WCP2893

[1]

Kew

30 Dec. [19]07

Dr Alf. R. Wallace F.R.S

My dear Sir

As I sh[oul]d[?] not begin[?] [illeg.] at the Kew Herbarium¹ before Feby 1858 I need[?] no concern in the publications of Mr Spruce's² earlier collections, nor indeed after that date had I much of anything, to do with the incoporation[?] or determination of the Sprucean specimens received for the Herbarium. They could in connection with the Spruce plants was in affecting the late [2 words illeg.] in [illeg.] distributing the specimens in [2] sets for [illeg.].

I [illeg.] their key[?] Spruce's plants specimens come most carefully selected, dried, & packed, extraordinarily so considering the difficulties of all kinds with which he had to checked[?], &, what best[?] of special value, they will be accompanied by beautfiully legible labels giving precisely the information as to locality, habitat, habit, [illeg.], &c. Kew He packed[?] to [illeg.] the dried specimens.³ I really like the duties of a trained collector [illeg.] not have been before[?] date[?]. [3]

The collections were specially rich in [illeg.] species the [illeg.] of which must often have been of considerable difficulty.⁴

Many of these more interesting plants were described by the [illeg.] as [illeg.] in Brooke's "Journal of Botany" & the "[illeg.] Journal of [illeg.]" and in the Linnaen Soc[iet]^y's Journal & [illeg.]. — & by M^r. Builleu[?] & others in Mr. Martins' "[2 words illeg.]"

Sincerely yours | David Oliver [signature]