WCP4416

[1]

Broadstone, Dorset.

May 31st. 1903

My dear Poulton¹

Many thanks for your letter² & photo. of C. album[.] It is a charming little bit of protective marking. But it is only fit for the initiated like ourselves, who have gazed on the inner shrine of nature and obtained glimpses of the delicacy of her adaptations. The species-making Philistines and laboratory-working gnomes will have none of it, & will laugh you to scorn!

I suppose Meldola³ told [2] you of ^the charming "lodge in a wilderness" I have got here in which to end my days on earth. I assure you I am enjoying it, perhaps more than I should ever have done at an earlier period. Should you ever visit Bournemouth, or any other part within 20 miles of us, pray come & see our Bungalow & our view. Should you happen to know of anyone looking [3] out for a site in the South send them to me, as there are 2 or 3 charming bits adjoining I want someone to join me in getting, to save from the ^speculative builders.

Yours very truly| Alfred R. Wallace [signature]

P.S. I am hard at work on my Astronomo-Biologico-Physico-book,⁴ which is nearly finished & which interests me greatly.

A.R.W.