Monthly Archives: May 2012

August 21, 1928

The Rice Institute, Houston, Texas

Aug. 21, 1928

Dr. W.E. Dove,
Box 509,
Uvalde, Tex.,

Dear Dr. Dove,

I appreciated very much receiving your letter of Aug. 17, and the specimens of tapeworm cysts and young adults.

August 21, 1928

I have examined the specimens sent and have provisionally identified the rabbit cysts as Multiceps serialis, the multicephalate cysts of Taenia serialis. This is a common rabbit parasite, the adult occurring in various Canidae. The young worms from the fed dog, however, do not seem to correspond with this species, though I cannot be sure until I have stained and mounted them. T. serialis is not known to occur in goats or sheep, but a closely related worm produces multicephalate cysts or coenuri in the brain of these animals, causing the disease known as [illegible – fid?]. It seems possible that the malady you speak of may be this. If an animal dies after staggering and walking in circles, etc., I would suggest that you autopsy it and examine the brain for large tapeworm cysts.

The portion of the dog’s intestine which you sent contained some flukes which I am having mounted to see whether they are new or not. I will let you know further about the rabbit cysts later, but I think those [are] nothing unusual. If you run across any other helminthic infections about which I might be able to give you further information please do not hesitate to write me. I am very much interested in them, and glad to get specimens.

With kind personal regards, and thanks for the reprint on creeping eruption, which is very interesting to me, I am,

Very sincerely yours,

Asa C. Chandler

August 16, 1928

Walter and Ina are together now, and therefore not writing letters to each other, so I’ll be posting some work- and family-related correspondence to and from them during this period.

Uvalde, Texas, Box 509
August 16, 1928.

Dr. F.C. Bishopp,
Bureau of Entomology.

Dear Dr. Bishopp,

Enclosed you will find a copy of a letter I have just written to Mr. S.J. Miles, Miles Furniture Co., Corsicana, Texas. I made up the expense account of the late Frank Adams, and on the last portion of the account I furnished a sworn statement regarding the account. There is a small item of expense for lodging and meals amounting to $6.50 which I intend to submit on my account. The amount covers the period of August 1st to the 4th, when the accident occurred. I presume that it can be handled on my account provided an explanation accompanies it.

August 16, 1928

Mr. Sonnier arrived yesterday afternoon and will work with me for a few weeks. We have some mighty interesting studies on the goat louse survey, but it is a little early to draw conclusions. When herds are located which have not been dipped, we do not find L. stenopsis. We find the blue louse on young animals and on old animals which are dipped occasionally. As yet I have not found herds which had been dipped at short intervals. Many of them are dipped two or three times between shearings, but with intervals which are too long to obtain control of L. stenopsis. One dipping is fairly effective for both T. hermsi and T. climax. The protozoan found in L. stenopsis could be a commensual in T. hermsi and T. climax. This phase is one to be worked later. At the present time I am fixing lice for sections and I trust that these can be made upon my return to Dallas. The pathogenic organism of L. stenopsis should be demonstrated in sections. I have hopes of culturing it in vitro so that a further demonstration can be made of the effectiveness in control.

We shall have other need for a microtome. I have some tissue from shedding goats. We have the tissue obtained by Mr. Adams, and may have additional tissue of this nature. The Spencer Rotary should serve our needs, but I would like to have you talk with Dr. White about it. The chances are that others will use this machine and I should like for others to help select it.

At the present time the microtome and an extra knife should be ordered. I shall need a small oven, but we can get this when I return to Dallas. The large one cannot be regulated satisfactorily, but can be used for infiltrating. The smaller one would be needed for culturing.

