WCP1300

[1]

Frith Hill, Godalming

Jan[uar]^y. 20^th. 1888

My dear Fanny¹,

We were rather anxious about you when the weather turned so cold, and are very glad to hear that you did not suffer from it and that you had some fine sunny weather. Is it not a pity Mr. Swinton² does not go to live there? My choice for a house would be just on the upper end of "Wallace’s Glen" with a a[?] view down it and also lovely peeps up the valley to the [2] West and also to the south East.

Many thanks for the very handsome Stereoscope you have sent which is really unnecessarily expensive, I sh[oul]^d think. It is very handsomely finished & seems good workmanship, but this too is one-sided in a different way! The wires which hold the picture are not put in evenly one projecting more than the other so that the picture does not come in the middle. One wire to the bend, is ¼ in[ch] longer than the other, but by bending the upper parts opposite ways I can make it quite right³. This I can easily alter myself [3] but it shows great carelessness in finishing even these expensive instruments which ought to be pointed out to the proprietor. If you look at the others you have perhaps you will see some like it, & can explain. The whole working of a stereoscope depends upon the two pictures being in their proper position, other people can’t see properly & of course will be dissatisfied. In every other respect this seems perfect. Hoping you are feeling better for your change of air.

Believe me | your affectionate Brother | Alfred R. Wallace [signature]