WCP2473

[1]¹

Drie Koppen,

Hanover Road,

Cape Colony.

September 28^th. 1893.

Dr Alfred Wallace.

Dear Sir,

It was a pleasure to me to find that you had received my letter, and to know that you had taken such kindly notice of it. I would have answered [2 words illeg.]; but for the fact that I have lately joined the 'Benedicts' which prevented me from answering your letter immediately.

Regarding the bird's nest resembling a spider's web, which I mentioned to you, I must remark that the nest was comprised of natural spiders' webs, and suspended.

If I succeed in discovering another nest of the material, I will send it [2] 2²to you.

I am sorry to say that no varieties of orchids are to be found on my farm, but it is in my power to obtain some varieties, which, when received, will be forwarded to you.

It will be a matter of careful and very close observation to form a correct opinion of the of the functions relied upon by various antelopes through the distinctive characteristics of their horns.

From my own personal observation I should say that the function of recognition was[?] the minor one, since the [word illeg.] of many varieties of antelopes are totally destitute of such appendages as horns.

It will be a matter of extrem[?] difficulty to discern the special use of horns to antelopes.

Perhaps at some later time I might [3] 3³ venture to write a little more [word illeg.] on the special use of some antelopes [sic] horns.

Last week I received a copy of the 'Nature', in which I noticed some extracts of my letter to you.

I remain. | y[ou]r[s] most truly | R. R. Mortimer [signature]⁴