WCP3814

[1]

Waldron Edge, Duppas Hill,

Croydon

Oct^r. 27th. 1878

My dear Sir Joseph¹

The "Epping Forest Committee" have got an idea that no "scientific man" is required, and a further idea that I should work to make "a Kew Gardens" of it ^{the Forest} ! To counteract this idea, and to explain what I think should be done in order to deal best with the forest, and take full advantage of the grand opportunity now afforded, I have written an article in the forthcoming "Fortnightly Review",²— which I sincerely trust [2] will meet with your approval.

I shall send copies of this article to the members of the Committee; and try & excite public interest in the subject through the press. There is however a mode of influencing the Committee that would probably be most effectual, and in which I think you can help me. The "Epping Forest Act 1878" under which the Committee are appointed, also requires a Ranger to be appointed by the Crown. to have a veto on all Appointments, Bye laws &c. It is [3] said the Duke of Connaught³ is to be Ranger. The Act also (Sectⁿ. 37 and 42) named the "First Commissioner of Works" as the official adviser of the Ranger, and as I believe you are on very good terms with Mr. Noel⁴ perhaps you could interest him in my plan for the restoration & improvement of the Forest, and if through his advice the Ranger were to give a hint to the Committee of his wishes as to some such plan as mine being carried out, & my being entrusted [4] with the work I have very little doubt that ^it would be at once attended to.

If after having read my article you would take the earliest opportunity of speaking on the subject to the "First Commissioner of Works" you could confer on me a favour for which I should be very grateful.

Believe me | yours very faithfully | Alfred R. Wallace [signature]

Sir Joseph Hooker C. B. Pres. R. Soc.