The Undesigned Chapter, pt XI / "The Bees"

 

”If the bee became extinct,

man would only survive few years beyond.”

...(Claimedly) said by Einstein (Albert, 1879-1955;  'that eccentric physician who revolutionized our ideas about the universe')

(Seems to me...there's so many 'idioms' that've been asserted said by Einstein, would probably be more secure not claim this actually his words. But, what the h-ll, contains a nice piece of wisdom. At this particular case - no matter who said that actually - expresses in a few words essentials from what tried outline on bit wider scope at this text by us).

 [...Visiting sunflower ; Some of the commonest bumble-bees, apparently - For I observed the frequent arrivals for my garden at least from June 'til late Summer...]

So, (About) the hymenoptera ; ...ie the species from social/eusocial-bees and -wasps, sawflies, ants, parasitoids, ao, the multitudes from their various subgroups/-families. (Mostly this is about the bees, though.)

; ...Acc. to that excellent book on pollination by Buchmann-Nabham, the taxonomists have found to exist (globally):

”...about 25,000 bees and at least 4,000 wasp species active in pollination among the 103,000 known Hymenoptera species. This latter taxonomic group of bees and wasps contributes one out of every ten animal species now inhabiting the earth.” 

 (Further of that they then seem say it estimated that maybe about 40,000 separate bee species to exist. ; ...At 1996, so perhaps these figures might by now represent slight underestimate, and must've been upward calculated since that timing.) 

 

In spite of my any reservations of that amount - still correct numbers or not - makes it quite clear and obvious that the honey-bees only consist a slightest bit from all that great ecological variety amongst bees. Even while they're so important on many human agricultural cultivations (; tomatos and eggplants, the greenhouses and orchards, fx, etc.) - And soforth, the major pollinators of the flowering plants contain a larger bunch other tribes too (...of the bees, the solitary bees perhaps mostly, but also birds, bats, and several other insects, not the least means also the beetles). In brief, seems it also correctly pointed from that: 'The honey-bee is not any ecological panacea concerning the human agriculture' (...or smtgh like that – at the moment, I can't seem find my notes about the sentence on this book referred, so let's leave it for mention... )

 [...Right above ; Honey-bee, on some of my garden lilies. Several other spec. visited that too...)

Nevertheless, like many people, personally I like to use honey (of the domesticated bee, Apis mellifera, w. sbps – on this case meaning the European honey bee). And why not – it's fx lot more healthy than most other sugarines. On the small-scale manufacture, the production is also not any ecological burden. Many people keep nests for an additional income, etc. On local levels, of the smaller amounts, I find that, mostly only favorable blessing. Indeed, the human and bee relation has a long history. However – concerning most any larger commercial activities – I don't find, ecologically thinking, that quite the same would be true from most larger agricultural production (/our modern times massive cultivations and the nest-keeping/ 'pollination-industry' adjoining that). 

 

 [...Above ; Some of the commonest bumble-bees also, at the Cornflower. /

Below ;  Quite usual small  bee as well - Pictured that on suburban roadside, at mid-summer. ]

(...About) the Man ; In brief, I think sometimes/recently a lot discussed CCD (Colony collapse disorder) of the (honey-)bees is only a singular symptom among many aspects traceable to the effects from long-term growth of the human agricultures over it's sustainable limits, often leading consequently to an ecological imbalance. Aforementioned means various aspects in concerning the bees; ...Fx, the long lasted pesticides use (at human agricultures), but as well – not necessarily or even mainly any agricultural side-consequence - so called urban sprawl. And, fx there's also possibility/at least is imaginable of various genetical threats might araise consequently (whether them are yet even recognizable or not), ...etc. By now the main reasons and causes of above mentioned problem (CCD) likely are already more profoundly investigated and understood, maybe, but I only think all of that actually like very logical reactions concerning the insects itself. They're from many ways delicate beings. (Albeit, the honey-bees seem mentioned for more disease vulnerable compared to most other species, even excluding the fact that there's also aspects traceable on their long cultivation at the human domestication.)

So, for a neat compromise, myself I've fx decided to keep it for rare exception (almost never, or say very scarcely), from buying any imported honey products. Sometimes that's not even mentioned in the packet, on which case also I don't usually buy the staff...unless I find it otherways logical assume the retailer brought it from production acceptable acc. my criteria. Everything affects everything, in other words said. (I also fx buy the maize only from organically grown production, nowadays.)

Seems also true there's probably not any other insect species, ever been so important to humans at their (domesticated) use than bee(s). (; With the possible exception from the Silk Moth (Bombyx mori), ...which seems been nearly so important, due from it's domestication permitted manufacture of silk. Also it's, in fact, the sole other insect species that ever was more widely domesticated, either historically or culturally. ...More precisely, means actually the silkworm of course, the larvae of the moth - briefly quoting from the Wikip.: ”Silkworms were first domesticated in China over 5000 years ago. Since then the sillk production capacity of the species has increased nearly tenfold.” ; Ie, compared for the bees(-keeping), it's quite likely their (Bombyx mori) past domestication having had more effect on the species actual genetical combination/evolution. However, geographically, that 'industry' (at least formerly) always was lot less widespread.)

