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,