Home Life 



'' Dicky-bird Lodge." Bath fixed, but waiting to be var- 

 nished — luxurious ! . . . 



Dr. Wallace had already received four medals from 

 various scientific societies, and at our suggestion he had 

 a case made to hold them all, which is referred to in the 

 following letter. The two new medals mentioned were 

 those of the Koyal Geographical and Linnean Societies. 

 He attached very little importance to honours conferred 

 upon himself, except in so far as they showed acceptance 

 of " the truth," as he called it. 



To Miss Violet Wallace 



Parkstone, Dorset. April 3, 1892. 



My dear Violet, — ... I have got J. G. Wood's book 

 on the horse. It is very good ; I think the best book he 

 has written, as his heart was evidently in it. . . . 



A dreadful thing has happened I Just as I have had 

 my medal-case made, " regardless of expense," they are 

 going to give me another medal ! Hadn't I better decline 

 it, with thanks ? '' No room for more medals " ! ! — Your 

 affectionate papa, Alfred K. Wallace. 



P.S. — A poor man came here last night (Saturday) with 

 a basket of primrose roots — had carried them eight miles, 

 couldn't sell one in Poole or Parkstone — was 64 years old 

 — couldn't get any work to do — had no home, etc. So, 

 though I do not approve of digging up primrose roots as 

 a trade, I gave him Is. 6d. for them, pitying him as one 

 of the countless victims of landlordism. — A. K. W. 



A poor man was sentenced to fourteen days' hard 

 labour last week for picking snowdrops in Charborough 

 Park. Shame!— A. R. W., Pres. L. N. Society. 



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