 [...Above ; This is probably some from the very largest species: An impressive, robust creature - Observed that on Alpine Catchfly flowers (...sbp alpina.) - The plant has quite interesting range on Finlands, by the way; Seems it's common from southern edge of country and also at North Lapland...but lot rarer in the midst.]

; But, nowadays I can also imagine there being various cases of nearly similar importance (for humans), and various forms of agriculture taking benefit of these 'insect-human partnerships'. Either experimented or planned. Or, otherways resembling practices; ...Think about the genetics, fx (the Fruit flies). Or, also the organic farming and natural pest control. (Ladybirds, for example.) Even the organic farming can and probably has some affluence for various species in question...while it's of course not any domestication, in the stricktest sense of the word. (Naturally, I don't also view it for any cause of ecological harm, merely means the opposite. Budup, what the man does always have impact on anything he chooses interfere with.) However, fx on the large-scale agricultures, the bumble-bees as well can be mentioned on this, for they are widely used as pollinations agents on greenhouses, purely means the use their domesticated use, very effectively and often very commercially.

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 [...On the right: A parasitoid-spec. - The presence of it nearby my garden could be a sign from rich ecological variety at my neighbourhoods, But their also rarer see, adults live only brief period. (...It's 'bigger sister' also apparently was from great help to my gardening by harassing the moth caterpillars - Parasitoids are said important for ecology due that they limit the other species populations from not over-populating too effectively. Also are the first species that disappear if 'host'-species decline more significantly.)]     

Yet, while human actions cause great harms for the insects - as well as to number other animal spec. - there's actually nothing we'd probably could invent that could wipe out the insects completely, I believe. More likely it all just ends up adding to our own harms (That potentially hazardous chemical pollutative load. ...There's examples from it, a lot, seem they say.) At the 1990s, fx, when the various toxics et similar, were probably generally more widely used on pesticides than nowadays, this concern (on the above referred Buchmann-Nabham book) was expressed via this powerful 'metaphora': ”The severity of pollinator declines resulting from insidious connection between land clearing and deadly chemicals is not likely to be known for decades. But there is no doubt that the rainforest is being cut down equally effectively by both metal and 'chemical' chainsaws.” (p. 141) ...Mostly the topics from that would be slighly off the scope of our writing here, though...so we move on. (Yet, I can't but recommend that book mentioned for anyone. Also read the pages adjacent for these quoted paragraphs.) 
 

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  [...Above ; Of the most enchanting looking-spec, ...The yellow frontside and red-orange from rear. Only seems fly on a few weeks during the warmest season, though. ]

'We take a look around.' (...or, what I've learned about bees myself.) ; ...Mentioning bumble-bee(s), then reminds me about how much I just happened to enjoy watching the bumble-bees at their natural environment during previous summer. (Most species at pics probably were photographed at my own backyard, but then also there's many pictured on nearby semi-natural forests, also parks and orchards, ao. Actually, very few of these I saw at any wilderness areas (ie on any actual forested landscape). Quite clearly they're not anyhow scarcer there, but appear perhaps less often noticed than from the'semi-open'. ; ...Bumble-bees are also most easiest recognizable group from hymenoptera at these Northern soils. During some warm summer day are very observable almost anyplace where's some vegetation. (Means also that at the Fennoscandian latitudes, bumble-bees are the best adapted species among bees for cold spell – Actually there's not the usual (wild) honey-bees in the Natures here. Of course there's many various groups from solitary bees. But all from the honey-bees are maintained at nests kept on human purposes.) Perhaps interesting also that at Northern temperate zone hymenoptera also contains largest amount singular species from any insect groups, indiffering from how that is that on warmer latitudes.

...So, not any wonder majority of pics alongside are from bumble-bees. More widescale asssortment about variety hymenopteran families would've of course been more informative (...various genera and tribes. Any of the singular spec. here, also could've been easily identified, but didn't have time for that...see of the precise genera by yourself, if you have...it's not likely even too difficult nowadays with modern internet and the intelligent search-engines provided.)

  [...On the left ; Also a bumble-bee, on some Toadflaxes...]

...To me these lovely creatures however have far more importance than any of pics could superficially represent; Meaning both (their) emotional and affectionate importance. Fx, I remember very lively circumstances from each of these. I mean, how was the particular atmospheric conditions/climate on that particular time from the day any picture was taken. The weather (mostly these were flying during sunshine, of course), and what the particular season/time from year it was. And likewise of the surrounding environments – the plants especially; Was it a grassland/heathland/rocky hillsides/messy wild growth vegetation on the roadside, fx, etc. Luckily we have these modern cameras that make so marvelous pictures, it helps to observe and to recollect such enchanting memoirs, easily and nicely.

Watching these species at previous summer, I (personally) also learnt to know them better. By learning to know them better - not just from photographing, but observing - I think, I've also learnt to understand them better. Not just from that they're very benefial concerning my gardening/farming tasks, from pollinating many plants at garden and annihilating numerous pest species (...ao other their prey items). But, I also learnt understand that them to behave just due because their own very natures. ...Some of the species I was able watch just for a brief moments; The bee having sipped nectar from some flower fx, then subsequently flying away just as quickly as it had appeared. Some I watched staying on more long-term stay at certain flower(s). ; And, fx I remember, very lively, the loud buzzing of the bumble-bees on a springtime morning at the blooming willows I was watching. Even knowing they have no sting - unlike the wasps et some other social bees - are completely harmless, that felt quite thrilling. Nevertheless I also was able catch a very vivid impression; That them are, like all the hymenoptera, of their very nature born to some furious breed. ; ...And there were of course multitude of similar enchanting experiences, some rather usual and common-place, but also many interesting and lively.

