CHAPTER XXV

LETTERS TO PROFESSOR WALLACE AFTER THE GRADUATION

London Farmers’ Club Notice—Volumes of George Ormerod’s drawings and a painting of Miss Ormerod presented to the University—Handbook of “Forest Insects”—“Recollections of Changing Times”—Papers on “Stock Flies.”

The letters in this chapter, written between the end of April and the middle of November, 1900, cover a period of extraordinary literary activity. Encouraged by the gratifying manner in which her academic distinction had been acknowledged by friends and public bodies, Miss Ormerod began with renewed vigour, and with something almost akin to prophetic instinct of what was to come in the not-far-distant future, to produce and to arrange for the production of, the literature that was needed to complete her life-work and to be a record of it. Another conspicuous feature of this chapter is the practical means she adopted to immediately show gratitude to the University for the perspicacity shown by conferring its degree, which was treasured by her above all things as the highest possible recognition of her scientific labours.

_To Professor Robert Wallace, University Edinburgh._

_April 29, 1900._

DEAR PROFESSOR WALLACE,—I have been reading parts of the “advance” proof of your paper [to be read before the London Farmers’ Club in April, 1900], and it seems to me capital, and to meet the needs plainly and practically. I wish you much success. I can speak from personal knowledge as to want of dipping being excellent for increase of _Melophagus ovinus_ [so called sheep tick] (fig. 25).

Mr. Druce [Secretary of the Club], writes me kindly that he intends to propose a vote of congratulation to me to-morrow on the honour conferred on me by the Edinburgh University, and this would be a great pleasure to me, for I feel it a very great honour indeed. From many good quarters I am receiving letters on this point, also on the benefit to agriculture which the approval of Edinburgh will give.

_April 30, 1900._

I am arranging with Elliott and Fry, the photographers, 55, Baker Street, that they should send down a “representative” on Monday with proofs of photos, the bearer to be here by train arriving at about half-past ten a.m. But the truth is, that if you think I might ask acceptance, just as their first Hon. Lady LL.D., I should very much like to offer to the University one of Elliott and Fry’s life-size chalk or oil portraits executed in their best way as a remembrance of the 14th of April. Do you think I might?

I am glad to know they spoke kindly of me at the Farmers’ Club. I am sure I have some good friends there, and I thought it very kind of them to send me their vote of congratulation on my great honour.

[The London Farmers’ Club, at its April meeting, 1900, passed with acclamation the following resolution:—“That the hearty congratulations of the Club are hereby offered to its Honorary Lady Member, Miss Eleanor A. Ormerod, upon the distinguished dignity of LL.D. recently conferred upon her _honoris causa_ by the University of Edinburgh.” A copy of the resolution was transmitted by the Secretary to the Senatus of the University of Edinburgh.]

_May 11, 1900._

DEAR PROFESSOR WALLACE,—I had the books very carefully packed and sent off to-day, by luggage train, as they made rather a heavy consignment. [Volumes of her father’s drawings, and copies of the “Manual of Injurious Insects” for free distribution.]

You will see I put a little note into the copies of the Manual, at “Red Spider,” just in some degree to bring the matter of position of the spinning glands up to date; I do not know of any other point that needs correcting.

I enjoyed your visit exceedingly, and not only that, but you would hardly believe what a great amount of useful information you conveyed to me in the course of our conversations, as to many matters at Edinburgh. All these I have carefully noted, for though I do not really hold any post among you, yet I like to think myself now not wholly separate, and I should be entirely thankful should need occur at any time to avail myself of your permission to apply to you for advice. My friends greatly enjoyed all you said at lunch, and I shall hope you will come again presently.

I have written to Sir Wm. Muir about my father’s books of sketches, but in real truth I feel such a fear of intruding on his high official position that I only just said what I thought was quite needed, but I entered a little more on the matter to Mrs. Arbuthnot.

ELEANOR A. ORMEROD.

The Librarian wrote:—

LIBRARY, UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH, _May 16, 1900._

DEAR MADAM,—I really do not know how to thank you for the honour you have done our University Library by making it the custodian in _perpetuitatem_ of the delightful collection of sketches and water colours, the arrival of which has made the 15th of May a red-letter day for the Librarian at least. You will, I hope, be pleased to know that the priceless volumes have been placed in a room already rendered a sanctum by relics of such notable names as Shakespeare and Burns, Hus and Knox, Queen Mary of Scotland, King James VI., Queen Elizabeth, &c., not to mention Halliwell-Phillipps and David Laing, both of whom, I doubt not, Dr. George Ormerod would have recognised as his colleagues and peers. Professor Wallace has duly received his volumes. The drawings have been shown to Sir William Muir, who, I believe, is to thank you personally and who will lay them on the table at the next meeting of the University Court.

