RECORD: Darwin, C. R. 1940. [Unrecorded letter to W. B. Tegetmeier?, 17 May [1861]]. Maggs Bros. Autograph letters: historical documents…no. 690. London.
REVISION HISTORY: Transcribed and edited by John van Wyhe 11.2023. RN1
NOTE: See record in the Freeman Bibliographical Database, enter its Identifier here.
Darwin wrote to W. B. Tegetmeier on 28 May [1861], eleven days after the date of this letter: "Perhaps I shall get Creve-coeurs & Guelderlands from you or Mr. Baker". Samuel C. and Charles N. Baker were dealers in ornamental poultry. See the other letters with Tegetmeier and B. P. Brent in Correspondence vol. 9.
In Variation Darwin listed breeds of domestic fowls (i.e. chickens) such as the "Crested or Polish breed" or "Polish Fowl" and numerous sub-breeds including:
"Sub-breed (d) Crève-cœur.—A French breed of large size, barely capable of flight, with short black legs, head crested, comb produced into two points or horns, sometimes a little branched like the horns of a stag; both beard and wattles present. Eggs large. Disposition quiet." and
"Sub-breed (g) Guelderlands.—No comb, head said to be surmounted by a longitudinal crest of soft velvety feathers; nostrils said to be crescentic; wattles well developed; legs feathered; colour black. From North America. The Breda fowl seems to be closely allied to the Guelderland." Variation 1: 227-230.
This letter appeared at auction again in Maggs Bros. Autograph letters and historical documents. catalogue no. 730, 1943, selling for £4.20.
[page]
647 DARWIN (CHARLES, 1809-1882). Naturalist and Author
AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED.
3 pp., 8vo. Down, 17 May, N.Y.
Thanking his correspondent for "the information on Guelderland Fowls . . . and likewise for your extremely kind offer to assist me in procuring specimens. I want much one of their Guelderland cocks & a Creve Coeur & perhaps a Ptarmigan, all males. . . ." Etc.
Citation: John van Wyhe, ed. 2002-. The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online. (http://darwin-online.org.uk/)
File last updated 14 November, 2023