion, a first-
rate geologist. I sent him a copy. I hope he got it. I shall be very
curious to hear whether any effect has been produced on Prestwich; I sent