Great Nebraska

Naturalists and Scientists

NOU, Lawrence Bruner, Letter, 1906, Aug. 1

The University of Nebraska
Lincoln

Department of
Entomology and Ornithology
Lawrence Bruner,
Professor Entomologist,
Experiment Station
Acting State Entomologist

Lincoln, Nebr., Aug. 1, 1906.

A. H. Gale,
Barrancas National Cemetray,
Ft. Barrancas, Fla.

My Dear Sir:-
I have yours of the 19th of July at hand along with specimen of beetle which is known as the Spotted Rhinoceras beetle Dynastes tityus. The grub of this giant “June bug” is found in rotten oak stumps and both it and the beetle at times have a very peculiar odor secreted about their person. Several years ago while spending a few weeks in Central America, I obtained specimens of another species of this genus which measure over five inches in length. Everything seems to be moving along about as usual here in Nebraska. Trusting that you are coming along in fine shape, I remain,
Yours very truly,
Lawrence Bruner Dear Sir.

Thanks for information & good wishes, same to you.
Do you find Robins, Meadow Larks, and such migratory birds that nest in Nebr decreasing? The first two appear here in winter in blocks of many hundreds and keep in bunches all winter. The southern gentleman thinks boiled Robins & Larks the only eating fitting his high cast nature, and pursues a relentless warfare on them till they pull out for more hospitable climes. You may preach & legislate until doomsday, but if one part of the country spares while the other kills, what is accomplished?—Establish a working national law, put on a “bird tax” to cover expense of enforcement & save the birds.
Yr Gale