SIR C. LYELL TO A.R. WALLACE
73 Harley Street. March 13, 1869.
Dear Wallace,— ...I am reading your new book,[10] of which you kindly sent me a copy, with very great pleasure. Nothing equal to it has come out since Darwin's "Voyage of the Beagle." ... The history of the Mias is very well done. I am not yet through the first volume, but my wife is deep in the second and much taken with it. It is so rare to be able to depend on the scientific knowledge and accuracy of those who have so much of the wonderful to relate....—Believe me ever most truly yours,
CHA. LYELL.
CANON KINGSLEY TO A.R. WALLACE
Eversley Rectory, Winchfield. May 5, 1869.
My dear Sir,—I am reading—or rather have all but read—your new book,[11] with a delight which I cannot find words to express save those which are commonplace superlatives. Let me felicitate you on having, at last, added to the knowledge of our planet a chapter which has not its equal (as far as I can recollect) since our friend Darwin's "Voyage of the Beagle." Let me, too, compliment you on the modesty and generosity which you have shown, in dedicating your book to Darwin, and speaking of him and his work as you have done. Would that a like unselfish chivalry were more common—I do not say amongst scientific men, for they have it in great abundance, but—in the rest of the community.
May I ask—as a very great favour—to be allowed to call on you some day in London, and to see your insects? I and my daughter are soon, I hope, going to the West Indies, for plants and insects, among other things; and the young lady might learn much of typical forms from one glance at your treasures. [pg 031]
I send this letter by our friend Bates—being ignorant of your address.—Believe me, my dear Sir, ever yours faithfully,