penne dretennrteg pir oh eaoase leveentale n EO eee errE se Se es OTT ete tana: pee aide tinh hdleeL och TET ee ads esa doe pela ti LP Cte bey yh ge bh SIE ah beter phat etch eh Hae I RS Sinica ret? mie Laie pth lateveteryset¥ oss eee eels ete ae a aoe Ne ee ee ae bee tee Ln nadine sherri earn it Pi NRE DE OES TES EMO pase ET A STEE the ON RST canaetnab diab a RRS a TEEN Cte ail a AON oe lee Se ee Sp ees Sie ee ay aoe PPE PERIL LIE EOS, ae hoe - CIES ON See eS Shenae ho ehtnhathe ibote wire? ee! Sats ie wow Ne NN TEN PRLS EN SE ETE See wes er N? Soe th. os oh ds ted ah te th tbe tien ak cepted at eden Se ed z 3 nce Siete Ey * “ : Pa eae eee CET ED EEO Ser 3 ig shat ari ae tar NING enn me Ba ato re . 5 * OR ste rele ¥ Pee - eo wy ew ert Pr y 7 aaa . ee ory Sains . _ te ? SEEPS NTE TEES MEN al eT 2 : nae EEN : NE EET Fe? ST . : edi. ditt ap tata vite minded : z Aineh-tbeiatithds ak mak ted men ee ae I Sg ETS Ee Ee OES i ee ~ mes ‘ erin n, tadeaoadets 5 ' : - Dy apr ghee ee wie plinth) . : SUE MENTE ET See Ogee nee roe ee EE ely a Se BE TE es fer Tage eee we Sbiks: OPES eee eh et é - . 2 peeahas ‘ ee ° or : oN ’ oleE ee a oe - . a wv . VON Ee or oe aah DiS: . v- ¢ ee eee ie Ae nd 4 > eo o > vie aa - ey + eer eveeye® : 3 , a8 . - nat Fn te a ih Palio - - On. ; é “ pig igh ey Wie ae Te whee ee ’ pert i a ee AE IS “st , “ ae aa Netae eae n a ahde E ERE AE EI Y ‘i mete CELE EET EET CSCS ee rer ree re Sn alan en ee iii 2 Sp Se See POE EE MEE Te ea ee ee Ne “—r enemy OM te ee ee nek ae see ECE Vreeer ery YY ee yyy Ser ey >t eels Vier ye é Yr ree na rere eye re ere : iw ee TVET Reyer ery pain fisted Por Sve pe ee wel elev ee riley oy Pee ES STEELS EES yee a . - ¥ VT Pees ‘a oe ae PLO OS es te WF PEPE SLEEPS TET ere reer ye. eet os ers eee 2 oe he ywep® ee ~- poe we VEN Le cS CC ere a a Ce 7 ¢ »§ « Wid - © & -* 4 ) , “@ mA . kG C« & w we Rg ete) Ween 4a \ a, ear Pe OL S , - ee eee Ng ) Nae Wid dd Ved Do Aa WAS “A } og » “at eee Sas = = 4 . Seat enka ge Si, Se) ree ; Ze ; a Bee es pe espe 235 vee” wr VSS POA Aa eh Or OR ee BABA G . \ = ww SA We oe oe a WS. pa eee pa Se = eee es Weyewe, AS Wenn Ee. =) a ee Re f. = ath Eee ge . we \ as ; ta , hy = othe vw j wf . re A , a ws WS ww Te . L Nw we bd y ‘eae = aac il ee Pa 2 ce ; = WwW wy es] (. , : ‘ rehilp pap et TIA SEOS SS, OUR td Ge PAINS ISA API Key oe Re ee Eo ae Rea aon ug fleet le whe Ye ow wwe NM CL —< Le ( . rm ( “id lhe ni AG x Pad at an ¢ (( | (ges s e& cae » C « L<@ worn, aa a “4 « fr ( $e C.-L ee ¢ at 4 (A as (tan Ki aR uit uh pe ei GA ' e -, i nt Fy ae PAN ‘i | FIFTEENTH ANNUAL: REPORT PNTOWOLOGICAL SoctEr OF ONTARIO, 1387 Lrinted by Order of the Legislative Assembly Torouto : oy | l $3588 | | FRINTED BY GRIP PRINTING AND PUBLISHING CU., FRONT STREET. FIFTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF ONTARIO. Lrinted by Order of the Legislative Assembly. Gorowts : PRINTED BY GRIP PRINTING AND PUBLISHING O0O., FRONT STREET. 1885. TABLE OF CONTENTS. A PAGE ANTE, GRyOUES Gaccias's Ghovesdoraedcodoor 66 CER AS IMM ey A scp tates ve evs, oS sos ahey speesows 66 cS Teetariie@ihnle Gaus cots etc aeenaenoaos 66 WAeordulecera dorsalis assess) scien 66 SD EGHE NOON oaor sc doso0 don dongeseneOD ¢ 24 Gs MAAISHINSIE side dade a OOO ean Dane 24 Norohisideclanataetss (vera) e)clely refit 17 CO” GENESEO SS aad ecipEEe cere neers omaae 21 oC) HENNE BR Rene mona aoe aaecoe 13, 15, 21, 24 ANigiin giclee, Sooaesoocoapeaedone oonbue 24 Allantus basillaris..... b/s RES ae eG ccibes G ra See CLICOSLOM AN eros S iyaniey=sshemta erect 71 Nore! Merc Calllloditths ooccgocqsuaccodane 23 Annual Address of President............ ie 15 «meeting Ent. Society, Ont........ iL ‘¢ statement of Sec.-Treasurer........ 5 ANN, CONGEST Joon ono 556 pode ae op abae 50 ATIt-IONS, NOLES OD. ..o seca tye eee ee ss 36 PApatelapA Meri Gan aa yeacss\iers eyes «ye os ae 39 PAI BIS PPACI CHIN, 42) ele cfele ie '=: = pylons siniciave:s + 52 /\TETTTT OS) MTG beng So aoe ODE ae epee 14, 22 JANaTTe) COICO ap apo es ae oae ite SOCtC ea Oe ree 34. PNSHESAWELY Arete cic .ctae nyo cere Serie aes & 32 PAS PALBOUS DECtLE G0. 325) th ease cuerale: sactiels Wales 13 PA DOM AT OAT Meyer yore pleraes, a= Josef tusyaieicysie (nex vigienees 52 SMD LOVIG CUS ret ae ests aaeustleaiyntelema nis 51 aS LLU CLOL TS Narsiet. 6 cco pr teyAte ci en eis ite 52 PM ACHSICCCLODIAs epee seine ee > seireinists 23 B EW AISIMOLEISAD Bbicren ihe so eae e melee cieeheleie 14 Bawles, G. J., articles:by = -.4. 52.2228... 37, 50 IBSSIBESSHIS CONSULATISS yaa hc hiaciceci sence 30 rs PUACHIEVENILEISHRE ee ner Cecio 23 Cc Cpavreeihy lene, baomome ta to. bueeiccae toe ila CAllosammlajan ouliteracs. eta see.) sae ela: 37 ORIG MED alanine canc5 ede (loc oppoeCbor 41 ec [AQ IGA haoue Het nee s lanes 38 Cmpono lus iniatus:--emae ms escsaiieee acts 55 CATAISID NEZIENIC OE EEO nee ee Bene Eee Ae 38 Carpocapsa saltitans..:)....0.ecse0s0s.s40 0+ 13 Caterpillars, strange movements of........ 43 Caulfield; HW. B., articleby...............- 41 Cecidomyia destructor..................2- 17 PAGE Cherny sai thy, a eiiies.|l tee ianine Maegan ee 69 Chilochorus) bivulnerus ssn eevee 14 Chinchr bw ayaa eo Sars tn aural ae 23 Chrysochusjauratusy ear ee eee 12 Cicindelajrepandaya yee eee 42 @imbex-Americanaseey cose se eee 65 Cladiusisomerapeencne Tee eC tees 66 Clarkson wh. ranticlelbyaeea teeter 38 Clover-leaf weevil..........0.. ........ 13, 18, 32 Coleoptera, secondary sexual characters of. 14 Coliasteurythemens eye eee eee 232125 SEA AMHUAUR STAC Aer GNM eMABr MMe Meanie A 8 23 FRCS Wie y GETMAIN ACHAT ois ends 25 Puig olent Cos bKerorany ane as cn UA even atta 23, 25 Colorado potato beetle.... ..............- 17, 22 Conotrachelus;nenuphar.44.5) 2 Wf Conydalisicornutusy erence ee eee 46 @resusilabitarsusey eee ee een nee 67 Cranbernyisawelyponeceee te eee ee 67 Criocerispasparagienan eee ree 13 Se UP) OURAN) acco hdoosdecodoo cues Czxoton bug: in @uebecietenee se eee cee 43 Cutworms, remedies for .................. 16 Cychrusiangusticollishwaws..smee sonar 38 . MMA ATCT boa koobeooooedoonuec 38 D Deilephilasinestan ee sere terete eee 37 Dicercaitenebrosasneee eee eee eee 30 Diplaxsintactaeeeae aes aa cee eae 29 BH RUDI CUNG aie dise iss mlepyeatretele eb 29 Dominion Entomologist, appointment of... 22 Doryphora decemlineata.................. 17, 22 Dungapellet-makersiseeeier eee a eeace 40 E Hcison drepanophoray.... 2... 202. .eesesee< 54 EAM ID EUTIN Ga ye St ree ence ane ceo ore Sa at Sue 53 FON APLC OMOTIES Aho hema Wed NN Ad ae 59 PTE ISS ake hoe NNO NERA ahaa lai ere Rs GG 54 Se At dOLEO ENROL Aen MOR Ming bia dicta Al Hic. e'cis 53 OC) DITO MES Hoa Sooo ogclooeas coeodaco as 54 WetobiaiGennanicaree ae neeeeececceeieeee 25, 43 THA KORG O}t OMIT oo accooooconcsceagedsss 20 iHllemmaklarri sitter clare ere 24 Mlmbleakeetleysuevanu esos yates te tener tenets 18, 40 Hmphytus maculatus. ... .0.-40:-.5.-..-- 69 Entomological Club, A.A. A.S., meeting of 7 lV. PAGE ntomolosicallnotes..u ss 41 Entomology of Vancouver’s Island........ 37 sf Populargoapersoneesesaee 26 Binnragorbitalish emer snot: 67 F ischen eh ywarticle joy, yi. au: silent: 42 Fletcher, James, articles by......... -... 6, 34, 72 Form for description of Insects............ 4 Bormicaybrunneaee 2 siti: ween 53 oe Glimay dia tare aun eras eise ann he 63 ng HERVEY GC Renee a ah aA an 52, 61, 62, 63 Kt UU WANCERY Gd dell Te MAI aaa nS eA 59 a BUS Cas etsen aN HILLS 58, 56, 57, 58, 59, 64 a herculanearnwey a Meta pun aaa 61 oy TANS NUS vey ete pee ea a ce oy eu 61 oe ITSM yam ete Rikon ANNE pe bas SU 3 a DaMibarsis hissy pM nly 61 a PENNS ylvanicaweeue mesa eee 61 es | OLAER ADOT OS sek ik LI EN Py ag Oh He 59, 60 ve LUBA everest CaN ie ARS Wye 53, 61 ty SAN QUIN Anansi Teneo ee 55, 56 Myles; nev. 0. Wi, articles! by....2.5.5:..- 43, 44 G Galeruca xanthomelena.................. 13, 40 (Coosebenny, Sawatly, vcs. eeenenie eniacies «+ 67 Grape-vine flea-beetle..................00. 17 (CmapLAROLOOMe Reis. Wate ns icis om tusnice clomee tne 12,18 Graptoderaichalybea... si sss 66s seks 17 H lind coarancbicaseenarerce cic ctr cee ne 16 Hairy larve and their parasites........... 39 ianivam, AS Wrn anticleibyer. .-4scseseue- 41 Warrington, W. H., articles by .... ...... 30, 63 PElernralisst ule ty iaisr tne volaciiie ters. tela caeiee 37 Tein io” \igs Cy ON 7a aeaigaeiae aiaisia anes 43 VIER IMUSTOPACWLUS 1. 12s ss - a. lsasee 23 elma tela tOxbOm ete .\s sales «- s\ehaveleinie« 12 I MMSE Cb-PaLINP ING arleyel = <-. ciela=slajeieiee <) <1 43 Insects imbedded in copal................. 12 K Keen, Eugene L., article by.............. 43 Ralmane a. Je. , anCle py <\o0ses5665 56s 32 L MURANO SEEN cals ce as Wien einiia's ssp e he'sle a= 22, 68, 72 BGIOLIMEMSRONIS. ccc. Su calue mere cas ton 29 SS PeRIRE TL cERI «ede ghulen ni a ke 29 ibellulaitrimacnlata .... . ose “eno Iimenitis/arthemis.. 1/2. 2.) 31 Lophyrus/abboti....).))..... 02a (il ts ADIELIS!. . ek eels «oe qal liydaimaculiventris .. 2400/1)... saa (Z Lygus}lineolaris. 7)... 2... 4) nk ee 13 M Macrophya fayicoxc. .922).9e en 71 ‘i migen. (2. CEUs Ce aaa Gil Mallophaga and Pediculide of N. Am..... 10 Mamestra picta, parasite on............... 41 Mielitccajmulbicunday! sansa inane eee 24 Mofiat ida Aemarticle loys ase eee 36 Myrmecocystus Mexicanus............... 5d Myrmelion abdominalis... 02.0)... 4022927, 36 ie OWSOLE HUSH Ue Aenean ly Tame 36 Miyrmicabarbatay si) ue oe nae 52 oe ChachYe DIEM AAU R INNING bree 63 “§ imcompletays a se rae ee 61 f Rac borieee Uda ae 53 oF MMOLESt ANE i) ys ee ee 61, 63 fe HUCIM OCIS s3i2/s/2. ss eee 60 i LEI oYeNAUbON PANNE NE ne Abn Ala gt wise 61, 68 N INematuspEirichsonilieee sont nee 22, 68, 72 ih Salisc-pi sume wash eee mie eee 69 se Salax-pomum) eens eee eee 69 INemaitus similarisssa.e eee nee 68 .s WOENtTICOSUS. store's save coe COE 67, 75 NeonymiphaiBoisduyalitcne..eny eee 31 Neuroptera as food for Fish............... 44 Noctuide, secondary sexual characters of. . 10 Nomenclature, discussion on.............. 8 Nonagriasubcarnea, ovipositing apparatus of 7 INotes/of ‘a June ramble.-. 27.5... .seee eerie 30 INotodonta Americana. ans uaeeeeeeeeee 24 0 Oberea! bimaculatal se coe oe 31 se tripunctata . > een 13 P Papilio ajax. Soj.Glade «emt .s/4 ee 12 *¢ -eresphontes,..: 5.4: > smile 29 Wo PAGE eapilio marcellusveemas sacs sconce see 29 COREE HODRATES(s » ula a meee aa ORO ae eiec 11 £6 smbolackivarlebyvOlenry cases 12 Paris sreenwor cut-wOLmMs) so. 2... 45. eee ee 16 iPhiampelusiachemont peas jcc aoe 37 £s Sauhe libra ynee se ciciciaisisheteteieee 24 Phy#tonomus nigrirostris.................. 21, 23 ef muNctatushey. sac 5465 13, 18, 22, 32 Eab yar Sip lacicuspemeriees -c)45 so of antenne, the peculiar bends and tuftings of the ¢, especially of the group Her- miniine, were noted, as were the more usual pectinations. In conclusion, Mr. Smith mentioned the varying practice of systematists as to what generic value these characters- should have. Jn some instances these male characters were wanting, while in all other respects the species agreed with others in which all these peculiar structures were well developed ; on the contrary, occasionally a species would be found which offered some peculiar character in the ¢ not usually found in its near allies, instancing H. paradoxus, in which the ¢ has a pellucid impression in the fore wing, around which the venation is. somewhat modified. What shall we do with such a species? The ¢ well fits into Heliothis. Shall the ¢ then authorize a genus wheie the ¢ offers no basis for it? Students of other groups should give their experiences. Prof. Fernald said that in the Tortricids, generic, and even higher value, had been given to these characters. The costal fold was a prominent ¢ character, abnormally developed in many exotic forms. In a South India form it extends full two-thirds across. the wings, while in other Indian and Japanese species it is very wide, but not so abnor- mally developed. Families have been based upon these characters, and one genus has been based upon a character peculiar to the ¢ only. This genus he thought would have to be abandoned. ' Dr. Horn said that in systematic work and in characterizing a species both sexes. should be considered. It requires two individuals, a g and a ¢, to make a single complete example of a species, and classification should consider these individuals together in assigning positions to them. Synoptic work has a higher purpose than a mere aid to a recognition of species. Prof. Fernald was interested in Dr. Horn’s view of the case; he had been interested in the view that nature had no genera, but species only. For his part he thought he would be satisfied if he had a good definition of a species. Dr. Maclosky said that birds sometimes offer remarkable differences in sex, and species can be distinguished only by a reference to both. The flickers, for instance, of the two sides of the continent were very distinct, but in some intermediate localities the species approached so closely that it was difficult, if not impossible, to distinguish the females, while the males were separable. There was no anatomical difference between the species, but he thought there must be physiologica] characters not yet discovered which separated them. Dr. Morris thought it a curious classification that would place male and female in» different genera if separately considered. Mr. Osborn read a paper on Mallophaga and Pediculide of N. A., illustrated by s 11 drawings of specimens and slides containing specimens mounted for microscopic examina~ tion. (This paper will appear separately in the C. E.) Miss Cora H. Clarke exhibited a specimen of the work of some Oaddis Fly tarve™ (Hydropsyche), consisting of an aggregation of mud cells on a smal! stone, beyond whick were the nets spread by the larvee. “They were always found in running water, and always had an opening toward the current, probably to enable the larva to catch the food: coming down the current. In reply to a question from Dr. Morris, Miss Clarke said the nets were often solitary, but not unfrequently aggregations were found. Another species, ot Plectrocnemia, builds a vertical tube of mud, sometimes with a number of branches: a specimen was exhibited. Dr. Hagen thinks it an undescribed form. Reference was made to figures in a paper entitled “ Description of two interesting houses made by Caddis™ Fly Larve, by Cora H. Clarke.” The larve living in running water were difficult tc raise. Mr. Mann remarked that apropos of raising larve living in running water, Prof. Barnard, of the Dept. of Agriculture, had contrived an arrangement with which he had great success with larve of that kind. It consists of a glass tube, the bottom closed by a- porous cloth, the other end fastened to a faucet; the water could be thus kept steadily flowing with any desired rapidity. Dr. Morris exhibited a gall recently collected, the inclosed larva not bred, and asked for information as to the probable producer. Mr. Mann said the subject of galls had puzzled him in his bibliographical work,- especially as to the proper method of indexing them. He had referred to them under the head of systematic botany, but doubted his correctness. Dr. Morris asked what orders of insects contained gall producers. Mr. Osborn thought about all orders except Neuroptera and Orthoptera. Mr. Smith said that at least one American species of Apion is known as a true gall producer, and in Europe several species are known to produce root galls. Mr. Osborn said that many plants, especially the’ Rosacea, were much subject to galls, while others were rarely if ever so infested. He thought them abnormal products so far as plants are concerned, and as rather belonging © to insect economy since they are caused by insects ; not only that, but insects were often most readily distinguished by the form of the calls, and in the case of mites those of the maple and ash were much alike, but produced very easily distinguishable galls. Dr. Hoy thought the galls were pathological appearances, and were rather diseases of plants and should be classed as such. In descriptive botany they had no place, any more than in a description of the lips cancer should be treated of. Mr. Mann stated he had also indexed them under pathological botany and under in- sects, but the chief difficulty had SSE. through a descriptive paper treating galls from a botanical standpoint. Dr. Morris said that he had seldom seen such a dearth of larve of all kinds, and butterflies were exceedingly scarce. Mr. Saunders thought there had been no unusual want of insects in Canada. Turnus has been common, and so was cardui ; the latter, indeed, had been extremely abundant in Manitoba, where it had destroyed large quantities of thistles, and caused great alarm on the part of farmers, who thought it would also attack their crops. Thecla naphon, usually rather a rare form, was found in some abundance this season, and in the early part of May quite a number of specimens were captured. Dr. Hoy said that as compared with previous seasons, cardwi has appeared in immense numbers, fifty for one. It had never previously to his knowledge attacked the hollyhock or sunflower. This season it has literally stripped the leaves from these plants, preferring them apparently to thistles. Other butterflies had been scarce. Prof. Osborn said in Iowa butterflies had been unusually common. Mr. Underwood said he had found butterflies unusually common in Central N. Y., ead especially, but for five weeks spent in Connecticut everything was scarce excepting cord Prof. Fernald said in the first part of the season insects were very rare. Butterflies alone appeared about as common as usual, turnus unusually common; cardut had been rare until this summer, when it was common. Last season Mrs. Fernald had collected: . | 12 | ie ‘both at sugar and at flowers cultivated because of their attraction to insects, and flowers shad proved most productive ; this season the reverse has been the case. ' Mr. Mann, referring to a remark made that cold winters were favorable to insect dife, said that seemed ‘0 be the generally accepted theory now, and appeared borne out by facts. Mr. Aaron said that everywhere insects are reported as exceedingly scarce. His brother from Texas so writes; from Florida, Arizona and California come the same complaints. The remarks on the abundance of cardui reminded him of a saying of Mr. Ridings that he was always afraid of a season in which cardwt was common, for then nothing else would be found. Mr. Smith said he believed cold winters favorable to insect life, but this year there was not only a cold winter, but there were several very severe frosts late in spring, one as late as June 14th-15th; it was rather these late frosts that were to be blamed for the™ dearth of insect life. On Cape Cod insects were unusually rare; in Vermont, where hundreds of good insects were last year taken at sugar, scarcely one-fourth the number of common forms were this year found. Dr. Hoy said that in his vicinity, far north as it is, he has taken many insects usually _considered southern—more than were taken on the east of the lake. There seems to be a northern extension of the thermal] line on the west of the lakes. Last season he found four specimens of the black variety of turnws ; before only a single specimen had been found. Mr. Saunders had never known this black variety to occur in Canada. Dy, Merriam had found turnus in the central Adirondack region nearly as far north as Racine, three to four thousand feet above the sea. There were often hundreds at puddles, and among them many of this black variety. Prot. Fernald reported the capture in Maine of a suffused form, partially yellow and part black. Dr. Hoy asked whether all the food plants of P. ajaz were known. He has found perfectly fresh specimens, and no pawpaw within 200 miles of the place. The butterfly is often common, but he has never found the food plant of the larva. Mr. Larkin had noticed at his station, south of Syracuse, that insects were unusually -searce. The potato beetle even was very rare—not found at all in some fields. He had noticed that when they have winters that kill wheat, then usually the apple crop is good and there are few insects. Mr. Aaron said, in reply to Dr. Hoy’s query, that ajax would feed on either spice- wood or upland huckleberry, as well as pawpaw. Dr. Hoy said they had the huckleberry, not the spice-wood. Mr. Osborn said he had seen ajaaz in Iowa where they had neither pawpaw nor the huckleberry, and he thought no spice-wood. He also reported a statement from Sioux City that there, Chrysochus auratus was so common that they were crushed under foot on the streets. Was not*this unusual ? Mr, Mann said in the woods he had seen them piled in great heaps upon the stones. Mr. Saunders said Hyphantria textor had this season been found in great abundance on all kind of trees. Von. progne had been sent from one locality in West Ontario, where it was so common on currants that fears had been entertained for the crop. No great damage had been done, however. Mr. Graef exhibited some species of Lepidoptera, rare, or typical of recently described forms. On motion, the meeting adjourned to Monday, Sept. 8, at 2.50 p.m., same place. Sept. 8th, 1884. Pursuant to adjournment, the Club met at 2.30 p.m., President Morris in the chair. "The minutes of the previous meeting were read, corrected and adopted, ’ Prof. Martin exhibited some insects imbedded in copal, all representing types of post- tertiary forms, mostly small Hymenoptera and Diptera, but some Coleoptera, Lepidop- tera and Hemiptera. The specimens were obtained by seekers of the resin of which copal varnish is made, not far from the sea coast, a little north and south of the equator. The _samé sort of gum is now found on growing trees, but soft, and not good for varnish, used e js ' 4 we: 4 15 only for the purposes of adulteration. The true gum in which these insects were found was obtained in districts where the trees had long been extinct, and was found only by digging. All the species were post-tertiary forms, and he had especially noted types of Cleri. : The specimens, which were very clear, were handed to the members for examinatign. Dr. Horn said that the Coleoptera all represented existing generic types: 1. Carabid, allied to Callida ; 2. Chrysomelids, 2. Clerids, Clerus ocymatodera ; 2. Longicorns, allied to Clytus and Lepiwra, and an Elaterid much like one of cur species of Cardiophorus. ' Mr. Smith said the Lepidoptera were all of very recent types ; one specimen was almost surely a Mamestra. The Hemiptera were also very like species now to him, and at least one Dipteron represented a very common Muscid type. Prof. Lintner gave some notes of observations made during the past year. Orgyia leucostigma, else very common and destructive at Albany, was this seasom very rare, and did no damage. Usually they defoliated the elms and horse chestnuts, and sometimes when a heavy storm came on so many were destroyed that they became’ offensive. This rarity is explained by a severe frost which occurred in spring just as the’ larve were hatching. An interesting note came from Prof. Cook, of Michigan, where thousands of a Noc- tuid larva created fears for crops. The larva was bred, and proved to be Agrotis fennica, usually considered rather a rare insect, So common were they that they were called the’ black army worm. From Jamestown, N. Y., an Hemipterous insect, Podisws cynica, has been received, and it was there observed destroying the currant worm in numbers. Its variety, P. brac- teata Fitch., was associated with it. From the vicinity of Rochester Lygus lineolaris has been recorded as injurious to’ young peas, piercing and blotching them, a fact not previously noted. At Geneva, N. Y., Poecilocapsus lineatus has seriously injured gooseberry plants. stinging the branches at tip so that they died off two or three inches downward. In Coleoptera, the Clover-leaf Beetle has spread westward, and has nearly reached the western limits of the State. Some three years since it was recorded from Yates and adjoining counties, and since has spread rapidly ; moreover, a new habit has been acquired, 7.é., it now has attacked beans. The insect is Paytonomus punctatus, an imported species. The Asparagus Beetle, Crioceris asparagi, has made its appearance at Geneva, N. Y. Heretofore it has been confined pretty closely to the sea shore, and though known for many years on Long Island, it has never before manifested any tendency to spread. From Sycamore, Oswego Co., an interesting attack of Otiorhynchus ligneus was- reported ; there a house which for four years had been closed, was opened and found swarming with these beetles; they were everywhere, and in many rooms nearly a quart was swept up. What did they feed on? There was nothing eatable in the house; they had been recorded as feeding on the roots of strawberries, but what they could find in the house puzzled him. The Elm-leaf Beetle, Galerucella canthomelaena, has been very destructive in Long Island and in West Chester, many of the noble elms being so entirely stripped that their death is expected. Nothing entirely new has presented itself during the year. From Mexico had been received specimens of seed, probably of a Huphorbia, known as the jumping seeds. The seeds apparently are formed in a pod, three in one inclosure. When placed on a hard surface they begin a series of the most erratic movements, tumb- ling from side to side, and sometimes making leaps of an inch or more. Inclosed in the seeds is a white, somewhat flattened larva, and the seed itself, a mere shell, is lined with reddish silk. Westwood has raised the larva to maturity and found an insect very closely allied to Carpocapsa pomonella, which he called C. saltitans. At ‘about the same time Mr. Lucas, in France, also received the insect, and not knowing of Westwood’s work, re-named the species. The entire life history of the species is not yet known; it is sup- posed that the insect deposits its egg on the young seed, and the larva, when very small, makes its way into it. No trace of an opening was now visible. Westwood and Lucas report the insect as obtained in February, but only a few days ago-a specimen was caught flying in the room. The curious thing is the close resemblance to our C. pomonelia, whicl» 14 2 GE SE ES SS EE SESS thas no such habits. Referring to Mr. Smith’s remarks on tuftings of the feet of Noc- uide, C. saltitans is peculiar in having the tarsi hidden by long tufts of scales. Mr. Dimmock says that O. leucostigma has not been abundant near Boston, and that -the spring frosts affected the eastern rather than the western portion of the State. Mr. Smith replied that on Cape Cod he had found the larve so abundant that they stripped the trees everywhere, and there had been frost enough to kill a large quantity of -vegetation. Dr. Horn said it is a remarkable fact that all of the Coleoptera mentioned by Prof. Lintner are imported species, and for the most part they have kept pretty close to the sea shore. It is interesting that they have commenced their journey toward the interior ; it was to be expected, however, that eventually they would travel along the lines of their food plant, as did the potato beetle from west to east. At Washington he had noticed the elm tree stripped of their leaves. Another species, Crioceris 12-punctata, has of late ~been taken by Mr. Lugger around Baltimore. It is rather curious that the neighbour- thood of Baltimore and Alexandria, with comparatively a very limited commerce, should still have yielded a proportionately very large number of imported species. T'wo species .of Blaps have been introduced and first found near those cities, one mortisaga, and -another not yet determined. Of &. mortisaga a triead said that a bushel could be taken from a single cellar in Alexandria. Another very curious matter is the very sudden spread of insects. When working over the Ryncophora some years since with Dr. LeConte, every collector was applied to for material, and from Mr. Fuller was obtained _a little species, marked Montana, which was named Aramiges Pulleri, and was then the only known specimen. Suddenly, a year or two afterward, specimens were received for determination from all parts of the country, and everywhere complaint was made of injuries caused by the species, especially in hot houses. How happened it that for ages the beetle was unknown, an inhabitant of some remote locality, and suddenly it should spread all over the States ? Prof, Lintner said he had the species since 1876 ; that year it was abundant in green houses. Mr. Dimmock had known the species for some years as very destructive to roses in hot houses. Dr. Horn said he first obtained the beetle in 1874, or perhaps a little earlier. Mr. Hulst, referring to Prof. Lintner’s remarks on O. leucostigma, had noticed its comparative scarcity on Long Island. The elm beetle was common. Another pest not mentioned was a small insect apparently of the frog spittle nature on maple. Sometimes the trees were white with it, and {many appeared dying off. A species of Chrysops was also common, and seems to have been destroying the pest. Prof. Lintner had noticed the same insect ; it is a Coccid, Pulvinaria innumerabilis. Prof. Osborn said it is very abundant on maple. It can be subdued by cutting the infested branches before July. The young go first to the leaves. The female lives until spring, the male dies in the fall. No less than seven different species of insects prey upon this form. Mr. Saunders said the insect had appeared in Canada and Michigan in large num- bers, the trees being sometimes completely covered. On some trees the larvee of Chilo- corus bivulnerus were found feeding on them in such numbers that they had caused alarm ; persons finding them supposed that they were the parents of the pest. Mr. Underwood inquired whether this insect was not also found generally on elm. Mr. Rathvon had published an article on the subject, and had referred to its feeding on elm asararity. It had been observed also on grape and Ampelopsis. Mr, Saunders had not observed it on elm in Canada. Dr. Horn made some observations on secondary sexual characters of Coleoptera. He had been interested in Mr. Smith’s studies on the external anatomy of Lepidoptera, and especially in the remarks on secondary sexual characters. Somewhat similar antennal structures were sometimes found in Coleoptera, but their uses in this order seemed better known. In Collops was a structure closely resembling that of Renza. Here there was the saine excavated curved joint, at the base of which was an articulated slender spine-like _appendage, and the upper part of the antennze was capable of being folded backward. 