I was very much surprised yesterday to receive about six dozen large Plant bugs,[[106]] with a communication from the Chinese Minister Plenipotentiary (in London), over his own signature, begging for information as to how to prevent their ravages in the lee-chee orchards in China. It seems very odd (in the present state of affairs especially) that the Chinese Government should consult me.[[107]] However, the treatment wanted was plain, so I hope I did not do wrong in replying as he wished.
October 16, 1900.
Lord Grimthorpe is very much interested about your Indian Famine lecture, and he would very much like to have a copy.[[108]] I think he will do what he can to study it, likewise expect me to give him so much as I can; not much this, I am afraid.
I assure you your little visit was a great pleasure to me. These excellent talks freshen me up delightfully for dry work. I shall look forward to some more in due time.
October 21, 1900.
I do not know how to thank you for this kind gift.[[109]] I know how to value such a literary treasure, and to me it is of exceeding interest also; but as your gift to me I treasure it much, and gratefully thank you for your kind thought. The twelve copies of “Indian Famine” preceded it an hour or two yesterday afternoon, and I am reading it carefully and slowly (that I may thoroughly appreciate it), and with great admiration; indeed, I think such a clear condensation of the mass of information to be dealt with is splendid. I have sent copies to Lord Grimthorpe, the Bishop of St. Albans, &c.
With my very kind regards and grateful thanks for all the help you give me, which is a great deal more than probably you have any idea of.
October 26, 1900.
I am delighted to read both the letters you send, but what an especial pleasure it must be to you to have the nice courteous message of acceptance sent by our good Queen. [In acknowledgment of a copy of the address on “Famine in India.”] I congratulate you exceedingly. How much you must treasure it! Thank you very much for letting me see it, and also that from the Chancellor [of the University, the Right Hon. A. J. Balfour].
My people have been much pleased to receive the copies you kindly let me give them, and Dr. Lipscomb has asked me to thank you for him. But I do not know that any one has been more interested than Mr. T. P. Newman. He, as one of the “Friends,” has been working in their society to help, and I find they collected £27,000. [The Friends’ Foreign Mission Association collected this sum to use in relief of the famine of 1900].