Pray give my kindest remembrances to Mrs. Wallace, and if my wife were
at home she would cordially join in this.--Yours very sincerely,
CH. DARWIN.
I have had this morning a capital letter from Walsh of Illinois; but
details too long to give.
* * * * *
Among Wallace's papers was found the following draft of a letter of his
to Darwin:
_9 St. Mark's Crescent, N.W. September 18, 1868._
Dear Darwin,--The more I think of your views as to the colours of
females, the more difficulty I find in accepting them, and as you are
now working at the subject I hope it will not interrupt you to hear
"counsel on the other side."
I have a "general" and a "special" argument to submit.
1. Female birds and insects are generally exposed to more danger than
the male, and in the case of insects their existence is necessary for a
longer period.
2. They therefore require in some way or other a special balance of
protection.
3. Now, if the male and female were distinct species, with different
habits and organisations, you would, I think, at once admit that a
difference of colour serving to make that one less conspicuous which
evidently required more protection than the other had been acquired by
Natural Selection.
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