I'D BETTER READ THIS BOOK. Twenty five years ago Bernd Heinrich gave the gift of an inscribed copy of the first printing of his book Bumblebee Economics to his friend and benefactor Edward O. Wilson, whom he also thanked in the Acknowledgements section of the book.

To Ed,

With warm regards and appreciation

Bernd Berkeley Sept 1, 1979

The book was generously given as a gift to the Cary Memorial Library in Lexington, Massachusetts on August 29, 1994; perhaps by Wilson himself. He lives in Lexington with his wife Irene. His collections of both books and bugs are legendary. After cataloging and shelving by library staff, the same book sat unread (and perhaps untouched!) for over ten years until I requested it through the Minuteman Library Network and had it delivered to my local library branch.

I opened the book and read those words, intended for a great conservationist and investigator, and felt like a participant in a tiny and obscure bit of history. I've been looking for a copy of this book for over 3 years, since I read The Trees In My Forest and became so impressed with the author. I had given up when the free public library system succeeded well beyond my wildest imaginings. Personal words between important naturalists, delivered to my door.

A sign?