  

 [...On the left ; Typical forest wasp ('yellow-jacket'). ...There's actually several quite resembling-looking genera. Most fennoscandian species are perhaps (relative) "tame", when compared for their many tropical cousins. - Some of the species nest at ground-burrows and don't seem much pay attention for nearby-walking, acc. my noticing. (...However, the better known that make those circular waxed nests do and don't tolerate the observer from too close the nest....) ; But, on a forest walk this creature happened land close by for wooden log. Of politely, I then took this photo...from some respectfull distance, of course. ]
 

So, in brief: Them were here before us (humans), and even by noticing all these ecological caveats by our own making – it's more than likely that them will be here (on Earth) even after our time will be over (...with the uttermost propability. Nothing in this world is 100 per cent sure. From the projected future even less can be stated w. some certainty, of course.) Call this attitude (of mine) some nature-romantism if wish, but to me it's just some simple realism. Unlike us (humans) who do greatly benefit from them, the insects don't actually need us in any manner. As the natural logic easily consolidates, or due from a natural order of things, they're actually in every level more self-sustaining...if compared to our human cultures. (We're actually dependent from the insects on most various tasks, not solely meaning the pollinating of plants them handle.). The insects also have, fx, during vast continuum of times, their assumed well over 200 million years of past existence, survived every previous mass-extinction event - w. no particular difficulties or only 'minor hits taken' (...like was the expression by Dawkins we've sometime earlier referred for).

...Otherways, wasn't actually meaning say too much on this. My original idea was only for accompanying these pics w. a few suitable quates from some classics (At the following, see...) I'm also not quite too well acquainted from and about hymenoptera to describe the species esp. But their interesting, and many species are relative easy observe at Natures.

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'What the ancients said.' ; So here's then lastly few important symbolical references to the bees at the old fiction/literature, which I was able to find. Mostly insects (those 'bugs') are quite devoid of mention in the old books. Yet, there's also plenty important exceptions.

[...Below ; Thistle-flower - Also, are some of the plants that the bumble-bees, ao, most eagerly visit.]

; ...The first brief quote w. a classic w. bee-reference is from the 17^th century – Precisely, it's from Jonathan Swift's (1670-1740) renown satire text (or comment it was, for at the time heated dispute concerning ancient and modern learning.) This is also renown due from it's said, by earliest, having introduced the (very famous) phrase sweetness and light, to the English language.

(...from) A Full and True account of the Battle fought last Friday between the Ancient and Modern Books in Saint James's library ; (p. y. 1697, ...the bee-reference is on paragraph:) 

 

”...As for us, the Ancients, we content with the bee, to pretend to nothing of our own beyond our wings and our voice: that is to say, our flights and our language. For the rest, whatever we have got has been by infinite labour and search, and ranging through every corner of nature; the difference is, that, instead of dirt and poison, we have rather chosen to till our hives, with honey and wax; thus furnishing mankind with the two noblest of things, which are sweetness and light.”

(...You may have noticed that along w. other words, wax I've emphasized of the text. It is worth the remark, due because from prior there was any electric lights - actually even before the oil-lamps had been taken on uses (or, similar inventions), the beewax collected from bee hives was considered even more valuable than the sweet honey. And indeed, even nowadays it's fun occasionally use some - particularly on this dark season of the year (Nov.). Most enchanting luxury, w. mild light and their sweet gentle scent. ..Although, candle burns out lot sooner than the regular candles. (Of Webster's I also was able find this reference about wax candles cultural past importance: [a Standard candle was] 'a unit of luminous intensity equal to the luminous intensity of a wax candle of standard specifictions, [that was] ...used prior to 1909.')

; Then (almost as famous) second quote...It's from how Rousseau (Jean-Jacques, 1712-1778) on his Les Confessions (1782) described his 'another little family at the end of the garden', ie: 
 

”; these were several hives of bees, which I never failed to visit once a day, and was frequently accompanied by Madame de Warens. … At first curiosity made me indiscreet, and they stung me several times, but afterwards, we were so well acquainted, them let me approach as near as would, they never molested me, though the hives were full and the bees ready to swarm. At these times I have been surrounded, having them on my hands and face without apprehendin any danger.”

 

...Rousseau, that great nature-romantic, even finds his business w. bee-hives a source for inspirations/or thoughts most of us could allow only toward the 'fellow' mammalians , as he states soon after at successive sentences: 
 

”All animals are distrustful of man, and with reason, but when once assured he does not mean to injure them, their confidence becomes so great that he must be worse than barbarian who abuses it.”

