WCP3789

[1]

Waldron Edge, Duppas Hill, Croydon.

March 1st. 1880

Dear Sir¹

I beg to thank you for the copy of your book² which I have read with much pleasure and interest.

Your list of the birds of the Lesser Antilles is very valuable and the new species you have discovered are an important addition to our knowledge of the islands. Unfortunately the general fauna of small islands though very interesting is too poor in species to be profitable to any collector, and I feel sure there is no chance of your receiving any assistance from this country for further explorations [2] in the same region. Our National Museum never employs collectors, and to private individuals there is not sufficient attraction.

If you want to travel again I should recommend some of the less known vallies of the Andes, where you will find all branches of zoology excessively rich and proportionately remunerating.

Wishing you every success | I remain | yours very faithfully | Alfred R. Wallace [signature]

Frederick A. Ober Esq.