H. A. WEBSTER.

Sir William Muir wrote:—

UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH, _June 29, 1900._

DEAR MISS ORMEROD,—Your six volumes of drawings were yesterday shown to the University Court (as they already had been to the Senatus), and were well received and valued by them. And I was asked to communicate their obligations to you for them. They will be placed in the Library, and will be remembered as the gift of our First Lady Graduate, LL.D.

W. MUIR.

_May 24, 1900._

DEAR PROFESSOR WALLACE,—Will you kindly accept the enclosed photograph. It does not seem to be quite me, but “me” does not quite know myself yet in cap and gown. At least it may remind you sometimes of most hearty gratitude for all your kind care which enabled me to come to personally receive the great honour symbolised.

Dr. MacDougall was good enough to send me some splendid specimens of bark infested by _Hylesinus crenatus_ (Greater ash-bark beetle), which have enabled me to figure this attack. I should like very much indeed to form a “Handbook of Insects Injurious to Forest Trees,” and I have a mass of material in my Annual Reports bringing the subject, I think, up to date, and a beautiful supply of figures, but there is such a run of application and correspondence that I do not see my way to doing it myself—and yet it seems a pity for the information to be lying comparatively idle.

_May 29, 1900._

Now I must say that you wrote exactly what I was wishing about my proposed book, “Insects Injurious to Forest Trees.”[101] In case Dr. MacDougall would not think me taking a liberty in suggesting the plan, I should very much indeed like to have the benefit of his skilled help in preparing the book, that is bringing it out in collaboration with him, and with our names on the title-page. Would you kindly take the trouble when you see him to lay the matter before him, for I scarcely like to come upon him suddenly without, so to say, a “sponsor.” My idea is that the forest attacks would work out much like the papers in my “Handbook,” of which of course I would gladly send a copy for his acceptance as well as material, _i.e._, Annual Reports or sometimes, if more convenient, extracted papers and a copy of “General Index.” I would undertake all expenses, _i.e._, printing, publishing, furnishing figures, and the like. I think I have of my own nearly as many of good up-to-date illustrations as we should need to illustrate every attack, but where additions are needed I propose (as I am doing now from one of Dr. MacDougall’s specimens) to have them figured from life by Mr. Knight.[102] I fancy the book would be about twothirds as long as my “Handbook of Orchard Fruits,” but being intended at first for University services, possibly the plan would be different. This he, you, and possibly Colonel Bailey [lecturer on Forestry in Edinburgh University] might have a word to say about. I should like very much to hear from you on the subject, and perhaps from Dr. MacDougall.

_June 5, 1900._

You will tell me presently when you can come, but would not Mr. John Garton [of Newton-le-Willows, Lancashire, the originator of the scientific system of producing new breeds of crop plants by multiple-crossing] come too? I should like it very much if it were agreeable to him, as there are so many points of interest we three could go over together. You could assure him that he can be as quiet as ever he likes, and rest in his own room, just as he pleases. Will you both come on Saturday for Sunday? When you come we can have a good talk about the “Forestry Insect Text Book.” I am very glad to have it from you that Dr. MacDougall likes the idea of colleagueship. I have had a very nice letter from him with promise of one of details to follow, but when I found that he had been collecting notes for some years, I felt so very uneasy lest he should think me intruding on his projects (in fact very presumptuous) that I wrote him specially on this head. I shall be delighted to put every morsel of observations, and blocks, and all I can to help at his service, but it is to his skill that I look to form the book into what he knows, much better than I, will suit University needs.

The weather surely needs a little putting to rights. It caught me rather sharply, and I have had to spend some days in bed, but I am up again now, and getting some good observations.

P.S.—I have some such nice letters from Edinburgh about my photo. A very charming one from Sir Ludovic Grant, also from Professor Seth.[103] I mean to keep them as great treasures.

_June 14, 1900._

I am in receipt of a long letter from Dr. MacDougall about the text-book of “Forest Insects,” and it seems to me that his plan is excellent. For my good folks, who want the plainest facts fairly driven into their heads in the very plainest words, I think it would be too scientific in the possession of special entomological chapters, but I quite think in the present case these are needed, and my only fear is lest he should wish me to collaborate in these. All the rest I think I should be quite at home in, and I am going to write him about it, as I should very much like the joint work.