15 ‘The use of this was in copulation ; the ¢ antenne were grasped in this curve, the articu- jated spine closed the curve by being directed forward, while the anterior part of the -antenne was folded backward, thus tightly holding the ¢ antenne. The form in Meloe is similar to that of Herminia, and without the articulate spine still serves the same purpose. In Sphalera and Tomoxia there is a double-jointed appendix to the last joint of the maxil- lary palpi which probaly served the same purpose. These structures are explainable. Others are more obscure and not yet explained. For instance, Zebia has a notch on the inside, near the end of the middle tibia in the ¢. A species of Aphodius has a very curiously hooked first tarsal joint to the hind leg. Another species has a peculiar club- shaped appendage to the inner side of the fore tibiz. What use these served was not yet satisfactorily ascertained. Mr. Cresson said that except in the parasitic forms, there were no such characters in the Hymenoptera, and that group he had not studied. Mr. Osborn stated that very interesting characters occurred in the Mallophagide, and especially one in Lipewris, which much resembled that of Tomoaia. Mr. Smith moved the appointment of a committee of three to arrange a programme and secure papers for the next meeting ; seconded and carried. The committee appointed consisted of Mr. J. B. Smith, chairman, and Messrs. Herbert Osborn and B. Pickman Mann. On motion the Club then adjourned, to meet again under the rules at the next meeting of the A. A. A.S. The President then delivered his annual address as follows: 8 ANNUAL ADDRESS OF THE PRESIDENT. GENTLEMEN,—The working entomologist, ever on the watch and ready to note the many items of interest in connection with insect life, will seldom pass a season without finding many facts worthy of record, which, if not of general interest, are at least of local importance. While the year 1884 has not been marked by any unusual invasion of destructive insects, affecting our country as a whole and exciting general comment, yet many localities have suffered either from the unusual development of familiar forms of insect life, or from the introduction of new pests. Early in the year some excitement was caused in the Ottawa district by the appearance of a very destructive caterpillar in great numbers in the clover fields, which rapidly devoured the foliage. This was at first supposed to be be an invasion of the veritable army worm, but on inspection it proved to be a very different insect. On the 23rd of May I had the opportunity of examining some of the affected fields in company with our Vice-President and Mr. W. H. Harrington. The caterpillars were exceedingly numerous, and much of the clover had been seriously injured by them. They were a species of cut-worm, the pro- geny of a moth known as agrotis fennica. This larva measured from 1} to iat inches in length, had a dark yellowish brown head with a blazk stripe down he front, and a black body with two yellow stripes on each side, the upper one composed of streaks and dots of yellow, the lower, which was near the under surface, formed of two crinkled yellow lines which approached each other on the anterior segments and diverged posteriorly ; on the upper part of the second segment was a black horny shield, the breathing holes on the sides were also surrounded with black. The underside was brownish black, the feet and the fleshy prolegs, pale brown. At the time of this visit the caterpillars were nearly full grown and it was observed that many of them were affected by a singular, disease of a fungoid character which was destroying them very rapidly,—the diseased insects after death remaining extended on the leaves of clover or blades of grass in a natural position but somewhat discoloured. On handling them the skin was found to be quite tender and the body filled with a thin dark- coloured fluid, the result of the decomposition of the tissues. This disease spread very rapidly and was no doubt contagious. I collected some fifty or sixty specimens, all appar- 16 ently in a healthy condition, for the purpose of rearing them ; these were placed in two: separate boxes with a liberal supply of food ; within twenty-four hours a large number of them died, all apparently from this disease ; ‘they were frequently examined, the diseased and dead were separated from the living , but within three days only four remained alive ; of these four only one survived to enter the chrysalis state, and this one did not mature the perfect insect, hence I am indebted to Mr. James Fletcher for the determination of the insect, who, being on the spot, succeeded in rearing several specimens of the moth. A few days later complaints were made to me of the depredations of the caterpillar of another of our cut-wornis, a species usually very common, the larva of a moth known to entomologists as Hadena arctica, which was very destructive to corn and other crops. A few days sufficed to mature the swarms of both these devastating armies, when these: caterpillars, which had escaped both disease and enemies, buried themselves in the ground and changed to chrysalids which subsequently produced the winged moths. Hivery season these cut-worms are a source of great annoyance to gardeners and farm- ers who find their young corn, cabbage, tomatoes, melons and other plants of succulent. growth suddenly cut down by an unseen enemy and withered. Stalks of wheat and other grain are often cut in a similar manner by the same enemies, and they being universally distributed and extremely voracious, inflict enormous losses every year. They have re- ceived the name of cut-worms from their habit of entimng off near the base tender and succulent plants, and under this common designa.on there are included a number of species- having similar habits, belonging chiefly to the genera Agrotis, Hadena, and Mamestra, some of which possess striking points ot difference in the moth state, although they much resemble each other while in the cater pillar condition. The general history of these cut- worms can be given in a few words: ‘The eggs are laid by the pareyt moths during the latter part of ‘the summer, sometimes on the ground about the roots of grass and other plants, and sometimes on the leaves near the gr ‘ound, Within two or three weeks young larvee hatch from these eggs and by the time autumn sets in the caterpillars have attained the length of half an inch or more, when they burrow into the ground deep enough to pro- tect them from injury by severe frost, and there remain ina torpid condition all the winter. The warmth of spring arouses them to activity, when they seek the surface of the ground feeding at night on almost any green thing they meet with, eating with apparently insatiable appetite as they approach maturity, and burying themselves during the day under the surface of the ground in the neighborhood of their depredations. When full grown they burrow in the earth to varying depths, and there change to chrysalids from which the mature insects escape in two or three weeks. These insects are hurtful only while in the larval condition. As remedies, showering the plants with Paris Green and water, sprinkling them with air-slacked lime or powdered hellebore, or strewing lime or soot, or mixtures of these substances around the plants on the surface of the ground have all been recommended and in some cases have been found. useful. Plants have also been protected from injury by these caterpillars by strewing around them a little dry sand impregnated with coal oil, in the proportion of a teacupful of coal oil to a pailful of sand thor oughly mixed ; the application should be renewed every week. This method of warding off the attacks of injurious insects by the use of odorous sub- stances repugnant to them is rapidly g growing in favour on account of the success attending its use. This coal oil remedy for cut-worms is said to be very effectual, and the cost of the application being so tr ifling its usefulness should be extensively tested. ~ It is manifest that none of these measures are feasible where field crops are invaded, as the area would be too great for any one to undertake to cover with such material. In such cases nature has rovided efficient remedies to reduce their numbers. Besides the disease to which I have referred, there are armies of parasitic insects which prey on them. Some of these directly _ devour their living prey, others deposit eggs within the bodies of their victims, which, hatching into erubs, consume them. Hence it often occurs that an insect which i is very abundant one season is scarce the next. These cut-worms are very widely disseminated. Early in July I Saeed specimens from Manitoba from the Deputy Minister of Agriculture of a caterpillar belonging to this group, which was found to be seriously injuring vegetables, and in some localit es- 117; oats and barley also. This was a greyish-brown caterpillar with a semi-transparent slxin, a brown horny head, and a shield of the same character on the upper part of the second seoment. There was a pale line down the back, two similar lines along each side, and a white band lower down, close to the under surface. One of them was reared through all its stazes, and produced a neat and rather pretty moth, known to entomologists as Ayrotis declarata. That destructive pest, the whee midge, Cecidomyia destructor, which hag entailed so much loss on our farmers in years gone by, has prevailed during the past season to a considerable extent thr fehods the western part of our Province. Alarming reports were sent to me from various districts, and on the 16th of July a tour of inspection was undertaken for the purpose of ascertaining the extent of the injury. During a drive of over 100 miles, in company with Mr. J. M. Denton, one of the members of our Council, the ue fields were examined, and midge was found generally distributed, but nowhere in any very great numbers. Some varieties of wheat were much more injured than others, that known under the ‘names of Michigan Amber and Egyptian seemed to suffer much. Among the varieties almost free from this trouble the Democrat wheat was one of the, most esteemed. ‘The selection of some of the best of the so-called midge-proof sorts for seed, the kernels of which harden so early in the season that the larva is unable to feed on them is assuredly one of the most practicable methods of lessening the depredations of this troublesome insect. The Colorado potato beetle, Doryphora decemlineata, is still farther extending its ravages. Having reached the Atlantic seaboard in the east its further progress in that direction has been arrested ; it is now extending its domain over the fertile fields of the North-West. Specimens have been sent to me this season from Portage La Prairie, where they are said to be confined to the neighbourhood of the town, and having been vigorously assailed with Paris green it is hoped that they have been pretty well exter- minated. Through the kindness of Acton Burrows, Hsq., the efficient Deputy Minister of Agriculture in Manitoba, I have received information of the appearance of this pest in the counties of Manchester and Dufferin in the same Province, but in none of these localities has the insect yet made much headway. Grape g growers in some sections of Ontario suffered much chalet in the season from injuries caused by the grape-vine flea-beetle, Graptodera chalybea. This insect, which is about three-twentieths of an inch long and varies mm colour from a steel blue to green, passes the winter in the perfect state, hybernating under dead leaves and other rubbish, and awaking from its long slumber in early spring proceeds to satisfy 1ts vigorous appe- tite by consuming the tender buds of the grape-vine just as they are swelling. These insects have been so plentiful in some vineyards that the crop hag been almost destroyed. Where they prove troublesome they may be collected by spreading sheets on the ground under the vines and jarring the canes early in the morning when the beetles are in a torpid condition, or they may be poisoned by syringing the swelling buds with Paris green and water. The plumicurculio, Conotrachelus nenuphar, continues its mischievous work in most parts of the Province where plums are grown, and the labour attending the jarring of the trees for the purpose of capturing and ‘killing the insects deters many from undertaking the cultivation of this useful fruit. From the evidence thus far obtained it would appear that the remedy which has been found so efficacious in subduing the codling moth of the apple, namely, Paris green and water, in the proportion of a teaspoontul of the poison toa pailful of water, will also protect the plum crop from the ravages of curculio. This remedy should be extensively tried by thoroughly syringing the trees with it as soon as the fruit has set, and repeating the application i in a few days should rain occur to wash it off, Should this remedy prove uniformly successful a great stimulus will be given to plum culture. During the past season the plum crop on my own grounds was a ‘failure, the trees having had but very few blossoms. In the absence of plums the curculios deposited their eggs freely on the pears, manifesting a special fondness for Clapp’s Favourite. Although I watched them carefully, I failed to find a single example where the insect matured in this fruit. The only effect observed was a slight disfigurement in the form of the fruit and the production of a hard spot where the incision was made. 2 (EN.) 18 While collecting moths at sugar early in the season I observed one evening about nine o'clock among the insects which came to sip the sweets two specimens of the plum cur- culio. I captured one of them, the other fell to the ground before I could secure it. fixperiments made by me some years ago proved that this insect is active at night as well as in daylight, but this is the only instance I have known of its being attracted to sugar at night. From one locality complaints reached me about the middle of June last of the abund- ance of a spiny caterpillar feeding on currant bushes, which my correspondent supposed to be a new currant worm. Specimens were forwarded and proved to be the caterpillar of the gray comma butterfly, Grapia progne. This insect may be found almost every season in limited numbers on the wild gooseberry and currant bushes in open woods, and occa- sionally on the cultivated varieties, but this is the first instance to my knowledge where the insect has appeared in sufficient numbers to cause injury. They are so very subject to parasites that it is not at all likely they will ever prove generally destructive ; syringing the bushes with Paris green and water or dusting the foliage with powdered hellebore will soon make an end of them. In the neighbourhood of Drummondy'lle several acres of red raspberries were stripped of their foliage by the larva of the raspberry saw-fly, Selandria rubi; reports of injury from this pest have also been received from several other localities. It is a green worm which is so exactly of the colour of the young foliage it feeds on that it frequently escapes detection, When examined, this larva is found to much resemble that well known pest, the currant worm, but it has no black dots. If allowed to pursue their course they soon riddle the leaves, leaving little more than a net-work of the coarser veins. An applica- tion of hellebore mixed with water in the proportion of an ounce of the powder to a pailful of water speedily destroys them. A new clover insect has recently invaded our Province which promises to be trouble- some. It is a small curculio known to entomologists as the punctured clover leaf weevil, Phytonomus punctatus. It is said to have been introduced from Europe within the past few years. The late Dr. LeConte, in a work published in 1876, reports having received one specimen from Canada; but at that time nothing seemed to have been known of its habits. In 1881, Prof. Riley published in the American Naturalist an account of the injury done to clover fields in Yates county, New York, by this insect ; in one instance in a patch of two acres scarcely a whole leaf remained. The beetle is about two-fifths of an inch long, of a dark-brown colour, marked with dull yellow, and has its wing cases thickly punctured. Each female is said to deposit from 200 to 300 eggs, which are some- times laid on the surface of the leaf stem, but more frequently thrust into the interior of the older stems. The young larve may be found as early as in May, but being small they do not usually attract notice until almost a month later. At first they feed among the folded young leaves or attached to the under side of a leaf. When approaching full growth, they feed chiefly on the margins of the leaves, into which they eat irregular holes, At this period they are not easily seen as they relax their hold and drop suddenly to the ground when approached; moreover, they feed chiefly during the night and hide in the day-time among the roots and stalks of the plants. When full grown the larva spins a small cocoon, which is usually placed a little below the surface of the ground, in which it changes to a chrysalis ; about three weeks later the beetle escapes. From observations which have been made on this insect at the Department of Agriculture in Washington, the average period required from the time of the depositing of the egg to the escape of the mature beetle, is three and one third months, hence in most localities there will be two broods during the summer. Mr. A. H. Kilman, one of our members, residing in Ridge- way, was the first to report the occurrence of this pest in Ontario, which he says was watted to our shores by prevailing east winds about the 10th of August last. On this date the beetles appeared on the opposite side of Lake Erie, in Buffalo, in such multitudes that thousands of them were crushed on the pavements by the feet of passers-by. Mr. Kilman says “I picked them from the fences and sidewalks, and found them in the grass in my lawn: I am of opinion that they will go into winter quarters here, and open up a lively campaign in the spring. Whatever the sequel may show, I fear that these invaders will prove of better staying qualities than those who crossed the border in ’66 and turned 19 as = to the right-about at Ridgeway, because Canada was not the “clover patch” they were jooking for. . As the larve will be found most numerous in the latter part of May or early in June, it is recommended that the clover should be heavily rolled at that time, for the purpose of destroying them. If badly infested fields were ploughed about this period the destruction of the insects would be still more certain. Early in the summer alarming accounts were received of another insect injuring the maple trees, especially the shade trees on streets and avenues. This was a species of -coccus or bark-louse, Pulvinaria innwmerabilis which forms brown scales on the branches, from under one end of which there protrudes a cotton-like substance forming a tuft about four times as large as the scale in which the eggs of the insect are lodged. In a short time there issue from this egg-nest a multitude of minute yellowish white lice, which dis- tribute themselves over the branches, and, locating on the succulent portions, pierce the tender bark with their sharp beaks and subsist upon the sap. These young lice soon become stationary, gradually increase in size, and reach maturity towards the end of the season. They chiefly affect the underside of the limbs and branches. Remedies.—The branches may be rubbed with a stiff brush or broom which will dis- ‘lodge many of the insects, and then washed with a liquid made of soap diluted with lye, -or solution of washing soda; or with an emulsion of coal oil made as follows: take one pint of coal oil and agitate vigorously with an equal quantity of milk until the compound assumes a creamy appearance, when it should be diluted with about ten times its bulk of water and applied with a brush or syringe. This pest has occurred in many localities in Western Ontario, also in Michigan, New ‘York and Pennsylvania. That cosmopolitan butterfly known as the painted lady, Pyrameis cardut, has been very abundant the past summer, not only in Canada but also in most of the northern United States. From Mr. Burrows I learn that in Manitoba the larve appeared in such countless hosts as to cause much alarm, and reports were current of their having injured some of the growing crops. This, however, is improbable, as it devotes its attention mainly to devouring thistles, occasionally specimens have been found feeding on mallow, holly- hock, wild sunflower, burdock and several other plants, none of which however are of any economic value. A lively interest is being awakened in reference to the insects inhabiting our north- west Territories and British Columbia, of which we as yet know comparatively little. Captain Gamble Geddes, of Toronto, has made excursions to several of these distant points, and brought home many rarities. From the Moose Mountain district, in the Province of Assinaboia, a number of interesting specimens have been received, collected by Miss F. M. Pierce. Prof. Panton, of Winnipeg, has been collecting in that neighbour- hood, and in British Columbia we have a most efficient helper in the person of Rev. G. W. Taylor, who has recently published in the Canadian Entomologist lists of some of his captures in the neighbourhood of Victoria. It is sincerely hoped that other observers will be induced to labour in these most interesting and promising fields. On the 50th of January last the House of Commons at Ottawa resolved to appoint a select committee to enquire into the best means of encouraging and developing the agri- cultural industries of Canada. Circulars were prepared by the committee, embracing a series of questions, which were sent to most of the prominent agriculturists and scientific men in the Dominion, to which several hundred replies were received. The practical bearing of entomology on agriculture was fully recognised by the committee, and the questions so framed, that a very large amount of information on this subject was gathered. Our Vice-President, Mr. James Fletcher, was summoned to give evidence in reference to injurious and friendly insects, so also was Mr. W. H. Harrington. A report has been issued covering 218 pages containing the evidence, and a summary of the replies to the questions. It is gratifying to find that the close relationship between entomology and successful agriculture is beginning to be more fully realized, and that the work of our Society and the efforts of entomologists generally are so well spoken of as they are in this document. Continued efforts are being made by our Society to obtain and disseminate correct information, especially in reference to those insects injurious to agriculture ; with this in. a view we have lately issued a number of blank forms for describing insects, which will be Ne sent,to any one desiring them on application to either of the officers in London, By thite ©) means we hope to secure fuller details and more uniform descriptions of insect pests, so - that they may be more readily determined. ‘The officers and members of the Council have- also embraced every opportunity afforded theth of visiting localities specially affected by destructive insects, and have endeavoured to disseminate among the sufferers practical information in regard to the most effective remedies for such evils. The demand for our ~ Annual Reports from all parts of the world has much increased since the publication last year of the general index. It is a matter of regret that the issue of several of the earlier” reports is entire ely exhausted, a and there is now no means of supplying the demand. Our monthly journal, now in the sixteenth year of its existence, continues also to grow im public favour. * During the past year reports of great value in reference to destructive insects have been published by the Department of Agriculture, at Washington, under the able direc— tion of Prof, C. V. Riley ; a most excellent and voluminous report from the pen ef Prof. J. | A. Lintner, State Entomologist, has been printed and distributed by the State of New York. Much useful work has also been accomplished in the same direction by Prof, A. S. Forbes, State Entomologist of Illinois; by Prof. Herbert Osborn, of the Iowa Agricul— tural College, and others. Many additional pa have appeared of that superbly iullus- trated work on North American butterflies, by Mr. W. H. Edwards ; the same talented. author has also now in the press a revised catalogue of the butterflies of North America. The recent meeting of the Entomological Club of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, held in Philadelphia, was one of unusual interest, most of the leading ap tee ogists on this Continent being present. A full report of the proceedings. has been prepared. ‘ : In concluding, permit me to urge upon you all renewed diligence in your studies of insect life, be patient and faithful in observing, be prompt in publishing the results of | - your observations. ‘The field we labour in is so vast that life is too short to permit any one of us to do much, especia nly when the limited time is taxed by other pressing engage- ments. iverentholess, let us do what we can to unravel the mysteries relating to these much-despised atoms of existence, the opportunity is ever before us: “Ten thousand forms, ten thousand different tribes, People the blaze of day,” and when the brightness of the sunshine has faded there are tribes equally numerous and’ attractive which rise not from their couch until their more obtrusive brethren have retired to rest. Whether it is ours to employ portions of the night or the day in this charming occupation we shall not in either case fail to find mani! fested in the feanty of form and in the instincts with which these tiny creatures are endowed, manifold evidence of the wisdom: and goodness of the great Author of Life. