the “ultra-indigenous” ones, but) those which have apparently found their way thither by natural processes, & before the period of colonisation,—regarding those which have arrived through human agencies (whether recently or not) as, in a general sense, “introduced”.—

Therefore in all generalisations (except to prove certain special propositions) I would, as the safer plan, consider the Fauna (as stated in my foot-note) in its 2-fold light,—i.e., as composed of asterisked & unasterisked species (or “imported” & “indigenous”, in a general sense). ²

I was not aware that varieties occurred more in large genera than in small ones,—except from the á priori certainty, that where there are more species to vary, there must naturally be more varieties.—³ I do not know what book to recommend you, about varieties. Stephens is utterly worthless (mere waste paper).⁴ Perhaps old Gyllenhal’s Ins. Suecica would be your best, for he is a most careful & good describer, & notes his varieties well.⁵ Some of his “varieties” have perhaps, since his day, been established as species; nevertheless upon the whole he is careful & sound, & usually notices varieties, where they are at all well-marked: & I s^d. think therefore as the book is extensive (4 vols.), any deductions from so large a superficies would stand a chance of being correct. ⁶

But I must really conclude this perfectly horrid & disreputable scrawl, for I am starting early tom. morning, & have nearly all my packing &c to do. A line here will always find me; but if you have anything to say immediately, “at the Rev^d. J.  F. Dawson’s, Woodlands, Bedford”⁸ will be my address till Friday. Whilst in Ireland I shall not have much opportunity for writing.

Your’s very sincerely | T V Wollaston.