My life : a record of events and opinions - Wallace-online.org

i6oMY LIFEdead.The Crystal Palace is being pulled down, andis being rebuilt on a larger and improved plan by acompany. Loddige's collection of plants has beenbought entire to stock it, and they think by heatingit in the centre to get a gradation of climates, so asto be able to have the plants of different countries,tropical or temperate, in one undivided building.This is Paxton's plan." How I begin to envy you in that glorious countrywhere ' the sun shines for ever unchangeably bright/where farinha abounds, and of bananas and plantainsthere is no lack ! Fifty times since I left Para haveI vowed, if I once reached England, never to trustmyself more on the ocean. But good resolutionssoon fade, and I am already only doubtful whetherthe Andes or the Philippines are to be the scene ofmy next wanderings. However, for six months I ama fixture here in London, as I am determined tomake up for lost time by enjoying myself as much aspossible for awhile. I am fortunate in having about;^200 insured by Mr. Stevens' foresight, so I must becontented, though it is very hard to have nothing toshow of what I took so much pains to procure." I trust you are well and successful. Kindremembrances toeverybody, everywhere, and particularlyto the respectable Senhor Joao de Lima ofSao Joachim."Your very sincere friend,"Alfred R. Wallace."Some of the most alarming incidents, to a landsman,are not mentioned either in this letter or in mypublished "Narrative." The captain had given theonly berths in the cabin to Captain Turner andmyself, he sleeping on a sofa in fine weather, and on