HYBRIDIZATION EXPERIMENTS. 21 
of two individuals mentioned by Mr. Mitford, that such hybrids are 
sterile ; and on this point many of our observations on the Gallus 
Sonnerati, as to the difficulty of breeding from wild birds or their 
descendants in captivity, will peculiarly apply, for it will be noted 
that the wild breed itself is stated never to have bred in such 
circumstances, or even to have long survived. Hence we might 
expect great difficulty in breeding from its hybrids, quite apart 
from any actual sterility. The great difference in the voice is of 
more weight, but will be thought much less of by a poultry fancier, 
who is accustomed to the most extraordinary differences between 
the voices of various domestic races, than by a naturalist. On the 
whole it must be admitted that there is very little evidence to show 
either that the Gallus Stanleyii had or had not any share in the origin 
of the domestic fowl, though it is worthy of remark that the resem- 
blance of the bird itself is perhaps the most startling of all the wild 
breeds ; so that Messrs. Layard and Kelaart mention the “George 
Joyce” crow as the sole reason for discarding it as one of the parent 
stocks. This reason, however, as we have remarked, a fancier 
would consider very insufficient if unsupported by others. In 
relation to this breed, it is also decidedly worthy of remark that in 
most cases of reversion in colour amongst various breeds of poultry, 
the evident tendency is towards a red or brown breast* in the cock 
rather than to a black. This fact we have already pointed out ; 
and, so far as it goes, it is more in favour of the present variety than 
of the Gallus bankiva as a possible parent of our domestic breeds.” 
The sterility of the hybrids rests entirely on the evidence of two 
specimens. The data placed before Darwin are the one single 
experiment made by Mr. Mitford, who failed to breed from two 
hybrids! One swallow does not make summer, and one experiment 
by Mr. Mitford does not settle the question of the sterility of these 
hybrids. 
On 25th October, 1902, a letter appeared in the “* T’%mes of Ceylon ”’ 
suggesting that the newly-formed Ceylon Poultry Club should 
endeavour through its members to investigate this subject ; that 
accurate scientific experiments should be made to furnish sufficient 
data to form a solid opinion and so either to establish Darwin’s 
suggestion as a solid fact or to demolish it as untenable. 
The matter was taken up by the Club, and certain members 
undertook to work at the problem. The inaugural meeting was held 
on 16th December, 1902, at the Colombo Museum, under the presi- 
dency of the Director, Dr. A. Willey, F.R.S., and there were present 
_ * Gallus bankiva is invariably black breasted ; the Gallus Stanleyii is 
yellowish red. 
