December 8, 1983

Good Morning Mr Plant:

                    November 15th....I had the privilege of meeting Dr William Longenecker. For many years he has helped me with research, doing COMPUTER INFORMATION SEARCHES...for me. During this visit he told me you writing him. On returning to the office.....I find where he sent me a copy of that same letter!

WILL BE MUCH, MUCH INTERESTED....in your histories on the 4 breeds that originated in Australia. With your research ability, would like to count on you for this information for my long range planned book: POULTRY OF THE WORLD WILL ALSO NEED

EXCEPTIONAL PICTURES.....close-ups, well posed, in color.

                                                     NOTE IN YOUR LETTER

you plan to compile another book...on the Origin, Evolution, History and Distribution of the Domestic Chicken.

BY COINCIDENCE

ON THIS TRIP.....visited with a Professor John Skinner....who at one time indicated an interest in doing a chart, showing where these breeds started....etc.

                                       Am not sure as to the extent of your

                                      RESEARCH LIBRARY. While I do not have as complete a Library as some of the large collections here in the U.S., over the past 10 years I've invested considerable in ancient poultry books. Perhaps we can help each other?

A Professor William Cawley....has expressed to me some doubts on the accuracy of the statement....that ALL our domestic chickens originated from the JUNGLE FOWL! This would apply to many breeds...but he questions this as to the Cochins and fowl of the Malay stature.

NOW IN MENTIONING COCHINS....

.....I have never been satisfied with information that I can get on the origination of the COCHINS.

Off hand...a quick item on this, they originated in the Shanghai area of China...something to that effect. Such is very vague....what did they originate FROM? Surely they....

                                                DID NOT JUST HAPPEN TO POP OUT OF NOWHERE!

ON THIS RECENT TRIP,

spent 3 days in Columbus, Ohio .....the largest poultry show in the U. S. With over 10,000 entries. At this show, the AMERICAN POULTRY ASSOCIATION introduced their new Color Standard of Perfection,  the official show specification book....the "POULTRY FANCIERS BIBLE! It is a fine book....464 color pictures. Price is $35.00....sent Via Air Mail....$4.50 more, otherwise $2.00 shipping.....via surface.

                                      BACK TO VISIT WITH DR LONGENECKER!

                                      They have contact with 140 countries  that have

organized Ministries....or...Departments of Agriculture. Will have him conduct a SEARCH TO THOSE COUNTRIES....seeking pictures, informations, etc. Will convey to Dr Longenecker...that I also had received a copy of your letter to him. He is a fine fellow....but right now is concerned, being of retirement age, that the government is going to force him  TO RETIRE....which....he does not wish to do.

As to more history on the COCHINS, I expect to pursue this search through contacts with the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C. Somewhere along the line I  hope to MAKE CONTACT....with some Chinese.....who is dedicated to poultry, to seek out some more history, so we have it MORE COMPLETE...and....of course / ACCURATE.

WILL LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR LETTER. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK

Best wishes for a WONDERFUL HOLIDAY SEASON