XIV. Chapter 15: 1908–1912, Cornell’s New Quarters for Entomology and Nature Study

This chapter focuses on Anna Botsford and John Henry Comstock's return to Ithaca on August 4, 1908. The Comstock's new official quarters in Roberts Hall at Cornell University were of great interest to them. At last, Henry had a large laboratory with ample windows, with no sashes to bring a bar across the field of the microscope. The insect collections were placed on the same floor as the lecture room, which is a great convenience. In contrast, Anna's experience was not so gratifying. The Nature Study Department was housed in the two west rooms on the fourth floor. The window in her room was so high that one could see out only when standing. Nevertheless, Anna had shelves for her books and a roll-top desk, which seemed a luxury. It was during the winter of 1909 that she conceived the idea of writing her Handbook of Nature Study. The chapter then looks at the expansion of the Comstock Publishing Company in December of 1909.