WCP3581

[1]

Frith Hill, Godalming.

Jan[uar]^y 25. 1883

Dear Mr. Galton

I have been intending to write to you this long time to ask you whether you cannot get the R.G.S.¹ to issue an edition of the Scientific Lectures, in one volume. I myself consider the series of lectures of great value, and I am sure there would be a sale for them if issued in a collected form. The mere value of the Authors would make them sell to the public. Now it is impossible [2] for them to be more inconveniently scattered — One in the "Journal" the rest in the "Proceedings" — but divided between the two series of different sizes. (I greatly regretted that increased size of the Proceedings).

Now for another matter in which I know you are interested — the Ordinance Maps. Have you noticed that the New Issue (1 inch scale) is very inferior in accuracy & topographical detail to the old [3] Maps? I have noticed numerous cases. In the New Forest for example metalled roads & mere forest tracks & paths are shown alike & that it is often impossible to know where you are. And here, the other day, I found a road marked as crossed by a river (without a bridge) I thought it would be a ford, but found a good old stone bridge, which is properly indicated on the Old Map, but slurred over as none-existent on the New! [4] The junctions of roads & the careful delineation of open plots, triangular greens &c which were always accurately indicated in the old maps are often so carelessly drawn as to be unrecognisable or even altogether omitted in the New. This is too bad & ought to be noticed.

I greatly miss the Hill Shading in the new maps. That might have been kept with the contour lines in another tint.

Yours Faithfully | Alfred R. Wallace [signature]

F. Galton Esq.