From W. Z. Seddon   2 February 1880

Sir

My schoolmaster the other day in Conversation Lesson (That is a lesson every Wednesday from 11–15 am to 12 when we ask him anything we like) Had this question asked. “What causes the different shades of colour in the inhabitants of the earth”. He could not exactly tell the answer but he thought the different kinds of climate might cause it: I am just turned 12 years of age and attend the British School. Mawdsley St. Bolton.¹ If I am not troubling you too much, may I ask if you could kindly tell me where I shall find an answer to this question. If in a few words you could give me any idea of the reasons, I should be greatly obliged

I am Sir | your obedient Servant | William Zaccheus Seddon