Dear Sir

I have just received from Mess^rs De La Rue a letter enclosing one from you acknowledging the receipt of a copy of “Jungle Life” which was forwarded to you by my direction¹

I have been encouraged to offer the copy for your acceptance in consequence of the favourable notice which the work has received from over twenty Reviewers both in England & India; and at the same time in recognition of the benefits I have received from the study of your works²

The particular branch of Zoology to which I have given most attention is Geographical Distribution and my collections are extensive including about 1000 species of birds—besides mammals, insects & shells &c

Should I return to India as I expect to be obliged to do in about six months, I shall ever be ready to conduct any line of inquiry or investigation, so far as I am able, with which you may think fit to entrust me.

I am anxious however to leave India in consequence of the Government refusing to relax the harsh rules under which Geologists have to serve namely thirty years active field work are required to secure a very small pension³

Yours faithfully | V. Ball