Dear Sir

I start in ten days or so for the Gold Coast, with the intention of going to Coomassie the capital of Ashanti, and if permitted by the King (which is I fear not very likely) to the country beyond— It is probable that after my return to the coast I may take up my residence for a time at Whydah or Accra—¹

I intend to collect plants for the Kew collection, D^r. Hooker² having provided me with the necessary materials, and zoological specimens of every kind— But it is my desire to collect philosophically: I therefore (having first spoken to M^r. Bates³ about it) venture to write to you to ask whether you would desire me to make any special inquiries either as to the habits of animals or of the natives— Any instructions which you may honour me with shall be faithfully carried out as far as will lie in my powers, and if I remain on the coast a considerable time as is not impossible, the results shall be communicated to you from time to time— If you are too occupied to write, & would prefer to give me hints verbally I shall be happy to call upon you any day you may be pleased to appoint during the next ten days or so—

My merely superficial acquaintance with zoology will I am afraid prevent me from making any investigations of a very minute or elaborate kind, & of botany I have no knowledge— I am best capable perhaps & certainly chiefly desirous of making inquiries relative to the human race, & hope to be able to make measurements on a large scale— But I beg to repeat that I would give my best attention to anything which could aid in elucidating or affording evidence for those grand problems which you are engaged in expounding—

I remain | Yours obediently | W. Winwood Reade