(Although, on the latter reference Rousseau doesn't specifically refer to honey-bees, or neither for the other insects.) ...I can't say him to over-romanticing the human-animal relation on that. While it maybe little too imaginous or speculative from considering insects to possess anything similar or comparable for emotions (/compassion), at least we humans do have those feelings...which also defines our own specific relations towards any animal, even these 'little flyin bugs'. Besides, insect do get accustomed to the particular human personnels, fx the honeybees towards bee-keeper. Even the wild species recognize and react for the presence of the observer...albeit them are usually too busy on their tasks for t0 pay much attention for humans. Mostly - unlike our relation towards them – them actually consider us unimportant, meaningles from their view-point.

 

 [...Beside ; ...an interesting looking spec. - But was speeding through some low hays, so I hadn't chance for any better pic of it...]

; However, my own favorite among these classic quotes (perhaps because it doesn't esp. refer for the honey-bee, but the bees more generally), is from Mary Shelley's (1797-1851) novel The Last Man (1826): 

”The chasm, deep black and hoary, swept from the summit to the base, in the fissures of the rock, myrtle underwood grew and wild thyme, the flood of many nations of bees, enormous crags protruded into the cleft, some beetling over, other rising perpendicularly from it.”

...Quote/novel likely reflects the political situations of that time (The Greek revolution and it's independencing from the Ottoman rule, and, likely that bee-reference mostly could/should interpret as the symbolical reference for united support to the rebellion (imagined, actually there wasn't any mutual support) from the west European nations.) 
 

...But my actual interest was merely on origins of that word, or term. (Of course, It's just a few words on that paragraph, used in passing, yet not probably meant without a particular meaning. And even that I don't think those words - 'nations of bees' - even would be by her own inventions, by earliest. ,...or, possibly?). ;...Seems it, anyway, also mentioned (on Benjamin – McCallum, fx) that the bee, (ie, or esp. honey-bee) was been traditionally and often, on many past times and countries, used as the symbol for strenuous moral of the citizens, their industriousness, etc. In brief, all those characteristics that people often find for admirable qualities and would've like to identify to themselves, via the bee. (That most useful domesticated animal 'partner' since long in the human pasts.) So, in a sense, the above quoted sentence also takes this old metaphor – ages old – and turns it's meaning around by recognizing that actually the bees are just as numerous than those nations whose fates and dead-ends the novel eventually is from and about (By the way, quote situates also on the earliest climax in the plot of novel, for it's used at the first melodramatic 'height-point'.) . Somehow very enchanting, even that it's just a few words.

[...To the left ; ...At clover, dark-coloured spec. that seems preferably fly around the early hours from evening. It's maybe, a Cuckoo bumble-bee, ...I'd guess. ]

; ...But of course there must be lots and numerous more references to the bees (/honey bees) on the old literature. Even since from the antique times at least, them've always been favored subject of observation and sources for imagination for humans. The few exerts I just picked here of the texts I was familiar with, and from recent memoir... 
Also seems that this sequel now should end our writings about the Fennoscandian insects (...at least from any groups or genera specifically.) [; G.U.J.]

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'Sources' :  (...Or, merely just few some books of the bees)

Buchmann – Nabham, The forgotten pollinators (1996)

Benjamin – McCallum. The world without bees (2000s).

Crosby; Ecological Imperialism. The Biological Expansion of Europe 900-1900 (1986)

- Crosby's classic book is quite old by now and isn't about bees mainly or mostly...but it describes well the spreading of honey-bees along with European colonization to other continents.    [Ops! ...Accidentally that priorly pesented Crosby's earlier 1972 book, but now it's corrected.] 

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MSW Book Recommendation # 37

The Tenant of Wildfell Hall 
By Anne Bronte
(p. 1848)

[Book Recommendation III / 2013]

From fiction books I've reently had chancce to view this was of my most interest. That said, seems reasonable point, that Anne Bronte (1820-49?) perhaps (/likely) remains the least renown from those 1800's writing Bronte-sisters (But not anyhow unknown to modern reader, of course.) Also, unless I'm not mistaking from that (not too unpossible at this case, I've fx not viewed her bio for this), the discussed book represents sole novel she ever wrote.

There wasn't actually any difficulty from select this particular book on our recommendations. Although, I did have also few other possible alternatives considered; ...From similarly good old books – perhaps as 'examples' of the past centuries 'minor classics', or, 'literature genres' (, ...or, whatsoever) - I also read fx William Godwin's (1756-1836) novel Caleb Williams (p.1794). And, I also read Daniel Defoe's (1659-1731) Roxana, the Fortunate mistress (p. 1724). Both of those, like this novel discussed, seem for (relative) little famous, or little remembered nowadays. Yet, were well received by the critics and/or reading public on their time of publication. (With some exception from the Godwin, whose book actually was lot more popular originally, even though' nowadays it appears perhaps less better known than the 'comparisons' mentioned.)

...Each of these novels makes somewhat different examples (of fiction). Godwin's novel probably might've made most interesting selection due from it's criticism(/condemnation) of the bourgeoise class-society and it's social unequalities. Defoe's book (/the main characters 'misfortunes' on it) were written in a manner that seems produced several similarly popular stories, albeit majority of those seem appear far less worth for reads. And, on a little similar vein as The tenant, there perhaps was written lots books on during the post-romantic literatures, or -period. Each from mentioned, however, would make quite enjoyable readings and compact novels - probably also (partly) the reason for them still to be somewhat remembered. 

