130 Alexander Goodman More. fiseo 



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. 



