WCP3581

[1]¹

Frith Hill, Godalming.

Jan^y 25. 1883

Dear Mr. Galton²

I have been intending to write to you this long time to ask you whether you cannot get the R. G. S. 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 names 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 non-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.