WCP4356

[1]

Frith Hill, Godalming

Nov[ember] 8^th 1888

Dear Mr. Poulton

I return herewith (but separately) the "proofs" I have of Weismann’s Essays. The last critical one is rather heavy & adds nothing of importance to the earlier one on Duration of Life. I enclose my "Note" on the subject which was written, I think, about 1867 certainly before 1870. You will see it was only a few ideas jotted down for further elaboration [2] & then forgotten. I see however it does contain the germ of Weismann’s argument as to duration of life being determined by time of securing continuance of the species.

Yours very truly| Alfred R. Wallace [signature]

P.S. You can make a plate of the Mantis if you like, & I do not think there is any need to apply to Wood-Mason for permission, as he sent me the drawings without any [3]¹ stipulations. I sh[oul]d much like to have it for my book, but I am afraid of the expense. Nothing was said about the plant, & I think it is of no importance, as butterflies cannot be supposed to be botanists enough to notice the foliage which goes with every flower. I fancy the Mantis settles on any mass of green foliage, & then looks sufficiently like a flower.

A.R.W. [signature]

I will not trouble you to send me more of Weismann’s Proofs unless there is any point discussed that you think will specially interest me.

ARW [signature]