WCP5446

[1]¹

Thanks for your copy of "Nature" with your paper re Recognition Marks, which I had read. Although the exact purpose of the marking in individual cases can only be determined by observation of the animal’s habits in its native surroundings, yet I feel pretty sure that my general explanation is correct, because the markings agree so closely in general type in so many different groups. I do [2] not think the well-defined patches of white on the neck on the antelope you figure can be of the same nature as the gradually shaded white of the underside of so many mammals & birds as beautifully explained by Thayer².

But I consider it waste of time to discuss each special case in the absence of close outdoor observation. The great number of the ^{cases of} white markings on the wings & tails of birds, & some of the white marks on the tail or rump of mammals, which are concealed [3] except during motion is to me conclusive of the general principle as recognition marks.

Yours very truly | Alfred R. Wallace [signature]