Your very kind letter to me of a few weeks back was a sincere grief to me in its information of your abiding sorrow under the heavy affliction with which it has pleased our Father to visit you.[[79]] I scarcely know how to write to you, for it would be presumptuous in me to endeavour to enter to you on the only sources of consolation, which, in my own great loss, you placed so comfortably before me; but, believe me, I earnestly sympathise in your affliction, and earnestly hope that any arrangement you make may be to your comfort. I am much pleased to see in the paper of which you have kindly sent me a copy, that great care is being taken, that, so far as may be, you shall have a worthy successor in the office you have so honourably held for so many years [Head Master of Trinity College School, Port Hope].
I do not often hear from Canada, for Dr. Fletcher is so occupied and has to move about so much, that he has not time to give me the bits of entomological novelties he used to form most interesting letters with. I am trying this season to get my applicants to fill up their observations to some degree. Rather an undertaking this, you will believe! But I am getting a few new (or rather little brought forward) infestations.
The Cidaria dotata, sometimes called the “Spinach moth’ is, I think, of interest at present.
I am sure that when you move to a new home you will kindly let me have your address, for I should be very sorry not to be allowed to still look forward to our occasional interchange of pleasant friendly communications, and with my very kind remembrances and most sincere good wishes, pray believe me, most sincerely yours,
Eleanor A. Ormerod.
From Newman’s “British Moths,”
p. [193].
FIG. 57.—“SPINACH MOTH,” CIDARIA DOTATA, LINN.
CHAPTER XXI
LETTERS TO DRS. RITZEMA BOS, SCHÖYEN, REUTER AND NALEPA, MR. LOUNSBURY AND MR. FULLER
Eel-worms—Lady-birds—Wheat midges—Resignation from the Royal Agricultural Society—Wasps—Study of Norwegian and Swedish—Gall mites—Boot beetles—Experience of publishing.