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The following named gentlemen were then duly elected as officers of the Society for’ ie the ensuing year :-— President—W illiam Saunders, London, Ontario. Vice-President—James Fletcher, Ottawa, Ontario. Secretary-Treasurer and Librarian—E. Baynes Reed, London, Ontario. Council—Rev. C. J. S. Bethune, M.A., Port Hope; Rev. T. W. Fyles, Quebec; W. H. Harrington, Ottawa ; J: M. Denton, London; J. Alston M Hamilton. 21 Editor “ Canadian Entomologist ”— William Saunders, London. Editing Committee—Rev. C. J. 8S. Bethune, J. M. Denton, James Fletcher and E. Baynes Reed. Auditors—W. E. Saunders and H. P. Bock. Delegate to “ Royal Society”—W. H. Harrington. On motion of Mr. James Fletcher, seconded by Rev. T. W. Fyles, a vote of thanks “was unanimously tendered to the President, Mr. William Saunders, for his able and interesting address. In propusing this vote Mr. Fletcher said that he should like to make a few remarks concerning some of the subjects alluded to in the address, particularly with regard to the cut-worms referred to in the earlier part, which he had specially investigated by instruc- tion of the President, and upon the occurrence of which he had prepared a short note for ‘the Society. He stated that the injury done by Agrotis fennica at Ottawa in the month of May last was very great. He had received reports of its ravages early in the month, and in all cases those enquiring for remedies stated that the insects were new to them. ‘The first specimens sent were taken in large numbers under strawberry plants, and were -about half an inch in length. After a few days reports came in from all quarters of thetr devastation, which was worst about the 22nd of May, when, the President being in “Ottawa, he had, together with Mr. Harrington and himself, visited one of the most -seriously injured farms, two miles from Ottawa, where they had found the larva in vast ‘numbers attacking the clover in a field of fodder, but leaving untouched the rye which was growing with it. At first it was supposed by the farmers that the imsect was the army-worm, but the larva upon examination was found to be quite different, being of a deep velvety black with indistinct white lines. It was found to be chiefly nocturnal in its habits, and to possess characteristics of the ordinary cutworms, lying hid beneath the -surface during the day and destroying everything within its reach at night. They were -also climbing cut-worms, and had done much damage by eating out the leading shoots in some young trees. Mr. Fletcher was growing from the seed for examination, oak, black walnut, horse chestnut, elm, negundo and maple; all had suffered. It seemed that during the last stage the larve were much more active during the daytime, and did not hide under the ‘surface. Just before the pupal stage an enormous fatality was caused by a fungous disease ~which attacked the larve and which caused them to decay very rapidly. In certain fields they -could be seen in large numbers on stems of grasses and other plants which they had crawled up, and to which they were fixed by the fungus, which seemed in nearly all cases to develop just below the head in the shape of a small tuft of white downy matter. After a short time the bodies dried up. Large numbers had also fallen a prey to parasites, and as many as three ova of a Tuchina fly had been found on some specimens. Mr. Fletcher had only succeeded in rearing about a dozen imagines, nor had the moth been very common during the summer, although a few had been taken. With reference to the Manitoba cut-worm referred to by Mr. Saunders, he had suc- ceeded in bringing to chrysalis three of the four larva sent to him by Mr. Acton Burrows, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture for Manitoba. Of these, when the moths emerged, one proved to be Agrotis devastator, and the other two had been sent to Mr. J. B. Smyth, -of New York, for identification. They were very dissimilar in colour, but the markings -seemed the same on each. Mr. Fletcher also stated that during the month of July he had found a small -Phytonomus committing great damage in the clover at Dalhousie, New Brunswick. He had taken it for P. nigrirostris at first, but fancied it might be a different species, a8 nearly all the specimens bred were light cinnamon brown in colour.* He found that its habits differed considerably from those of P. punctatus, as described in Professor Lintner’s first report. He had brought specimens for the members, and as he had prepared a note of the insect for the Society he would not say more then. He had found 2 cocoon on clover at Brome, in the eastern townships. * Since identified as Phytonomus nigrirostris, 22 ee Mr. J. Alston Moffatt here exhibited specimens of the true P. punetatus, which he- had received from Mr. Kilman, Ridgeway. Resuming his remarks, Mr. Fletcher said that he had observed enormous damage- done by the larch saw-fly, Vematus Hrichsonii ; he had first noticed it near Quebec, and had traced it all down the Intercolonial Railway wherever any larch trees occurred, as far as Dalhousie, where he found it abundant. He exhibited interesting specimens of young twigs of Larix Americana, which he had received the previous week from the Rev. Mr. Fyles from Quebec, in which the leaves of the tree, although eaten down to the base by the larvee, had later in the season, after the attack ceased, been able to grow about a quarter of an inch. Mr. Fletcher thought that this fact that the tree was able to produce this after crop of foliage was one of very great importance, as the tree might by this. means be able to withstand the insect for a much longer period ; he anticipated that some remedy either artificial-or natural would be found before long. He exhibited a small Hemipteron, Podisus modestus, which he had found destroying the larvee at Brome, Que., on the estate of 8. A. Fisher, Esq, , M.P., who had given him assistance and provided him with facilities for examining this pest. The Rey. T. W. Fyles, of South Quebec, said it afforded him much pleasure to second the vote of thanks to their President. Referring to the fungous disease upon the cut- worms mentioned by Mr. Fletcher, he said that he had known in England many years ago» of an insect similiar to this being attacked by some such disease as had been deseribed. He spoke of the habits of the cut-worms, saying that as they did not tunnel their way from plant to plant but passed over the surface, a circle of salt placed round each plant at a short distance would probably save it: the larvee would shun the salt. Besides this, there was the remedy of ‘“hilling up” the plant ; he had found that the larvee would not climb a mound on account of the particles of earth giving way. He believed that salt in _ the early stages of the plants and the mounds of earth afterwards would amply protect corn, etc., from the attacks of the insects. He next spoke of the potato beetle D. decem-lineata, and expressed his belief that its numbers and vigour were decreasing in the Province of Quebec. He stated that there were places on the Lower St. Lawrence where it had not appeared. He next remarked that Vematws Hrichsonii, the larch saw-fly, had extended its ravages along the Beauce Valley to the neighbourhood of Quebec where it had stripped the tamaracks (larch) bare. A second growth of leaves had appeared, and this probably would save the trees. If, however, the attacks were repeated to the same extent, he believed the trees would die. Mr. Fyles shewed specimens of the insect and of its cocoons. Mr. J. Alston Moffatt, of Hamilton, stated that he had lately received from his friend, Mr. J. B. Hay, of Brantford, some specimens of a beetle that had been found. attacking hot-house plants, abwtilon, roses, plumbago, etc. The insect being new to him,. he sent it to Dr. Horn for identification and received the following letter from him : PHILADELPHIA, P.A., Oct. 10, 1884. Dear Sir,—The insect you send is Aramiges Fulleri, Horn (Fuller’s rose beetle). It is widely scattered over the country and has been reported to me as damaging many~ hot-house plants, particularly the thick leaved varieties. It seems a great nuisance and eight years ago appeared to be rare. G. H. Horn. Specimens of this insect were exhibited by Mr. Mofiatt. The President in referring to the work of the special committee appointed by the- House of Commons in February Jast to enquire into the condition of agriculture said that. the members would be much pleased to learn that as one of the results of that enquiry Mr. Fletcher had been appointed Honorary Entomologist to the Dominion Department of Agriculture. It was much to be desired that this appointment should become permanent,. for the Society cordially recognized the special fitness of Mr. Fletcher for this important. position, and believed that he would accomplish much good work in this connection. Mr. Reed exhibited a coloured photograph presented to the Society by Mr. Alfred Wailly, an English member of the Society, representing an extraordinary aberrant form of Attacus cecropia. Mr. Fletcher stated that he was happy to announce that during the past summer, under instructions from Dr. Selwyn, F.R.S., Director of the Geological Survey of Canada, an interesting collection of Lepidoptera had been made in the Lake Nipigon region by Prof. Macoun and Mr. William Macoun, and that these having been submitted to him for identification he had found many very valuable insects included, among which he made special mention of two species of Chionobas, Colias Hurytheme, Colias Interior, a species of Chrysophanus, which was possibly new, and Alypia MacCullochu. By means of these instructions to the surveyors it was hoped that much useful information would be obtained of the insect fauna of those newer parts of the Dominion that were being explored and opened up for occupation. Mr. Fletcher remarked that we have heard a good deal of rubbish in the newspapers, etc., about nothing being done by the members of the Geological Survey ; he hoped that it was unnecessary to say that these reports were entirely withont foundation, and at any rate the present action of the director would prove toal! entomologists that he appreciated the value of their scientific researches. The evening being somewhat advanced, the Society adjourned until 9 o’clock next morning. The Society re-assembled Thursday morning at 9.30. The President in the chair. -Mr. W. H. Harrington stated that Phytonomus nigrirostris occurred in considerable numbers in the vicinity of Ottawa, but that he had not found any evidences of the destruc- tive habits described by Mr. Fletcher. It was, however, known to attack clover in Europe. He mentioned several insects found by him on Larch suchas Urocerus flavicornis and Buprestris maculiventris. During the previous summer he had in company with Mr. Fletcher, noticed a grove of tamarac with trees in various stages of health and decay and the cause of the latter seemed undoubtedly to be a species of Dendroctonus, which was found in immense numbers under the bark of sickly and dying trees. The bark was com- pletely undermined and riddled by its galleries and swarmed with larve, pupe and beetles. Associated with these were large numbers of a smaller bark-borer—Hylesinus opaculus —with one or two other species which would not be likely from their habits or numbers to do much injury. Examination of dead trees shewed that the bark had been destroyed. in the same manner, but now contained no beetles. Tn reply to a question as to whether such bark beetles ever attacked living and healthy trees, Mr. Harrington answered in the affirmative, and instanced a species which he had during the spring found boring into and through the terminal buds of Pinus strobus (white pine) and thus destroying them. Mr. Harrington exhibited a small collection of about fifty species of Coleoptera taken by him at Sydney, Cape Breton, during a visit of a few days in September, also specimens of the Chinch bug which he had found abundant there ; he also exhibited a Chalcophora liberta with deformed thorax, a Trogosita mawritanica with malformed head, and a wasp (Vespa ?) with one of its antenne curiously deformed. Rev. T.W. Fyles shewed specimens of Colias Hurytheme, Pamphila Manitoba, Pyrgus Centaurea, a female of Smerinthus Cerysvi, and other rare insects. Mr. J. Alston Moffatt shewed a collection of rare and interesting insects both Lepi- doptera and Coleoptera. Mr. Fletcher exhibited a collection of forty specimens of Colas Philodice, shewing many curious variations. Two specimens of Colas Hurytheme, one of which was the autumn form bred from the egg. Two specimens of a small moth bred from larve found boring in the flowers and capsules of Nelumbium luteum, at Chicago. A specimen of Sphinz luscitiosa. An Hepialus taken at Dalhousie, N.B., very similar to H. Argenteo-maculata, but smaller, and having four spots on the primaries. Two specimens of a Chrysophanus taken by Mr. W. Macoun at Nipigon. Specimens of Agrotis fennica, and other rare Lepidoptera taken during the past season. Rev. T. W. Fyles exhibited specimens of mud wasps nests, taken at Compton, from which he had obtained grubs that produced a species of Pinus. Mr. J. M. Denton shewed some Philadelphia raspberry canes which were badly in- jered by some borer not determined. The President exhibited two boxes of insects which had been lately received from Miss F. M. Pierce, of Moose Mountain, Assinaboia, who had sent the specimens as a, first col- lection. The boxes proved of great interest to the members present. The Secretary exhibited the beautiful silver medal which had been awarded to the Society by the International Fisheries Exhibition. The medal was much admired. In presenting a collection of Diurnal Lepidoptera from Rev. G. W. Taylor, of Victoria, Vancouver Island, Mr. Fletcher stated that he considered one of the chief advantages of having the annual meeting at London was, that the members could see in what species the Society’s reference collection was deficient, and he was sure that they all felt the necessity ot making the collection as complete as possible ; for his own part he would much prefer giving any unique specimens he might take, to the Society, rather than have them hidden away in his collection where only a few could see them. He had now very much pleasure in presenting a small but valuable collection of specimens to the Society from his friend Mr. G. W. Taylor, of Victoria, B.C. Mr. Taylor, although one of our new members, had already done good work. Mr. Fletcher also distributed among the members a packet of duplicates sent for that purpose by Mr. ‘Taylor, among which were specimens of a Aelitea, provisionally named rubicunda, but which were not considered typical by Mr. W. H. Ed- wards. Of this species, however, Mr. Fletcher had received larvee, some of which were in his own hands, and some had been forwarded to Mr. W. H. Edwards. The President expressed the pleasure Mr. Taylor's liberality had given him, and the gratification he felt that the Society’s collections were so much appreciated. A vote of thanks was given to Mr. Taylor for his donation. Mr. Harrington stated that Oberea tripunctata had been found very abundant at Ottawa. He remembered it also as being general in 1878. Mr. Reed called attention to an extract from a newspaper shewing that railroad cars may often be the vehicles of carrying destructive moths from one part of the country to another; the extract stated that the writer was often struck by the number of aletve on the trains, and that he had observed that there was asort of coincidence last season between lines of railroad and abundance of cotton worms. Mr. Reed said that he had noticed fewer specimens of aletza this year than for some seasons past, although a few had within a few days been caught in his residence. Mr. Reed also said that yeria acerni had been very prevalent in the neighbourhood of London this season. Rev. Mr. Fyles reported that Afgeria tricincta had been taken at Como, P.Q., and also that he had taken two larve of P. satellitia. Mr, Fletcher shewed a specimen of Notodenta americana, bred from larva found on basswood that had emerged from the pupa in autumn instead of spring; he also re- ported the capture at Ottawa of Hllema Harristt. An interesting discussion then took place on the transmission of insects through the mail and the best method of relaxing specimens. In answer to Rev. Mr. Fyles, Mr. Fletcher said that we had not in Canada any plant which could be used as a substitute for the Laurel so extensively used by European ento- mologists, not only for killing the insects but for keeping them for a long time in a relaxed «ondition without spoiling. He had tried the young leaves of some of the different species ot wild cherry which contain prussic acid, but had found that although it killed the insects it soon became mouldy. Mr. Reed had found moist sand an excellent means of relaxing lepidoptera and boiling water for coleoptera. The meeting finally passed a resolution requesting Mr. J. Fletcher to prepare for the 25 -use of the members a short circular giving instructions for relaxing specimens, and also the “best plan of packing them for transmission through the mail. This Mr, Fletcher undertook to do, remarking that he himself had found the process ~of nature-printing a very useful mode of sending lepidoptera for identification. The Rev. Mr. Pyles read a paper deseribing the habits of an sect forming galls upon Vaceiniwm Canadense, and exhibited specimens and microscopic drawings of the insect. Mr. Harrington read an abstract of a paper on the Venthredinide, or saw-flies. Mr. Fletcher gave an abstract of a paper he had prepared, detailing some experiments he had made in breeding some Colvads from the egg. He said he thought that the thanks of the Society were especially due to Mr. W. H. Edwards for his most valuable papers published in the Canadzan Entomologist during the past year, and he was of opinion that they could not fail to have important results. Having been induced himself by these articles to take up this fascinating branch of entomology, the results had been such that he considered them worthy to bring before the members at this meeting. He had been fortunate enough to secure a very much worn female of Colias Zurytheme, summer form Hurytheme, from which he had succeeded in breeding a lovely female specimen of the autumn form Keewaydin. Thinking it would be interesting to compare the larve, stage by stage, with C. philodice, he had obtained 12 eggs of that species from a typically marked yellow female, on the same day as the eggs of C. eurytheme were laid, and he gave a short account of the differ- ences noted between these larve at the different moults, and exhibited a beautiful series of specimens of C. philodice, drawing attention to the different variations in the markings. The brood of 12 bred at the same time as C. ewrytheme were very interesting, consisting of three males, four ordinary yellow females, three albino females and one yellow female with very dull markings ; one larva was destroyed by the larva of a Tachina fly. Rey. Mr. Pyles read an interesting paper on the Neuropiera and their relation to the fishing interests. Also, a paper on the occurrence in the Province cf Quebec of the Croton bug, Ectobia Germania. The President then read an interesting paper from Mr. G. J. Bowles on ants. The meeting decided that these papers should be submitted for insertion in the Annual Report. Mr. W. A. Macdonald, agricultural editor of the Farmer’s Advocate, took the oppor- tunity of expressing the pleasure he had derived from listening to the interesting discus- gions which had taken place during the mectings, and to the vast amount of information thus given. Hehad found these meetings so profitable that he hoped to have the pleasure of attending them another year. The Entomological Society of Ontario, he said, was doing a good work in gathering and distributing information in reference to the many insect pests which our farmers and fruit-growers have to fight-with, and he should be glad +o render it any assistance in his power. The meeting then adjourned. P26 POPULAR PAPERS ON ENTOMOLOGY. SMERINTHUS EXAICATUS AND MYOPS. BY W. SAUNDERS, LONDON, ONT. Among the most beautiful of all the night-flymg moths may be placed those belonging to the genus Smerinthus, one of the genera included in the Sphingide, or Sphinx moths,. a name derived from a fancied resemblance some of the caterpillars bear in certain atti-- tudes to the famous Egyptian Sphinx. This family comprises some of the most robust and powerful among moths. Dr. Harris thus speaks of them: “In the winged state the true Sphinges are known by the name of Humming-bird Moths, from the sound which they make in flying, and Hawk Moths from their habit of hovering in the air while taking their food. These Humming-bird or Hawk Moths may be seen during the morning and evening twilight flying with great swiftness from flower to flower. Their wings are long, narrow and pointed, and are moved by powerful muscles. Their tongues when uncoiled are for the most part excessively long, and with them they extract the honey from the blossoms of the honeysuckle and other tubular flowers while on the wing.” The Blind-eyed Sphinx, Smerinthus execatus, which is well shown in Fig. 1, is a lovely creature which measures when its wings are spread nearly three inches across. Its. body is fawn coloured, with a chest- nut coloured stripe on the thorax and a dark brown line on the abdo- men. The front wings are fawn coloured, clouded and striped with a rich velvety brown. The hind wings are rose coloured in the middle, crossed by two or three short whitish lines, having a brown-- ish patch at the tip and a black spot with a pale blue centre near the inner angle. The moth is on the wing in June and July; the eggs are laid on apple, plum and wild cherry trees, and the larva, Fig. 2, becomes full grown in Sep- tember. It then measures about two and a half inches long, has a green triangular head bor- dered with white, and an apple green body, paler on the back, deeper in colour along the sides, with seven oblique stripes on each side of a pale yellow colour, the last one, of a brighter” yellow than the others, extending to the base of the horn. The skin of the body is roughened with numerous white-tipped granulations, and the stout horn on the hinder part of the body is of a bluish green colour. This larva when irritated emits a peculiar musical chirping sound. When full grown it buries itself in the earth, where it changes to a chestnut brown chrysalis, which is smooth, with a short, rough terminal spine. In this condition it remains during the winter, escaping as a moth early the following summer. 