Just what is a spell? Merriam-Webster defines it as “a spoken word or form of words held to have magic power,” “a state of enchantment,” and also “a strong compelling influence or attraction.” A very satisfactory definition indeed. For myself, I have long considered a spell very much akin to a prayer, for in the […]
Back in 2017, Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris joined together to create their remarkably successful book “The Lost Words” that sought to, and succeeded in, returning to us all the great gift of a collection of words that had been all-but-lost. Not surprisingly, as words have long been associated with powers that some have often referred to as magical, they have joined together once again to produce “The Lost Spells,” a book that shows every likelihood of rivaling the popularity of their previous one.
Of all the creatures exemplifying Batesian mimicry, few are better known to naturalists than hoverflies. Looking for all they’re worth like bees or wasps, these harmless and beautiful little members of the diptera are fascinating subjects of study.