I think the beneficial effect of Paris-green is quite established, and I hope that the use of it may spread widely next season; I fully believe that in it or in London-purple, lies the sole hope of keeping in check the crowds of miscellaneous kinds of moth caterpillars which appear with the leafage. In my fourteenth Report (that is, in the paper on orchard caterpillars which I am now preparing for it) I have tried to dwell with even tedious repetition on the points of the small quantity of the Paris-green to be used, and also the importance of the fluid being distributed as a mist or fine spray so as to coat the leaves, but on no account to be allowed to drip. Some of the good people seem to have an idea that they cannot have too much of a good thing, and results are dismal.
I am getting on as steadily as business allows with my new Manual. There are many new papers, and such subjects as Wireworm, Hop aphis, and others come out almost as new papers when the information which has been contributed piece-meal or in Special Reports, is sifted, and the information arranged in order. I am replacing figures that were not all that could be wished, with new ones. I am very anxious indeed to bring out what may be a really sound, up-to-date book, of our most important observations here. I think it will be about a quarter longer than my present edition, and “demy” instead of “crown” 8vo., so that it may be of comely form.
Economic Entomology is really doing better here. Our Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland are looking about for an Entomologist, and this is a good step. [Dr. Stewart MacDougall was appointed to fill the office.]
I have at once replied to your inquiry as shortly as I could manage, for I know how valuable space is, but indeed I shall be quite hurt and annoyed!—and your report will not give a right view!—unless you say that we applied to you, and that our work was in colleagueship. I really do not know whether I could have worked as was requisite, unless I could have had the advantage of being able to quote from your letters.
Would you think me very greedy if I were to ask you for another copy of the “Proceedings of the Convention of Fruitgrowers,” 1890. It would be a most acceptable help to the Evesham Fruit Experiment Committee. I should very much like them to read what you say about Paris-green, &c., but I am afraid if they had my copy it might not come home again. I have formed a short paper on “Paris-Green, its Uses and Method of Application for Prevention of Orchard Moth Caterpillars.” I think it is all right, I have been very careful and plain, and I thought we must have some directions out before the season’s work begins. We are finding wingless Winter moths and some other kinds going up the trees now, and this shows that there is no good trusting only to grease-banding, for we should have really to grease from October to April to catch all the offenders! Our intermittent frosts let the creatures appear at intervals in a way which I suppose you are quite free from in Canada. Surely it should be recorded of me,