Eleanor A. Ormerod.
[The parasitic and other enemies of the “hill-grub” are so effective in their attacks that in the year following a great increase in numbers a normal level of occurrence is invariably restored.]
CHAPTER XIV
LETTERS TO MR. WILLIAM BAILEY.
The Ox warble—Its destruction by the Aldersey Schoolboys—Annual gift of prize money—The Royal Party at St. Albans’ Show.
In addition to the entomological value of the next group of letters dealing chiefly with Ox warbles, Miss Ormerod’s unselfish interest in promoting a wider knowledge of her subject is well shown in her words of appreciation and encouragement to Mr. Bailey in connection with his work (especially in relation to the success of correspondence with the Duke of Westminster), and the practical inducements, as well as sympathy, extended to his pupils.
To Wm. Bailey, Esq., Aldersey, Grammar School, Bunbury, Tarporley, Cheshire.
Torrington House, St. Albans,
November 24, 1887.
Dear Mr. Bailey,—I am very much obliged to you indeed for kindly letting me see the documents which I now return, after most careful perusal, with many thanks. It is indeed satisfactory that the good work of our boys (destroying warbles), should have given such valuable help in this matter, which is so important to all who have to do with cattle, and consequently to the nation. The approval of His Grace the Duke of Westminster (so kindly given, too) will add great weight, and I am heartily glad also to see the Hon. Cecil Parker’s confirmation from personal experiment and knowledge of the soundness of the plan and its success. I think if I can get time that I will write to him, to mention how strongly the many letters which I have received this year confirm the good effects of removal of the maggots (2 of fig. [5], and fig. [7]), and likewise the prevention (in almost every case mentioned) of summer disturbance of the cattle.