28-8-1985

Dear Bill,

Just a quick note with the enclosed paper where I show the Pattern gene is responsible for the pencilled and autosomal barred  phenotypes.

In other words the gene which turns the Black Red Male into a Black-tailed Red Male (Db) also changes pencilling into transverse barring. I have submitted a series of papers on plumage patterns to British Poultry Science, and only hope they approve.

Ron Wright of South Australia invited me to judge at their show next year, but regretfully I had to decline, so even though I would like to have seen the birds down under, and meet the fanciers I couldn’t justify the personal cost.

I hope you get cracking with the breeding side again, that is where I get most pleasure.

My wife has been appointed Secretary of the Poultry Club of Great Britain so there certainly is some poultry matters at this home. She has been doing the job series last November and quite likes it. I hope you like the papers.

Best wishes.