27 The life history of the Purblind Spinx, Smerinthus myops, Fig. 3, is very similar to” that of the species just described. It appears in the perfect state also in June and July. The moth is very handsome. The head and thorax are chocolate brown with a purplish tinge, the thorax is striped with yellow and the abdomen brown marked with yellowish spots. The fore wings are angulated and excavated on the hind margin, and are or-— namented with bands and patches of black on a chocolate-brown ground, The hind wings are dull yellow with the outer half a rich brown, and have an eye-like spot to- Fig. 3. wards the inner margin, black with a pale blue centre. The caterpillar much resembles Fig. 2. It is green with two rows of reddish brown spots on each side and six oblique yellow lines, with two shorter lines of the same colour” on the anterior segments. The head is bluish green, margined with yellow, and the curved horn at the tail green, tinged with yellow at the sides. When full grown it measures _ about two inches in length, and is nearly cylindrical in form. It feeds on the leaves of the cherry tree, both the wild and cultivated varieties. The insect passes the winter in the pupa state under the earth; the chrysalis is” smooth and of a dark brown colour. Both these insects are comparatively rare, and have never, as far as we know, appeared in sufficient numbers to prove injurious to the trees” on which they feed. Ts ord Putvinargia [NNUMERABILIS—Rathvon. This insect, which has commonly been known as the Grape-vine Bark-louse, might- with perhaps greater propriety be now designated the Maple-tree Bark-louse, for the” reason that it has been more frequently found on maples, and has inflicted more injury on these trees than it has on grape-vines. The great abundance of this insect during the past season has called general attention to it and elicited many enquiries in reference to its history and habits ; indeed, in many sections of Western Ontario, as well as in the adjoining States of Michigan and New York, it has appeared in such swarms as to endanger’ the lives of the trees attacked, Branches have been sent to us so thickly covered with the insect in its various stages of growth that they could not be handled without crushing » some of the numerous population. The earliest description of this insect was given by Dr. 8.8. Rathvon, - of Lancaster, Pa., in 1854, who at that time gave the results of several’ years’ observation on this species, which had occurred in his neigh~ bourhood on Basswood or American Linden trees (Lilia americana). He found them to swarm in such countless hosts that he gave the insect the significant name of imnumerablis. The late Dr. Fitch next pub~ lished an account of it in the Transactions of the New York State” Agricultural Society for 1859, since which several authors have figured and described this insect; but its life history was not fully unfolded: »» until taken in hand by the late lamented J. D. Putnam, of Davenport, Iowa, who published in 1879, in the Report of the Davenport Academy of Sciences, a most elaborate and complete description of its life history, illustrated with two plates crowded with figures representing the various” stages of development, all drawn by himself from nature. To these several publications we are mainly indebted for the facts here presented. This bark-louse appears first in the form of a brown scale, from which, as it increases in size, there is protruded from the female scale cylindrical white filaments of a waxy nature, in which eggs are laid, and these cotton-like filaments, as new fibres are secreted, are constantly pushed further back until there protrudes a bunch about four times as large as the scale, as shown in fig. 4, which is thickly crowded with 28 i: eggs. Permeating through the nest is a quantity of powdery matter which under a high magnifying power is seen to be in the form of rings. The waxen filaments are adbesive and elastic, and can be pulled out sometimes a foot or more before entirely Separating. When heat is applied these fibres melt, and their waxy nature is further demonstrated by their solubility in ether and chloroform. A single nest will seldom contain less than 500 eggs, and sometimes upwards of 2,000. The female begins to lay eggs in the latter part of May, and continues laying from five to seven weeks, until she dies from exhaustion, her entire life continuing for about thirteen months. During the laying and hatching of the eggs she secretes a quantity of a sweet liquid known as honey-dew, which attracts ants, flies and other insects, and it often happens that the young lice crawl up the legs and bodies of these visitors, by whom they are thus carried to other trees. The newly hatched, yellowish-white lice soon distribute themselves over the branches, and attaching to the succulent portions, pierce the tender bark with their sharp beaks and subsist upon the sap. They shortly become stationary, when they gradually increase in size and finally reach maturity. The scale of the male insect is very different from the female. It is longer nm pro- ‘portion to its size, and there are no waxy filaments projecting from it. When fully mature ‘the insect escapes from its scaly covering and appears as a minute, beautiful and delicately formed two-winged fly, marked with yéllowish and chestnut brown, with brilliant rose- coloured wings which also reflect the colours of the rainbow. These flies do not appear until August and September, and their lives in the winged state are very short, not exceeding two or three days. Besides the maple and the grape, these insects are, as already stated, also found on the linden or basswood, and sometimes on the elm. Where permitted to continue their depredations undisturbed, they weaken and injure, and occasionally destroy the trees attacked. They affect chiefly the under side of the branches and twigs. REMEDIES, The branches of the infested trees may be vigorously rubbed with a stiff brush or broom, which will dislodge many of the insects, and then coated with a strong alkaline wash made by melting either soft or hard soap and diluting it to the consistence of paint with a strong solution of washing soda; or they may be destroyed with an emulsion of coal oil made by agitating vigorously and for a considerable time one pint of coal oi] with an equal quantity of milk, until the mixture assumes a creamy appearance, when it should be diluted with about ten times its bulk of water and applied with a brush or syringe. BRIEF NOTES OF A TRIP TO POINT PELEE, WITH ADDITIONS TO OUR LIST OF CANADIAN BUTTERFLIES. During the summer of 1882, I paid a flying visit to Point Pelee, in company with some friends who were interested in botany. This point of land extends directly south into Lake Erie, near the eastern boundary of the County of Essex, and is among the most southerly points in the Province of Ontario. On the west side of the Point the land is chiefly marsh until near the extremity, and is a prolific hunting ground for sportsmen in search of water-fowl; it is alao a breeding place for millions of Neuropterous insects. The east shore is sandy, and betwean this and the marsh are seyeral farms and a consider- able area of uncultivated arable land more or less covered with woods. We reached Essex Centre, on the Canada Southern Railway, the nearest poimt of access by rail, at 7 p.m., on the 28th June, where we hired a vehicle and driver for three or four days, and drove that evening over an excellent road 18 miles to Leamington. The night was spent here and an early start made the next morning for the Point. A drive of about three miles brought us to the base of the Point, and after a journey of about eight miles farther, we “reached the upper extremity. The day was warm and pleasant, and during the last portion of this drive we saw more dragon-flies and other Neuropterous insects than we had ever seen in our lives before ; : they literally swarmed everywhere, especially in sunny spots. They flew in our faces and 29 buzzed about our ears as we were driving, and settled on our clothing in considerable numbers. After catching all that could be conveniently carried, we amused ourselves by Swinging the net in different directions, catching a few dozen and then letting them fly again. Among the most numerous species were Libellula basalis, L. trimaculata, L. exusta, Diplax intacta, and D. rubscundula, with some others undetermined. During the drive there also floated past us on rapid wing several specimens of Papilio cresphontes and one or two P. marcellus, but they few with the prevailing wind directly over the swamp, where pursuit was impracticable. As we passed a sunny spot in the woods, approaching the end of our journey, a small dark-coloured insect was seen hovering about some flowers- growing by the road-side, which from its peculiar jerky flight, was evidently a Vhecla. A. brief chase resulted in its capture, when it proved to be Thecla smilacis Boisd., = aubur-- mana Harris, never before, to our knowledge, recorded as occurring in Canada. As we~ approached the extremity of the Point, we left the swamps behind us and with them the multitudinous hosts of the larger Neuropterous insects, but several of the smaller species were present, associated with Dipterous insects, in prodigious numbers, flying in clouds- from every tree and bush we touched, the vibration of their many wings causing a loud. roar or buzz. ‘The sides of houses and barns were so thickly covered with them as to almost hide the wood they rested on, but they did not venture inside the buildings, - The next day was unfavourable for collecting ; the rain poured in torrents until early” in the afternoon. As soon as it had ceased, we wandered several miles along the sandy roads and shores, and found many interesting plants and trees, but there were very few insects.on the wing, excepting those belonging to the Neuroptera, which were everywhere- in abundance. Late in the afternoon, while beating about among the bushes on the sand hills on the eastern shore, a yellow butterfly started up which at first was thought to be~ a pale C. philodice, but there was something unusual about its appearance and manner of flight which led us to pursue it until captured. Imagine our surprise when we found it to be a female specimen of Tervas Mexicana Boisd. In W. H. Edwards’ Catalogue of Diurnal Lepidoptera, Thecla smiiacis Boisd. is said to be found in the Atlantic States, Mississippi Valley and. Texas, while the localities.- given for Terias Mexicana are Texas to Arizona ; California, occasionally in Kansas and. Nebraska. Since both these butterflies are new to our Canadian lists, we append descriptions - of them. } Thecla emilacis is thus described by Boisduval: “Upper side blackish brown, with a- pale whitish spot near the middle of the costal edge ; the secondaries have two thin tails.- as in the analagous species. “ Under side greenish, often washed with a little reddish, with a transverse whitish ray sinuous on the primaries, tortuous on the secondaries, bordered in front by a, ferru- ginous tint. Between this ray and the base, the secondaries have another short transverse: sinuous ray of the same colour. ‘The extremity is marked by two or three ashy crescents, of which the intermediary is black in front, and the third ina line with two or three small ferruginous spots, more or less distinct. The anal palette is black, and near the: fringe there is a small white marginal line. “Tarva, which feeds on Smilax, is green, with the head and feet blackish. It has: four rows of red spots, of which the two dorsal are formed of smaller spots, and one on. each side composed of spots somewhat larger. “Chrysalis grayish-brown, with the abdomen more clear and reddish.” Harris, who regarded this species as distinct from smilacis, thus describes it under the name of auburniana, and Harris’ description agrees more closely with the specimens eaptured by us than does that of Boisduval. Harris says: “The outermost of the tails: of this insect is very short, and often nothing remains of it but a little tooth on the edge of the wing. It varies considerably in colour ; the females are generally deep brown above, but sometimes the wings are rust-coloured or tawny in the middle, as they always are in the males ; the oval opaque spot which characterizes the latter sex is ochre-yellow. Upon the under side the wings in both sexes are green, the anterior pair tinged with brown from the middle to the inner edge ; externally next to the fringe they are all margined by a narrow wavy white line, bordered internally with brown ; this line on the fore winge~ 30 ——— does not reach the inner margin ; on the hind wings it consists of six spots arranged in a zigzag manner, and the last spot next to the inner margin is remote from the rest ; besides these there are on the same wings three more white spots bordered with brown between the zigzag band and the base ; and between the same band and the margin three black spots, behind the middle one of which is a rust-red spot with a black centre. The wings expand from 1,15 to 1/4 inch. This pretty species is found on the mouse-ear (Gnaphalium plantaginewm ) in May, and on the flowers of the spearmint in August.” a “Terias Mexicana Boisd. Boisd. Spec. Gén. 679. Figured on pl. 3, C. fig. 1, of Boisd. Spec. Gén. ‘“‘ Wings brilliant citron yellow; primaries with a black border at*the extremity, rather wide, ending squarely at the internal angle, showing near the middle a rather deep quadrangular sinus ; the outer edge slightly sinuate, and whitish ; secondaries, with the middle of the exterior edge prolonged to a prominent angle, in the form of a tail ; a black border of moderate width, a little dentated on its internal side, not reaching the internal angle ; costal edge washed with orange yellow, mingling with the ground colour. “‘ Under side of the primaries pale citron yellow, with a black central point, the edge intersected with brown points ; the outer edge reddish near the fringe. “Under side of secondaries yellow, sprinkled with ferruginous atoms, with a blackish central point ; edge intersected with ferruginous points, and marked near the external angle with a spot of the same colour ; the posterior half having four or five other spots of the same colour, of which two or three are in a line, and tending to form a transverse band ; the middle of the outer edge more or less washed with ferruginous. “Female differs from the male in the upper side being yellowish white, with a wider border, the quadrangular sinus more profound ; the anterior edge of the secondaries widely orange yellow, and below, three ferruginous posterior spots form on the secondaries A narrow, transverse, ferruginous band. “‘ Texas—Louisiana— Mexico.” Among the other insects taken were Papilio cresphontes, P. turnus, P. troilus, Colias philodice, Terias lisa, Argynnis cybele, Phyciodes tharos, Pyrameis huntera, P. atalanta, Anchyloxypha numitor, Pholisora catullus, Hudamus tityrus, Eudryas grata, Leucania unipuncta, Lucanus lentus and Macrodactylus subspinosus. The latter species was very common on the flowers of the tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera), which was then bloom- ing freely ; also on the sour gum or Pepperidge tree (Nyssa multiflora). The next morning we started early on our return journey and reached Essex Centre in time to take the afternoon train home. Had the weather been favourable we should doubtless have reaped a much richer harvest. NOTES OF A JUNE RAMBLE. BY W. HAGUE HARRINGTON, OTTAWA. My office duties prevent me, unfortunately, from going afield during almost the entire month of July in each year, and perhaps a few notes on my last ramble, 29th June, may interest the inexperienced, and indicate some of the insects to be found at this time. The special aim of this ramble was to visit a grove of hickories, Carya amara, and inves- tigate the insects occurring in these trees, but I desired also to obtain Coleoptera and Hymenoptera, especially sawrflies. My out-tit consisted of a flat beating-net constructed so as to be folded up snugly when not in use ; a sweeping-net on a folding pocket-ring ; a bottle containing coarse sawdust, with a morsel of cyanide for beetles ; a wide-mouthed bottle lined with blotting paper, and having some cyanide in a cavity in the cork, for Hymenoptera and Diptera ; a couple of boxes for larve, and last, but not least, a note-book and pencil. The day is favourable, the sun shining hotly, yet tempered by a slight breeze. My first capture is a half-grown Cimbex larva under an elm tree in the city, and in passing through the lumber yards I obtain Buprestis consularis and Dicerca tenebrosa. Along the river are seen many Neuroptera, including some fine species of Phryganidz and Perlidz. On the _sides of a railway embankment (I am now in the Province of Quebec) grow a variety of young trees and other plants. The willows are first tried and yield very abundantly, ol Diachus catarius and auratus. Less numerous are Monachus soponatus, Anomea lati- clavia, Agrilus torpidus? and A. fulgens. Iam pleased to capture a fine pair of Saperda mutica, as I have only hitherto taken them once. Among other beetles are U’richalophus alternatus, Rhynchites cyanellus and Chrysomela multipunctuta, with larve of the same. On some trees a sawily larva, yellow, hairy, with rows of black spots, is very abundant, and there are also Jarve of lepidoptera, including one of a Catocala. The raspberry bushes, which a few days ago were alive with bees and wasps, are now almost deserted, but the wilted tips of many of the young shoots show that some enemy has been at work. It is found that a foot or so below the top they have been neatly girdled by two rings about half an inch apart, and that between these rings has been inserted into the pith a long cylindrical egg, that of Oberea bimaculata. From a small balsam poplar is obtained Saperda moesta, and an examination discloses the larve of different sizes in gall-like swellings, about an inch or two apart, along the shoots which are not half an inch in diameter. Near the root, where the stem is somewhat stouter, is found a much larger borer, which is apparently that of some moth. The hickory grove is now reached, and the first tree yields a fine Saperda discoidea, a very rare beetle here. From other trees the following beetles are obtained: Dorcaschema nigrum, Liopus alpha, Lepturges querci, Leptostylus macula, Hyperplatys asperus, Anthaxia viridicornis, Agrilus -egenus, A. otiosus, A. bilineatus and Balaninus rectus. Several tree-hoppers occur in various stages, including Z’elamona unicolor and 7’. fasciata. There are also some large flat hali-grown bugs (yellow, with blackish markings,) one of which has killed a luna caterpillar about an inch long, and is sucking out its juices. The caterpillars of this moth are quite common, but generally smaller than the one mentioned, and a few larve of other moths are seen. Three specimens of the pretty little butterfly, T’hecla calanus, are observed flitting about the trees, or settled upon the foliage. Space will not permit to mention the various galls, etc., which disfigure the leaves more or less. Scattered through the groves are a few oaks, some of which have the foliage noticeably disfigured by large globular woody galls placed upon the mid-rib of the leaf, which is much distorted and curled up. From these galls are just emerging small hymenopterous flies, with ample wings, of which I do not know the name. Some of the leaves are being devoured by brownish caterpillars, half an inch long, with a black head and a pair of black spines projected forward from one of the thoracic segments. They feed side by side in rows of five or six and eat the leaf from the tip downward. Upon these trees are found also the beetle B. rectus, which was upon the hickory, and which is remarkable for its extremely long and slender snout. Flying about through the grove are lovely butterflies, Limenitis arthemis, fresh evidently from chrysalis and almost persuading one to be a lepidopterist. Descending now into a meadow, through which flows a sluggish brook, I fold up the beating-net and screw the sweeping-net into its handle, which hitherto has been only used" to tap the branches with. The stream is bordered with clumps of alders, willows, etc., ‘between which grow luxuriantly ferns and many herbaceous plants, with sedges and various grasses. Magnificent fritillaries are hovering about the blossoms of the milkweed, which are just beginning to open, while numbers of Neonympha Boisduvalli flit about with a peculiar jerky flight. Beetles do not appear to be as common as they sometimes are here, but I take several specimens of Scirtes orbiculatus, three specimens of fireflies and several allied beetles, with several species belonging to the other families, as Cocci- nellidz, etc. Three or four kinds of sawfly larve are found but none of the perfect insects are seen. ‘T’wo, or perhaps three, species of Chrysops are unpleasantly numerous, but are not nearly so aggressive as I find them in a pine wood, through which [ return. This wood rings with the shrill music of the cicada and is enlivened by many butterflies in the more open portions, where other trees and plants occur. My captures during the ramble are perhaps fifty species of beetles and a few Hymenoptera. This number is less than half of what I frequently obtain, but the value of collecting depends not so much upon the number of species taken, as upon the observations which are made upon the habits of the various species. SwARMING OF INSECTS. On the 3rd of June last Isaw an immense collection of insects between the Chaudiere Falls and the Canada Pacific Railway bridge across the Ottawa. A long boom-log fixed almost at right angles to the shore, formed with it a pocket into which were swept b the: swift current chips, bark and other small drift-wood. The accumulation was literally swarming with insects which had evidently fallen, or been blown, into the river, and had = sought safety upon the drift-wood floating with them. Having floated into a haven of — refuge, they were crawling upon the more elevated places and drying themselves in the sum. preparatory to flight. In many instances, however, they were doomed to disappointment, as sudden changes in the current and eddy would every now and then violently agitate: the accumulation, wash off many of the insects, and send portions of the drift-wood again into the current to be carried further down. Beetles were most numerous, but there were~ also large numbers of Diptera and some Hymenoptera and Hemiptera. The Coleoptera were principally comprised of Chrysomelidz, Coccinellide, Histeride, Nitidulids, Lampy— ride and Staphylinide, and were generally the smaller and commoner species. iy iY ¥ 1 . 5 THE PUNCTURED CLOVER-LEAF WEEVIL (Phytonomus punctatus Fab.) BY A. H. KILMAN, RIDGEWAY, ONT. A curculio new to Canada has appeared in thislocality. Prevailing east winds about. Aug. 10th wafted this new clover pest to our shores. This beetle, as far as I know, has not been mentioned in the Hntomologist. It was introduced from Hurope little more tham- three years ago. Appearing on the eastern seabord, and taking the continent in the inverse order to the movement of the Colorado Potato Beetle, itis working rapidly west- ward. . Last year no specimens were reported west of Rochester, while in Hastern New York the clover crop was destroyed by this insect. On the date above-mentioned it appeared in Buffalo in such numbers that thousands were crushed on the pavements by the feet of passers-by. Simultaneous with this was its appearance in Ridgeway. 1 picked them from the fences and sidewalks, and found them in the grass on my lawn. Mr, Reinecke could have gathered them by the quart along the lake shore at Buffalo, where they had stranded after being carried by the wind far out upon the water. They have the extraordinary faculty of closing their trachese and’ suspending respiration while in the water, and an hour’s sunshine on the sandy beach leaves them none the worse- for a good soaking. f The beetle is two-fifths of an inch long, has a stout body of a dark brown colour ; sides of thorax and elytra dull yellow, a central yellow line on thorax, rows of black raised oints along inner half of elytra with dashes of the same muddy yellow towards the rear. Each female bas a “ depositing power ” of from 200 to 300 eggs. She punctures the clover stem and places an egg therein, or sometimes attaches it to the surface of the stem: The larva feeds upon the leaves, which it destroys rapidly, eating only during the night and. hiding in the day time. I am of the opinion that the advance guard of this insect invasion arrived last year and it is the main body now and further, that those now arriving will go into winter uarters and open up 2 lively campaign in the spring. Iam led to these conclusions by the fact that many clover fields in this and adjoining counties failed this season to~ blossom fully, the Clover Midge getting the blame Whatever the sequel may show, we fear that these invaders will prove of better staying qualities than those who crossed the border in ’66, and turned to the right about at Ridgeway, because Canada was not the — “ clover patch” they were looking for. ih THE ASH SAW-FLY (Selandria Barda, Say.) BY HERBERT OSBORN, AMES, IOWA. During the summer of 1882 a few of the ash trees on the college lawn here becai é infested with a Saw-fly worm which for a few days threatened: to be quite serious. , made a few trials of London purple on the trees most seriously infested, but before I h gained results from many trees or had completed a study of the larve, they sudden appeared. So far as my experiments went they showed the London purple io successful remedy, and as applicable to these worms as to any of the Saw-fly group. — 33 adults were observed, and none of the larve I had under my observation matured ; so the matter necessarily came to a rest. During the summer of 1883 the worms appeared in much greater numbers and dis- tributed over many more trees. At the same time and upon the same trees with these worms | observed adult Saw-flies that I could have little doubt were the mature worms, although I did not succeed in finding the eggs and obtaining the larve from them, nor have I reared them as yet from the immature stage. Their presence in large numbers at the time when the newly hatched larve were appearing plentifully day after day, and the fact that the adult mzsé be an insect of this particular kind, left little doubt as to their connection. During the present season I have observed these adults as early as April 15th, and the larve but little later, while the eggs from which the larve hatch were found deposited in the petiole of the leaf. The adults are the S/andria barda of Say, the food plant of which, so far as I can find, has never been recorded. No account of the larva or of its work is given in any of the works that I have been able to consult, and as it seems to me of too much importance to remain unnoticed, I ven- ture to give what I know of its history with the practical results of my study, notwith- standing the doubts that rest over some parts of its life history. ‘The pressure of other duties at the time these worms were at work prevented me from giving them the time they certainly deserved. Lire Hisrory. The eggs are deposited in rows along the sides of the petiole just beneath the outer bark, and so neatly that it is almost impossibe to detect any break in the epidermis. Usually there are from six to ten on a leaf. ‘Lhey evidently increase much in size before hatching, pushing the bark uz in a blister-like elevation, and if cut out of their covering are found to be very soft, the outer membrane exceedingly delicate and easily ruptured. The larvae are evidently hatched within two or three days after the eggs are deposited, and are at first slender, whitish worms with black heads and thoracic legs. They crawl at once to the leaflets and appear to select the more tender ones for the commencement of their work. They grow quite rapidly and reach the first moult on the third or fourth day. Before moulting they are more whitish in colour, and the head particularly loses its ordinary colour. After the moult the head is jet biack and glistens like a glass bead ; the six thoracic legs have also the same jet black colour; otherwise the larva is clear green with a slightly darker dorsal line. There are seven pairs of pro-legs or false legs along Fig. 5.— 8+Jandria barda (Say). Leaf of ash showing position of eggs in petiole and work of larva, 3 (EN.) 34 the abdomen and one pair at the tail end. The body is not hairy, neither is it slimy as in some members of this genus, but the skin is somewhat wrinkled. The worms are mostly found adhering to the under surface of the leaves, and forming a coil, though sometimes extended, especially when feeding, and as they eat away the entire leaf, cutting away at the edges or at the holes entirely through the leaf, they obtain any poisonous substance sprinkled or dusted on the upper surface. When young they usually keep pretty well clustered together or on the same leaf, but later scatter quite generally, the early clustering being due no doubt to the eggs being laid near together and on the same leaf. The worms moult at least three or four times before reaching maturity. The worms leave the trees before entering the chrysalis stage, and while I have not succeeded in tracing this stage, it is reasonably certain that it is passed under ground, or at least below the surface mould. It is quite certain also that the winter is passed in the chrysalis stage. The imago has been observed abundant from April 15th till into the month of May, and also in the month of June. Whether these are two distinct broods or simply the result of great irregularity in appearance, I cannot say. It is certainly possible, however, considering the time that the first larvee require to attain their growth that they may pupate and issue as a second brood in the month of June. Phese adults are black throughout, except the upper part of the thorax, which is honey yellow or sometimes orange or reddish, the amount as well as the shade differing somewhat in different indivi- duals. The males are more slender and shorter than the females. In some specimens the front legs are partially yellowish. They appear to be most active during the heat of the day, and can be caught without much difficulty in the hand during cool evenings. PARASITES. Tachina Flies. On trees where these worms were plenty I observed numerous specimens of the friendly Tachinas, and I also found their eggs on great numbers of the worms. So numerous were they indeed that I felt that the worms could safely be left to their attention. Ichneumon Fly. A small Ichnewmon occurred also in pretty good numbers, and though I obtained no direct evidence of their preying upon the worms, the habits of the Ichneumons are so well known that there can be little doubt of the meaning of their presence. The Spined Soldier Bug (Arma spinosa) was observed with the Ash worms impaled on its beak, so it can be counted upon to assist in destroying them. REMEDIES. London Purple. The trials I made with this substance proved that it is deadly to these insects, and where it can be used without too great expense, it may be considered a certain remedy. On all small shade trees it can be applied as readily as to orchard trees, and even on trees of considerable height a good force pump will suffice to thoroughly sprinkle the leaves. Hellebore is also very effective for these and other Saw-fly larve, but as it is no better than the preceding and much more expensive, there is no need of considering it here. Arsenic may be used in solution like London Purple, but must be boiled to dissolve it. jJTHECLA NIPHON. BY JAMES FLETCHER, OTTAWA, ONT. About the middle of May, 1883, Mr. A. W. Hanham took a ? 