We are having an extraordinarily mild winter, and vegetation is said in some places to be one or two months over-forward. Of course insects are plying their trades heartily underground, but (so far) I do not see any difference in amount of above-ground appearances. If this is so generally, would it be too far-fetched an idea to think it was a still further confirmation of hibernation being constitutional, not an effect of weather? The underground workers that are sent me are larval “eaters” when not frozen torpid; also Tylenchus devastatrix (eel-worm) is, I believe, making wild work with clover, which is popularly attributed to Sitones (Pea-weevil) larvæ. I found the little eel-worm (fig. [47]) in quantities in abortive shoots of “stem-sick” clover sent me, and I am giving warning about it.
January 7, 1900.
I am very much gratified that you approve of the Index to my Annual Reports. You will believe that it was a weary work to make up our minds what arrangement would be desirable. The time and sight that I worse than wasted on it was incredible, for, I believe, I really complicated matters very much, and doctor, and business manager (Mr. T. P. Newman) spoke so seriously that I left off meddling, and I think Mr. Newstead did the work well.
I now very gladly forward a copy by book post, and I should be only too pleased to send any copies that may be desired. My hope is that besides being just a paged reference list, it may stand for a sort of up-to-date “catalogue raisonné” of British Economic Insect attacks.
June 12, 1900.
I have owed you an answer to your kind letter so long that on receipt this evening of your very valuable pamphlet, which I am delighted to possess, I sit down at once to write.
I promise myself a great deal of information from your “Recent Additions,” which is obviously of quite exceptional value. What you say of the number of injurious insects being greater, as well as the number of species, is very interesting. I am hoping to utilise the reports of forest insects which have been sent me up to date, in co-operation with Dr. R. Stewart MacDougall, the consulting Entomologist of the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland. I have much information scattered in my Annual Reports, but I have not strength to work it and attend at the same time (as I wish to do) to regular application, so we are thinking that, as a “Text-book of Forestry” is much needed for University use, we might work together; that is, Dr. MacDougall to take the heavy scientific part, as his engagements allow, and I to add what I can to the entomological notes which he has been collecting for years, and also give the figures. I should like this collaboration very much. Mr. Robert Wallace, the Professor of Agriculture in the Edinburgh University (an old friend of mine), is a very kind ally, and now I do not feel so very lonely in my work. By parcel post (posted with this letter) I am sending a photo of myself, taken in Doctor’s robes, for your kind acceptance; I hope you will approve of the appearance of your old friend in her new dress! With very kind remembrances and good wishes, pray believe me, ever sincerely yours,
Eleanor A. Ormerod, LL.D.
To the Rev. Dr. C. J. S. Bethune, Editor of “The Canadian Entomologist.”
Torrington House, St. Albans, England,