WCP6976

[1] [p. 43]

Reply.

24, Leighton Road, Kentish Town, London, July 28, 1873

A.R. Wallace, Esq.

Sir, — I have resided for months altogether, both in summer and in winter, within a hundred yards of the Bedford Canal, and have found that I could very often make important observations throughout the season between April and October. In the early morning, when the sun is shining from the east, an object like a boat can be readily seen — when sailing westerly; and in the evening, when the sun-light falls from the west, a boat going towards the east is very distinct.

I propose, therefore, that there be no delay; but that as early as possible the experiment shall be made on any find morning from the Downham end of the Canal — the boat sailing towards Welney Bridge. The boat and its flag will then be illuminated by the morning sun-light — during the whole six miles — the very best condition of things which can exist for us. Of course there are chances the vapours will interfere; but as these do not generally rise until the sun has been up for a considerable time, we may in nine cases out of ten, perhaps, accomplish our purpose soon after sun-rise.

I therefore hope that Mr. Coulcher will, at once, engage with a local surveyor, and that we proceed without delay to the settlement of the very important problem before us.

Will you favour me with Mr. Coulcher's proper address that I may write to him direct?

Yours, &c., "PARALLAX"

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The Dell, Grays, Essex, July 29, 1873

To "Parallax"

Sir,— Mr. C's address is "M.W.B.Coulcher Esq., Surgeon, Downham". He will be engaged next week, being subpoened to the Norwich Assizes.

Yours truly, | ALFRED R. WALLACE

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24, Leighton Road, Kentish Town, London, July 30, 1873

To M.W.B.Coulcher, Esq., Surgeon.

Sir, — Mr. Wallace will have informed you respecting an experiment to be tried on the Bedford Canal. This morning he has given me your address that I might communicate with you direct. I am anxious that we shall decide the matter at issue as early as possible; and therefore hope that you will engage a local surveyor at once. On doing so let me have his name and address, that I may write to him and make definite arrangements.

Yours, &c., "PARALLAX."

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Downham Market, Norfolk, July 30, 1873

To "Parallax."

Dear Sir,— I have received a letter from Mr. Wallace asking me to act for him in the boat experiment — as proposed by you in the last number of Zetetic, which I agree to.

I cannot succeed this week in getting a surveyor either at Lynn or Wisbeach. Next Monday, and perhaps two or three days after that, I must be as a witness at Norwich Assizes — therefore I don't see that I can be present before the second week of August, or, at any rate, till Friday or Saturday of next week. However I have better be certain about the surveyor first, and let you know the result.

I am, yours truly, | M.W.B.Coulcher, Surgeon, &c.

Reply.

24, Leighton Road, Kentish Town, London, July 31, 1873

To M.W.B.Coulcher, Esq., Surgeon.

Dear Sir,— Yours of yesterday to hand this morning. I am sorry that any delay should occur, but as it seems unavoidable we must do the best we can. I have suspended the publication of the Zetetic until the matter is settled and am naturally anxious that we shall be able to send forth the result as early as possible. I propose that, as your engagement at the Norwich Assizes will occupy your attention till nearly the end of next week, we fix the time for making the experiment for Tuesday morning, the 12th of August, soon after sun-rise. The observations to be made from the end of the Canal which opens into the River Ouse, and next to Downham Market. I hope you will engage a surveyor as soon as you possibly can and will try to meet this engagement.

Yours, &c., "PARALLAX"

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Downham Market, Norfolk, August 7, 1873

To "Parallax."

Dear Sir,— I am just home, and may be in time for this morning's post.

I am quite in the dark as to the mode of conducting the experiment, but suppose the plan mentioned in the Zetetic for last month will be mainly adhered to.

Will you inform me as to the remuneration of the surveyor, and by whom it is to be borne — if