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,
The welcome I received from Jennifer Johnston is something I will never forget
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‘My son is getting married in the summer, and the likelihood is that I’m going to be able to see that’
Is it true that women need more sleep each night than men?
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.
