Oetober 31, 194
Mr. JaY Dariag
Aegis tSr-Tribane
Dee Meaee, lew
Dear Jay i
Sapologise for keeping Bil Togi's i.S. so long* Sae old story    saWed later.
A MS. of my own whtih I eIp eted to finish Ia & month took am all samer and
fall and isn't doe yet.
Without a doubt ill' MS. has southing which puts It ahead of all parallel
efforts to date. Without a doubt it could be adapted for use this side at the
border. although I would rather hate to see the deletion of the Mexicaan atmosphere
he has given it. for secondary schools at least there might be some virtue in
the teacher (or her ppile) making their own 4adaptation" to T1. S. conditions.
There is an important oission whih I think should be taken ear* of, and which
could be without lengthening or oeaplicatiag the treatment. Bi11 omits entirely
two of the three funotions of ormnio mtter in and on sol
(1) "Millions of little dame". This Is adequately handled.
(2) Organe matter W       plant fooeds so thy an t leach down or wash away.
This is omitted.
(3) Organo matter gghors sall moisture so sol doesn't dry up. This is
oitteti.
The perennial ueetion of scientific corrections vs. simpicaity Io one that puts
cooklebars even on ill's sooks. I am not content with Sill's catechism about
birdsi "protect then so they will eat the bugs in your garden*. This is the
mosaic philosophy of retribution. I think the atrument would actually be better
psychologicaLly# not to mention ecooClioally, it based on indigeness culture ad
pride. To witt Mexico has her own birds, Juat as she has het own folklore. To
know, enjoy, mad protest them is part of the national onlture. Other countries
have founi this out too latel let Mexico show the world how to do better.
Incidentally, birds help control iassct and rodent posts. They are part of the
"web of lf#.
I actually fear the present argument on inseets and rodents; it is based on hate,
although I can readily see Bill didn't mean it to be, but was strv ng for simplitty.
It shou14 be brought out somewhere that the only thing to hate is too may, too
few, or I the wroag place. Kate should never attach to species or classes.