John
Skinner
University of Wisconsin - Madison - USA
3-7-1985
Dear
Professor Skinner,
Thought
it was time I dropped you a line to let you know of my research progress. I
hope you received the books I sent you some time back: Origin,
Evolution, History & Distribution of the Domestic Fowl, Chicken
Bones Recoveries. I would appreciate any comment you may have on it, and
perhaps there may be something you can add to the information contained in it.
Since publishing it last year and sending a few copies out I have received
some quite important feedback from it, which I will include as a supplement in
the next book of the series entitled Gallus
species, the manuscript of which I have almost completed.
Of
recent times there has been chicken bone recoveries in Northern China, dated
around 5000 BC which throws new light on the Origins etc. of the Domestic
Fowl. I have some of the relevant information concerning these finds and have
established contact with mainland China. My contact is with Dr Han Defen of
the Institute of Vertebrate Palaeontology and Anthropology in Beijing who has
promised to send me further information and a copy of the photographs of
earthenware chicken models dated 3000 BC from this same area. This should
prove very interesting. These discoveries do sort of throw some of the earlier
writings on the origins, movements etc. of early domestic fowl into a little
confusion. It would be most helpful if it could be definitely established what
species of chicken these new recoveries belonged to it.
I
noted in Poultry Press that Fred Jeffrey of the ABA is looking towards
retiring from his ABA position as Secretary. I feel he has done a very good
job while he has been there. Do you know anything of Frank Gary? I have been
corresponding with him for some years, but although I have written to him some
letter time ago, haven’t received anything from him for some time. I realise
he is getting on in years & his eyesight has failed.
Hoping
you are keeping well yourself and would enjoy hearing from you in the not too
distant future.
Sincerely
yours,