Yesterday I wired you regarding Mr. Roberts. I do not want you to think that I am interfering with your business. I have no desire to do so. It occurred that Mr. Roberts might be in Uvalde until he can be appointed in the grade of assistant. Mr. Roberts was reared in this section and in a letter to me he expressed a desire to be in Uvalde. He would work here for the amount you could pay him. I would like to see Mr. Roberts in our service if it is at all possible to keep him. My interest in the thing is for the good of the service, whether it is a question of keeping a good man or discharging a poor one. I know that Mr. Roberts could get the tissue which we wanted Mr. Adams to obtain. He could continue the experiments on the amount of tissue used by larvae in their development. Mr. Adams had a method of extracting fluid from larvae with a saline and he then diluted this to a normal salt solution. With this he was making some injections to see if immunity could be established. He was testing for toxic effects also. It might be well to reserve the tests for toxicity until the B.A.I. can cooperate. Mr. Parman favors such cooperation on the toxicity tests. Mr. Roberts would have plenty to do in getting the tissue and in studying the amount of tissue consumed.

Very truly yours,

Walter E. Dove
Associate Entomologist.

August 4, 1928

STATEMENT OF W.E. DOVE, WITNESS TO ACCIDENT OF FRANK ADAMS. Supplement to Form C.A. 2 Question 44

Uvalde, Texas, August 10, 1928.

August 4, 1928

Mr. Frank Adams was a personal friend and an associate of the undersigned in research work for the Bureau of Entomology, U.S. Department of Agriculture. On the morning of August 4th, Mr. Adams and I started to Con Can, Texas to conduct some experimental work on parasites of Angora goats. On account of the flood waters of the Frio river we were compelled to return. On our way back we intended to call at the ranch of Mr. A.F. Dismuke. We met Mr. Dismuke on the road and were informed that heavy rains had fallen also in the upper portion of the Dry Frio river. We were advised to go to Uvalde and to return to the ranch on the following Monday. When we reached the Dry Frio crossing, the road contained about six to twelve inches of water. Both Mr. Adams and I felt that we could drive across safely. On the upper side of the road we could not see any water. On that side the high weeds and brush appeared normal. We started across the Dry Frio in high gear, but near the center of the stream the engine suddenly stalled. Even though the water was rising rapidly we managed to get out of the car. Mr. Adams made a swimming plunge toward the south side. This was the last I saw of Mr. Adams. In a wall of water I was carried down stream with a force which was sufficient to break down a barbed wire fence. I made four attempts before I could catch to the top of one of the small trees. The fourth one was stable enough to support me and to allow me to partly overcome exhaustion. From this tree I could look up the stream but could see nothing of Mr. Adams. Releasing my grip from this small tree I was able to catch a hackberry tree and from this position I was able to stay above the water line and to call for help. The water came down about 11.30 A.M. My calls for help were answered by Mr. Pfeifer about two o’clock. Mr. Pfeifer secured aid from Uvalde, and about four o’clock I was rescued from the tree by the aid of a rope.

Respectfully submitted,

Walter E. Dove

Associate Entomologist.

September 25, 1927: A Recipe

I don’t know why this was in with the letters, but here’s a recipe for something. If you know what the dish is, please post it in the comments.

September 25, 1927: A Recipe

2 egg yolks
1/2 cup melted butter or lard
1 cup sugar
1 cup raisins
1 cup pecans
1 lb. Hines Mincemeat
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon soda in 1 Tbsp. boiling water
1 small bottle cherries
egg whites

325 degrees, 1 hr.

July 18, 1927

Monday 6:30 PM.

My Dear Sweetheart,

The letter came as usual this morning and as usual I enjoyed it very much. Also had a letter from the Disbursing office, but no check. The bond was returned for a signature. The first one did not require it. So I mailed it in again and I believe the check will come this time. Borrowed 50 from Mr. Laake and I expect to leave Wednesday morning if my goats are OK tomorrow. Am getting one species going on each of three goats. Cultures from single individuals. Have one today and I believe I’ll get the other two tomorrow.

