WCP5001

[1]¹ [p. 41]

Grays, Essex, July 14, 1873.

To the Editor of the Zetetic.

Sir,—You have sent me your issue for July, containing a mis-statement with respect to myself. I never "agreed to try the boat experiment," and had never heard such an experiment proposed till after the trial referred to.

As to the challenge to try such an experiment, I have no hesitation in admitting it to be a conclusive one, and will cheerfully abide the result of the trial with any impartial judges to decide whether the boat continues to be seen or not. But I would not accept the dictum of any person unaccustomed to the use of the telescope, because it requires practice to distinguish between small objects at such a distance and so near the surface.

I propose therefore that you should invite any professional land surveyor or civil engineer from the neighbourhood to decide the simple question of fact whether the boat in question remains visible at a distance of six miles under the conditions named by you, the telescope being one quite capable of rendering it visible when taken to a sufficient elevation.

I will ask Mr. Coulcher, of Downham, to represent me, so far as to see that the experiment is fairly tried; the statement of the surveyor on the [2] [p. 42] matter of fact being agreed to be accepted by us both.

I also agree to pay half the surveyor's fee.

ALFRED R. WALLACE.