However, the recommended book was unavoidable selection, simply because I think it best from mentioned as a novel. (That selection despite that we've earlier presented also Bronte-biography at this serie.) Although each of these novels mentioned would've made good examples considering their own centuries social moral, customs, etc. On the other hand, we've before this far (37+ recoms) presented rather few fiction books/novels/stories of the centuries prior 1800s. 
 

About Anne Bronte appears it noted that she wrote this book while very young, only seems been only 19 of age. She also died earliest from the Bronte-sisters (when not counting the oldest of sisters, who died at their childhood), so she didn't live to see many years after the books was publiced. Somewhat interesting view-point (also) that The tenant is often merited from very skillful description of emotions and personnel relationship (Seems been wondered how she was capable to such talented writing about those aspects at such young age.)

...I've actually read this book on several occasions. At my first reading, the book didn't so much impress me, but when later reading that I found it more rewarding than had earlier considered. Generally (/superficially), it's perhaps quite common-place romantic novel from the upper-middle class (rural-) life of those times. Plot has elements that probably were somewhat usual at this kind of literature/fiction; the romantic atmospheres/landscapes, the garden walks, the social play, the drunkyard husband, the neglected widow, mansions and vicarages, fields and sea-sides, ...etc. Basically (somewhat) much on the same vein than her sisters bit more renown books. There's fx also dramatic scenes and lot emotional description of inner feelings (But, fx not any 'gothic' or supernatural elements, sometimes pointed show from Wuthering Heights, p. 1847, or from Jane Eyre, also was p. -47.) Anyway, it's very good social relations novel, even if the reader (/us) might consider some elements of the story quite usual or resembling for modern melodramas (...et similar).

Likewise, has to be said that the book keeps it's tension most of time very well.

...Or, in other words it rarely becomes boring to read - I say so, because my own 'finding' from reading (some, perhaps majority) from those widely favored and/or famous, world-appreciated, 19^th-century classic authors only seems - mostly, 'though not solely - contain a list from rather opposite kind (of impressions).

Of course, the following only some personal opinions, but...I recall from not ever having bothered read much further than perhaps (about) 50 first pages of a novel by Dickens (...I've read that classic X-mas novellette, though. But, fx Dombey And Son (1848), there it rests someplace on my bookshell, occasionally few pages of the book glanced and reshelved for good. Can't deny from him been talented writer, 'though.) Furthermore then, I suppose I never bothered read Henry James's Portrait of the Lady (1884) far either. (Even that - I suppose - I really must have thought it for some 'cornerstone' among those books of the era described.) ...And, quite the same concerns many of the french contemporaries to those; Flauvert's Madame Bovary (1857?) I recall from having read some time past (It probably made some impression; psychological, emotional, and smtgh like that - but otherways, only was equally boring read.) Same can of course be noted from most of Zola's novels I've ever began (...what a drysome biologist...guess I've ever paged only rare few from his novels, though...). For Hugo's Les miserables (1862) I guess my interest lasted to some first 150 pages worth, about.

...To return for the British, George Eliot's (Mary Ann Evans by birth...I suppose) Middlemarch (1871) I even once forced myself to page from the very begins until it's very last page (...but now I only wonder why. Perhaps it was because I thought it must've held some promise the book never redeemed; That too only some waste of time.)

And, from other English 'literature giants' (...but originally he was Polish, I suppose...), Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness (1902) it did find plainly just for exiting story, not any 'remarkable masterpiece' it was later up-lifted for (...book has some moments...but I can't say ever having understood why in the world that should've appear - for it seems been/is considered - to some 'plain view about those demonic depths of an imperialism'-era). However, I also read Conrad's Secret Agent (1907), but did't find that similarly over-appreciated, at least wasn't too boring. Also Nigger of Narcissus (1897) I've read sometime past, and thought it not too bad either, I suppose. (...unlike some other Conrads novels I never finished to read.)...Finally, Kipling I've actually always somehow (by instinct) considered best to avoid completely (...well, the Jungle Book, p. 1894, I only luckily missed not to read on my youthful days, I guess.) Not has read much from Wells either (...So I can't say even that much of those authors). The last mentioned – Kipling, Conrad, Wells – also situate mostly for early 1900s, not actually are (via context/their writings) typically 1800ian authors.

Like earlier discussed, the above paragraph mainly of personal opinion; Might not necessarily even represent my final judgements about those books (...in case I'd ever happen bother to view again those novels discussed). Quite a random selection/examples from 1800s literature I think over-esteemed. So, to 'pass my judgements for effect' [ :)], I'll finish this recom. by noticing we've had pretty much books from English (1800s) literature presented already. Therefore, I'll limit the English fiction aside from any of the forthcoming book reviews. (...Also, as the consequence from that I'd then have to read most from any later reviewed (fictional books/novels) as translations. As I've probably not language skills for original texts. Often a troubling aspect, as sometime before was noted....)

(G.U.J.)

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Dryas- (inter-, post-, or whatsoever) icy-stadial / "The most useful plant"!

; Mulskinner Eco-product Review XVII (I / 2013): 
Common FLAX (Linum usitatissimum)

”We make our move...
...and you know we never lose.”
- Girlschool (C'mon Let's Go) 

'Ashterix grabs the Alpean flower'

 (...Pic from Chez Les Helvetes ; Coscinny / Uderzo cartoon, 1970. ...the story's also homage for the old herbalist traditions...)

