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reading. He remained at the school until he attained the age of 14, and some of his impressions of his schooling and of the town and neighbourhood are reproduced in the appended article from the pen of Mr. William Graveson :—

Twenty years ago, when the Hertford Literary and Debating Society was in its palmy days numbering amongst its lecturers the then Master of Balliol and the late Earl Cowper, it was suggested that an attempt should be made to secure the services of the most famous of Hertfordians, and I was deputed to write to Alfred Russel Wallace, and ask him to lecture to its members. It was a bold thing to do, but in those days the committee attempted venturous flights, and not infrequently succeeded. The answer eagerly awaited came just after Christmas and the letter—one of the most prized I have—is now before me. It was as follows:

Dear Sir,—Although I should like to see Hertford again I am now living so far away that it is not probable I shall do so. I rarely go to London more than once a year, and then only on buisness and leave it as soon as I can. I am afraid, therefore, I must decline the invitation of your Society.—Believe me, yours very faithfully.

Alfred R. Wallace

Parkstone, Dorset

December 26 1892