WCP4994

[1]¹ [p. 16]

"9, St. Mark's Crescent, N.W., Feb. 20th, 1870.

"Dear Sir,—I will to-morrow pay £500 to Messrs. Coutts', on conditions identical with those of your £500, and I will request them to inform you of the fact. When you receive this information I trust you will accept my assurance that I had no other reason for not doing so earlier than that which I have already stated.

"If the weather is milder and clearer, I shall go down to Downham Market on Monday, February 28th, inviting Mr. Carpenter to accompany me if he thinks proper, and then sending for Mr. Walsh on the Tuesday or Wednesday, if the weather is sufficiently favourable.

"I have had much difficulty in getting a telescope of sufficient power. I have one that may do (3 inches object glass and 4 feet long), but should prefer one of 4 inches object glass and five feet long; and these are only made for astronomical purposes. I can only find one in London, and that will not be let out on hire or trial, and only sold (without stand) for £42. I believe, however, I can get the loan of one from Brighton if mine turns out insufficient, and if I cannot get one at Lynn. I have had one telescope on trial already, and found it not good enough.

"Believe me, yours very faithfully,

"ALFRED R. WALLACE.

"John Hampden, Esq."