Dr Clive Carefoot
Preston - England

1-10-1985

Dear Clive,

Received the paper on plumage pattern for which I thank you very much. Have glanced through it but will work over it in full as soon as I get the chance.

I have been handicapped over the last few months since I had an operation to remove a cataract and install an implant of lens in one of my eyes. Unfortunately for me I was 1% of the 2% that have any problems from this operation. It is now 4 months since I had the original operation, had to go back in hospital a week later for a further operation, and was in hospital again a fortnight ago for another slight operation on it. I’m on some pretty heavy medication at the moment. I feel like I’ve been through the mangle.

I hope your other papers are published in British Poultry Science  for I think from my limited knowledge on the subject you are breaking new ground all the time.

OK on invitation to judge in South Australia. It would be nice to see you out here but I can appreciate the cost angle. I would dearly love to visit the UK and also the States, but I just can’t afford it. I just haven’t seen a lot of Australia as yet as its a big country out here. I saw New Guinea and New Britain during World War 2, but of course that was no pleasure cruise.

Yes, we are getting back into the Pekin breeding this year. In fact have chickens already, the earliest I think we have ever had them. Both my son and I as I think you are aware have had our domestic problems over the last couple of years, but things are running better for both of us at the moment. He has some of the birds at his place (about 3 miles away) and I have some here. His business affairs are also running smoother now and hopefully within the next 12 months he will be in front financially.

Fine business on your wife taking over the Secretary’s job of the Poultry Club of Great Britain. Looks as though the main subject at your place will be poultry.

I note Fred Jeffrey is giving away the Secretary’s job of ABA. Dare say he needs a break. He has done a very good job while there and is not getting any younger.

You will note the enclosures with this letter. First of all a copy of the supplement to the Chicken Bone  book which will be included in the next book The Gallus species. This I hope to have printed before very long. The manuscript is almost complete.

Quite a lot of feedback came from the Chicken Bone  book most of it very important. It screws up the picture somewhat when compared with earlier documentation. My contact in China proved most helpful. You might care to comment. I still can’t get any financial assistance to continue the research and publishing. With your letter came a letter from the Minister of Science of our Federal Government advising nothing available for this sort of work.

It’s becoming increasingly difficult as the research requires a lot of writing overseas and of course the cost of paper etc. Something might turn up one of these days and make things easier.

One of our Pekin Club members has began working on Barred Pekins. I am enclosing the plan he is working to and also a photo I took of the result of his 1st cross Light Barred x Black Pekin at our show in July. You might comment and make any suggestions you think may be necessary. You might send the photo back when you write again.

Through our Club Newsletter  we have been encouraging breeders to work on new colours. One of the chaps is working on RIR x Black Pekin. From the 2nd cross (brother x sister) he obtained a percentage of good coloured birds. We would have to call them Black-tailed Red Pekins.

Also enclosed a page from our latest Newsletter  with photos of birds from 1984 Annual Pekin Club Show including the Grand Ch. (Black Hen). It’s hard to get a fowl to stand right for taking photos.

Well Clive that’s about. Once again nice to hear from you. Hope you and your family are keeping well.

Sincerely,