7. Niphon a few miles from the City of Ottawa. This was the only specimen at that time seen. On the 4th May last, when walking along the Chelsea Road, near the village of Chelsea, P Q., with Mr. Harrington, he called my attention to a smal] butterfly which had just alighted on the bare road in front of us. This I was delighted to recognise as Niphon. Having no nets with us,a too near approach was only rewarded with the mortification of seeing the coveted prize flit lightly up to the top of some high pine trees. Subsequent to this date the weather was cold and wet for some time, and I had no oppor- tunity to visit the locality until the 22nd of the month. On this date the Ottawa Field Naturalists’ Club organized an excursion to the Chelsea Mountains for the purpose of entertaining the Feilows and Delegates of the Royal Society of Canada, and consequently we were honoured with the presence of our worthy President, Prof. Saunders, who happened to be in Ottawa attending the annual meeting of the Royal Society. As we passed the locality for Viphon on the way, the attention of all was directed to the pines as we passed. It was the President’s experienced eye which detected the first examples ; three beautiful tempting specimens were seen flying round the top of a white pine about 30 feet from the ground and well up out of reach; but none were obtained. Two days later, however, Mr. Harrington, Mr. Ami and I went out again armed with a net attached to a long bamboo. Fortune favoured us at last. On the way out one female which had settled on the road was taken. When we reached the grove of white pines (Pinus strobus), where the three specimens had been seen two days earlier, Mr. Harrington climbed up to the top of the same tree and took two more, all in good condi- tion. bordering the pine grove was a field in whicha great deal of the herbage was made up of Antennaria plantaginifolia in flower, and along the edge of this field, close to the trees, nine more were taken and two others seen. Highly elated at our success, we turned our steps homeward with twelve perfect specimens, eight ? and four ¢. Two days later I again re-visited the locality and met with a great disappointment. The day was intensely hot and butterflies were very plentiful. On arriving at the field I saw with delight Niphon, three or four at a time, in every direction, but my chagrin was great- when on taking them one after another, I found there was hardly a presentable specimen amongst them.. The locality is on the top of a hill, and for the past two days high and boisterous winds have prevailed, and this must have been the cause of their tattered state. Altogether, although a hundred could have been taken with ease, not a dozen were found worth collecting. Nevertheless, I boxed some females alive with the object of getting the eggs, and have succeeded in getting thirteen. Under the microscope they are objects of great beauty. The shape is round with a deep depression at the summit, almost half the depth of the egg. The general colour is pale green, and the surface is beautifully reticu- lated, the lines of the coarse netting being much raised above the surface and almost white. This gives the egg the appearance of having a white bloom on it. One egg laid on 26th May gave the larva to-day, June 5th. The larva has already been described by Mr. Saunders, Can. Ent., I., p. 95, and is also figured by Townend Glover in his plates of Lepidoptera, plate B., fig 8. Among the specimens of the perfect insect I captured, I found there was considerable difference in the marking and beauty of the upper surface, particularly among the females. I imagine the typical colours of this sex to be a rich ruddy bronze, with a green sheen, and having a black border running round the margins of the wings. This border varied much in depth ; it was sometimes almost restricted to the fringe of the wings, while in others it covered about one-fourth of the surface. These dark specimens are very handsome. There is also much difference in the size of the white bars in the fringe. The under side of both sexes is very similar and varies very little. The general colour of the ¢ is slaty black with, in some specimens, the green sheen seen on the females. A few specimens of the male had a reddish tint in the black, and a few examples had indistinct bronze eye marks where the tails are found in other species of this interesting genus. The flight of this insect is very quick and jerky, and when disturbed it often flies off to the tops of trees. When visiting the flowers of Antennarie for honey, it has a curious habit of slowly moving its lower wings while closed alternately up and down. The tails found in other species are represented in this one by a curve in the margin by which the long fringe 36 gives the appearance of a little tuft of down when the wings are closed. I have about a dozen specimens to spare, which I shall be glad to give to any members of the Society who will send me a box for their transmission. NOTES ON ANT LIONS. BY J. ALSTON MOFFAT, HAMILTON, ONT. One day on my late visit to Ridgeway a party of four went on an entomological ~ excursion by boat to a place about four miles west, called Point Abino. After taking a survey of the situation and lightening our lunch-basket, we went to work. Each had his specialty ; one desired beetles, another butterflies. Seeing Myrmelion on the wing, I turned my attention to the Ant Lions. I did not succeed in securing many of them, for although the funnel-shaped pits of the nymphs were in surprising numbers, very few of the mature insects were to be seen, it being probably a little too early for them. I cap- tured but four specimens, one obsoletus, and three of what was kindly determined for me by Dr. Hagen, of Cambridge, Mass., as Myrmelion abdominalis Say, whose figured-gauze wings are charming objects seen through a lens. The siight acquaintance I have with them has been acquired during my visits to Ridgeway, none of them having ever been seen about Hamilton, so far as I know. Mr. J. Pettit secured an obsoletus while he was collecting at Grimsby, but I think he never got a second, although no doubt they were there to some extent, but probably very scarce. Fine loose sand is evidently a necessity of their existence in any locality, and I would suppose comparative seclusion ; both of these they have in perfection at Point Abino. I saw large patches of sand so loose that weeds could not take root upon it, and which had not been disturbed by the foot of man or beast probably for weeks, and some of these places were so occupied with their pits that it did not seem possible to get another one in without interfering with those already there. These pits were about three inches across the top, and two or two and a half deep. Their width must be in exact proportion to their depth, for the slope of the sides is just what will support the particles of loose sand. They must have their pjts to make frequently during their larval existence, for every heavy shower will fill them all up. They never expose themselves to view excrpt by accident, but lie just immediately under the surface. The larva is provided with an apparatus for throwing up the sand, which it can do with sufficient force to scatter it for four or five inches around, and with the rapidity at times of the tick of a watch, working itself downwards as it throws off that above it, the sand flowing in as it deepens, which it jerks up again, the most of which falls outside the range of the pit; and so continues the operation until the required dimensions are obtained, when it lies perfectly still at the bottom and awaits events. An industrious ant out on a foraging expedition, in the hurry of its eager search runs over the edge of the pit. The lion at the bottom seems to be instantly aware of the fact, and begins throwing up jets of sand with great rapidity, which come showering down, fright- ening the ant, and it makes frantic efforts to cet out ; but the more vigorously it scrambles for the top, the more rapidly it slides to the bottom, where it is at once seized. The struggle ensuing dislodges the loose sand, and a miniature avalanche pours down from all sides, which materially assists the lion to secure its victim, aud the ant is soon taken out of sight. Iam not aware that it has any means of enticing its prey, and as its does not go searching for it, but is entirely dependent on what happens to come in its way, I suspect 1t must have many a long wait between meals. The mature insect is neither a rapid nor a graceful flier, but flaps its wings in & heavy, clumsy manner, quite different from what one would expect in so exquisitely delicate a creature. It prefers to alight in an upright position, and rests with its wings folded close to its sides. I take pleasure in announcing the discovery of a moth which is an important addition to the Canadian list. When on a visit recent/y to my frien, Mr. Kilnan, of Ridgeway, in the County of Welland, whilst looking over his Lepidoptera, my attention was arrested 37 by the unusual appearance of some specimens labelied Callosamia promethea. As I was pondering and puzzling over them, it began to dawn upon me that it was not promethea I was looking at, but angulifera, and upon enquiring, he informed me they were his own eaptures in that locality. A few years ago I was put in possession of two pairs of angulifera through the kind- ness of Mr. James Angus, of New York, the first I had seen of them. You are aware how marked the difference is between the males of the two species, the male angulifera bearing a strong resemblance in both form and colour to the female promethea, with the addition of the heavy whitish angular mark in the centre of the wings, from which I presume it obtained its name. Mr. Kilman had three specimens, two males and a female, He gave me a male, and on comparing it with the N. Y. specimens, I find it two sizes larger, and with less yellow in the general colouring. ‘The locality where Mr. Kilman resides is particularly favourable for entomological pursuits—sandy hills and gravelly ridges, with their appropriate vegetation—marsby flats full of flowering shrubs and weeds —virgin forests with an abundance of decayed and decaying timber—belts of young second growth trees—swampy and dry ground, and long cultivated fields with their diversity of vegetable productions, all in close proximity to Lake Erie shore, whilst any and all of them are within a few minutes’ walk, making an exceedingly attractive and productive hunting-ground for the collector. RARE MOTHS AT MONTREAL. BY G. J. BOWLES, MONTREAL, QUE. Last fall an important addition was made to our list of Sphingide. A number of larve of Philamzelus achemon were discovered on cultivated grape-vines growing in the open air, at a gentleman’s residence in this city. Another western Sphinx, Dedlephila lineata, is taken here, but very rarely. 1 have heard of only two specimens in ten years. Last year, a specimen of Samia columbia was brought to me, captured in a central part of the city. A few days afterwards I received a Hepialus thule, Strecker, described by him in No. 12 of his ‘‘ Lepidoptera,” from a specimen sent him from here by Mr. Caul- field. Mr. J. G. Jack, of Chateauguay Basin, also has a very beautiful specimen of this moth. These three are, I believe, the only specimens in collections. ; NOTES ON THE ENTOMOLOGY OF VANCOUVER ISLAND. BY GEO. W. TAYLOR, VICTORIA, B. C. Since I came to this island, a couple of seasons ago, I have made a practice of cap- turing any insects that came in my way, and I have sometimes made an expedition purposely in pursuit of such prey. The result is an acgumulation of about one thousand species of all orders, which probably represents not more than five per cent. of our insect population. t As my favourite studies are in another department of Zoology, I have neither the inclination nor sufficient knowledge to work out all this material myself, but with the help of entomological friends, resident, alas! sadly too far off, Iam gradually making progress with the naming of my captures, and I propose, with your permission, to publish from time to time in the Canadian Entomologist, lists, with notes, of the species that have occurred tome. I hope that this will be both useful and interesting to Eastern entomologists, as I notice that hardly more than one-half of the insects I have already identified are named in the recently published check list of Messrs. Brodie & White, and many of them will prove, I think, new to science. 38 This month, however, I will content myself with a few general and preliminary remarks. Our climate (1 am speaking only of the south-easterly portion of Vancouver Island) is supposed to resemble that of the south of England, but I should call it decid- edly milder. Our spring is warm and early, and the summer hot and dry, but with cool nights and copious dews. On the other hand, the winter is mild, and for about three months exceedingly wet. All kinds of vegetation are very luxuriant. The uncultivated lands are thickly covered with heavy timber, and the cultivated lands are at present few and far between, which makes it easier to combat the attacks of our noxious insects (and of these we have not a few). All our climatic conditions, except perhaps the wet winter, are favourable to abundant insect life, and this undoubtedly exists here. There are several points about our insect fauna that cannot fail to strike an observer. In the first place the extreme abundance of Diurnal Lepidoptera must attract attention. Nearly forty species may be marked abundant. A patch of blossom in May, covered with Blues and /rittillaries, with an occasional Colias and two or three magnificent species of Papzlio, is a sight such as an English entomologist, at least, never sees at home, and later in the year the hundreds of Vanessa, Chrysophanus, Pamphila and Limenitis make a very different but not less beautiful picture. The Orthoptera, too, intrude themselves upon our notice. Grasshoppers in thous- ands exist in some localities. and do considerable mischief, and large and gorgeous species, with red or yellow under wings, astonish the uninitiated by their sudden appearance or equally sudden vanishing. ‘Two kinds of Cricket fill the air with music in early summer, and a couple of species of Cicada lend them most efficient aid. Of Hemiptera, Neurop- tera and Diptera, I have not collected many, perhaps only 200 species in all, but they include some remarkably fine kinds. Among the Coleoptera 1 am struck with the abun- dance of Adephaga, many of them, too, being of large size. The genera Calosoma (e. g. tepidum Lec.), Cychrus (marginatus Dej. and angusticollis Fischer), Carabus (tedatus Fabr.), Omus (Dejeant Reiche and Audouini Reiche), Holetophorus Prumecognathus, &c., being represented by very fine species. The Longicornes, too, are abundant, and most of them are absent from Brodie & White’s list. The Elateride and Buprestide are also numerous ; in fact all wood-feeding insects seem to abound, as do carrion feeders, while on the other hand, Lamellicornes are very scarce. Our Hymenoptera are fine and interesting ; the Vespas are in fact decidedly too fine. V. maculata Fab., V. media Oliv., and a supposed new species, being remarkably plentiful and pugnacious. Less plentiful, but no less conspicuous and interesting, are the Uroceride, my first five specimens proving to belong to as many different species. Nearly one hundred species of Hymenoptera (about half my collection) have been identified for me through Mr. Brodie, of Toronto, and they are consequently most of them included in his check list. These shall form the subject of my next communication, and in concluding for the present, I may mention that my duplicates and the loan of my type specimens in any particular family or order will be accorded with very great pleasure to any specialist who will favour me with a request for the same. SPINNING CATERPILLARS. BY FREDERICK CLARKSON, NEW YORK CITY. Milton, when he wrote of Nature’s bounty, and referred to the ** Millions of spinning worms That in their green shops weave the smooth-hair’d silk.” had thoughts no doubt of the obedience due from Nature’s subjects to Nature’s King. A work ordered and a work performed. Were men as loyal to their King, what a garment of righteousness would each man weave wherein to appear amid the flood-light at the Court on high! The caterpillar, at the sighing of the autumnal wind, enfolds itself in its 39 silken shroud preparatory to a winged flight, leaving to the world the record of a life well spent—an unbroken thread of duty done: a treasury of silk to deck the sons of men ‘*Tn courts, in feasts, and high solemnities.” To grace man’s outer life, and if in proper mood and contemplation, his inner life as well ; for Nature’s lessons are not learned under their external forms, but under the spiritual beauty and verities they represent. “* That not a natural flower can grow on earth Without a flower upon the spiritual side, Substantial, archetypal, all aglow \ With blossoming causes—not so far away That we, whose spirit-sense is somewhat cleared, May not catch something of the bloom and breath.” Nature has many voices. She speaks to us in joyful song amid the activities of the day, and in saddening dirges during the still hours of the night, while throughout her wide domain, in song of life and dirge of death, she whispers Resurrection. Among the multifarious forms of insect-architecture, all of which are of absorbing interest, I purpose at this time to record a few notes relating to the cocoons of the Bom- bycide. The cocoon made by the Worm of the Orient has, from the circumstance that its silk is so extensively used in manufacture, been fully described. This paper concerns those of the Polyphemus, Cecropia, Cynthia, Luna and Promethea caterpillars, and it may be regarded as an endeavour to foster an organized system of silk culture with these worms, the Cynthia worm especially favouring cultivation, as it is double-brooded, and since its introduction from the East, together with its food plant, the Ailanthus, it has become largely distributed throughout the country. The habitat of some of these species is co-extensive with the Union, and silk culturers are alike advantaged in every section of the country with an abundance of food plant in our native trees. The silk produced by them, though not of as fine a texture as that spun by the Mori Worm, is yet abundant and of much greater strength. Notwithstanding the fact that the pointed end of the cocoons of the Cecropia, Cynthia and Promethea worms is left open for the exit of the moth, the threads are unbroken and the cocoons can be unwound. The Mori Worm covers the interior lining of the cocoon with a gummy secretion, and when the moth escapes, the threads, if not broken, are thought to be in such danger that cultivators of silk destroy the pupa before the period of emergence. There are entomologists, however, who deny that the threads are broken at all, for they admit having succeeded in unwind- ing cocoons from which the moths have escaped. The Cecropia, Cynthia, and Promethea worms line each layer of silk, as well as the interior of the cocoon, with a gummy secre- tion, leaving the silk at the exit opening free of agglutinating properties. This allows of a ready escape of the imago without danger tothe thread. If the cocoons of these worms be divided lengthwise, and immersed in boiling water for a few seconds, a careful manipu- lation will permit the separation of the several layers of silk, when, by the aid of a lens, the life work of the caterpillar is beautifully presented and the continuity of the thread can be discoverod. The exterior section of the cocoons of the Cecropia and Cynthia worms can be easily divided into three layers of silk, while the interior portion is divisible into six, The Luna and Polyphemus worms construct cocoons somewhat similar to the Mori Worm, and as all parts of the interior lining are sealed, it becomes prudent, perhaps necessary, to destroy the pupa. Tue Harry LARV# AND THEIR PARASITES. It is generally acknowledged by Entomologists that the hairy larve, such as the Arctians and their allies, very commonly escape parasitic attack, a circumstance attribut- able to the fact, that in order to permit the deposit of ova, these caterpillars must be dis- covered by the parasites in favourable postures, or else worried by them into such, that the spines separating, give the only opportunity for the insertion of the ovipositor. This was clearly demonstrated in an attack made by an Ichneumon upon a larva of Apatela Americana Varris, which came under my observation in the early part of last autumn. 40 This genus belongs to the family of the Noctuids, the larve of which, like the Arctians, are clothed with dense spinular hairs. ‘The caterpillar had secured itself by its abdominal legs to the midrib of a maple leaf, having the fore part of its body elevated, similar to the attitude common to the larve of the Sphingide. The parasite displayed great energy in the effort to deposit, seemingly as if to compel the caterpillar to change its postion, but as the caterpillar remained immovable for many minutes, probably a quarter of an hour, f ~ was led to the conclusion that it realized its security in the position it had taken. After driving the parasite away, I discovered that the caterpillar, though perfectly life-like in form, was dead, and as hard as if petrified, and that the parasite, guided, as it would appear in this case, solely by sight, had been, like the Entomologist. thoroughly deceived. In view of the commonly accepted opinion, that insects are attracted by odour, not only to their own food, but to the proper food for their progeny, whether it be animal or vegetable, I have referred to this incident, as contributing to the theory that the parasite, in provid- ing food for its progeny, seeks it by sight ; for it would seem most improbable that a dead and dried caterpillar should retain a sufficiency of its natural odour to attract. The incident also illustrates, by the mode of attack and the prolonged effort at ovi-position, that the caterpillar must be brought into an attitude favourabie for the reception of theegg. I am inclined to the opinion that the reduction of these moths through the instrumentality of parasites, is largely effected while in the pupa condition, having noted this peculiarity of habit during our recent extraordinary visitation of the O. lewcostigma Smith. The full- grown larve of this species, collected by me, developed into moths, while from cocoons gathered it was not uncommon to obtain parasites. The cocoons of the hairy larve com- monly consist of loose interwoven hairs, and are not so dense but that the pupa is readily discoverable by the parasite, even if the cocoons themselves do not attract them. Tue Dune PeLitet MAKERS. The term Scarabaeus, as applied by the ancients to the Sacred Beetle of Egypt, and afterwards by Linnaeus as comprehending the great division of the Lamellicornes of Latreille, is derived from Khepra, an African word, which means cipher or circle, and has. reference to the orbicular shape of the pellet of dung that contains the deposit of ova. Khepr is no doubt the root word, and is analogous with the Greek word Kapobos, the Latin word Scarabzeus, and the English word Crab. Any ordinary scholar can follow the slight linguistic change that pr oduces one from the other. The Scarabeeus is imaged amongst the hieroglyphics of the Egyptians, and was regarded by those ancient people as a symbol of the world and the sun. It is not improbable that the term Scarabzeus is. associated in the minds of the many with the idea of a Crab, not only because the Sacred Beetle of Egypt is represented under that form, as a sign in ‘the zodiac, but also from the peculiar conformation of the clypeus and thorax of the beetle to the shell-case of that Crus- tacean. Scarabzus evidently means a ball. It seems to the writer that we apply this term to cover a larger class of beetles than the signification of the word will admit. This article, however, is ‘not intended to suggest any limitation in the classification, but merely to ascribe to these indefatigable labourers the designation which they have earned in the very infancy of human observation. Tae Erm Lear Beers (Galeruca Xanthomelena, Schrank.) I visited Flushing, L. I., July 8th, to examine the insect reported to be infesting the noble old English elms which adorn the principal streets of that village. Three weeks ago these trees were in luxuriant foliage ; they have now the appearance as if they had been scorched by fire. I discovered them to be attacked with a countless host of the larve of this beetle. The American elm and other indigenous trees have thus far escaped, but it is not improbable, as this beetle is double brooded, that the numerous larve will from the force of circumstance attack them. The eggs are laid in clusters along the veins of the leaves, on their under sides. The larve, as soon as hatched out, begin to devour the leaves, which they render lace-like, and when full fed they do not undergo transformation by fastening themselves to the surface of the leaves, as is the habit with other species, and 41 as I have seen recorded of this, but transform within the crevices of the bark. At this time, July 8th, the trunks of the trees are covered with the larvee seeking places to trans- form, and there is scarcely a crevice of the bark but what is filled with the yellow pupal forms which will in a few days disclose the imagines. The ground immediately surround- ing the base of the trees is covered with the pupx, which have been dislodged from their positions in the bark by the eager efforts of larve crowding in the crevices to undergo transformation. As this change occurs within the crevices of the bark of trunk and limb, it becomes impossible, unless at great labour, to apply means for exterminating the pest. The evil, however, is likely to cure itself, for the larve are so numerous, and such insatiate feeders, that starvation will probably end the visitation. Much good, however, can be done by brushing down the trunks of the trees, sweeping the ground immediately beneath, and destroying the entire mass by fire. A PARASITE ATTACKING THE ZEBRA CATERPILLAR (Mamestra picta, Harris). BY F. B. CAULDFIELD, MONTREAL. On July 19th, 1881, a caterpillar of this moth was found on a cauliflower which had been brought from market, and was placed in a tumbler with some of the leaves. By the 21st it had shrunk considerably in size, and was greatly changed in appearance, the black and yellow markings that make this larva so conspicuous an object having faded to a dull whitish colour. On the 22nd it was lying on the bottom of the glass and was revolving continuously. Under natural conditions it would, I believe, have entered the earth to go through its transformations, and the curious revolving motion might perhaps have been for the purpose of forming and smoothing its cell. On looking at it on the morning of the 23rd, a soft white flattened ichneumon larva had issued frori it, and had commenced the construction of its cocoon by spinning a