the precise facts which you have given me on display are of the utmost
value for my work. I have written to Mr. Bartlett on Gallinaceae, but I
dare say I shall not get an answer. I had heard before, but am glad to
have confirmation about the ruffs being the most numerous. I am greatly
obliged to your brother for sending out circulars. I have not heard from
him as yet. I want to ask him whether he has ever observed when several
male pigeons are courting one female that the latter decides with which
male she will pair. The story about the black mark on the lambs must be a
hoax. The inaccuracy of many persons is wonderful. I should like to tell
you a story, but it is too long, about beans growing on the wrong side of
the pod during certain years.

Queries:

Does any female bird regularly sing?

Do you know any case of both sexes, more especially of the female, [being]
more brightly coloured whilst young than when come to maturity and fit to
breed? An imaginary instance would be if the female kingfisher (or male)
became dull coloured when adult.

Do you know whether the male and female wild canary bird differ in plumage
(though I believe I could find this out for myself), and do any of the
domestic breeds differ sexually?

Do you know any gallinaceous bird in which the female has well developed
spurs?

It is very odd that my memory should fail me, but I cannot remember
whether, in accordance with your views, the wing of Gallus bankiva (or