I am writing down bits (long or short as they come into my head) of “Recollections,” on pages with appropriate headings in my letter book, which usually lies on the table most of the day, so is at hand; and most miscellaneous reminiscences go in which I feel sure I should not have courage to think of giving excepting on our plan. I rather think they might be interesting, and I mean to see in good time about the shorthand writer. The head reporter of our best local paper can take down well a report from my dictation. Do not you think that if we can get the “Recollections” (how would “Recollections of Changing Times” do for a title?) into shape that—instead of publishing as I usually do with any amount of trouble and little return for the expense—it would be a good plan to offer the MS. to some publisher, who might, I think, take it off my hands on terms to be agreed upon? But when next we meet I hope we shall go into all these matters comfortably, as you say, “after dinner.”

P.S.—The French medal (plate XXII.) appeared to-day in a registered letter. I wonder whether Professor Ewart has got his? I have information of the worst attacks of eel-worms in broad beans that I ever saw, after oats in the spring of 1898 and of 1899.

_July 18, 1900._

I feel sure, wherever you are, that you are so much occupied that you have not a morsel of spare time, but if you could presently give me a little advice it would be of great value to me. I was urged to let my name be put on the Agricultural Education Committee, and agreed, and by way of something solid I suggested that I should form a set of papers on “Common Fly attacks to Farm Stock,” and I set to work. But as I go on I really think that they are more fitted for regular agricultural work, and I should value a few words of guidance from you very much. The subjects I am thinking of taking as what I know personally are: Sheep—Nostril fly, with note of “Gad” as different, and “Spider” fly; Horse—Bot fly, Forest fly; Cattle—Warbles, Gad fly, and anything else that might occur.

Nostril fly and Horse Bot fly shape (as I think you also would consider) nicely, brought up to date; and in _G. equi_ (Horse Bot fly, fig. 10) I have really handled the only bit of the subject that was not pleasant, so that I do not think anybody could object. The two above-mentioned papers are about ready for press. But what I wish very much is that you would kindly let me know your view of it. Would it be better to print the subjects in my usual way, as leaflets, or make them into a little pamphlet? _G. equi_ would fit nicely into a four-page leaflet. _œ. ovis_, (Sheep Nostril fly), I think would be shorter; and the short papers which would go nicely along with their more important brethren in a pamphlet rather puzzle me how to deal with if in leaflets. I have excellent figures, and in an idea (possibly erroneous) of bringing the sequence out for the Agricultural Education Committee, I wrote a sort of little “fresh” preface on the creatures collectively. As I am sure you will allow me the pleasure of thinking myself in some degree a colleague of yours (and if I drive well at work I should hope to have it ready for your winter session), I should be exceedingly obliged if you would tell me whether you think pamphlet or leaflet would be best. [The pamphlet form was ultimately adopted, and it was published as “Flies Injurious to Stock,” &c., price sixpence.]

_August 2, 1900._

I am very glad that Dr. Fream gave a good notice in the “Times,” of your intended series of lectures on Colonial and Indian Agriculture—it will be a noble work, and I am glad you are enjoying the preparation.

“Reminiscences” are lying in a drawer, for there is such a quantity of work there is no spare time. When I have got the first sheet of “Flies Injurious to Stock,” I should like to send one to you, please; not to trouble you, but just that you may see how it is getting on.

_August 25, 1900._

Mr. Elliott tells me that “the oil painting” is to be quite ready on (or about) the fourteenth September, and I have ordered one of their best “rich” gilt frames in which it is to come down here. I hope much that I may somehow or other, be able either before completion or here, to secure the saving of anxiety to my mind by your seeing it. But I have not as yet written to submit my suggestion of acceptance to Dr. Taylor, for may be I had better see what I look like first.

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._

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].

_October 29, 1900._

I have, with much pleasure, written to Messrs. West, Newman & Co., to send you (to University, Edinburgh) one hundred copies of each of the two pamphlets. Please write when some more (or Manuals) would be at all acceptable.

I am placing your Famine pamphlet carefully, so I have some still on hand, but I will not fail to ask you if more could go out well, _viâ_ my presentation. I have been studying it to the best of my power. I am not able to condense such a mass of information fully, but this is what I think I have learnt. These famines originate meteorologically, the crops consequently failing for want of moisture. The only places (three districts if I remember rightly) exempt from them, are so, consequent on climatic circumstances or irrigation. The chief preventive measure, being irrigation, is not always easy of application, as, for instance, the possibility of a canal raising the height of the water-table too much. I follow to some degree the difficulty of bringing relief arrangements to bear on special bodies of men, as the weavers, for instance. It is also very interesting to read of the method of dealing with the “Wild Tribes,” their power of finding wild food, and of bringing in wild forest products adapted for sale. Some information as to details of kinds of food and preparation, also of the sums of money represented by Indian names, must surely remain adherent to one’s mind, but one special thing is the splendidly arranged work of our Government, which is a comfort to think of. I inflict the above on you, that you may see I have really been trying to benefit by your grand work, and I do congratulate you on the result of your heavy labour.

