|
|
Post by trehopr1 on Mar 1, 2015 2:41:42 GMT
Here's another thought that came to mind. Since I've been a member of this forum I've read of and seen evidence for some great breeding efforts conducted by men like G.E.Hyde, Les Young, and others. But, have any of these fellows ever left behind tangible notes, notebooks, or memoirs exalting their breeding attempts or efforts. It's the kind of research and record which could prove to be invaluable to future up and coming lepidopterists! Much trial and error as well as mistakes (made) could be gleamed from such information. It really is part of the scientific process. However, I've never heard of any such materials being left behind for the dissemination of their vast knowledge and experiences.
|
|
|
|
Post by africaone on Mar 1, 2015 8:19:04 GMT
many amateurs made breedinds experiences. quite few were published !
Some of them made a lot of personal notes and/or photos !
Usually this experences are transmitted directly (personally) from one to another.
the main problem to publish (and share) is twice. The volume to publish (you can't imagine how far it comes quickly) that discourages to start the project. And the means (in general : to write, to treat the datas, to pay the publication, etc.). Field entomologists are not always communication and publication lovers.
I know some great breeders (or field entomologist) and what they published is a so small in comparaison of their expérience. In some trips, I learned from them a lot of experience that i will never find in any book.
The most known names are just a part of the men that possess great experience.
|
|
|
|
Post by trehopr1 on Mar 1, 2015 8:41:49 GMT
Thankyou Africaone for your insights. I didn't think of all the work involved in publishing. And I can see how it might be a real "drag" for some people to actually write down their accumulated experiences and knowledge. However, I guess I was thinking more along the lines of why can't these fellows keep more of a personal DIARY(s) throughout the years. That way perhaps before they are gone they could --- PASS ALONG their diaries (records) to colleges or close friends with whom they have shared like interests. Their knowledge could them be disseminated to others who I am sure would treasure their thoughts and findings. And on and on....
|
|
|
|
Post by mygos on Mar 1, 2015 9:16:01 GMT
Thankyou Africaone for your insights. I didn't think of all the work involved in publishing. And I can see how it might be a real "drag" for some people to actually write down their accumulated experiences and knowledge. However, I guess I was thinking more along the lines of why can't these fellows keep more of a personal DIARY(s) throughout the years. That way perhaps before they are gone they could --- PASS ALONG their diaries (records) to colleges or close friends with whom they have shared like interests. Their knowledge could them be disseminated to others who I am sure would treasure their thoughts and findings. And on and on.... When an entomologist pass away, no one generally in his family know how the collection, library and notes works together ? Therefore the collection is given, sold or bequested in all or by family, then the library is either split to old friends of the entomologist, or sold in auctions or to bookseller like me, but generally the notes, correspondances is left there and discarded sometimes later... I am buying many entomological library and either I have no access to personal notes or when I get some, it is almost impossible to know how to use them ? A+, Michel |
|
jensb
Junior Aurelian
Posts: 50
Country: Netherlands
|
Post by jensb on Mar 1, 2015 9:26:07 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by wollastoni on Mar 1, 2015 9:39:19 GMT
Interesting subject.
That's also why I have created the "How to" category on this forum.
Many entomologists have many things to share and unfortunately information often stays in his friend circle and disappears after his death.
I encourage experienced breeders to publish their findings on a periodical, on a blog or on a forum like ours.
|
|
|
|
Post by Adam Cotton on Mar 1, 2015 12:43:29 GMT
Nigel Venters and Linda Rogers have written several books about butterfly farming, and run periodical workshops with excellent accompanying papers about exactly these topics. The books and papers from old workshops can still be bought from the publishers as well as a considerable number of free downloadable publications. More details can be found here: www.butterflyboutique.netYou can also subscribe to free e-mail discussion groups about breeding butterflies via this website, there's a basic group for beginners and another group for more advanced breeders. People there can answer any questions you may have, and the group archives are available to search (members only). I have been a member of the more advanced group for some years. Adam. |
|
|
|
Post by trehopr1 on Mar 1, 2015 20:14:11 GMT
WOW, Adam that's wonderful news to hear ! I was envisioning all this wonderful acquired knowledge from old breeders being (more often than not) tragically lost to time, poor note taking, and incompetence by their family upon their passing. Hope others will take up your wise advice. Bravo...
|
|
|
|
Post by Adam Cotton on Mar 1, 2015 21:30:15 GMT
Indeed, and Nigel has been breeding butterflies around the world all his life (he's at least in his 60s now) and helped set up the website, e-mail groups and workshops specifically because he wants to pass on his knowledge to everyone. He is originally from the UK, but worked overseas for the government, mainly in Africa, but also in SE Asia, Australia and the Americas. He now lives with his wife in Argentina and runs a butterfly farm with his wife and son, Rod, who is a member on this forum.
Adam.
|
|