...Happens that little was I aware of it's history on vegetative world, while I (some chapters past) presented, in passing, that nicely flowering marshes plant. (Of course, I mean that Menyanthes trifoliata, by common name Bogbean). What I didn't know, was it actually is listed for the scarcified, (and even) more or less to threatened plants elsewhere. ...While (clearly) declined, appears still relative common at Fennoscandia. But, seems it said being lot scarcer on the middle Europes. What actually surprised me was that it was said gotten scarce due of the old habit from picking it's flowers. (Perhaps not the whole truth, or not perhaps the sole truth...but anyway, lead me for these few thoughts about the past effects from casual but usual collecting of flowers from the wild Natures).

Quite likely that's probably less usual now than (about) a century past, or maybe several decades ago. Likewise, we're lot more aware of these things nowadays, and occasionally is mentioned of the rarer plants at tropical ranges, that the gathering has brought for their severe endangerement. Fact is, of course, also that on tropics plants are as well much more numerous than here at temperate latitudes. (...Although I've not too much knowledge about that either, the past history of quinine seems make actually quite good example about this; Seems that around 19^th/ early 20^th century, the Quinine-trees (Cinchona) were largely levelled and resultatively almost vanished from Earths surface. - Reason being it's bark became more widely collected for uses as the cure for malaria around that time, and the resulted vast demand brought the tree(s) (very) close for their extinction. Only later then was learned the medicine's synthetic production, also protection of the remained trees finally having prevented their complete loss.) ...A really good example even that them are tree(s), not a typical flowering plants (Even more so due because of the quinines great medicinal importance).

So, I was quite surprised, since I hadn't really considered such a barbaric habits (than wild flowers collection for sale) indeed been amongst real causes behind some plants significant decline. (Concerning that Bogbean, probably marsh drainage and other changes to environmental conditions might've affected too.) 
But, among the Fennoscandian plants there's also a number of species formerly been lot declined, due the collecting. Many of the Anemones were in fact at first were protected just due from their widespread picking - Pulsatilla vernalis (ie Spring pasque flower/Arctic violet) actually was the very first protected plant at Finlands, from 1926...if I recalled the year correctly. On later years all it's collecting was completely prohibited.) Even Hepatica (H. nobilis), generally rather common plant at boreal forests, was rather early protected (still is, actually) from commercial gathering. And then there's various other flowers genera that've had originally gotten scarcer due from that (or at least partly because from the habit), many Orchidaceae (fx.), Corydalis (Fumewort) -spec. as well. ...And others, of which I've not any too precise idea, except that them usually are, or have been plants, which have a nice flowering. Perhaps also sometimes (but more rarely), plants that've earlier had some herbal uses. Also, most of these species don't effectively (or at all) spread from root-growths, but usually only of via their seeds.

Even so, I don't either question the fact that nowadays the most siginificant reason/ main cause to the scarcity of fx that Pulsatilla (spec.) is the modern forest use methods (means the disturbance of the forest floors by practices of the economic forestry, probably also lot has to do with that caused changes on forests microclimate.) ...But seems also that the flower-picking on earlier era was a factor for the (considerable) decline of some. So, don't pick any rarer species of the wilds, as the usual but simple advice of this.

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(Fiber-) Flax/ Linseed (flower).

                         ; ... (I think) it also has the loveliest sky-blue from any flowering plants...

...From our eco-product-review, or -recommendations, we have a more usual, quite widely cultivated, plant here: It's the (Common) Flax (Linum usitatissimum). Flax has at least as long history in the human cultivation as some other typical domesticated plants, and the spec. also originates from the same regions or 'corners of the world' as many crops – Ie (it's) early farming began already at birth of agriculture, on times of the Fertile crescent. ; Also is said been cultivated by ancient Egyptians, (smtgh like) over 8000 y. ago at least. ...And even far before that, on basis of some remains (...of which the archeological record mentions, from the found dyed flax fibers, or some signs of those), it's earliest uses seem said originate even from the prehistorics. (Likely, any domesticated sowing is not too clear proven from that far back in time.) 

Of the plant's popularity nowadays I noticed the flaxseeds mentioned (at web; women's fitness.com...at someplace on that site) lately been recognized for a trendy health-product, fx was mentioned from it's many benefits for the body (esp. for women, seems it been studied sometime). ...Don't know about that; Yet, it's fx noticeable that flax seeds are known from be rather beneficial effect for digestation. (BNG's Medicinal Plants seems also mention that '..medieval herbalist Hildegard von Bingen also recommended it [linseed poultices] for the burn scalds.' - from Hildegard v. Bingen.) 

