Dear Sir
Many years ago, I walked to the Alexander McGregor Museum in Kimberly; I had just begun working there. Just inside was a sign “The most dangerous creature to have walked the Earth”.
Beneath this sign, fixed to the wall, was a mirror.
Your recent editorial on the decline of that vital insect in the plant/pollination/food/harvest world is that busy little creature the Honey-bee.
No doubt, in the worthy interest of obtaining richer harvests, genetic scientists have achieved a greater yield. The cost, not of research or improved chemical input, was on the nature that has been doing its rounds long before harvests etc. were counted.
From the researcher's bench can it not be thought of: the subject “If we change or modify this factor, what other changes would be implied?”
The bottom line in this case is to my mind that as big and important as mankind is, the daily value of the Honey-bee probably exceeds the best of our daily functions.
Honey lover
Windhoek