254 



LETTERS TO MR. LOUNSBURY [CHAP. xxi. 



names and localities might not be mentioned. But with 

 regard to the use of a deterrent paste (or mixture in the 

 paste), it was quite plain that they did not mean to do any- 

 thing. They spoke of difficulties to the workers, &c., and 

 as to using Paris-green ! really, there would have been 

 a disturbance indeed, if I had ventured to suggest such a 

 thing. The subject appeared to be making no headway, and 

 my suggestions as to the all-importance of cleanliness in 

 the workshop, so that the beetles might have no harbouring 

 places, did not meet their views. So I strongly advised in 

 order to make sure whether the infestation took possession 

 in this country or at the Cape, that some boots should be 



FIG. 67. UPPER OF A BOOT INJURED BY MAGGOT OF PASTE BEETLE, 



ANOBIUM PANICEUM. 



packed up and properly secured against all possibilities of 

 external infestation, and sent to South Africa, and on arrival 

 there, sent back to the exporters here unopened. Thus we 

 should have learned on examination, if they were infested, 

 that the mischief was started in this country. But not one 

 word on the subject have I had from them since. Perhaps 

 the result put the locality of the origin of evil being in this 

 country beyond doubt. I have kept a quantity of the 

 letters on the subject laid away, but now I think 1 cannot 

 use them to better purpose than by forwarding them to 

 you. Please do not return them. I have not re-read them, 

 but it is impossible there can be anything confidential in 

 them, excepting the names of the firms which the writers 



