WCP147

[1]

Old Orchard,

Broadstone,

Wimborne.

June 11th. 1911

My dear Will¹

I think the bottle of rough Lavender water was used or given away long ago or I would send it to you. I enclose some Egyptian cigarettes sent me as a sample which may possibly be agreeable & useful for hay fever.

At last, there is a Review of my [2] book in "Nature"² (June 8th.) under the heading "Science & Speculation" — The writer recognises the amount of novel & interesting facts and conclusions in the part devoted to Distribution of Animals & Plants, and the various new applications of the theory of Natural Selection; even the Chapters on the Elements in relation to the life, and on the "Mystery [3] of the Cell", & on the parts taken by plants, animals, & man in the economy of Nature "are eloquent and illuminating" — but, being plainly an agnostic,— he deplores that I have not been able to avoid the "pitfalls of teleological speculation" &c. &c. — among which he seems to class even the Chapter on "Pain in the lower Animals" — which I really thought was pure Darwinian Science!

However it is perhaps [4] better than I could expect from "Nature."

I am now taking for breakfast an infusion of cocoa shells, (not nibs). It is as clear as tea, and almost as easily made with a delicate cocoa. However, & I should think quite harmless, yet refreshing. If you or any of your friends would like to try it I will send you a little.

Your affectionate Pa | Alfred R. Wallace [signature]