few white threads. By evening it had sur- rounded itself with a thin egg-shaped cocoon of a yellowish white colour, through which the movements of the enclosed grub could beseen. On the morning of,the 24th the cocoon was finished and was dense and firm. It was of a reddish-brown colour in the middle, blackish-brown at each end. The perfect insect emerged on September 13th, 1881, and proved to be Ophion purgatus Say. amestra picta isa well-known insect, and is treated of by Harris, Riley, Lintner and others, but I do not remember seeing any account of its being attacked by a parasite. ENTOMOLOGICAL NOTES. BY A, W. HANHAM, PARIS, ONT. I have to record the capture of some Coleoptera in rather an unusual manner. Last week while out in the woods on one of my collecting tramps, I was attracted to an old stump by the glittering of something in the sun. Closer acquaintance did not at first solve the mystery ; the bright object seemed to be buried among some debris. Further examination revealed the dried and withered remains of a small toad, the glitter being that of some Buprestide partly exposed in what was once the stomach of the defunct batrachian. J carried the remains home, and with no little trouble excavated in a perfect state the following :— Calosoma frigidum Lee. Platynus placidus Say. Several. Dicerca ¢ A pair. A small weevil unknown to me. Portions of Cicindela repanda Dej., other Coleoptera and some Diptera. From the above list it would seem that teads can hardly be called useful, seeing that such a large proportion of their food—if we take this one for a standard—consists of decidedly beneficial insects. I will allow that they are very desirable tenants for the owners of gardens, but in the woods they must be formidable rivals to the entomologist. This year they have been unusually abundant, and the rarity of many of our beetles is no doubt caused by their rapacious appetites. I have not taken C. frigidwm before ; the Dicerca is also new to me. I find it very difficult to determine my captures, and a serious obstacle to taking satisfactory notes. I am indebted to W. H. Harrington, of Ottawa, for the naming of a considerable number last winter. C. calidwm Fabr. also seems to be quite rare here; I made special search for it this spring and found but one specimen. I took another on October 27th last year, from the heart of a decaying log. Is it double brooded in this part of Ontario? Or would it be possible for one attaining the perfect state in June to live through the summer and survive the winter? The specimen I captured in October had evidently prepared to hybernate. On June 15th I found under stones on dry ground a pair of Calosomas which are entirely new to me. I expect though I could name them from the Society’s collection in London. I should have been surprised to find so large and active a beetle as C. frigidwm falling a prey even to the biggest of toads. The Buprestide must also be rather tough morsels for them to digest. It will ever remain an open question as to whether “our departed friend” lost its life through its own greediness, or met a violent death at the hands of one of its many foes. I have read of some ardent collectors who secured many rare beetles by capturing and killing the toads they found in their rambles. ON PRESERVING INSECTS. BY PH. FISCHER, BUFFALO, N.Y. I have often read articles about keeping parasites out of cabinets, and have seen in many entomological papers different remedies suggested to keep them from destroying, in a very short time, even the largest collection. - I will now add my own experience, and remedy which always proved to be efficient during my fourteen years’ collecting, in which time I have not even lost one specimen. It will especially prove of interest to the beginner. In the first place I would advise all those who cannot afford a large cabinet with good fitting drawers, to go to any good joiner and have some boxes made after the following pattern: Take the lumber about three-sixteenth inch thick for top and bottom, for the sides a quarter of an inch. Have the box about fifteen inches long by twelve inches wide, and four inches thick outside measure, and shape it book form, the bottom and top a quarter of an inch projecting. That portion which represents the cover of the book is cut into lengthwise, so as to make two receptacles, each about two inches high, The back is made of three-quarter inch lumber, in the shape of the back of a real book, which is covered with some strong cloth or thin leather outside, and cloth inside, to act as hinges. The two parts will have to be constructed so that they will, by closing them, fold together about a quarter of an inch. Have this neatly covered and lined with a suitable soft material, and it will be a tight and handy box for any kind of insects. Before transferring insects in a new box, I put them on cork and expose them to a moderately hot oven, which I also invariably do with insects receivea through exchanges. After a certain time, say half an hour, I take them out, and they are placed in the box, in which is pinned a little sponge the size of a small nut, saturated with carbolic acid (crystallized), which has to be renewed every six or eight weeks. Old cabinets infested 43 with parasites, when once introduced, can be cleared by the same method, only that the drawer or box, before pinning back the specimens, also has to be exposed to the heat of the oven. AN INSECT-EATING BIRD. e BY W. W. HILL, ALBANY, N. Y. Some two or three years ago I reared from the egg several hundred caterpillars of the Promethea moth. They were feeding finely upon the common lilac (Syringa vulgaris), the leaves of which they ate readily. The third moult had been reached and they had attained to an inch or more in length, and there seemed every prospect of their reaching maturity, when in an evil hour an oriole discovered their whereabouts. The bird was soon joined by a companion, and the pair proceeded to kill and eat with the greatest pos- sible avidity. Discovered in their work by persons in the house, they were several times driven off, but quickly returned with increased zest to the work of destruction. On my arrival an hour later there remained but a few of the smallest specimens which had either been overlooked or left to grow fatter. STRANGE MOVEMENT OF CATERPILLARS. BY EUGENE L. KEEN, PHILADELPHIA, PA. While walking along the New Jersey shore of the Delaware River, near the village of Delanes, last July, I was startled by hearing some small bodies falling through the foliage of an oak tree, and as they struck the leaves it sounded as if it were raining, but as the sky was perfectly clear, my curiosity was aroused. I turned around to see what the noise was, and saw some black larve falling to the ground, and further investigations showed that quite a number of these larve had fallen to the ground from the tree, and here and there I saw several Tachina flies, I believe a species of Exorista, hovering around the larve trying to deposit their eggs. From this I suppose that these Tachina flies had flown to the tree in search of victims, and most probably the larvee had dropped from the tree to escape their enemies. Perhaps many larve take this method of trying to escape from their Hymenopterous and Dipterous parasites. THE CROTON BUG IN QUEBEC PROVINCE. BY REY. THOMAS W. FYLES, SOUTH QUEBEC. One morning last November I went to the Chaudiere Curve, to meet the train from Halifax, which had been delayed for some hours. I found two men in the waiting-room who had spent the night there. They complained that swarms of black beetles had troubled them all night so that they could not sleep. Upon my questioning the correct- ness of the statement, they said, ‘“ Well, here they are in all the cracks,” and they forth- with commenced to poke the creatures out. The insects were numerous enough, but they were not beetles, nor were they black. They were specimens of the German Cockroach, Eectobia Germanica. I afterwards enquired of one of the railway employes as to the time of the first appearance of the insects. The man told me that he first noticed them in 1882. I asked if they had appeared anywhere else in the neighbourhood. ‘‘ Yes,” he answered, ‘‘in my own house last winter ; ‘‘ but,” he added, ‘‘I am not there in the day time, so I left the windows open and froze them out.” 44 The enquiry is interesting, How did Ectobia Germanica get to the Chaudiere? At that place, which is nine miles from Point Levi, luggage is transferred from the Grand Trunk to the Intercolonial, and vice versa ; and the creatures might have been brought by American tourists from Boston (where it abounds), or by immigrants from Germany, or other parts of Europe. The latter supposition is the more likely, inasmuch as the immi- grants far exceed the tourists in number, and also are of a different class—a class less likely to be careful as to their properties and equipments. No doubt the “bug” was earried to Boston by immigrants. It is not a “ Yankee invention.” ON CERTAIN FAMILIES OF THE NEUROPTERA, IN THEIR RELATION TO THE FISHING INTERESTS. BY THE REY. THOMAS W. FYLES, OF SOUTH QUEBEC. In this land of lakes and streams the inland fisheries ought to be of great importance, and whatever has a bearing upon them is deserving of attention. It is well-known to anglers and to naturalists, that many species of the Neuroptera, or nerve-winged insects, in their different stages of existence form a very large proportion of the food of fresh water fishes. Latreille classified the Neuroptera as follows :— Subulicornes « Planipennes—Continued. Libellula Semblis Aaishna Corydalis Agrion Chauliodes Ephemera Sialus Rephidia Planipennes : Hemerobius Psocus Panorpa Perla Nemoptera NinOrs Bittacus Boreus Plicipennes - Myrmeleon Ascalaphus Phryganea Hemerobius Sericostoma Asmylus Mystacida Numphes Bydroptila. Of these families, Ephemera, Perla, Corydalis and Phryganea, especially have been long known as affording “ killing” baits for the different species of fish. Those fathers of the gentle ‘craft—Walton and Cotton, make frequent mention of the Green Drake and Grey Drake (Ephemera) ; the Stone Fly (Perla); the Camlet Fly (Phryganea), and the Caddis (the case-worm or larva of the Phryganea). Walton speaking of the trout says :—“‘ He especially loves the May Fly which is bred of the cod-worm or cadis, and these make the trout bold and lusty, and he is usually fatter and better meat at the end of that month (May) than at any time of the year.—Comp. Ang. Ch. IV. He enumerates ‘‘ divers kinds of caddis or case-worms,” and hesums up with, “I will tell you, scholar, several counties have several kinds of cadises, that indeed differ as much as dogs do, that is to say, as much as a very cur and a greyhound do. These be usually bred in the very little rills or ditches that run into bigger rivers ; and I think a more proper bait for those very rivers than any other. I know not how or of what this caddis receives life, or what coloured fly it turns to, but doubtless they are the death of many trouts.”—Jb. Ch. VII. 45 Cotton, the disciple of Walton, surpassed his “father” in the angler’s art, in fly- fishing at least. Speaking of natural flies, he says:—‘“ We generally use but two sorts, and those but in the two months of May and June only, namely, the green drake and the stone fly ; though I have made use of a third that way called the camlet fly, with very good success for grayling, but never saw it angled with by any other, after this manner, my master only excepted, who died many years ago, and was one of the best anglers that ever I knew.—Comp. Anglers, Pt. II., Ch. V. In Ch, VII, under the head of ‘ May,” he tells us that ‘‘ we have four several flies which contend for the title of the May-fly, namely : The Green Drake, The Black-fly, The Stone-fly, The little yellow May-fly, And all these have their champions and advocates to dispute and plead their priority ; though I do not understand why the two last named should, the first two having so mani- -festly the advantage both in their beauty and the wonderful execution they do in their season.” ; Under “ December,” he says: “ Of all these (and I have named you a great many killing flies) none are fit to be compared with the Drake and the Stone-fly.” Of the insects, then, belonging to the Neuroptera, of which I shall now speak, these shall take precedence,—Green Drake, Grey Drake (Ephemera). Tt is to Aristotle that we owe the name Hphemeron, or Day fly, as applied to the insect known to anglers as the Drake. The Old Greek naturalist tells how the River Hypanis brings down, at a certain season, capsules like grape-seeds, out of which, when they burst, proceed living creatures which fly about till evening, and then die.—Hist. _ of Animals, Bk. V., ch. 18. The female lays her eggs (to the number of seven or eight hundred) in batches, here and there, on the river. ‘They sink to the bottom and become attached to submerged cbjects. Here they soon hatch. The young larve tunnel for themselves tubular retreats in the mud of the river, and feed upon minute objects both vegetable and animal. They have a remarkable breathing arrangement on either side of the abdomen consisting of a row of fringed tracheal appendages, or gills, which are constantly agitated, to bring fresh cur- rents of oxygenated water within reach of their respiratory action. The nympha resembles the larva, but has the addition of wing cases in which the embryo wings lie folded. When the hour arrives for the great change from its aquatic to its zrial existence, the insect rises to the surface of the water, or ascends some object that affords vantage-ground—a post, or flag, for instance. It then rends its nymphal case, its diver’s habit, and lo! the pseud-imago or Green Drake is presented to our view. We say the pseud-imago, for, as the rider in the circus throws off dress after dress until harlequin is revealed, so Ephemera has yet to cast aside another casing ere it can appear in full activity as the Grey Drake. Not only the nymphal case, but the cast-off filmy dress of the pseud-imago of Ephemera, may often be found in early summer in the insect’s favourite haunts. In its perfect form the Drake is a four-winged fly ; its hind wings being very small. It carries al] its wings erect. Its antenne are short and awl-shaped (Subulicornes). It has no mandibles—as the fly eats nothing, it has no need of these. Its tail is furnished with setaceous filaments. Over what period the existence of the insect extends has not been accurately determined. It is supposed that its aquatic life endures till the third year ; its after existence is very brief_—the Green Drake stage lasts for two or three hours ; the Grey Drake for not many more ; for as soon as the female has laid her eggs she perishes. With regard to the name, Cotton says, the insect is called The Drake, bacause its tail is turned back, but the generally received opinion is that it is so named because the artificial representations of it are made from the feathers of the Mallard, or Wild Drake. We are told by Réaumur, that, in France, the flights of Ephemere sometimes resemble a fall of snow when the flakes are largest. And I have often sailed on the Ottawa and the St. Lawrence when the vessel has been covered to an offensive degree 46 ( with Ephemere and Phryganee. Dr. H. A. Hagen has quoted from a letter to the late Professor Agassiz, from Mr. George E. Woodwell, of the Tribune Office, Chicago, IIL, July 23, 186 (2) as follows :— “‘T send you a number of speeimens* of a fly which annually visits our lake-cities, and which has the present summer appeared in larger swarms than ever known before. During the recent hot nights they have poured in from the lakes in myriads, rendering it necessary in lighted buildings to close the windows and doors in order to escape their visitation. For several nights past they have thus swarmed upon us, and the morning would witness about the posts of the street lamps large heaps, in some instances three inches deep, and covering an area of two or three yards square.” Such times are the grand festivals of the finny tribes, when they become fat and well liking. Tut Stone Fry (Perla). Cotton’s quaint description of this insect is as follows :— “‘ Having told you the time of the Stone-/ly’s coming in (from the middle of April to the end almost of July,) and that he is bred of a cadis in the very river where he is taken, I am next to tell you that this same Stone-fly has not the patience to continue in his crust or husk} till his wings be full grown, but so soon as ever they begin to put out, that he feels himself strong (at which times we call him a jack,) squeezes himself out of prison, and crawls to the top of some stone, where if he can find a chink that will receive him, or can creep betwixt two stones, the one lying hollow upon the other, which, by the way, we also lay so purposely to find them. He there lurks till his wings be full grown, and there is your only place to find him, and from thence doubtless he derives his name ; though, for want of such convenience, he will make shift with the hollow of a bank, or any other place where the wind cannot come to fetch him off. His body is long and pretty thick, and as broad at the tail almost as in the middle; his colour, a very fine brown, ribbed with yellow, and much yellower on the belly than the back; he has two or three whisks also at the tag of his tail, and two little horns upon his head. His wings, when full grown, are double, and flat down his back, of the same colour, but rather darker than his body and longer than it, though he makes but little use of them ; for you shall rarely see him flying, though often swimming and paddling with several feet he has under his belly, upon the water, without stirring a wing.” Comp. Ang., Part II., ch. 8. In England four insects at least belonging to the Perlina bear the name of ‘‘ Stone- fly.” Their specific names are Marginata, Grandis, Cephalotes, and Bicaudata. The female Stone-fly has the habit of carrying her bundle of eggs about with her between the candal sete (which Cotton calls ‘the whisks at the tag of her tail”), and this for some time before depositing it in the water. The mass is as large as a swan-shot, and black. Seen under the microscope the individual eggs resemble dark brown oval capsules, with projecting fibres at one end denoting the point of egress for the larva. Mr. P. H. Gosse, in his Canadian Naturalist, speaks of the Perlina as ‘“‘ Water-flies,” and alludes to them, under different dates, from the beginning of April to the middle of of July. HELLGRAMMITE (larva). HoRNED CoryDALIs (umago). (Corydalis cornutus.) Corydalis cornutus is the monarch of the Water-flies. I well remember the admira- tion with which I first looked upon the weird beauty of this remarkable insect, Fig. 6, represents the female with the wings expanded ; Fig. 7, c, the male with the wings closed. The undulating body, dark and glabrous ; the plated thorax, the square head, the powerful mandibule ; the projecting eyes, black and bead-like‘ the long setaceous antenne ; the wonderful wings, smoked yet transparent, flecked with white, nerved and * The letter contained dry specimens of Ephemera natata. , + Observe that Cotton is here confusing the larva of the Stone-fly with that of Phryganea, to be presently escribed. 47 barred, and measuring five inches from tip to tip—presented, towt ensemble, an appearance both grim and fascinating. Beholding it one could not but desire to know more of the ereature’s history. SSSI ins 1 [LIL EE nN Se RS SS SANE s LL rome hg ah EEE) Pig Ne J ay L Ff enone 48 In June and July of 1880 this desire, as regards myself, was, in a measure, gratified. I had the pleasure of watching the insect through its changes, from its larval to its pupal condition. The circumstances were these :— On the 12th of June a lad brought me a strange creature which he had captured as it was crawling up the bank of the Yamaska River. (See a, Fig. 7.) It was four inches long, and about half an inch broad. Its colour was dark sepia. It had twelve segments beside the head. The first three of these were evidently thoracic, for the legs were attached to them, a pair to asegment. Each of the nine abdominal segments carried two remarkable appendages, one on either side, inclosing, I suppose, the branchie or gills. They were about a quarter of an inch in length, and gave the insect a fringed appearance, On the last segment they approached and over lapped the aual sete. The square head of the insect was suggestive; and I said, ‘This must be the larva of the Horned Corydalis,” and I took measures for its safety. I procured a large flowerpot and half filled it with earth. In this earth I sank to the brim, a saucer full of water. I then put in the larva, and covered the pot with a pane of glass. The creature buried itself on the second day ; I left it undisturbed for a week and then thought I would remove the earth carefully until I came to it, but, on lifting the saucer, I found that I had no need to do more for the larva lay exposed before me—it had formed a cist immediately under the saucer. In this cist it remained inactive until the 28th of the month, when it underwent a change. The skin of the three segments next the head divided down the back, and the pupa (6. Fig. 7) made its debut through the opening. The metamorphosis was very striking... Instead of the dark, muddy larva with all its grotesque, tag-like appendages, there lay the bright, clean, yellow pupa, with rudimentary wings and antenne, and with eyes shewing blue through the waxen skin. Spiracles app»ared along the sides; the branchie had been cast off; the six legs were drawn up under the body. The creature was very sensitive, either to the light or to the slight jar oceasioned by the removal of the saucer, or, it may be, to both, for it became uneasy, and, although it could use neither wings nor legs it worked itself out of its cist and made a conpiete tour of its prison yard, drawing itself along by its formidable jaws, which, at this stage, closely resembled those of the female imago. In a few days a change of colour began to show itself, and gradually the whole body of the insect darkened with the same hue. The change to the imago took place in the afternoon of the 12th of July. The skin was rent in the same way as that of the larva had been, and the perfect insect crept from its raptured envelope. It crawled up a slight frame-work which [ had placed for its con- venience, shook out its wings, and in a few minutes assumed its full proportions. One thing surprised me greatly : I had expected to see a female insect appear from the case, for the mandibles of the pupa had been, as I have said, of the exact size and shape of those of the female imago ; but the creature on making its appearance presented the preposter- ously long and scythe-shaped mandibule of the male. These frightful appendages are doubtless weapons of offence, for the creature showed its vim by striking with them viciously at my finger. So eager was it for a fray, that, in following my hand with repeated snaps, it drove the weapons through its own extended wings. Although the mandibles of the male C. cornutus are of use to the insect for attacking a foe, I doubt whether this is the only or the chief purpose for which they are intended. I imagine that in the nuptial flight they are used for grasping the well-defended neck of the female. C. cornutus lays its eggs (about 3000 in number) in masses on the stones and piles projecting from the river, where they are soon submerged or on the leaves of trees over- hanzing the stream. It surrounds and covers them with a white albuminous secretion. The numerous larvae of the insect, which are called “ crawlers” by tishermen, furnish a grand supply of food to our fresh-water fish, especially to the bass. I purchased lately in Montreal a clever imitation of the full grown larva for the angler’s use. We have now to consider the Case-worm, Cod-worm, Cadow, or Caddis, (larva), Caddis-fly (imago). 