Contrary to the previous paragraph, it's noted the seeds to contain (relative) much cadmium and therefore eating too large amounts ain't therefore perhaps quite that beneficial. (Yet them fx are sold rather commonly here on markets and I don't think the said any reason for much of a caution.) Flaxoil (on markets here also regularly sold) I've also seen some retailers adverting by drinking few sips from the mug - as a proof underlining a fact it being also palatable, completely non-chemical product. (..Practise that perhaps little unpleasantly might feel resembling those 1950s old adverts where some workmen line up for to digest a few cups of the DDT on the begins of their day. Of course, these make not quite comparable examples in real sense...) Anyway, I think can't be any harm of occasional use from those flaxseeds (good for the stomach, relieving for the mind.), but the flaxoil (I think) ain't for us at cooking. It seems fx has rather low heating point (comparing to some other vegetative oils). Otherways, seems it also said that when the seeds manufactured for the foodstuffs, them are at first, someway, specifically processed for to remove some harmful substances (...perhaps it's that cadmium formerly mentioned).

...But, from it's many other benefits, the flaxfibers can be used to clothes manufacture, and the flaxoil as an organic alternative to (fx) lacquers - ie it's really usable resistant of the moisture and decay which on outdoors tend rotten the wooden furnitures, toys ...and can also be used at inner walls, on the pants, etc. (...Guess I don't have advert too much it's usability on that compared for all the chemical stuffs, still recently most common on paints, et other similar products; Acc. to some studies – probably the growing number – many from those might appear potential sources to cancers, infertility, and who knows what else. ...I don't find that any very surprising, a knowledges...) ; ...Perhaps important to notice on this also, that at least here the (Linum-) oils and fiber cultivation appear made from the separate subspecies of plant (...though I didn't check of the names, or their precise terming.). 
 

During the old times flax used to be most common material on clothes making - until it was replaced by cotton, at this part of the world perhaps only little over half century ago (The hemp was earlier widely used too.) Nowadays flax is said have regained some popularity again, 'though significantly largest amounts appear grown for uses at processing flaxoil from the seeds.

...When I've sometimes observed the field growing flaxes (...what an ethereal, beautiful landscape-view it makes....!), I've also paid attention for that nowadays the plants appear been bred for a bit shorter kind (and therefore them flower earlier at summer.) ...Likely is usual for many domesticated crops too, of the reason that them ripen then earlier and a same field can produce later harvests from Autumn- or Springcrops too. Flax is noted quite practical plant on that system. Also – due from the long past history of it's cultivation – seems noted well adapted for these colder regions. (There's also some close species of Flax, or some that belong for the Linen, growing in the wild. Their family linaceae, seems contain some well over 200 plants, worldwide.) 
 

But, that was possibly the main points of it, for now. 
(...and beware Harry Potter, I even have a broomstick which has the tail made from the flaxstalks... ;) W-G.

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The food section ...for change (Con Funghi!)

”...the fish are jumpin' and the cotton is high...”

by Janis Joplin (/Gershwin); from Summertime.

This brief interchapter has a recipe and discusses from the fungi; Or, about mushrooms, svamps ...whatever their proper common name to use should be. (However, not much about fungus or the various relatives for the yeasts, et similar on this...or, from properties of those.)

Chanterelle (C.cibarius).

The fungi appear representatives of a group with some great anciety (Nowadays, seems it assumed/noted that almost by time when the earliest land plants 'climbed' of the seas, them were accompanied - and helped - with a variety genera from early 'fungal'-organisms. ; ...Ok, I just use the term fungi onwards from this, and no latinized taxonomisms or anything from their specific genera on this.) 
It's also said that formerly wasn't precisely understood how the fungi appear differ from the plant(s). Nowadays the fungi are lot better understood, albeit far from anyhow comprihensively. New species are found continuosly, perhaps partly due because what one usually sees of the fungi is their over-earth parts, the 'spore-head' (or smtgh...what's the word...that 'hat', I mean). The mentioned is only temporary formation - and not all species even form those. Major part of the fungi lives under surface, and forms associations with (fx) trees roots. (Known as the Mycorrhiza.)

I 've not any particular interest from the truffles - Those valued and expensive species that are gathered (nowadays also cultivated) with the trained dogs/pigs from the forests for them live completely under the ground surface. ...But seems it said been that practise - truffles collecting - via how the habit of the fungi of forming associations with (some) trees by earliest was understood. The Mycorrhiza(tzal associations) appear be of great importance for the trees growth. Fx, pines and oaks are said benefit greatly in their growth from that (Partly the reason why turning and digging nearby trees roots turns harming them much, temporarily at least.) In the northern (boreal, heathland) forests the pines are most usual trees, so no wonder you also can except finding lots species from fungi at pine-forest. However, fx spruce forest is equally 'desirable' habitat from seek those, too.

Considering the above said, it's then also perhaps not very surprising notice that there's lots valuable minerals and important vitamins in the fungi (So, I always like my spaghetti con funghi.) Although I remember the famous noticement on the old (Finnish) army manual saying that the fungi are not very adequate foods, solely eaten (It stated that one would have to eat about 5 kg of those for to meet the usual daily nutritious needs of the adult.) It is (yet) very truth there being much healthy ingredients one can acquire of eating fungi. I can't possibly over-emphasize this aspect, albeit it is - of course - only based on my own preferences. So, the Chinese culinary(-kitchen) also belongs for my favorites for there's often used fungi as the accompaniment foods. ...And why not, fungi not only contain many important vitamins and several species are also appear tasty. Also for the dietarists the best advert I could make is that they're also very light; Not much calories in the fungi ; Although, the regular mushrooms aren't that good alternative on any diets. But, in comparison to any fatty stuffs, or many forms of more usual foods, even them in fact are relative lightsome. ...Perhaps nicely and briefly said, if we conclusively of this notice few stuffs so recommendable on diets - and, by the same time also so underrated as foods - than the fungi. 

