WCP169

[1]

Parkstone, Dorset.

July 17th. 1901

My dear Will

I have been so very busy that I have had no time to write & nothing to say. We are glad to hear that you may have a fortnight’s holiday & will come & see us.

I have since ‘Xmas been work at (1) New Wond[erful]. Century — (2) New Edition of Darwinism; (3) new Edⁿ. of "Island Life" requiring lots of correspondence to correct list of mammals, birds, insects, plants &c. and (4) the Wond[erful]. Cent[ury] Reader causing no end of trouble with illustrations &c. The first [2] and last I have now sent off, but shall have the final proofs to correct— and after these are all done I shall have several chapters of the Wond[erful]. Cent[ury] to correct & one new to write.

In the midst of all of this I have been away 3-4 times looking at Estates, some very good, but all have come to nothing except one,— a great beauty, small & comparatively cheap, between T[unbridge]. Wells & East Grinstead, which Mr. Swinton¹ is going to see tomorrow, & which I hope will be decided on. It is a poor house, but with an addition of 4 rooms will have a beautiful view [3] and can be made very pretty. This is almost my last hope.

Rose² & Grandpa³ are here. It is fearfully hot. They have been up to the Caseys this afternoon to see the Roman remains, Oliver’s print collection &c.

I enclose the I[ndependent]. L[abour]. P[arty]. News, with my art[icle]. on Tolstoy⁴. I am sorry to hear he is very ill— perhaps dangerously.

Rose looks quite recovered & well, but is weak and cannot walk much. Grandpa is very well & tramps about as usual. Excuse more.

Your affectionate Pa | Alfred R. Wallace [signature]