WCP6597

[1]

Parkstone, Dorset.

Sept. 5th. 1896

My dear Clement Reid

Of course I agree with your Report and request for the grant to be renewed. The phrase about the snake is very vague. What does "seen" mean ? Where, & how, & when, did he see it? Has he a specimen ? You will be asked about this. If, as I suppose, he saw a dead or mutilated specimen why does he (& you) not say that he has such a specimen [?]

I sent you a copy of my Gorge of Aar paper to Dorchester. [2] I hope you got it. I had a very interesting 3 weeks in Switzerland this year, at Davos and Adelboden — the latter ^place just under the Wildstrubbel [Wildstrubel] ^{& Gemmi} is the most varied & picturesque Swiss valley I have seen.

Ridley has sent me a large box of Orchids, but so badly packed, & such poor or unhealthy plants that almost all arrived dead ^{or smashed}. I have asked him to send few at a time by post for the future.

I hope the coral-island expedition is getting on all right. [3]

When passing this way to London give us a call & have a bed.

As to asking for "more" for Ridley, is it likely they will give it when nothing has yet been done ? £40 will go a good way in native labour. Still £10 more might be asked for, for bottles & spirits for the White Snakes !

Your very truly | Alfred R. Wallace [signature]

Clement Reid Esq. F.G.S.