Enclosed are two sheets of my progressing little pamphlet. Please do not trouble yourself by reading them, but, if at any time you care to glance over them, I hope you will like them. I had no idea till I set regularly to work what need there was of bringing the matters up-to-date. I think the brochure seems likely to run to about three and a half sheets, with Index. When you come you shall tell me, please, whether you will let me offer some for your class. I should very much like to—and you will tell me too, about Manuals.[[104]]
September 4, 1900.
It was a great pleasure to me to receive both your letters, but I was afraid of intruding too much on your time, so I put off thanking you for them till I received the enclosed proof this morning. It is a real comfort to me that you can approve of my little pamphlet, for I have been very anxious over it, and I hope you will think sheet “D” right. I am delighted to be allowed to send it to you.
At page 33 you will see I have utilised the colouring of the eyes of the Tabanidæ (Gad flies), specially for identification. I do not think this point is much brought forward, and I found it very useful. Many thanks for your two pamphlets and suggestion re dips. I have been studying your S.S.,[[105]] and mean to try to get a little bit into my paper as an addendum. Also I want to study your “Nature Knowledge” [opening lecture to a class of teachers.] I don’t seem to understand this subject yet, and your address, I feel sure, will help me very much.
Yesterday I had a long letter from Mr. E. P. Stebbing, Chittagong, Bengal, accompanying a large pamphlet on “Injurious Insects of Indian Forests,” published by the Indian Government. He wrote that he was taking up the subject of Injurious Insects (agricultural as well as forest), and that the Indian Government having “put him on special duties for two years to tackle the question,” he wanted me to advise him on a number of points. I am sure I do not feel competent. However, I wrote him as well as I could, and had to look up the shorthand writer we have talked about, and get him to put it in typewritten form—so I helped myself, at least. When I get the copies I propose just to put one in an envelope for you to see what I have been suggesting. But I only send it because you are so very importantly engaged in Indian, &c., work. I should like you to be able to look at it, if you like, but only if you like. Pray put it in the rubbish basket if it is the least trouble.
September 25, 1900.
Here is “Prevention and Remedies,” and the other odds and ends for “Stock Flies.”
“The picture” has come, and I think that as Mr. Elliott said, it is really a “great success.” I hardly know how to comment on my own appearance, but if you should be writing to Dr. MacDougall he would tell you about it. I almost think I shall be glad when it goes on, it is such a curious feeling to have my own eyes looking at me so steadily. I suppose when we get into the next month I may write in form to Dr. Taylor, to inquire if I may be permitted to ask acceptance.
I very much enjoyed Dr. MacDougall’s visit. We talked Entomology most pleasantly, and I think arranged very satisfactorily all necessary preliminaries for our proposed Forest Insect book. The little visits which have been given me this summer have helped me very much, as well as being a great enjoyment—though none so much as yours—and it is a fact, as you mention, that if the ladies come too, it perplexes the talk very much! I want to learn all I can in the time.
September 27, 1900.