WCP1419

[1]

Parkstone, Dorset.

Nov[ember]. 1st. 1898.

My dear Mrs Casey,

Hearing you are still at Swanage I write to ask if you will be so good as to enquire whether some of the fine beach pebbles can be got at a moderate price & sent me by rail. The size should be from about that of a pea to that of a broad bean. Sometimes stones of this size are gathered into heaps or ridges by the tide, but unless taken up carefully they must be passed through a fine sieve to get rid of the sand, and a coarse one to get rid of the larger pebbles. I should like to have 5 or 6 bushels, & if such as I describe would pay 1/ — a bushel put on a Railway truck, either in bags or loose.

Or you might send me a sample & price if you are doubtful. Perhaps some of the boatmen would know where to get it.

It has now become suddenly colder, & winter will be soon upon us. Your daughter called this afternoon & gave me your new address.

Believe me | Yours very truly | Alfred R. Wallace