WCP252

[1]

Parkstone, Dorset.

July 8^th. 1894

My dear Violet¹

We returned yesterday from our 10 days Devonshire outing which was very enjoyable & quite successful. The ferns exceeded our wildest imaginations & Ma² revelled in them!

We have a long letter from Will³ describing another holiday trip, which you can see when you come. He again wants to know when you are coming home & when he is to come. Please let us know at once the day you will arrive, or let him [2] know, as he must give some notice to his Bosses.

Your sketch of [the] tour is very good, with one exception, which sh[oul]d certainly be altered as it is [a] mere waste of time. You are to stay a week at Wengen (Aug[ust]. 6 — to 13) and then another week at Alpiglen (Aug[ust]. 13 to 20th.) Now these two places are not 5 miles apart & with the same ^general surroundings. If the staying a week at a place is for economy, then one of these should be chosen & the walk to St. Gothard Railway [3] sh[oul]^d commence on the 13th. instead of 20th — then stay a week instead of 2 weeks on Lago Maggiore, & back by Lake Lucerne.

This would bring the excursion within the original month proposed; those who wish lengthening at their own expense. I cannot see that the additional 2 weeks is any advantage whatever, and unless you can arrange to return with a portion of the party at the end of the month, I do not [4] see how you can go.

I think myself it would be wiser to restrict the excursion to Switzerland — leaving Italy for a separate one. You could then walk up the grand pass ^{road from Wasen} to the Devil’s Bridge & the top of the St. Gothard Pass — & have plenty of time for Lake Lucerne and the Rigi &c. .However, the regular tour sh[oul]^d be limited to the month as at first proposed, and to the amount first named.

In haste | with a huge pile of letters to answer | your affectionate Pa | Alfred R. Wallace [signature]