People would greatly benefit of cultivating them more commonly, especially so because it's also possible growing them without the sunlight. As the fungi don't use photosythsesis there's no need from sunlight. (Seems that the preferred level from humidity/moisture is almost sole necessary requirement on cultivation.) Actually (I think), comparison with the most human cultivated foods (fx/esp. to the aquacultures) seems favor their wider cultivation; Would have it's benefits. There's of course nowadays many varieties artificially cultivated. Likewise, exists lots old knowledge, the old folk tradition, about consumable natural fungi, though much of it is also nowadays from most part forgotten or smtgh that the younger people are hardly aware of. (Actually, I'm no exception as that you may already have noticed...)

However, in contrast for that very healthyness of fungi (as foods), renownly some species appear very poisonic. (To say it mildly; Good comparison is for the famously bitter and stinging tone of words by the mother-in-law. Seriously said, I couldn't possibly over-emphasize this aspect either...) For instance, some marine sponges are mentioned among most toxic creatures existent on Earth.  On evolutionary line they're also very ancient creatures (like was observed from the origins for all fungi, actually). Similarly as the case from plants, there's actually some bewildering array of 'chemial' defenses and particular toxic features at many fungi.
 

Among the most regular varieties from the usual forest species there's fx that (quite) curiously named and famously lethal-some, the European destroying angel (Amanita virosa) ; Luckily, quite easy from identify of it's pale white color. But, the misidentification  for some edible species is possible, fx for that species we've sometime earlier mentioned - ie for the Shaggy Ink Cap, Coprinus comatus. (The Amanita.-spec. sometimes grow that usual topping/hat of the fungi, but sometimes they don't, making it lot resemble the Ink Caps.) ...And there's also that species from Common Ink cap, partly poisonic too. So, actually I've though it a good idea to avoid all whitish fungi. 

Shaggy Ink Caps (C.Comatus)

...Not to mention that there's bunch of other genus that contain toxic species (by varying amounts). Seems it fx said that in the untrained eyes the Jack-o'-lantern-'mushrooms' (Omphalotus olearius) can be mistaken for the famously delicious Chanterelles. Luckily, we don't have the former mentioned growing here. (Besides) in my eyes they don't seem much for look-a-likes. ...Seems it therefore also noted that if collecting fungi of the woods one should always have/rely on experience by someone with adequate knowing from separate species.

The Amanitas (- there's several spec. of them too) also contain some enzymes that have the capacity for breaking down the human cellblocks (goes on structure level of the tissue, or the DNA-level, or smtgh like that...). However - and almost for us to wonder and be amazed from this great variety on Earthly abundance - seems it said that (the) keel slugs can and do consume those perfectly without harms! (...As their digestation system permits dissolving the toxics from those. In contrast, the slugs are noted being rather reluctant towards of eating fx Chanterelle, edible and delicacy from the human point-of-view.)


Obviously, in combined, we can conclusively notice that not all fungi appear edible; Even looking (some) merely feels rather dangerous... Yet, it should be stated that (the edible) fungi are among most recommendable for foods. Next time you think about the meals, consider replacing some part of it with the fungi of favored choice.

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  ...If you still feel like having appetite for the fungi (after these brief references to the poisonic spec. on preceded paragraph), here's a recipe; I've used various fungi at it. Of the natural growing (the fewsome I'm adequate familiar from) we have as local variety the earlier mentioned delicates from the (regular) Chanterelles (Cantharellus cibarius), or of the C. tubaeformis (latter mentioned are said look-alikes to the trumpet...or quite like, it's said...well, see for yourself). Alternatively, and probably more often, I've use the cultivated (domesticated) some, fx often preparing this from the Shiitake (lentinula edoesis), or from regular mushroom...Or, can use some other delicious fungi. (The preparation is simple, although maybe this is not perhaps most exceptional recipe one could make...but at least it's one of my own inventing.)

-- The Recipe; First the (preferred) fungi are marinated on sauce. Slice them to pieces (dried ones are preferable to keep at water priorly; 1-2 hours); Pour over 2 dl water, little of vinegar, 1-2 tsp  [– It's not necessary, but fx Chanterelles appear quite...tenacious?; so this is recommended...], peppers (crushed, about tsp), rosemary (fresh leaf) and (a little) of tomato-sauce. Let gather taste about half hour. ;Meanwhile cook - don't fry - the celery (...and that of that usual stuff, from which the stalk is used, not the leaf...) with the onions on pan, naturally w. some butter/vegetable oils. Once nicely colourful, add the spicing (coriander, nutmeg, about half tsp of each) ...And, only after that, add the spiced fungi (But, leave out the marinade waters, fungi have gathered far enough liquids by now). Let that be for about...10-25 min (Depending from fungi used.). After this, can add cream or vegetable oils to milden...if wish, it's not necessary. Offer with the selected accompaniment: potatoes, macaroni or salad fx. If noodles or spaghetti, you can also mix them for the same bowl. (; G.U.J.)

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