_November 8, 1900._

I should be very thankful if you would tell me where Professor Jablonowski might safely apply for sulphate of copper at “an acceptable price”! I could, I suppose, look him up some sort of an address, but I should not feel sure it was trustworthy, and he is such a centre of work, also an old correspondent, I should much like to help. I should be very much obliged if you could conveniently tell me, or him—he is director of the Government Entomological Station, Budapest—where he could get a price list and a supply.

I have been ailing with some sort of slight feverish and gout attack, but nothing serious, and I am up again.

To-day Mr. Newstead is come to see what the experimental black currants are doing [in the garden]. I gather that even soaking the cut-down plants, roots and all, in methylated spirit has not proved a wholly certain means of prevention of Gall mite (fig. 65). If so, I incline to think that I had best make an end of my black currant hospital, there is no use in simply bringing in infestation.

_November 9, 1900._

I shall be delighted to see you at next week’s end, Saturday to Monday, 17th to 19th, as you mention. Many thanks to you for helping me to an answer to the Budapest professor about the sulphate of copper. I fancy “the picture” would arrive this morning at the University. I hope it will give satisfaction, and I make no doubt that it will have great honour done to it in the hanging. Perhaps some day I may see it!

“Reminiscences” had not been getting on, on paper, but when your letter arrived I took up a pen and wrote like a very whirlwind some points that were in my mind regarding the beginning of my insect studies. I wonder what you will think of them. I hope to have some progress to show you. I am having twenty feet accommodation for books put up in my dining-room. I think this will look well and be very convenient.

Yours very sincerely, ELEANOR A. ORMEROD.

The Rev. Professor Taylor, Secretary of the University Court, wrote:—

_November 10, 1900._

DEAR MISS ORMEROD,—The portrait has arrived uninjured. It is an excellent likeness, and with gown, hood and cap, vividly recalls what is in reality an event of historical importance as well as a most interesting graduation ceremonial. I propose to have it placed so that it may be on view, so to speak, to the members of the University Court on Monday at their meeting of that day, and to the members of the Senatus Academicus when they next meet. Thereafter it will no doubt find a permanent place on our walls.

I would venture to tender anew the thanks and best wishes of the University Court, and with the assurance of my profound esteem, beg to remain, dear Miss Ormerod,

Sincerely yours, M. C. TAYLOR.

_November 14, 1900._

DEAR PROFESSOR WALLACE,—This is very kind of you; it is a great pleasure to me to know that I am allowed to hold such an honourable place, and I thank you very much for all the trouble that you have been taking. I really do not know how to express what I feel about all the kindness shown me, but you, knowing how I have been situated till the University of Edinburgh showed me such honour and kindness, will believe the heartfelt comfort and encouragement it is to me to have their authoritative approval and support. But this is private to you. “The Chancellor” and Secretary might think I was _tête montée_ if I wrote in such a fashion. I have had some nice letters, two from Dr. Taylor and a charming little letter last evening, delightfully worded, from Sir Wm. Muir. I am going to look at the picture of Lord Inglis again in your beautiful book (“Quasi Cursores”), that I may see whom I am allowed to sit next to in this very distinguished company, but I am writing to catch the post now, so I only thank you also for the papers which I have not yet had time to give my head to. With most kind regards and hearty thanks.

_November 15, 1900._

I feel I gave a very insufficient acknowledgment (writing in a hurry last night) for all the kind care and, I feel sure, no small trouble you have been taking about putting my “representation” nicely on view. I have refreshed my memory of Lord Inglis, and indeed I feel I have a right to be proud that my portrait is allowed to be placed by such a grand representation of such a distinguished man. I am glad the “Court” liked the picture in itself (I urged all concerned to good execution), and indeed it is a pleasure to me to think that the memory of endeavours at least to work of E. A. O. will be so markedly protected by the University.

Yours very sincerely, ELEANOR A. ORMEROD.

P.S.—My new arrangement of books is so convenient, it helps me almost as much as an assistant! (E. A. O.)