From Francis Wedgwood   9 January 1871

Dear Charles

My letter shows how writers with the matter clear in their own heads manage to write obscurely to readers¹

The cross section was put in to save writing & has signally failed— it shows the width of the ridges between the furrows marked A

The depth of the furrows by a line stretched from summit to summit at the bottom of the slope marked B

The depth of the furrows at the top of the slope taken in the same way marked C

The D & E only show that the 2 trenches were not cut across the same furrow. The depth of the furrow cut across at D above the bridle road is 4$\frac{3}{4}$ inches as given. The depth of the furrow cut across at E below the bridle road is (not 6$\frac{3}{4}$ as above the bridle road) but 6$\frac{1}{4}$—probably only an accidental variation

The “difference in the soil top & bottom” should be written

“There is a difference in the color & fineness of the soil between the surface & the bottom of the trenches but so gradual &c”

I hope I have made it plain—if not send it me back & I will—

Your affectionate brother | F Wedgwood