WCP306

[1]

Parkstone, Dorset.

Feb. 22nd. 1898

My dear Violet

I am glad your London affair is settled. I think you had better give [1 word illeg crossed out] notice at once, and it is not advisable to say anything to offend any of them. I enclose a rough draft which I think is the kind of thing that will be best.

I am just finishing off this "Century." I had copied out the last verse from Longfellow¹, which you can send me. The others I think I have already got verses for. Mr. Mott² has written me two very nice, & I hope will do more. The chapters I now want mottoes for most are

1 Chemistry, 2 Machinery (Sewing-machine & Type-writer), Physiology (cells, antiseptics, anaesthetics.)

[2] We had a heavy snow all last night, it is more than a foot deep & has broken the top off the Eucalyptus tree!

If you can find anything that will do for those three subjects please send me at once or at all events in a week or two, as I can use it in the proofs if better than what I get before.

Do you know anyone who can suggest a good emblematical design for the cover of "The Wonderful Century"? Something striking yet simple and intelligible. I have not written to Mrs. Fisher³ about proofs, as [3] Mr. Chant, will read them, & as he has plenty of time & has a very good knowledge of science I think he can do it best. We shall be able to discuss together any suggestions, which will be an advantage. He found out a stupid newsprint on the Vaccination which nobody else noticed.

I enclose Will’s⁴ last p[ost] card about his poor nose!

Your affectionate Pa | Alfred R. Wallace [signature]

I sent you the "Vaccination" last week, with a letter.