WCP190

[1]

Broadstone, Wimborne

Nov^r. 3rd. 1907

My dear Will

I made all the corrections & improvements in proofs of "Mars", which you suggested. As to the atmosphere on "Mars", Lowell¹ himself is vague, so I have quoted his own words. I have also made some other improvements and small additions — sent back for a revised set of proofs — got them yesterday — saw that they were all right — made one of two slight corrections & sent back same [2] evening marked "Press". So it is now out of my hands till I receive copies of it.

Macmillan Have announced it, with a good bit of explanation from the Preface — and I see Lowell ^{is doing} a series of Popular articles in the Century mag[azine]s so there is ^a fair stand-up fight between him & me!

[3] I shall now get on steadily with "Spruce²". I have found a good lot of very interesting matter for the last parts — in articles & Reports he read printed in Linn[ean]. Soc[iety]. Geog[raphical]. Soc[iety]. & in Blue books — which also only wants cutting up, & cutting out a little. Also a few quite fresh & very interesting letters.. So I think I shall have so much matter that on reading over the whole I shall be able to omit a good deal of [4] the "Journal" &c. and of the Botanical parts, & so make a more readable book. I expect that will occupy ^me all through the winter — & then I shall have a slap at the new book! if all goes well with me.

We must I suppose wait the 4 months for the "Widows".

Hope you will have some luck in getting a berth.

Your affectionate Pa | Alfred R. Wallace [signature]