ALS signed “C. Darwin,” two pages, 4.75 x 7.75, February 16, [1861]. Letter requesting a book on poultry by George Ferguson, in part: "Will you be so kind as to enquire price of book below. As it is illustrated largely it may be very expensive; but its price may be now reduced; if you can get a copy for 1£ or under, will you please send me a copy as soon as you can by Post. If I do not receive a copy in a few days, I shall understand that you cannot get it." At the conclusion, he names the book: "Ferguson's, Illustrated Series of Rare & Prize Poultry. Published by G. Ferguson, Beaufort Library King's R. Chelsea; & C. J. Culliford, 22 Southampton St., Shaw, 1854." In very good condition, with creasing and soiling, tears and chipping to the edges, ink annotations to the signature area, and old tape at the bottom from prior display.
At this time, Darwin was preparing research for his manuscript on fowls as part of a broader work on the variation of animals. The illustrated book by Ferguson had been recommended to him by William A. Wooler in a letter of February 4, 1861. Darwin indeed received the book—today, his annotated copy of 'Ferguson 1854' is held by Cambridge University—and he wrote of it in a letter to W. B. Tegetmeier on February 25th, inquiring about Ferguson's accuracy and attention to detail. Darwin was especially interested in a table of hybrids bred from pheasant and fowl which Ferguson provided in the work. An interesting letter revealing Darwin's bookish approach to scholarly research.
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