49 PHRYGANEA. The old English word *Cadas means a case for security. The word still lingers in tea-caddy. The case-worm or larva of Phryganea is asoft-bodied creature, but it has a firm head and strong jaws. It is supplied with six legs, well adapted for locomotion, and with two hooks at the end of the tail by which it secures itself in its case. It is a rapacious and pugnacious insect. It feeds upon fresh-water molluscs, larve, polyps, etc. Asa builder it makes use of the materials at hand. The old Free Masons may have taken a lesson from it, and Longfellow might have had it in mind when he sang,— “ That is best which heth nearest Shape from that thy work of art.” Sometimes the case is made of sticks, sometimes of grains of sand, and, in Great Britain, sometimes of the shells of the small river-snail (Planorbis), even while their proper owners have them in occupation. The cases not only serve for protection but for anchorage also, and they are found to be heaviest where the current is strongest—the creature having added materials to increase the weight. If the caddis be deprived of its case, it willat once set to work to construct another ; and, in confinement, it will build of materials supplied to it, such as small fragments of glass and coral and the broken teeth of combs. However rough the outside of the case may be, the inside is perfectly smooth, for it is lined with the same cement which binds the materials together, and which is exuded from the mouth of the creature. It is interesting to watch the caddis shifting his ground, moving his habitation from ene part of the river-bed to another. So much of the body as will allow the legs free motion is protruded and the creature strains like a horse with a heavy load, whilst its dwelling moves forward more or less steadily accordingly as it presents a smooth or roughened surface. Before the pupa change takes place the caddis draws itself entirely into its snug quarters, and spins a strong netted covering over the entrance of the case. Having thus “barred the door” against intrusion, it dozes off into the long sleep, the waking from which shall be an introduction to a new life, in another element. The Phryganide in their perfect state differ from others of the Neuroptera, in that they are covered with minute hairs. Hence Westwood and other English naturalists have elassed them as a separate order, the Trichoptera (Gr. Opzé, hair; azepov, a wing) or hairy- winged insects. In dress the Phryganide are a sober people—browns, drabs and yellows are their favourite colours. Cross-venations give their wings a netted appearance. Their antenne are long—in some instances very long, and the wings are carried longitudinally. The females deposit their egg masses early in August on some surface projecting from the flood. Westwood tells us (Int. to Mod. Class. of Ins. Vol. II. page 62) that occasionally they descend the stems of water-plants and lay them under water. The egg-mass resembles miniature frog-spawn- It is an accumulation of drops of gluten containing embryons in the form of minute green specks. The young larve burst forth in September, and proceed at once to construct their dwelling. They afterwards repeatedly ‘lengthen their cords and strengthen their stakes ” according to their requirements. “Our rivers abound with fish of various kinds, which at particular seasons derive @ principal part of their food from insects, as the numerous species of the salmon and carp genus. ‘These chiefly prey upon the various kinds of Trichoptera in their larva state called ease or caddis-worms, and in their imago, May-flies.” (Kirby and Spence, Int. to Ent. Letter IX.) ; The adult Salmon proper, Salmo salar, is believed by the best authorities, to eat little or nothing during its sojourn in fresh water. It leaves the ocean fat and returns to it emaciated. The above remark, therefore, does not apply to Salmo salar ; but it does apply *Kaddos, dim. of Kados, Gr. Parvus cadus, a small pot or jar, a ballot-box. See Schrevelii by Robertson, A. D. 1676, 4 (EN.) on Ss to others of the genus, and especially to the English Sa/mo fario, or common trout ; and the Canadian Salmo fontinalis, the brook trout ; and Salmo naymacush, the Lunge. The lake shad (Coregorius albus), also is well known to have a keen relish for the Phryganid in their winged state CONCERNING ANTS. BY G. J. BOWLES, MONTREAL. Although everyone has seen ants, and thinks he knows something about them, there are not many who are well acquainted with their real history. The general knowledge of them and their habits is limited to a few facts; such as that they live in societies, seem always to be at work, and sometimes get into our dwellings, where they are regarded as a nuisance, and treated accordingly. ‘To those, however, who have closely observed them, they have become objects of great interest. The studies, begun by Gould, De Geer, Latreille, P. Huber and others, have since been carried on by many naturalists ; parti- cularly, in our own day, by Sir John Lubbock in England, and the Rev. Dr. McCook in America, until.a large amount of information has been gathered with regard to their economy. The secrets of their little lives, apparently so trivial, have been discovered, and their wonderful instincts and habits patiently unfolded, until the conclusion has been reached, that they stand highest of all the insect race with regard to intelligence. Indeed, Sir John Lubbock declares that, ‘‘ when we consider their habits, their social organization, large communities and elaborate habitations, their roadways, their possession of domestic animals, and even in some cases of slaves, it must be admitted that they have a fair claim to rank next to man in the scale of intelligence.” In this respect, the Anthropoid Apes, so closely related to man in structure, and which so many naturalists would fain consider as our ancestors, sink far below these little creatures. For, until we find among the apes farmers, cattle owners, miners, engineers, builders, soldiers, and even gentlemen slave owners, as we do among the ants, we must consider the statement of Sir John Lubbock to be true. In another aspect, ants are worthy of our notice. In all ages they have been used o “point a moral,” and their industry and foresight held up as an example to the sluggard and the improvident. The Royal naturalist—the foremost entomologist and botanist of his age—places the ant among ‘the “four things which are little upon earth,” but are “ exceeding wise ;” and since his time, many a philosopher and moralist has drawn lessons from its proceedings. Ants belong to the order Hymenoptera, the highest order of the insect world as regards organization and instincts. A society of ants is composed of at least three or four classes of individuals, males, females, neuters or workers, and, in some species, soldiers, The males and females, when first produced, have four membraneous wings ; the neuters, however, are born without these appendages. The males, after having performed their allotted part, die off and disappear. As among the bees, the female (of which there are nearly always one or more in each nest) is the acknowledged head of the community, and performs duties similar to those of the queen bee. Unlike the latter, however, when reigning she is always wingless. The four gauzy wings which she possessed when she issued from the parent nest are gone, either stripped off by the neuters, or voluntarily discarded by the insect herself. ‘The latter operation has been often witnessed. I once saw a number of large ants (Formica herculeana) denuding themselves in this way.’ They flew to a small dead tree in my garden, and alighted on the branches. Then, by moving their wings in every direction, they at last disconnected them from their bodies. The discarded wings fell slowly to the ground, and the ants contentedly crawled down the trunk of the tree, and went off in ditferent directions to begin their new life. The neuters or workers form the great bulk of every community. They are smaller than the males and females, and, in many species, are divided into two classes, workers and soldiers, the 51 latter being larger in size and having larger heads than the others. These larger indivi- duals are called. soldiers, because they conduct the warlike operations of the community, both offensive and defensive. AJ] the work of the nest is performed by the neuters, such as building, excavating, the procuring of food, and the care of the young. This outline gives an idea of the constitution of an ant community as a whole, and the duties pertaining to the several classes of individuals comprised in it. It is a curious fact, however, that notwithstanding the researches of many excellent observers, and though ants’ nests swarm in every field and wood, we do not know how these nests are com- menced. Sir John Lubbock says, ‘‘ Whether the queen joins an old nest, or associates with a certain number of workers to form a new one, or founds a new one for herself, is uncertain, Experiments have been carefully tried with single females, but they have nearly always failed, the queens, when isolated, not seeming to be capable of rearing the larve to maturity ; and as the inhabitants of old nests usually act in a hostile manner towards females introduced into their nest, even when they are without a queen, it is probable that the founding of a new community is generally the result of a queen being joined by a number of wor rkers. Nests have been known to exist for a long time without @ queen, the society becoming, in fact, a republic; and in such a case, it is difficult to induce the ants to accept a new one, and return to the old form of government.” In the early summer large numbers of winged males and females are produced in the nests, but the pairing time does not arrive until much later in the season. If a nest be opened in midsummer, it will generally be found to contain these winged individuals, mixed with the w ingless neuters,* who are said to prevent the others Bin leaving the nest until the proper time has come. Then they make their escape into the air, and what is called the “marriage flight” takes place. ‘Sometimes many nests will unite their swarms, which rise in Galan with incredible velocity, and soar to a great height. Each column Jooks like a kind of slender network, and has a tremulous undulating motion. The noise emitted by myriads and myriads of these creatures does not exceed the hum of a single wasp, and the slightest zephyr disperses them.” During this flight Pairing is supposed to take place. When 2 new community is formed, the workers immediately begin to prepare a habitation for it, either in the ground, or in whatever situation is in accordance with the instinets of the species. The queen begins to lay eggs, which the workers take charge of, and soon the whole business of the nest is actively in operation. Building is carried on, food is brought in, the young are safely reared, and the society quickly increases in numbers and prosperity. Unlike the nests of wild bees and wasps, which last only for one season, the settlements of ants may be called permanent, as the same nest is used year after year, and the losses by death and emigration are replaced by natural increase. This is one of the singular analogies which may be traced between the ant and mankind. During winter, in cold countries, the inhabitants must become torpid, as ants live for several years in the perfect state. Sir John Lubbock has had the same individuals in his formicaries for at least seven years, and even then they did not show any signs of old age ge. Some kinds of ants feed wholly, or chiefly, on animal substances, other kinds on vegetable. Great numbers of insects are destro al by them, even in temperate climates, while in the tropics they devour rats and other small animals. In this way they are very useful, and the visitation of certain sinsoree in South America is looked upon by the GARE eerats as a blessing. These ants travel in vast swarms, enter into the houses, and exterminate in a short time the vermin with which they are infested. To those which live on vegetable substances some of the most interesting species belong. In Canada, with its cold winters, it is not probable that we have any ants which lay up a store of food, as in the cold season the insects are torpid. But in warm climates it is otherwise. In India a species is found Atta providens, which not only stores up provisions, but of * J opened a nest of F. fusca on the 25th June last, and found it as above stated. Or im) which the stores consist of the seeds of a species of millet ;-and in the south of Europe, several species of the same genus, particularly Atta barbara, (See Fig. 8,) and Atta structor, lay up large stores of grain and seeds. Not only so, but the seeds stored up by them, seem, In some. way not yet known, to be deprived of the power of germination. The: history of the agricultural ants of Texas, given by the Rev. Dr. McCook in his book, is most wonderful. This species is repre- sented in Fig. 9, and is known as Myrmica barbate. They make flat circular clearings from two or three to twelve feet in diameter, with roads diverging into the surrounding herbage, often of great: length, and. during working hours these roads are thronged by ants going and returning. In the middle of the day they take a siesta for two or three hours. The seeds, principally of rubiaceous- plants and grasses, are gathered off the ground, and carried into the granaries, where they are shelled and the husks brought out. Fig. 8. and deposited in heaps. It seems even possible that they sow the seeds of a grass called Aristida stricta for themselves, though. Atta barbara, worker, har- the author does not vouch for this. The supposition is not inered- vesting ant of Kurope. . . : A 3 : 2 (From Lubbock. ) ible, when we consider the intelligence displayed by these ants in regard to other things. Ants are extremely fond of sugar, in fact, saccharine substances are the principal food of many species. The love of ants for the Honeydew exnded by the Aphides or Plant lice is a well ascertained fact, and with this some of their most extraordinary instincts are connected. They climb the plants on which the aphides are found, that they may obtain this food, and have been seen to wait beside them for new drops, even touching them with their antennz, in order to cause the drops to flow, patting the abdomen of the aphis on either side alternately and rapidly ; the ant, after the drop has been obtained, passing on to another aphis. The whole process has been likened to the milking of cattle. Even more wonderful things are asserted on this subject, as that particular ants seem to regard particular aphides as their own property, and are ready to fight in defence of their right, that, to secure them for themselves, they convey them from one place to another,—and that the Aphis radicum, which derives its nutri-’ ment from the roots of grass and other plants, is actually kept in large numbers in the nest of the Yellow Ant, (/ormica flava, ) in order that they may have always at hand a copious supply of food, these aphides and their eggs sharing the solicitude of the ants equally with their own eggs and young. These statements, though apparently incred- Afyrmica barbata, agricultural Ant of Texas, carry- ible, are yet the conclusions arrived at by ing seeds to granary. (Rev. J. G. Wood.) careful and scientific observers. In addition to aphides, ants often have as fellow-lodgers, certain species of small beetles, and even other insects. It is not certainly known why the ants harbour and care for them, as ants are- generally hostile to other insects, but the facts are well authenticated. No doubt the owners of the nests derive some benefit from their presence, or they would not be allowed to remain. In the Entomological Annual for 1857, Mr. Edward W. Jansen has an article on the ants-nest beetles of Britain, giving the names of thirty-six species which have been found in the nests of five different species of ants. About fifty species of beetles have been ascertained by continental entomologists to pass at least a portion of their lives in the nests of various species, not as mere intruders, but as cherished friends, over whom Or ioe) their hosts ‘‘ watch with the greatest solicitude, bearing them tenderly back should they stray away, and hurrying them off to the innermost recesses of their subterranean burrows at the appearance of danger.” Two years ago ] examined a number of ants’ nests on Montreal mountain, and found in many of them a species of small beetle which seemed to be at home, and friendly with the owners of the nests. I could not get it named in Montreal. No doubt our American species have habits in this respect similar to those of the European ants. The subject is a curious one, and worthy of the attention of our entomologists. The nests of ants are of many different kinds. Some species make them altogether under the surface of the ground, others build theirs in the shape of a dome, the galleries and chambers being both above and below the surface level. None of our Canadian ants make nests of any great size. The largest ant-hills formed by any British species are those of Formica rufa, which are sometimes as big as a small hay-cock, but in South America, ant-hills are found of fifteen or twenty feet in height. Inside the nest are mumerous smnall apartments, arranged in separate stories, and communicating with each other by means of galleries. Many of the species of those called Mason Ants construct their habitations in a much more elaborate manner, making use of soft clay which they knead and mould with their mandibles and feet. The partition-walls of the galleries and ehambers of Yormica brunnea are about one-twentieth of an inch thick, and half an inch high; the roofs somewhat arched, and pillars rare made use of as supports. Fig. 10 shows the nest of Formica nigra. Huber saw a working ant of another species (F¥. fusca), without assistance, make and cover ina gallery two or three inches long, with a roof a perfect concave. Other species, the Carpenter ants, make their homes in the trunks of old trees, gnawing the wood into apartments and galleries, with floors and partitions as thin as card. Formica flava builds its partitions of a sort of papier- maché of sawdust, earth and spider’s web. An East Indian species, Myrmica Kirbu, forms a globular nest of a congeries of tile-like /aminae of cowdung, the interior exhibiting a series of apartments and galleries. And some in Australia form theirs of the leaves of trees glued together, after being first brought into position by the united strength of multitudes. Amid this endless variety, each species prepares its habitation as prompted by its special imstinet, per- Typical nest of Formica nigra, A,entrance; forms its task in a perfect manner, and with an B, hall; C, large chamber; D, sanctum; industry and perseverance which cannot be excelled. & Ser bck Y cubranées 40) sanctum. More than a thousand species of ants are known, and they are generally distributed over the temperate and tropical regions of the globe. In tropical countries they are more mumerous in species and individuals than with us, and present a greater variety of instincts and habits. The ants of temperate elimates are, if we may so speak, more civilized than the others ; more of the species have settled habits, and they lead quieter lives than the ants of the tropics. It is true that some of the European ants are pre- datory and warlike, and some have a liking for making slaves of their neighbours and keeping them in bondage, but none of them can compare with the Foraging Ants of South and Central America for fierceness and bloodthirstiness. These Ants (Eciton) appear to have no fixed place of abode, but shift their camp at intervals of a few days, and live by predatory forays, hunting in organized bands and ravaging the nests of other species, or even attacking small animals. One of the best known speeies is Mezton predator, a small ant which hunts in dense hordes, and marches rapidly over a territory. A moving phalanx of this species will extend over from four to six square yards ; and any unwary insect meeting with, or falling into the serried ranks, is soon torn to pieces and devoured. Hciton hamota hunts both in dense masses and in detached columns. The 54 See ees res Dry nature of the prey appears to regulate the mode of march. Thus, when proceeding im columns, Mr. Belt found that hamata was in search of the nests of another ant of a different genus ({ypoclinea), the larve and pup of which they seize for the purpose of bringing them up as slaves. The Hypoclineas, who are of rather meek disposition, and: IME, WSR. iMtes alike make no effort at self-defence, rush out-of their nest on being attacked, and strive to escape, bearing their young in their jaws, but the Ecitons at once seize the young ants, although they never appear to injure the parent Hypoclineas. Although so cruel in disposition, these Ecitons are endowed with much intelligence, and in their expeditions often show a capacity for overcoming difficulties, which really merges on reason. Thus, in crossing a crumbling slope, which was gradually disintegrating under the passage of the ant-army, a portion of the band, by adhering to each other, formed a solid pathway, over which the others passed safely. On another occasion a twig formed a bridge over a AE SA ae (eodona ccphalotes, worker Major, Brazil. Mcodoma cephalotes, worker Parasol Ant, Brazil. (From Lubbock.) (Rev. J. G. Wood.) small rill; but this proving too narrow for the transit of the army, it was widened by ants clinging to each side of the twig, and in this way the track was broadened suffi- ciently to admit of the easy passage of the mass. (Fig. 11 represents Eciton Mexicana ; and Fig. 12, E. sumichrasti; and Fig. 13, E. drepanophora.) wars,’ Or Or The leaf-cutting ants (Eicodoma) are noted pests of central and tropical America, and commit fearful havoc among trees, laboriously and persistently carrying off in their mouths, piece by piece, the foliage of trees and shrubs. The orange, lemon and mango trees, in particular, suffer from their attacks. Central America is also the home of a gigantic black ant, about one inch im length, and armed with a formidable sting. These ants are notable for their solitary habits, and represent, in their family, the solitary wasps among the Vespide. Fig. 14 represents Gicodoma cephalotes, worker ; and Fig. 15, worker Major. There is a remarkable species of ant found in Mexico, in which certain individuals in each nest serve as animated honey-jars, Myrmecocystus Mexi- eanus. (See Fig. 16.) To them the foragers bring their supplies, and their whole duty seems to be to receive the honey, retain it, and re-distribute it for food when required. The abdomen of these ants , Uda becomes enormously distended ; the intersegmental HEU rmece ests Temes Be Se ) 2 5 Mexico. (Rev. J. G. Wood.) membranes being so much stretched, that the chitin- : ous segments, which alone are visible in ordinary ants, seem like small brown transverse bars. These individuals never leave the nest. A similar habit prevails in an Australian species, Camponotus inflatus, which is shown in Fig. 17. The slave-making propensity has been carefully studied in some Huropean species, — and much interesting information regarding it placed on record. Huber was the first Ys S An 7 j oR G / \ COR) Ving f NN vy, | J \ , [ee y Cais) o . / SE we RSeeroe Fic. 17. Fic. 18. Camponotus inflatus, ( Lub- 1. Formica sanguinea, worker. 2. Polyergus rufcs- bock.) Honey Ant of cens, worker. Both slave-making species, Australia (magnitied Europe. (From Lubbock.) twice). ; 7 , observer who discovered the existence of slavery among ants. There are several species which have the habit, some in a stronger degree than others ; and it is singular that the institution has had a most degrading efiect on those which seem most addicted to it. ° Formica sanguinea, (see Fig. 18,) tound in the southern counties of England and throughout the Continent, is a species with which the habit has become established. They make periodical expeditions, attatk neighbouring nests, and carry off the pup. When the latter come to maturity, they find themselves in a nest consisting partly of 7. songuined and partly ot their own species, the result of previous expeditions. They adapt themselves to circumstances, assist in the ordinary household duties, and, having no young of their own species, feed and tend those of the sangwineas. But though the songuineds are thus aided by their slaves, or, as they should rather perhaps be called, aS A : 56 their auxiliaries, they have not themselves lost the instinct of working. It seems not improbable that there is some division of function between the two species, but we have as yet no distinct knowledge on this point ; and at any rate the F. sanguineas can “do” for themselves, and carry on a nest, if necessary, without slaves. The ants usually enslaved by this species are /’. fusca, which is found in Canada. Another species, Polyergus rufescens, Fig. 18, No. 2, is much more dependent on its slaves, being, indeed, almost entirely so. ven their bodily structure has undergone a change, their mandibles have lost their teeth, and become useless save as warlike weapons. They have lost the greater part of their instincts, their art of building, their domestic habits,—for they show no care for their young, all this being done by slaves ; their » industry, —they take no part in providing their daily supplies ; if the colony changes the situation of its nest, the masters are all carried by the slaves on their backs to the new. one; nay, they have even lost the habit of feeding. Huber placed thirty of them with some larve and pup and a supply of honey in a box. “At first,” he says, ‘“ they appeared to pay some little attention to, the larve; they carried them here and there, ~ and presently replaced them. More than one-half of the Amazons died of hunger in less than two days. They had not even traced out a dwelling, and the few ants in existence were languid and without strength. J commiserated their condition, and gave them one of their black companions. This individual, unassisted, established order, formed a chamber in the earth, gathered together the larve, extricated several young ants that were ready to quit the condition of pupz, and preserved the life of the remaiming Amazons.” These so-called workers of P. rwfescens, though thus helpless and idle, are numerous, energetic, and in some respects almost brilliant, but their energies are devoted to the war-like spoliation of their neighbours. Tn another slave-making ant, Strong ylognathus, the workers are much less numerous, and so weak that it is an unsolved problem how they procure their slaves, a species ealled Vetramortum cespitum. Nevertheless, they are always found with the latter, and in these mixed nests there are no males or females of Tetramoriwwm, but only those of Strongylognathus. Another genus, Anergates, has a history still more extraordinary. It differs from the others in having no workers, the nests in which it is found eonsisting of males and females only, of Anergates, and the workers only of Zetramorium. The male, as well as the female, is wingless, and they are absolutely dependent upon their slaves, and cannot even feed themselves. How they obtain the mastery over the workers is a problem which has not yet been solved. Sir John Lubbock suggests that a male and female make their way into a nest) of 7etramorium, and in some manner contrive to assassinate their queen. If this was done, we should find the following year a community composed of the two Anergates, their young, and the 7etramorium workers, in the manner described by Van Hagens and Forel. Sir John Lubbock says that “‘ these four genera offer us every gradation from lawless violence to contemptible parasitism. “ Formica Sanguinea, which may be assumed to have comparatively reeently taken to slave-making, has not as yet been materially affected. ** Polyergus, on the contrary, already illustrates the lowering tendency of slavery. They have lost their knowledge of art, their natural affection for their young, and even their instinct of feeding! They are, however, bold and powerful marauders. “In Strongylognathus the enervating influence of slavery has gone further, and told even upon their bodily strength. They are no longer able to capture their slaves in fair and open warfare. Still they retain a semblance of authority, and, when roused, will fight bravely, though in vain. : pn ES Anergates, finally, we come to the last scene of this sad history. We may safely conclude that in distant times their ancestors lived, as so many ants do now, partly by hunting, partly on honey; that by degrees they became bold marauders, and gradually took to keeping slaves ; that for a time they maintained their strength and agility, though losing by degrees their real independence, their arts, and many of their instincts ; that gradually even their bodily force dwindled away under the influence to which they had subjected themselves, until they sank to their present degraded condition—weak in body and mind, few in numbers, and apparently nearly extinct ; the miserable representatives 57 of far superior ancestors, maintaining a precarious existence as contemptible parasites of their former slaves.” Putting to one side, however, the slave-holding ants, we find in the different species different conditions of life, curiously answering to the earlier stages of human progress. Thus some species, such as Yormica fusca, live principally by the chase, for, though they teed partly on the honeydew of aphides, they have not domesticated these insects. They resemble the lower races of men, who subsist mainly by hunting. They frequent woods and wilds, their communities are small, they hunt singly, and their battles are single combats, like those of the Homeric heroes. ormica flava represent a higher type of social life. They show more skill in architecture, have domesticated certain species of aphides, and may be compared to the pastoral stage of human progress—to the races which live on the produce of their flocks and herds. Their communities are more numer- ous, and they know how to act in combination. Lastly, the agricultural nations may be compared with the harvesting ants. . MentaL CHARACTER. Our present knowledge of the life history of ants is due not only to observations made upon them in the field, but also to close study of captive communities. P. Huber seems to have been one of the first to establish formicaries, and his account of his efforts and success are very interesting. The idea, however, has been recently carried out toa much greater extent, and with greater success, by Sir John ‘Lubbock, the well-known English naturalist, who, for several years past, has had from thirty to forty communities ander observation at one time, comprising some fifteen of the British species, and many of the foreign forms. Fig. 19 shows one of these formicaries. His nests are formed of two plates of common window glass, about ten inches square, kept apart at a distance of from one-tenth to one-quarter of an inch by wooden slips round the edges, leaving a small space at one corner for an entrance. The space between the two panes of glass is filled with fine earth, and when the ants have taken