WCP3398

[1]

Broadstone, Wimborne

Feb[uar]^y 6th. 1907

Messrs Macmillan & Co.¹

Dear Sirs

When Dr. Spruce² was in Quito, in 1858, he obtained from a native Indian artist a series of 44 coloured drawings illustrating the "Costumes and Customs of Quito" and of the people of Ecuador and Peru generally. These he sent to his friend and neighbour Mr. John Teasdale, who at his death left them to his son, John Teasdale Esq. Solicitor, York. For some years These have been mislaid and only a few days back were found by Mr. Teasdale, and have been [2] sent to me Today, for use, if thought suitable, to illustrate the Journals & Letters I am preparing for publication by you.

On examining them today with my wife, son, and daughter, we all think they are so highly characteristic, though crude as works of art, that most if not all of them deserve to be reproduced; and Mr. Teasdale is willing They shall be so used if he is guaranteed that they be returned to him uninjured. Although some of them may have been brought to Europe by travellers, it seems probable [3] that the complete set may be unique in England. No doubt any art-expert would know.

The colouring is very vivid and natural, and if they could be will reproduced at not too great cost, I think they would be a valuable addition to the book.

Mr. Teasdale would not let them go out of his possession without a guarantee of their return to him, or on default pay him £20, which I have given him. The size of the drawings are is about 6½ x 5 inches — a few somewhat larger.

I now write to ask if I shall send them to you (Registered as of £20 value) and if you will [4] either return them to me ^{at once} if you decide not to use them, & if you do use them give me a similar guarantee for their return. I presume you can get them insured during the work of reproduction, or have that done on your own premise I see such beautiful colour prints of birds, butterflies &c. as well as of landscapes and figures that I presume these can be well done.

I am getting materials together, having nearly 100 letters copied, which are at Kew, and many to private friends, as well as notes & Journals, which I think will make an interesting as well as a very valuable work — which may extend to 2 volumes.

Yours very truly | Alfred R. Wallace [signature]