WCP4396

[1]

Parkstone, Dorset.

July 9^th. 1894

My dear Poulton¹

I have been away in S. Devon the last ten days or should have replied before to your letter² & kind invitation. I do not intend coming to the Brit. Ass^n. having long given it up, & this year especially I would avoid it, because I consider that the Association has, once again, degraded itself by giving to title what should be a recognition of the highest scientific eminence.

[2] I am glad you are taking up mimickry seriously in the Museum. I am sure it will make one of the most instructive & generally attractive exhibitions. I do not see any difficulty in the mode of arrangement, which would naturally be — to take the Subjects of Mimicry in Systematic order, and to arrange the mimicking species of each Continent, also systematically — as roughly indicated in Enclosed paper.

The Papilionidae ^{& Pieridae} which are the subjects of mimickry would be treated in the same way — then the Nymphalidae — some of the Catagrammas apparently mimicking [3] or being mimicked by, other genera in S. America. Then the Hymenoptera & Coleoptera which are mimicked, & so on. The arrangement in Columns, as in ordinary collections will I think be best, & will be both scientific & easily intelligible if thoroughly labelled & explained.

As you go on with your work I should think many collectors would give specimens from their duplicates. Salvin³ & Godman⁴ have enormous series, and many foreign [4] residents or travellers would add to a collection which will be at first quite unique.

The plan I suggest I see agrees with your scientific method. The mimickers of the Danaidae, & Heliconidae, & Acraeidae alone will form a very long series & require many cases or drawers. If in cases (table or upright) they should have opaque spring blinds over each to preserve colours, so arranged that the blind can be pulled down or up, but will at once resume its place on being released. It would be a great pity to have such a collection spoilt by exposure to light.

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