WCP5522

[1]

Broadstone, Dorset

August 19^th. 1903

W. Schaus Esq[uire].

Dear Sir

I have been informed that you are a collector of Lepidoptera¹, and my friend Prof[essor] Poulton² of Oxford suggested that I should write to you about a young friend of mine — a enthusiastic naturalist who wishes to go to some tropical country to collect, — but as he has not means to obtain employment as a collector of any required group of insects &c. The country that [2] appears to be least known entomologically & that can be easily reached, in the Islands of Hayti [sic]; & the Republic of San Domingo, seems to be the part most accessible and safest for Europeans.

Mr. Frederick Birch can have the best testimonials as a collector and for his integrity, perseverance & other qualities requisite for success. He is a skilled mechanic in wood & iron — & would probably be able to earn something ^{in this way} but would much prefer to be able [3] to give his whole time to collecting.

Should you be able to help him in any way I shall be glad to hear from you.

Believe me | Yours truly | Alfred R. Wallace [signature]

(author of — the Malay Archipelago Darwinism &c. &c.)