The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online

RECORD: Darwin, C. R. 1868.11.11. Bartlett showed me specimens of male Polyplectron. CUL-DAR84.2.205-206. Edited by John van Wyhe (Darwin Online, http://darwin-online.org.uk/)

REVISION HISTORY: Transcribed by Christine Chua and edited by John van Wyhe 3.2022. RN1

NOTE: See record in the Darwin Online manuscript catalogue, enter its Identifier here. Reproduced with permission of the Syndics of Cambridge University Library and William Huxley Darwin. The volumes CUL-DAR80-86 contain material for Darwin's book Descent of man (1871).

"Bartlett, Abraham Dee, 1812-97. 1859-97 Superintendent, Zoological Society's Gardens, Regent's Park, London. Renowned taxidermist. His shop was near the British Museum. In this capacity CD had contact with B. Among the animals B stuffed were the first gorilla ever shown in England (1858), and the famous elephant Jumbo owned by P.T. Barnum, of circus renown. Frequently helped CD by answering queries and sending materials. Letters with CD published in 1900 (F2183)." (Paul van Helvert & John van Wyhe, Darwin: A Companion, 2021)

Nov 11th 1868 Bartlett showed me specimen of male Polyplectron stuffed in position in which he has seen it court female: tail expanded & raised almost vertically, & turned obliquely towards female, wing on near side expanded & lowered, wing on opposite side raised & expanded; in this attitude every one of the innumerable ocelli are exposed in one expanse before the eyes of the female. The Tragopan does same thing of the same kind for he raises the spotted feathers on the opposite side

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of the body but not the expanded wing itself, by which many more of the spotted feathers are exhibited than otherwise could be the case. The Gold pheasant as I saw raises his splendid collar & turns it a little obliquely towards the female so much more of it is thus shown. In all these cases & others the male raises his plumage to which ever side the female may be standing. Then give case of Argus. The evidence is inclusive. It is impossible to doubt that the female

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appreciates the beauty thus carefully displaying before her.

Peacock displays splendid breast & tail & so erects both the objects in front.

Citation: John van Wyhe, ed. 2002-. The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online. (http://darwin-online.org.uk/)