WCP4029

[1]

Holly House, Barking, E.

Dec^r. 28th. 1870

Dear Newton¹

Many thanks for your list & information. I have thought of such a book this two years & have even begun it and written several chapters, but got stopped by finding that it would be a work or work of years to do it at all thoroughly. I had just thought of a comparatively short manual such as you suggest, but Darwin² was horrified at my thinking of writing a small book on such a vast subject,— & that put me off. However I shall think of [2] it again.

Maps are a difficulty. There must be plenty of them for such a work, & they must not be coloured, to be moderate in price. In a small book too, they must be very small unless folded which for many maps would I think be most objectionable.

I shall be glad of any hints from you. I will try and attend the next Zool. Meeting.

With Compliments of the Season | Believe me | yours &c | Alfred R. Wallace [signature]

Prof A. Newton.

[3] P.S. I think such a Book should include all Zoology. But in the invertebrata it must be necessarily very brief.

A.W.

[4]³