From R. S. Bartleet 15 November 1881
The Shrubbery, | Redditch.
Nov. 15. 81
Dear Sir,
I have read with great interest your most interesting account of the earth worm and it’s beneficial operations on the face of the earth—1
May I venture to enquire whether you have given any study to that little insect the gnat—2
If so would you kindly inform me whether you have discovered the cause of numbers of them playing in the air by flying up and down over the same spot for hours, there being no apparent attraction or object— I may say that for 40 years I have noticed this operation in one particular spot between some evergreen bushes over a paved foot path leading to my house— However much you may disturb them or drive them away they will return to the same position—
Again has it been ascertained on what they feed for altho fond of the juices of man but a very minute proportion can succeed in feeding in that way— Pray pardon the liberty I am taking in addressing you as a stranger, I feel sure that your sympathy with enquiring minds will induce you to accept my apology and if you happen ever to be in this neighbourhood it will afford me the greatest pleasure to see you and aid your researches in this district
I am, Dear Sir, | Yours faithfully | R. S. Bartleet | J.P. & D.L. M.S.A.3
C. Darwin Esqr. &c.
Footnotes
Bibliography
Earthworms: The formation of vegetable mould through the action of worms: with observations on their habits. By Charles Darwin. London: John Murray. 1881.
Freeman, Richard Broke. 1977. The works of Charles Darwin: an annotated bibliographical handlist. 2d edition. Folkestone, Kent: William Dawson & Sons. Hamden, Conn.: Archon Books, Shoe String Press.
Summary
Has read Earthworms.
Wonders if CD has studied gnats; inquires about their apparently useless hovering over one spot for hours.
Letter details
- Letter no.
- DCP-LETT-13486
- From
- Robert Smith Bartleet
- To
- Charles Robert Darwin
- Sent from
- Redditch
- Source of text
- DAR 160: 52
- Physical description
- ALS 4pp
Please cite as
Darwin Correspondence Project, “Letter no. 13486,” accessed on 25 April 2024, https://www.darwinproject.ac.uk/letter/?docId=letters/DCP-LETT-13486.xml