WCP4518

[1]

Parkstone, Dorset.

April 7th. 1891

My dear Meldola¹

I don’t wonder at your inability to make out what Romanes² is driving at. The only point of importance that I could see is his assumption that all ^simple variations are "absolutely useless"! and that variations can only be useful when many kinds that are coordinated in action arise together. I think it would be well to point out the [2] extreme improbability of this assumption. I believe, & have always urged, that under all average conditions each successful or dominant species has such a surplus of vitality and of adaptability that it can utilise any one variation in slight excess of the mean condition. Moreover several ^coordinated variations do occur together, — as when an individual is generally stronger, or bigger [3] ^or swifter^, than the average, — and the fact that breeders easily improve animals shows that — — either, such coordinated variations occur or, that they may be selected successively.

I have not been in London since last summer, and have been occupied with builders the last 6 months enlarging & improving our little house, — which is now just completed. If you come "touring" anywhere in this [4] neighbourhood pray come & see us. With kind remembrances to your mother & wife,³ & to Mr. & Mrs. Cohen,⁴

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