WCP318

[1]

Parkstone, Dorset.

Dec^r. 1st. 1898

My dear Violet

The enclosed was sent to us to direct, & open, for us to enclose another, so as yours, so melancholy! has arrived this morning I will write a few words. First I congratulate you on having a week or two of quiet free from the irresponsible and frivolous? chatter of Frau Rektor. It will be quite a rest, and you will be able to go where you like, do what you like, write articles and skin beasteses[?]. We had a letter from Will¹ today. He seems to have had no luck shooting or trapping yet, and most of his ^time is spent in wood-cutting, cooking, going to the P[ost]. Office &c. &c.

We have just read "On the Face of the Waters" and have found it very long & wearisome with the long long conversations of the natives about nothing intelligible. I call it greatly over-praised. "The Red Badge of Courage" on the other hand, though only an account of one battle lasting two days, is a marvelously [2] realistic work — almost a work of genius I have not a "Wonderful Century" to spare and it is very heavy, but we will send you some other books for ‘Xmas.

Mr. Hudson² has been staying a day or two with Dr. Geikie³ and yesterday afternoon he called, and we had a two hours talk. He is very talk dark and grizzly, something like Dr. Spruce⁴ but more hawk-faced, very quiet, but pleasant & free in speech. We got on well directly, and talked about his books, and birds, snakes, spiders &c. He is a strong antivaccinationist since he came to England, and has seen several bad results on children of his friends. He appears to be badly off and writes for a living, & has written several novels and tales under another name. We talked a good deal about migration as to which he is rather shakying, believing in birds having a "sense of direction", travelling accurately N. & S. &c. &c.! I asked him to come again when he comes to this [3] part which he does often. He also believes (as I do) in vipers running down their mother’s throats, and has written about it in the "Saturday Review". I suppose Mr. Ackland is gone or going as you say nothing more about him. You have told us nothing yet about the schools and where the children come from!

I will send you the last "Clarion" tomorrow. Keep up your spirits & consider Will’s loneliness, in the dismal wilds with coyotes howling around at night!

Your affectionate Pa | Alfred R. Wallace [signature]