WCP2324

[1]

Magd[alene] Coll[ege]

20 June 1875.

My dear Wallace,

Accept my thanks for returning the Palaearctic lists — there is no need for apology at having marked them — on the contrary it is of some use to me to see the line you are taking. We want more information about <Moupin?> no doubt, but having gone most carefully over David's list I have come to the conclusion that it is decidedly Palaearctic rather [2] than Indian (or Oriental as you call it).

What my own opinions on nomenclature may be I hardly care to enquire. [express?] I will try to put in force Strickland's rules — because there are none other that form a reasonable code & certainly none <for> the principle of which zoologists generally have given[?] their adhesion. If each of us holds this <list> or the other <correct?> & sets upon it we shall never be any nearer [3] uniformity. On your own principle we ought to allow Daulias [nightingale] to stand — because Luscinia is a "specific generic name' — but your principle would introduce more new names than almost any other I know. Fancy discarding such names as Buteo & <Milvus>!

Salvin¹ has promised to send over Mr. Lewis's article to read, but I did not think it looked very much to the purpose when I saw int for a few minutes in his hands.

The "<improvised> knowledge" of which you write exists I fear in your [4] own imagination only. My ignorance astonishes myself & the only consolation I have is that I presumably know where to find out what I want.

Believe me | Yours very truly

Alfred Newton [signature]

Are you going to hear Capt. Lawson on Tuesday? I have not read his book², but I can't help thinking he is laughing in his sleeve.