Sir, – In response to Dr Alanis Cusack (Letters, July 6th) I am pleased to report that in suburban Dublin I have been visited recently by many bees, butterflies, birds and wasps.
This is because I have deliberately (not due to laziness) allowed my garden to grow to a state of wilderness.
I enjoy sitting out and observing my flying visitors, and noticing that neighbours with paved-over gardens have none. – Yours, etc,
GERARD CLARKE,
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Dundrum
Dublin 16.
Sir, – Dr Alanis Cusack mentions not seeing a single bee this summer.
My recent encounter with a bumblebee comes to mind.
While ambling by some local flowering shrubs, I spotted a healthy and unstressed example lumbering about but it then seemed to disappear. I paused and looked around but still no sign of it.
The rain was starting so I popped my hat on but immediately knew something was amiss. I removed it in haste and was grateful that my bumblebee survived the ordeal, as did I. My father once told me that bees don’t sting without good reason. Mine was a close call! – Yours, etc,
MICHAEL HILL,
Monkstown,
Co Dublin.
Sir, – A letter writer bemoans a dearth of bees this summer in Waterford. I suggest they are all too busy enjoying my lavender. – Yours, etc,
FRANK J BYRNE,
Glasnevin,
Dublin 9.
Sir, – Plant some cotoneaster then feast your heart on the feverish activity of honey bees in May and bumble bees in June. It’s very therapeutic. – Yours, etc,
CATHERINE McDONALD,
Dublin 3.