Dr Elio Corti
Valenza - Italy

12-7-1994

Dear Elio,

I was most interested to receive your letter and I thank you for your comments. The correction of the word CRURIS (leg) instead of CRUSIS is much appreciated. I do not have knowledge of Latin and got the word from a book I had. Thank you very much for your help.

I have not done a lot more work on the research of the Origins etc. over the last couple of years as I’ve been busy on putting together information on Australian created breeds. However I did receive a report from Dr Barbara West of the British Museum who studied the chicken bones from North East Thailand dated around 3500 BC. The discovery of these bones was made by Professor Higham from New Zealand. There were 3 types of bones:

those of the Junglefowl (Bankiva species)

larger bones of the Malay type

an intermediate size, possibly the Aseel.

Unfortunately I did not get a find report from Dr West giving the actual measurements of the bones. I have written to Professor Higham who I hope will be able to supply this information. This may provide some positive evidence regarding Gallus giganteus (Malay) being a separate species. I have been researching this subject from some 15 to 20 years. It is most interesting but frustrating. I am enclosing complementary copies of a couple of my papers which you may find of interest. I will send another booklet on Chicken Bones when I get some more printed.

I am now retired but worked as a mechanical setter in the engineering industry. I was born in Australia in 1921. I congratulate you on your efforts in putting together a book on genetics. It is a very interesting subject. I wish I had studied more when I was younger. I will provide some information on books you may find useful as references. I am enclosing the standard for the Yokohama from the American Bantam Association Standard. I will search for further information in my files and send it on.

Fine on your comments on not having a Standard in Italy. We do not have a standard Australia either except we do have standards for the 4 breeds created in this country, i.e. Australorp, Langshan, Australian Pit Game and Australian Game.

I am involved with the Pekin (Cochin) Bantam Club of New South Wales and we have compiled a standard for this breed which is used in our shows. We have published a book containing this standard and on in depth study of the Pekin Bantam. It also contains articles on genetics. I am enclosing a brochure. Also enclosing a list of booklets I have published, reproduced from old files an different breed histories.

No, I have not written a book specifically about the origin of Bantams. Only on the origins of the Pekin Bantam. I will seek out further info for you, and if there is any way I can assist please let me know. I would like to keep in touch with you and hear of your progress. All for now.

Regards,