WCP674

[1]

[in Stainton’s hand] ans 26/7/76

Rosehill, Dorking.

July 25th. 1876

My dear Stainton¹

Can you give me any information as to the comparative freedom of odoriferous leaves from the attacks of catterpillars [sic] & other insects? Darwin² thinks odoriferous leaf-glands have been developed as a protection but I can hardly reconcile this with the excessive abundance of odoriferous foliage in desert-plants, where one would think insect enemies were at a [2] minimum. I have noticed some years that the leaves of the common cherry-laurel are devoured by larvae (Clisiocampa neustria?) Are you aware if this species has any special insect enemies in its native habitat?

Your extensive knowledge of European larvae & other insects may perhaps throw light on this curious question which has some interesting bearing which I wish to refer to in my address at Brit. [3] Ass. this year.

Any facts you can supply me with will be acceptable.

I have sold my place at Grays³ & removed here into a county better adapted to a lover of nature.

Yours very faithfully | Alfred R. Wallace [signature]

H.T. Stainton Esq.

P.S. Can you refer me to any Australian Entomologist now in England who could give me information as to liability of Euculyptus [sic], Dryandras & other aromatic trees to insect attacks?