WCP4128

[1]

Parkstone, Dorset

Feb[ruar]^y 17th. 1898

Edmund Gosse Esq.

Dear Sir

Many thanks for your references. I have got the Botanic Garden, but it is so full of Gnomes & Nymphs & Godesses[sic], as to make any quotations almost ridiculous. I have got one ^{from it} however, & having now two or three friends looking out I dare say I shall get what I want.

Pray don’t think my book is to be a great one— except in the subject. It will be a [2] mere check, but I have tried to make it both interesting & instructive.

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