130 Alexander Goodman More. [i860 



the reproach cuts deeply enough when it comes from myself, far 

 more when heard from another. However I am happy to tell you 

 I have done a great deal the last month. Two or three reviews, 

 three or four papers on botany, and a good share of one volume 

 of my new Flora. The " Bird Distribution" is, I trust, fairly under 

 way; and I am in correspondence with Mr. Watson as to the 

 best means of showing the range in a manner at once concise, and 

 yet satisfactory and complete. I have sent out applications to Knox, 

 Eyton, Tomes, &c., and divide the birds into four classes (i) Nesting 

 regularly ; (2) Nesting occasionally ; (3) Nested in former times ; 

 (4) Doubtful cases. I do not see how any more simple subdivision 

 could be adopted. 



And on January gth, 1861, he reports having " set the 

 ball going at last." 



MY DEAR NEWTON, A happy new year to you, and may the 

 Ootheca* be safely hatched in the course of 1861. I trust you have 

 considered whether it would be possible to collect all Wolley's scattered 

 papers, especially the foreign ones, for a reprint, in the form of an 

 appendix. I do believe they would be very interesting and valuable. 

 Few of those who knew him are likely (do you think ?) to know where 

 to look. At least do give us a complete list of his papers in chrono- 

 logical order. 



Many thanks for your last. It is clear, however, that you are not 

 an adept in snail economy, for my " malacological " friends assure me 

 that the summer heat and drought produce just the same effect as the 

 cold, and this "aestivation" is as complete a shutting up and sus- 

 pense of faculties as the hybernation of cold countries. I believe, too, 

 the very same thing takes place in the vegetable world, and there is a 

 period of rest for plants during excessive drought. 



I have had several most satisfactory replies as to nesting birds. . . . 

 Thank you for your promise of mentioning my plan to Mr. Powys. I 

 will write to him as soon as I have a spare list, but all are out now, so 

 you see I have set the ball going at last. 



Now for the " Formula." Don't let me trouble you at once if you 

 are busy, for I believe this requires most serious deliberation (i) as to 

 space to be allowed ; (2) as to details to be hoped for. I enclose you 

 a proof page I lately received from Mr. Watson to show you what he 

 proposes to do with the plants. Of course our " formula" must be 

 much shorter, nor could details be obtained to work out Watson's 112 

 districts. But I hope, and Mr. Watson thinks, the 38 " sub-provinces " 

 might be tried. You will see a sketch of the proposed "Bird For- 

 mula " on the back of the page. For shortness I have thought the 



Mr. Newton's " Ootheca Wolleyana," published in 1864. 



