[B93]

(H. H

of mystical plumage. Hence in the common species of Ducks we see that whilst most of the plumage is sexually limited in its [transmission] a speculum is transmitted with equal or nearly equal brilliancy to both sexes; & it may be observed is acquired early in life; which can form a greater contrast than the train of a peacock & pea hen, yet in the common & Java Peacock the top knot is equally transmitted to both sexes & I may add in before is acquired early in life. With many gallinaceous birds the top knot transmitted not is an equal, but to in a nearly equal degree or to a certain to both sexes, but in our pheasant at least is confined to the male alone.

(When speaking of the number of moults, which certain birds take before acquiring their perfect plumage, both with birds in which the sexes alike & in those in which they are dissimilar, I think that then are known to breed in their winter dress.

[B94]

(g. g

Law of Transfer

certainly only one out of other causes leading to this form of inheritance. [illeg]

(Even with same individual birds different parts of the plumage may transmitted differently [illeg] everyone knew how conspicuously the plumage of the males of many Ducks differ from the plain attire of the female; yet the females possess the speculums or ornamental wing-bars. That the speculum has been acquired as an ornament there can be little doubt, from its beauty & from its greater brilliancy in various species inhabiting various again, in the male then in the female. In some cases the speculum is pure white in the male, whilst in the female it is grayish white or dingy brown; & in strong contrast of colour is eminently characteristic