There are now over 400 cases globally, the greatest number in Africa, with over 100 cases in Europe. Ut is also in the U.S., Canada and Australia. This is the largest outbreak of the virus every recorded. Apparently smallpox vaccines are 85% effective at preventing the disease. Maybe we all need to be re-vaccinated for smallpox. Or perhaps, since the eradication of smallpox people are no longer vaccinated. Whatever, keep an eye for for unusual very bumpy rashes with elevated fevers. Fatality rate is similar to SARS infections which during the current Covid-19 outbreak is about 2%. Now on to fun stuff.
I commented to a friend yesterday that I have a bias to natural history books from Canada. Here are several that are in our library. They are well done and easy to use.
Since we spend so much time in wetlands here is another great book.
And finally a book for Québec.
Years ago when I started to become interested in moths more seriously my friend Hugh suggested this book to me. The entire text is in French, which I can muddle through. But the plates are arranged taxonomically using scientific names, which makes it quite easy.
I have several additional books from Canada. One is on Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies); On on fungi and another an annotated checklist of Lepidoptera. When I get the chance I’ll comment on them with scans of the covers.
More tomorrow, as thunder and lightening have arrived at Whitefish Point.
Michael's Place 