July 18, 1927

Had the freight transferred to a storage house this morning. The total cost of storage and drayage to where we will live will be 5.00 if less than a month from today. The railroad Co (Cotton Belt) had me charged with about 7.50 storage in the freight depot, but I managed to have them deduct the charges. Told them that I had given several days work to the Cotton Belt last Spring in an exhibit car and that I felt it was worth something to them. If they insisted on storage charges I would pay them but that I would remember it. Got by OK.

Tomorrow I hope to get Carl’s check. It had not come in today. He pays the middle of the month.

I am bringing something for Mother Lewis and also Thelma Lee & Reitha. These are from both of us and I hope you will approve of what I selected.

I love you Dear with all my heart and pretty soon I’ll see you. Am mighty anxious for the month & 4 days has seemed like ages.

Always your
Walter.

July 16, 1927

Sat. P.M.

My Dear Sweetheart,

Your letter always comes every morning and I look forward to it. I have a wonderful little wife.

I did not attend to the freight today. Will have it transferred to storage Monday. Hope to have the expense check and also Carl’s check Monday. Will have the Willys Knight people to tighten up all bolts on the car, change the oil and tighten the clutch & brakes. Think it best to do this before I start for Uvalde. Bishopp suggested that I do some work at several places en route. Thinks I ought to spend 3 or 4 days in going down. In this way I can charge 7¢ per mile both ways which means practically $60 mileage. I think it is a good idea. Had thought of charging RR fare but would prefer 7¢ per mile.

July 16, 1927

A few weeks ago I suggested to Bish that we needed to put the goat work on a quantitative basis. He poured cold water on the idea. Today I told him my plan for working out a quantitative basis and it went over with him OK. It took a long time for the application to the problem to soak in. He thought it was OK. He plans to leave the 22nd but told me today that he doubted if he would get away before the 25th.

I’ll leave here about Wednesday, if the check comes in Monday. Might get away Tues A.M. but I have quite a bit to do on the animals. I’ll probalby spend three days in coming so that I can charge mileage with a clear conscience. This would put me in Uvalde Friday PM some time. Will phone you from Hondo.

I am getting mighty anxious to see my little girl and I’ll be there as soon as possible. I love you with all my heart.

Always,

Your,
Walter.

July 15, 1927

Friday 6:15 PM.

My Dear Sweetheart,

Your letter was a mighty sweet one and I enjoyed every word of it. Did not autopsy any dogs today. It rained quite a bit last night and it was too muddy. Have plenty of time and will get some more later.

July 15, 1927

Bish returned from Medina this morning. Have not heard anything about when he expects to leave. Mr. Webb is going to work with Dr. McIndoo in Washington (the one with the Van Dyke). Webb is asking for a place with Bish in Washington. The budget for next year adds some for the cattle grub work, but 2/3 of the new appropriation was given to the B.A.I. I am not surprised though I would like to see Bish get most of it. An item of fifteen thousand was put in our budget for parasites of goats and sheep. This looks OK and it will probably pass for ten thousand by the time it reaches Congress. This will probably give me some help, and I do not want Mr. Webb or Mr. Babcock. Guess Babcock will stay at Sonora for some time.

Was mighty glad to know that Mother Lewis had some chickens. They won’t be too tough for me. Just as soon as possible I expect to come to Uvalde. I am mighty anxious to see all the folks, and almost frantic to see my wife. I love her so.

Our things have arrived from “Baltimer” and are creating storage charges for us. The RR notices were not received, but were returned to the freight office. Think I will have the transfer company to store them until you come back. There ought to be room at the Lab, but it would mean additional moving charges. Too they will be safer from fire if stored with the transfer Co. I know you will be glad to know that they are here.

Must go down town & post this. Also it is about time to eat. I love you Honey, I do.

Your
Walter

July 14, 1927

Thurs. PM. 6:30

My Dear Sweetheart,

Your letter was a real good one. You always know what to say. It was next best to a talk with you, though I’d like mighty well to see you now. The renewal is OK until we hear from Mr. Diffy and should he not be able to get a $4000 lien I know that we can renew with Mr. Harper OK. We could increase our second lien but would have to give a 25% to them. This we do not care to do. I feel that Mr. Diffy is going to get the $4000. He fells that he can so I am not worrying about it.

