WCP2313

[1]

Magd. Coll.

26 March 1875

My dear Wallace,

I have done with the ‘Regions’¹ & if the nearest post office were but open today so that I could register the packet, I would return it to you today — but I will do so Tomorrow morning & I hope to have finished the rest by that time so as to send both together.

The more I read the more I like it. My only misgiving is that the public may find it too technical — but then I of course remember that what I have been looking over are the most technical [2] parts of the book necessarily. I expected you to triumph in the Malay countries & I think you have done so. The way you explain most of the difficulties that some of those islands afford is something delicious.

I am very glad to have your assurance that you will not object to my blue pen — but I repeat that I shall make no complaint if you utterly disregard its scratchings –

As to arranging the Fringillidae I have none but the crudest notions on the subject, & I don’t know any one here or abroad who is in a position [3] to help you. If Finsch² had come here he might have done something towards it, but you want a man of most patient investigation ^{besides good opportunities}, & then again it is not a thing that could be done in a hurry. I have been perpetually preaching to people the need of taking up a group of birds & working it out — but nearly all in vain. The way most groups have been treated is entirely from the specific point of view — & though this is of course important — the generic point is far more interesting.

I go Tomorrow into Suffolk for a few days, but should be very glad [4] if you will let me find the Neotropical & Ethiopian chapters here on my return by Wednesday. In the case of the former I fear I can do little or nothing that will be of use to you, but as regards the Madagascar & Mascarene part of the latter I may be able to add a hint or two.

You will see I have marked Atrichia 2 or 3 times — I can’t get the skeleton of that form, but the sternum of which I have found examples is simply one of the most wonderful things I know — further removed from ordinary Passers I fully believe than [illeg.] is & that is far enough.

yrs very truly | Alfred Newton.³ [signature]