“SHE INTRODUCED PARIS-GREEN INTO ENGLAND”!
You should see the mass of correspondence since this time last year, from the first feeble efforts, through opposition and all sorts of things, up to success. The work is well begun, and though I may in fun mention myself, our Experimental Committee has worked wisely and grandly. Now they are going to publish the reports of all the members who have sent them in. That by Mr. Wise[73] is very good indeed, and I am to write a preface for them, so I can show the teachings, where they agree, and why they differ.
We have had a long spell of cold weather, bringing great suffering to the poor, and to my sister and myself the loss of a brother, who was “coldstruck” and carried off almost instantaneously by _angina pectoris_. I had a temporary share in troubles from a severe fall, my feet going from under me down a slope on hidden ice, and sending me down on the back of my head; but I think I am right again now.
There is a great want over here of some kind of lesson book for village schools telling something that would interest the boys—possibly, too, the girls. I do not know whether I could manage it, but I am thinking of trying to take some thirty or so of the very commonest attacks—including a very few to stock, which boys always care about—and seeing what I can do. I have a hope that through the boys we might get at the agricultural labourers and cowmen.
I like your address very much at the Economic Entomologists’ meeting in reply to Professor Riley’s grand and comprehensive address; but as yet I have not been able quite to make out the scope of the Society’s arrangements for extra-American members. It must be a great pleasure to all members who can meet, to talk over serviceable points, and a great benefit conferred on the country, but I am puzzled about the external bearings. It does not seem to affect me say, for example, in my communication with such kind friends as yourself and Dr. Lintner. I would venture any way, I think, to ask at your convenience for advice or instruction, and where I can afford information I shall think myself honoured and happy to render it.
But I do not understand qualification. You have the names of Mr. C. and Mr. S. on your list. I do not know the gentlemen, so cannot tell what they may be doing, but our grand old chief, my entomological master, and friend almost of a lifetime, dear old Professor Westwood, is not there, and yet _ex-officio_ as Hope Professor of Zoology he lectures on Entomology (to the best of my belief) regularly at Oxford. And what work Dr. Lindeman does! It would be a great help over here if we had some such Society. My work is so very solitary, but I do what I can.