The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online

RECORD: Darwin, C. R. 1869.03.25. Harrison Weir says. CUL-DAR84.2.223. 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).

"Weir, Harrison William, 1824-1906. Book illustrator. Known as "the father of the cat fancy". Breeder of poultry and pigeons. Brother of J. Jenner W. Member of Philoperisteron Club as CD. 1852 CD sent him Journal. 1867 Illustrated Tegetmeier's The poultry book. 1871 Organized the first cat show in England at the Crystal Palace. ED recorded 1871 Jul. 13, "Girls to Cat show, Crystal". CD to W (not in CCD): "Your mother ought indeed to feel proud that she had two sons such true naturalists as you and your brother." Kent & Sussex Courier, (25 Apr. 1884), p. 7." (Paul van Helvert & John van Wyhe, Darwin: A Companion, 2021)

[223]

March 25 /69/ Harrison Weir says "who was making enquiries, says "some fanciers have informed me that their ♀ often take a fancy to a particular ♂ & often leave their own mates; thus I have also known to be the case with my own birds, but not frequently. Mr Redpath of Manchester, who keeps blue pigeons has noticed that they drive off any other colour, such as yellow, red, & white," (Allude to my facts about pairing)

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p. 100

Mr H. W. has lately heard from a fancier who he can only who keeps exchanging blue pigeons that they drove away other coloured varieties such as red yellow or white.

(B) Mr H W informs me that on the other hand that he had heard from several fanciers & has himself observed is same fact, that the females will occasionally like a jay to a peacock male, & desert their own nests for him. He has known of the [illeg]

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