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.

PLATE XXVIII.
ORMEROD HOUSE, LANCASHIRE.
_From an outline sketch by George Ormerod, 1808_.
]

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.]

1, Fly, magnified, line showing natural length; 2, maggot; 3, mouth
hooks of maggot; and 4, tail segment, showing spiracles, and lobes,
acting as organs of progression—all magnified. (After Brauer.)

FIG. 76.—SHEEP’S NOSTRIL FLY, _ŒSTRUS OVIS_, LINN.
]

_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.)

PLATE XXIX.
ELEANOR ANNE ORMEROD, LL.D., F.R. Met. Soc.
FIRST WOMAN HON. GRADUATE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH,
1900.
_From the oil painting (Academic costume) in the University
Courtroom_,
(_p. 306._)
]

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