WCP4190

[1]

Old Orchard,

Broadstone,

Wimborne.

Dec^r. 22nd 1909

Dr E. J. G. Hartert.¹

Dear D^r Hartert

About 11 years ago I think you gave me 900, as being the probable total of known Papuan Birds. Can you without much trouble, give me the approximate number now known? I should like to have the number for New Guinea alone, or with Aru Is. & Mysol, and Waigiou, but not with the Islands East of New Guinea.

Also, if you can give me the latest estimate of the Birds of Australia and those of the Phillippines, as I [2] have no means here of getting at those figures, which I want for a book I have in hand.

Do not trouble about minute accuracy, as any estimate within the last 4-5 years will answer my purpose.

I should like however to know whether the numbers include all the sub-species & local forms, &c. as in Sharpe's² Hand List,³— or the more restricted "Species" as in Sclater's⁴ works.

I had a bad eye inflammation this summer which stopped [3] all work, but I am now fairly well again.

Yours very truly | Alfred R. Wallace [signature]