WCP1516

[1]

British Museum (Natural History),

Cromwell Road,

London : S.W.

Jan[uary] 8th

Dear D^r.. Russell Wallace

It is a real pleasure to hear from you — and to receive such a valuable suggestion. As a fact I have myself moved in this direction, but I have found the staff not too ready to take it up. We have, however, completed or nearly so, a hard list of the orthoptera — your suggestion as to dividing such lists into [2] separate [1 word illeg.] proper to each of the six geographical areas — is I think excellent.

You may depend on my bringing the matter before the Trustees. The chief difficulty would, I think, be the expense which must be very great for such an enormous list of names.

I have already discussed the matter in regard to the mollusca and in my opinion such lists ought to be produced in regard to the whole services [3] of collections — and I think it can be done by employing, as you suggest, boy-clerks.

It is wonderful that you are still so full of work & vigour — I have been very ill for six months having three times been operated on for [1 word illeg.] rectal abscess but I hope I am at last quite cured!

I include a portrait of one of the latest Jurassic Reptilian monsters, the Inostransevia [sic].

Wish best wishes | Sincerely yours | E. Ray Lankester [signature]