WCP5480

[1]

Parkstone, Dorset

August 14th. 1893

My Dear Swinton

I have sent the stone axe fragment to Miss Shore¹ with a note. I could get no definite opinion about it either from Australia or here, except, that, being ground smooth, exactly like native axes now used, it cannot be so old as the gold drift. I think I told you this before (I do not agree with this.)

I have written to Mr Glendinning² about the photos sent me. Without details of precautions &c. they are valueless as they have all the characters of frauds, & it is a pity [2] that he let any copies go out of his possession without the exact mode of taking them written or printed on back of each, with his name & address. The figure is evidently made up, the face being from a cast or statue, the holes for the pupils of the eyes being visible with a lens. The hair & drapery seem real. They are exactly like artist’s lay-figures dressed up with a plaster bust for head, with a wig of real hair. Of course this does not in the least diminish the marvel, if no such image could get on the plate by normal means. The baby seems a portrait of a real baby — fleshly or spiritual.

I am glad to hear you are going [3] to build on your land at last. It will be a good investment if you do not want to occupy it, as pretty houses in such a situation are sure to let well. But when built I expect Mrs. Swinton will enjoy it.

I have had a letter from D^r. Hertzka³ asking me to be a Vice President of his Society.⁴ I shall stipulate it is to be honorary. I did not go to see H.V. Mills’ Colony⁵ because when at Ambleside every fine day was occupied with excursions, & it would have taken a day to find ^{and reach} the place, & then Mills might not have been there. Many places we would have liked to have seen were left unvisited for want of [4] time. My sister is I fear very ill.⁶ She has tumours on her neck & her doctor thinks they are very serious. A specialist is going to see them & I am waiting his report. She could probably not stand an operation.

With best wishes | Believe me | yours very sincerely | Alfred R. Wallace [signature]