WCP2301

[1]

Lamorna Torquay

Feb 1. 1874

Dear Mr Wallace

Without subscribing to your opinion that "Cave work is getting rather played out in England" (See Report and Paper on <Kent’s?> Hole, [1 word illeg.] at [1 word illeg.], [1 word illeg.]), I heartily join in your wish that something could be done to provide Everett with means for exploring a good Cavern in Borneo.

It is impossible, however, for me to move in the matter of asking Lady [1 word illeg.] Crutts[?] for a grant; first, because [2] I have uniformly declined to ask her for money[?] for any purpose whatever; and, secondly, because I am not a member of the new Borneo-Cave Committee.

I venture to suggest that some member of that Committee. — Busk seems to be the man — should apply to the Royal Society for a grant, say of £100, from the Parliamentary fund. Were such a grant secured, the Baroness might then be applied to for a supplementary sum; and I would suggest that his friend Kay [3] Shuttleworth[?] should be asked to lay the case before her. He is on the most intimate terms with her; and is himself much interested in Cavern work, as is shown by his position and actions in the Settle[?] Cave Committee.

I ought, however, to add that he has been much discouraged about aiding in Cavern researches by the fact that he gave £50 towards exploring Brixham Cavern in 1858, and up to this time has seen no Refund[?] on that work. Be all this as it may, if he can be interested[?] in the Borneo Caves he may speak to me on the [4] subject, in which case I should be only too happy to support the application.

You will be so good as to regard this letter as a private suggestion to you. I hope you will do your best to get the Borneo-Cave Committee into action as soon as possible.

I am truly yours | W[illia]m Pengelly [signature]

AR. Wallace Esq.

British Museum¹