WCP158

[1]

Parkstone, Dorset.

July 15th. 1898

My dear Will

I enclose instructions for colleting skins of small mammals, sent me by Mr. Oldfield Thomas of the Brit. Museum — also I have written on the side the instructions he gives in his letter for collecting skeletons, which, you will see are very simple, especially in Colorado where the atmosphere is so dry.

You should take some small traps with you, which you will find no doubt in Denver, suitable for different small mam^s[?]. from mice to rabbits & squirrels. If you have no more work you might employ yourself in getting some about [2] Denver, and in practising skinning and putting them up neatly, exactly as is described, — and be very careful about the labels of which you should take a lot with you, all ready, with string to tie on. I should not wonder, if you get to do them nicely, & practise trapping, & get boys or hunters to help you, you might make nearly as much as by climbing telegraph poles! I believe that for the smallest mice, shrews, voles &c. you will get at least a dollar, & for the larger ones more.

Mr. Thomas recommends that you send all you can get to [3] Mr. Gerrard — 61, College Place, Camden Town, London, who will act as your agent or commission, and take them all to the B. Mus. for them to have first choice. His father was in the B. Mus. for many years as keeper & preparer of all the skulls & skeletons, so he is quite trustworthy. I have written to him & will let you know what he says later on. It will, I am sure, be well worth your while to practise till you can do the skinning & putting up perfectly well, as, wherever you go, you can collect and perhaps make a living or something more.

Violet is going to try in Germany, for they even want European mammals [4] because so few people collect them, whereas birds are a drug. As she will have nothing to do it will be a nice occupation for her, and help to pay her expenses.

You will want a sharp knife, scissors, and a pair of small straight pliers to fill in the cotton with — like this but about [a sketch of a pair of pliers appears below] eight or nine inches long. If you can’t get them in Denver you might make one yourself.

We are having it awfully hot here for the last 3 weeks. Ma & Grandpa are coming home today & I suppose we shall be going some small excursions.

Your affectionate Pa | Alfred R. Wallace [signature]

P.S. I have paid your Elect.[rical] Eng.[ineering] subscription.