WCP4775

[1]

Parkstone, Dorset.

Feb[ruar]^y. 7^th. 1890

Dear Mr. Birks

If I said 4.35 I made a mistake. The train is due at Sheffield at 4.43. Can you be as good as to see that there is a good shaded reading lamp for me. A candle, such as is usually provided, will not do, as I cannot see my notes with such ^{a light,} & the Lecture suffers. A common low paraffin lamp is the best, well shaded, in a box, to be completely hidden from the audience, and with an opaque paper shade [2] to throw a good light on my notes. I should like to see this lamp & table &c. as soon as I arrive, & give the operator instructions as to the slides &c.

Either tea or dinner will suit me, whichever you are accustomed to have, but, if convenient, I should like it not later than 6 [o’clock], as the lecture is, I see, at 7.30. If dinner I should be glad of a cup of tea in returning from the lecture.

[3] Thanking you for your kind consideration.

I remain | Yours very faithfully | Alfred R. Wallace — [signature]

Edward Birks Esq¹