July 13, 1927

Six of the dogs were infested with A. braziliense though there were only 18 in all of them. There were 77 caninum. It shows that they (braziliense) are fairly well distributed, but present in only small numbers. Will get some more animals tomorrow. The kittens are fine.

You don’t know how much I would like to see you. I just love you so that I want to be with you all of the time. Can’t help but be interested in a place close to the Lab so I can see you any time of the day. If we have a place near the Lab we can use the garage here which would mean a saving. When you come back, I will have a govt. Ford which I can use. This will give you your car at any time you want to use it. Will find out if our Baltimore freight is here. It is about time for it. Guess I’ll have to try all the freight depots as the routing is not given on the Bill of Lading. I paid the Baltimore Transfer Co. They prepaid the freight to the Southern R.R.

With a real sweet kiss and with all my love, your
Walter.

P.S. You left 1 month ago today.

July 13, 1927

Tuesday PM. 6:15*

My Dear Little Girl,

This is pretty early for one to have had dinner already, but I was down town anyway. Paid the interest and have been doing some more shopping to get 6-1/2%. The Capitol Life will make a first lien of $3500 at 6-1/2%. Told Mr. Harper that we could get this amount at 6-1/2%. He was very nice about it and told me that I might take until Sept. or Oct 1st if I wanted to. He was willing to renew the loan at 8% with privilege of paying $200 every six months for 2-1/2 years. The loan to be for three years. Saw Mr. Diffy again and he was more encouraging. He is leaving for Denver within a few days and says that he thinks he can get it through for $4000. He will be away for about a month, taking a vacation. Told him that I’d take a policy if he put the $4000 through. His proposition as given in our application for the loan is OK.

July 13, 1927

Will pay $250 on the principal each year for four years. This would make it $3000 at the end of 5 years. Mr. Diffy felt pretty sure that he could get it through, when he talked with Mr. Daly. Think he will try, for it means a policy for him. Said not [to] worry about it.

This morning I autopsied 13 dogs. Found some H.W. [heartworm] but not as many as we found in Florida. Haven’t gone over them to see if A. braziliense is represented. Some of them are small and could be the C.E. worm as far as size counts. Will go out again Thurs. A.M. when they kill again. This will give about 25 animals which should serve as a reliable index of H.Ws.

I do not yet know when I can come down. Will come as soon as I possibly can. It is mighty hard to stay here when I miss you so much. I surely do love you.

With all my love,

Your
Walter.

Wrong day again. The letter is postmarked 13 July, which was a Wednesday.

July 12, 1927

Tuesday, 6 PM.

My Dear Sweetheart,

Your letter came this A.M. It made good time. Can’t tell you anything about the loan as yet. Probably tomorrow.

It will be several days yet before I can come to Uvalde, though I’d like to come right now. It seems ages since I saw you. Will have the advance of funds in about a week and I hope to leave shortly after the check comes. Will probably have an abstract fee & renewal charges.

July 12, 1927

Alvis came over last night. Brought a comb cleaner as a present. Cost about 10¢. Said he had tried to buy one in Dallas and was unable, so when he found them at Little Rock he bought about 5 so he could give each of his friends one. He seems to be getting along with his girl. He will leave town again within a few days. When he returns I understand that he has another job waiting for him.

Dear, I hardly know what to do with myself when I am here alone. Find it about as easy and enjoyable to keep busy as to try to do anything else.

Bish leaves tonight for Medina. Think he is going to give a few talks down there at the Farmers’ Short Courses. Says he will be down there a couple of days. Would like to see him leave for Wash.

The Roarks are not coming down this summer. Guess they will come this fall. Dr. Roark was placed on the Advising Board as a consulting chemist for the Corn Borer work. I imagine that this will give him some new duties which may delay his coming down here.

With all my love, Dear, I am

Your
Walter.