WCP272

[1]

Parkstone, Dorset.

May 26th. 1896

My dear Violet¹

I have finished the Exam. Papers² to day, & have now lots to do with a box of orchids which a kind but unknown friend (to whom I wrote asking for some!) sent me.

Now as to your proposed Swiss tour. I am surprised at your preferring a hotel to the Chalet! You have always been raving about a Chalet. I think 4 would be ample for enjoyment.

Argentiere is on the route from Chamounix to Martigny, and in August will be one continued stream of tourists, the hotels crammed, & neither quiet nor [2] comfort I should think. It may be finer or grander scenery than Kandersteg, but it will certainly be not so varied. When I first went to Switzerland with G. Silk³ we walked from Chamounix to Martiguy, & must have passed through Argentiere. My recollection is that the country was bare, & not nearly so beautiful & varied as that around Kandersteg.

From Lausanne you would have 40 miles of rail to Martiguy & then a carriage or mules to Argentiere, a long [3] days walk, though a fine one the Tete Noir — and you would probably have to sleep somewhere on the way unless you could manage to reach Lausanne in the morning. So it would probably come to £6 — for ^with the two journeys additional?.

Then in August all the Hotels are dear and I shall be greatly surprised if you can be taken for less than 6 or 7 francs a day. Best write & enquire. Of course Ma⁴ can come with you when you have arranged it all, but I think she would prefer Meyringen. If you want a cheap place [4] the nearest & cheapest in Ormontes Dessus, near Aigle at head of Lake Geneva and about 30 miles beyond Lausanne. My guidebook says there are Pensions there at 4 and 5 francs. It is a grand & beautiful valley, with splendid precipices &c. As it is not for beyond Moutreux the Mussons⁵ would know all about it, & you might write to them.

The garden is looking pretty now with Irises, Azaleas, Roses, poppies, lupins &c. &c..

Let us know where you went with Will.⁶

Your affectionate Pa | Alfred R. Wallace [signature]

I send 6 zoo tickets for any day — Kind regards to Eleanor.⁷