possession, they tunnel out the earth, and thus form their chambers and galleries. These nests are placed on shelves, swinging on a central support, one above another, and some five or six inehes apart. The nests can thus easily be turned round for inspection. Below all is a larger platform, with a deep groove round it filled with water, to prevent the ants wandering away from the apparatus. Stand for nests—A, lower platform, It is easy to induce the ants to live in one of these a ied nests, if the right way is known. Sir John Lubbock says, ie “When I wished to start a new nest I dug one up and brought home the ants, earth, ete., all together. I then put them over one of my artificial nests, on one of the platforms surrounded by a moat of water. Gradually the outer earth dried up, while that between the two plates of glass, being protected from evaporation, retained its moisture. Under these circumstances, the ants found it more suitable to sae requirements, and gradually deserted the drier mould outside, which I removed by egrees.” In these nests, when they had become accustomed to their new quarters, the insects carried on their usual labours as freely as in their native haunts, and afforded special facilities to the patient naturalist for observing the internal economy of ant life. And he has not only studied them in communities, but has made careful observations on individual ants, which have afforded many new and curious facts with regard to their dispositions and habits. Let us look at one of these nests, say of Mormica fusca (a species also found in Canada), and represented in Fig. 20, and note the domestie economy of the inmates. They form an organized society of perhaps several hundred individuals, the head of whieh is the apee ant, and all work harmoniously together for the general good. The fact, how- ever, that thet food 1s provided for them, releases them from a task which must ‘take up: Formica fusca, Canadian and European species, female, worker and male. (From Westwood.) a great part of the time and labour of a community living in a free condition. With a supply of honey at their very door, it is not necessary to hunt over the whole neighbour- hood for something to eat, which, when found, would perhaps be no better than the ‘dried grasshopper’s leg,” immor talized by Mark Twain in his “Tramp Abroad.” But this gives them more time for their other duties—building, excavating, and ‘cleaning ew) oO) oO) toy / up,’ and also for that most important work, the care of the “rising generation,” in the shape of the eggs, larve and pupz belonging to the nest. ‘ The eggs hatch in from two to six weeks after | being Jaid by the queen ant, and produce small white legless grubs, some- what conical in form, being narrow towards the head. ‘They are carefully tended and fed, being carried about from chamber to chamber by the workers, probably in order to: secure the most suitable amount of warmth and moisture. I have observed, also, that they are very often assorted according to age. It is sometimes very curious in my nests to see them arranged in groups according to size, so that they remind one of a school divided into five or six classes.” In this stage they live for several weeks, and grow rapidly. When full grown they turn into pup, sometimes naked, sometimes covered with a silken cocoon, constituting the so-called “ant-eggs.” After remaining some days in this state, they emerge as perfect insects. In many cases, however, they would perish in the attempt, if they were not assisted; and it is very pretty to see the older ants hel ping them to extricate themselves, carefully unfolding their legs and smoothing out the wings with truly feminine tender ness and delicacy. The very young ants do not at first take any share in the defence of the nest or other out-of-door work, but help in the care of the larve and pup, until their skin has hardened. Then they ‘take part in the general labours of the society. How far, however, the “division of labour” system is carried, has not yet been ascertained. But there are good reasons for thinking that it is followed out to some extent, as several of Sir John Lubbock’s observations point in this. direction. One of these was as follows “In summer the ants moved freely about the stand, and each one fed itself, but when the weather became cold and gloomy, and the ants required but little food, they remained indoors, and deputed to certain individuals the duty of procuring supplies for the whole community. During the winter, two nests of different species were kept under constant observation, and the foragers were marked, so that they could be identified. One of the nests was a large community of 7. fusca, and §t was found that the whole supply of food for this nest was carried in by the same four or five ants for a period of several weeks. The other nest was of Polyergas rufescens, a slave-holding species. In this case the mistresses never came out for food, leaving the work to three slaves, who carried it into the nest daily for the two months during which the observations continued.” The inmates of a nest are bound together by ties of friendship, and have a strong” feeling of attachment to their own community. Hence some species—like the old High~ land clans—regard other nests, even of their own species, as enemies, and will not allow a stranger ant to remain among them. Other species, however, are not quite so exclusive, The inhabitants of a nest all recognise one another ; a wonderful fact, when we consider the number of individuals in some of their settlements. In the larger societies of Formica pratensis (in a wild state), there are probably from 400,000 to 500,000 ants, and in other eases even these large numbers are excerded. Yet they not only recognise each other while living together, but even after living apart for a long period. Thus Sir John Lubbock separated one of his colonies of 7. fusca into two halves, and kept them entirely apart. At ‘different times he put specimens from the one half into the other. At first they were always amica‘\ly received, but after some months’ separation, they were occasionally attacked, as if some of the ants, perhaps the young ones, did not know them. The mistake, however, was always rectified in a short time. The last three ants were put back aiter a separation of a year and nine months, yet they were well received, and evidently recognised as friends. Formica Julvacea is shown in Fig. 21. Further experiments were made by this accomplished observer, with pupe taken from a nest and brought up by stranger nurses. Even these young ants, when placed in the nest from which they had been taken as pupe, were acknow- ledged as friends. But when they were put into the nest from which their nurses had been taken, they were always attacked. A still more extraordinary fact is, that ants will recognise the anes Oye claims of consanguinity even in young ants taken from their nest in the egg state, and brought up wholly by strangers.. Hlow this recognition of their friends is effected, is a mystery. Signs, passwords, the sense of smell, have all been: suggested by naturalists as the solution of the problem, but none of these are fully satisfactory. Besides this power of recognising their friends, there is no doubt but that they have the power of communicating information to one another. Indeed, their acting in concert in large numbers, for some special olject—as in their warlike expeditions—is a-proof of this, for without this faculty, such combinations would be impossible. Sir John Lubbock tried many experiments with marked specimens, and came to the conclusion that ants can impart information to their fellows, but the modus operands could not be made out. It seems to be connected in some way with signs given by touching with the antenne, which, (according to Huber and others), they use ‘freely i in this manner. Thatat is imparted | by sound, is not probable, unless ants can hear sounds which to us are altogether inaudible. Sir John Lubbock attached an extr emely sensitive microphone to one of his nests, for the purpose of testing this point. The ants could be distinctly heard walking about, but no other sounds could be distinguished. The industry of ants has lon g been celebrated. They work literally day and night. Sir John Lubbock says, “I once! watched an.ant from six in the morning, and she worked, without intermission, till a quarter to ten at night. I had put her to a saucer containing larye, and in this time she carried off no less than a hundred and eighty-seven to the nest. I had another ant, which I employed in my experiments, under continuous observations several days. When I ae for London in the morning, and again when I went to bed at night, I used to put her in a small bottle, but the moment she was let out she began to work again. On one occasion | was away from home for a week. On my return I took her out of the bottle, placing her on a little heap of larve about three feet from the nest. Under these circumstances I certainly did not expect her to return. However, though she had thus been six days in confinement, the brave little creature immediately picked up a larvee, carried it off to the nest, and after half an hour's Ss rest, returned for another.” Ti they work so hard, why should they not sometimes play? Huber mentions scenes which he had witnessed on the surface of ant hills, which strongly resembled sportive games. The ants raised themselves on their hind legs, caressed one another with their antenne, engaged in mock combats, and almost seemed to be playing hide and seek. Gould, an old English observer, also mentions having seen similar ‘“‘amusements.” Even the terrible Ecitons semetimes relax. Bates observed behaviour, in the case of Hevtow legionis, which looked like simple induigence in idle amusement ; the conclusion, he SAYS, “that the ants were engaged merely in play was irresistible.” 60 Ants are very cleanly, and assist one another in this respect. They are often seen ‘licking one another, and those which Sir John Lubbock marked with paint, for the pur- -pose of identification, were gradually cleaned by their friends. Those, too, which die in -the nest, are always carried outside, and in the cases observed by Sir John Lubbock, were _ generally thrown into the moat surrounding his apparatus. As to their friendly feelings towards each other, it is shown to a different degree by different ants, for, like men, they differ in individual character. Of course, in carrying on their ordinary avocations, they act together with great harmony, but it is in exceptional _ circumstances that their real character in this respect is revealed. In the case of sick or disabled ants, he has observed, on several occasions, that they were carefully nursed and _ guarded ; while on others, their friends acted more like the Priest and the Levite than the Good Samaritan. Even in the case of ants who had got drunk (not voluntarily, however), their friends picked them up and carried them to the nest to sleep off their ‘potations. But if these intoxicated ants were strangers, they were thrown into the water. Indeed, the experiments proved that though their friendship for each other is strong, their hatred to their enemies is still stronger, for they were willing to leave friends in confine- ment, if they could only get at stranger ants and maltreat them. No doubt this must be -regar aed as a blemish in their Sremnsoe. a: Up ieee AND SMELLING. As regards vision, the species of ants are very differently endowed. Some have -apwards of a thousand facets in their eyes, others less, some Hcitons only one. Some Species are entirely blind. One of these, Ponera contracta, is found in England. Besides the compound eyes, many species are furnished with simple eyes (oce/lz) on the top of the head. Whether each facet in an insect’s eye acts as a separate organ, or only a part of the object is seen by it, is a question not yet decided by entomologists. The latter, how- «ever, 1s the prevailing opinion, in which Sir John Lubbock, who has made many observa- tions on the vision of ants, is disposed to coincide. “If,” he says, “‘ the male of Formica pratensis, for example, sees 1,000 queens when only one is really present, it would seem to be rather a bewildering privilege.” Still, if we do not know how they see, we know that they do see, and by taking advantage of their dislike to light in their nests, he found that they were susceptible to colour, and prefer some to others. By placing strips of violet, red, green and yellow “glass over their nests, he discovered that they pre- ferred the green rand yellow, and particularly avoided being under the violet, and after many elaborate experiments with the magnesium light, the spectra of different sub- stances, etc., he concludes that they have an aversion to that colour, and even that they Ave very sensitive to the ultra-violet rays of the spectrum, which our eyes cannot perceive. This he considers a very interesting discovery, making it probable that these rays appear to ants as a distinct and separate colour (of which we can form no idea), as unlike the -rest as red is from yellow ; and that, as light appears to them composed of not only the rays which we see, but of those of the ultra-violet, the general aspect of nature must, as regards colour, present to them a very different SPP erg ance from what it does to us. ‘None of the experiments he tried could prove to him that ants had the power of hearing. Tuning forks, penny pipes, shrill whistles, a fiddle, or the most piercing and startling sounds ‘he could produce, had not the slightest effect upon them. Still, he thinks that they may be capable of hearing sounds which we cannot distinguish. In the terminal joint of the an- tenne of ants there are several curious struc- © eS _ ae iF N Ww Fig. 22. Terminal portion of antenna of Myrnieo ruginodis; E, “ oork- -shaped” organs. S, epen- ing of * ‘ stethescope ” on surface. T, tu be. Ww, inner chamber. N, nerve. (From Lubboek.) tures, which seem to be auditory organs. They are of two kinds, one a cork-shaped organ, opening on the outer surface of the antenna. The other kind is in the form of a stethes- cope, (see Fig. 22) with an outer sac (s) a long tube (t), and a posterior chamber (w) to vwhich is given a nerve (n). 61 Sir John Lubbock has also discovered in the front tibie of Formica flava an arrange ment of the tracheal tubes in a somewhat similar way, which may also serve as a hearing’ apparatus. United States possesses about 200 species. Only two genera have so far been found i im Canada. Genus Formica, (Linn.) Peduncle of abdomen with one knot. Discoidal cellule not closed. Black eetiand thorax partly wed) a5) (ek ee io Ea herculeana. Entirely Teed SIGE 8 cre Satta ac SU rine Oh RR aa Pennsylwanica. - Brown or black, feet pale aie 2, tapes yeahs c heute = ae Maw Nanna Sal ps pallutarsis. Entirely yellow... WO Peeps fice 2 aera a pemiomea Bi—, sh Mag AS, AND mellea. First discoidal cell closed. PME CRAP ECOUMECOS A, 45. Na ctahe ic.2)< ROERN otic Hie She SREP he ik fusca. Reddish or yellowish. Yellow or yellowish red, abdomen black................ rufa. Allbrownish or reddish, yellow sms sce aeietee ake leh flawa. Genus Myrmica, (Latreille). Peduncle of abdomen with two knots. Brightiredyand Diack 24 te Sesh iy a bea fet Bi ee eh incompleta. Pale red and black....... PE AVNER ike Tage ed Le ma Ue AIAN tuberwm. Palepyellowmsize sma Me's 20hi Soke eli ued Ni Ne Ree molesta. ¥. herculeana, (Linn), ligniperda, (Latr). This, the largest of our ants, is black, with the feet and thorax partly red. It lives in decaying trees or wood, where it forms numerous galleries. An example of its destructive powers is given by Mr. E. Baynes Reed, in the Annual Report for 1883, page 38. Found also in Europe. F. Pennsylvania, (DeGeer). A somewhat smaller spe- cies than the former, but having similar habits. FF. pallitarsis, (Provancher). A very small insect, only ;%, of an inch long, black, with pale feet. The Abbé Provancher’ does not mention its habits. F. Mellea (Provancher). '5 inch long, and of a uniform pale yellow colour. Lives under stones. F. fusca, (Linn). A. well-known species, found also in Europe. It generally makes its nests under stones, in sheltered places. Very common on Montreal Mountain. F. rufa, (Linn). A yellowish red species, common also in a (os Europe. Fig. 23 represents the female of this species. It forms 2 — its nests in the earth, covering them with the soil it carries out se of its galleries, mixed with bits of wood and other rubbish, so as sometimes to raise considerable mounds. Figure 24 repre- sents one of their nests. In Europe it is called the Wood Ant,. its nest being generally found in woods. rr i i ies ¢ ee The Wood Ant, Formica rufa. . 24, Pg; 63 —= F. flava (Fabr). This species establishes its nest at the sides of roads, in fields, raising a small mound by its labours. It is about 4 of an inch in length, or about the same size as the two species preceding. Myrmica, the second genus, has two ‘ knots” in the peduncle of the abdomen, while Formica has only one. These genera can be easily distinguished Ss by this difference, which is shown in fig. 25. M. incompleta, (Provancher). A species about 4} of an inch long, bright red and black. Very common under stones, particularly in sandy localities. Per- haps this is the dumidiata of Say. M. tuberum, (Fabr). Light red and dull black in colour, and about Lee pes a as + of an inch long. A rare species (in the Province ony Abdenges of jf git showing *idges O¢ Quebec), found under the bark of trees. 2. Tibia of F. fava, showing enlarged trar -chea (SS), return tube (R) (From Lubbock). YS, YY la ENS EN G SSH M. molesta, (Say). A very small ant, only ;3; of an inch long, and pale yellow. This is the ant sometimes so troublesome in houses. It hides in the crevices of the plastering, ete., in the daytime, and at night swarms in the cupboards or wherever food is left. M. Provancher says he has never met with it, except in houses, which leads him to believe that it is not indigenous, at least in the Province of Quebec. \ The ants of the genus Formica do not sting, while those of Myrmica, both females and workers, are furnished with that weapon. All, however, can use their mandibles for biting purposes. A curious practice of the habitans in the Province of Quebec is mentioned by M. Provancher in the Watwralisie Canadien. He states that in felling trees, particularly in winter, the woodcutters often find numbers of the benumbed ants in the cavities of the bark, which they eat as delicacies. ‘“ We, ourselves,” he says, ‘‘ have seen ants eaten with ayidity. Passing through Somerset in November, 1876, we remarked several chil- dren digging among the roots of an old stump. We approached them, and found that they were picking out ants from the bark of the roots and eating them, disputing as to who should have the largest share. It was our black ant, Yormica Pennsylvanica.” SAW-FLIES. & (Tenthredinide.) BY W. HAGUE HARRINGTON, OTTAWA. The insects to be briefly described in this paper belong to the division known to entomologists as the Wynenoptera, which order contains all forms having four transpar- -ent, membraneous wings. To give a clear conception of the appearance of typical hymenoptera to those unfamiliar with the different orders of insects, it will only be necessary to mention the honey-bee. The habits of this familiar insect have been more frequently and more fully investigated than those of any other, and it is endeared to us all by the sweet spoils which it gathers ; its remarkable industry in harvesting the dainty _ Nore.—fn compiling this paper, I have drawn material from the Encyclopedia Britannica, Chambers’ Encyclopedia, Nature, Science Gossip ; Huber’s “‘ Fourmis Indigenes”; Provancher’s “‘ Naturaliste Cana- dien,” and particularly from Lubbock’s work. ‘‘ Ants, Bees and Wasps, 1882.” An exceedingly interesting paper on Ants, by Rev. C. J. S. Bethune, is contained in the Annual Report for 1880. In it will be found much information on the subject, not contained in the present paper, including full directions for getting rid of them when they infest houses. It may be added that Mr. Bethune, owing to his onerous duties as Principal of the Trinity College School, Port Hope, has been com- pelled to relinquish his intention of continuing his papers, on these interesting insects, ia the Reports—a . result which we feel sure our readers will hear of with great reeret. 64 id secretions of flowers having been so directed and controlled by man as to obtain the best. results for himself. The habits of many ants, wasps, ichneumon-flies and other hymen- optera have been also studied, but there remain vast numbers of which little or nothing. is known, and which afford scope for the observations of all who seek to add to our know- ledge of insect life. Hymenoptera are divided into two sub-orders, named respectively Aculeata, or stingers, and Terebrantia, or borers. ‘The first contains the bees, wasps, ants and other insects. which have the abdomen (in the females) furnished with a sting to which an irritating poison is applied by special glands. The second contains forms in which the abdominal instrument is so constructed as to be used in sawing slits or boring holes in which the insect may deposit its eggs. It may be conveniently divided into three sections, namely : Entomophaga, or insect-eaters, such as the ichneumon-flies ; Gallicola, or gallformers, con- sisting of a single family called Cynipide ; and Phytophaga, or plant-eaters, containing: the saw-flies and horn-tails. The Phytophaga, being plant-eaters and consequently destructive and obnoxious: insects, are of more immediate interest to agriculturists than the other sections. They are: divided into two families, Uroceride and Tenthredinide. The former contains a limited: number of species, usually of large size, of which the females are provided with a long augur-like borer for inserting their eggs deeply into the wood of the trees in which the: larve feed when hatched. The Tenthredinide, or second family, is that of which the remainder of this paper will treat. It includes the insects popularly known as saw-flies, of which certain species are well-known to every one who has attempted agriculture on even the smallest scale. Saw-flies have none of the interesting social, or architectural habits of bees, wasps and: ants, and, although highly organized in many points of structure, rank as the lowest of the hymenoptera. They are most opnoxious insectg from the gardener’s point of view, because they are all, as larvee, strictly vegetarians, and what the farmer must perforce: admire in his customers is, as regards insects, a most undesirable habit. In size they vary from the formidable cimbex, an inch in length, and with a wing expanse of more- than two inches, to species no larger than a grain of rice. The perfect, or winged, insect differs from the honey-bee in form, chiefly through. having the abdomen sessile, or joined ‘solidly to the thorax, instead. of having the waist constricted so as to alimost cut the insect in two. The head is of medium size, generally broad in front so that the large eyes are widely separated. On the top of the head are- three ocelli, or single eyes, arranged in a triangle. The mouth is furnished with toothed mandibles, or jaws, which, in the larger species are quite dangerous looking instruments, although in reality they are quite harmless. The thorax is generally wider than the head, and bears, as in all insects, the organs of locomotion. It is formed of a large number of chitinous or horny plates, all of which have special names, and are of value in technical descriptions, but which need not be here enumerated. The legs are of moderate length, and slender in the majority of species. The wings, four in number, are large and mem- braneous, having comparatively few veins, and being generally transparent. The venation,. or arrangement, of the ribs or skeleton, which supports the membranes of the wings, especially the front ones, is of importance as being principally used in the division of the species into genera. The anterior margin (of the front wing) is strengthened by a vein, which expands towards the tip into what is known as the stigma. Behind this are from one to three marginal cells, and behind these three or four sub-marginal ones. The abdomen is sub-cylindrical in form, and, as above stated, is not constricted at its junction with the thorax. It is composed of several distinct segments, the last of which in the female carry in a groove beneath them the characteristic ovipositor. This instrument con- sists of several pieces, but may be briefly described as a pair of horny saw-like plates. enclosed in a pair of outer sheaths. It is from the possession of these minute saws that the insects have received the popular and, as is frequently not the case in popular nomenclature, appropriate name of “ Saw-flies.” With this complex ovipositor the female saws slits in the stems or leaves of plants, in order that she may deposit therein her eggs. In some species, however, as in the imported currant saw-fly, the apparatus is so feeble, or aborted, that the insect has to 65 content herself with merely attaching the eggs to the plants in the same way as insects which are not equipped for carpentering. From the eggs so carefully and laboriously deposited there hatch elongated, cylin- drical larve:, often resembling very closely those of lepidoptera, and for that reason known as ‘“‘false-caterpillars.” There are, however, structural differences by which they may be readily distinguished from the larve of moths and butterflies. The most noticeable of these is the relative number of abdominal or prolegs. No caterpillar has more than five pairs of these, whereas the saw-fly worms have from six to eight pairs, except in the peculiar genus Lyda, the larve of which are destitute of them. The habits of saw-fly larve also resemble those of the true caterpillars—many spe- cies feed openly upon the foliage of plants, in large family groups, or singly, while others seclude themselves in galls, produced either by themselves or by other species of insects. When fully grown, the majority of species spin a silken cocoon, of greater or less com- pactness, within which to pupate. This cocoon is at times affixed to the food plant or to adjacent objects, but is more commonly found beneath the leaves and rubbish on the ground, or buried at varying depths beneath its surface. Many species do not spin a cocoon, but instead burrow in the ground and construct earthen cells in which to undergo the customary transformations. The duration of the several stages of life naturally varies with different genera and species: some are only single-brooded, while others pro- duce two, three or more broods annually, and thus multiply so rapidly as to become, under favourable conditions, exceedingly abundant and destructive. Having thus, rapidly and imperfectly, outlined the appearance and habits of the insects belonging to the family Tenthredinide, I will proceed to consider the several groups into which, for convenience of study, it is divided, and will give brief descriptions and life-histories of some of the better-known species. Although the family has been but meagrely studied in Canada, the species are so numerous that fully two hundred are recorded. The record is, however, as regards a large proportion of them, unfortunately confined to the mere capture of specimens, and an immense amount of work must yet be done before the complete life-history of each species can be given, while many additional species, doubtless, remain to be discovered. Sub-families, six in number, have been formed, which are characterized chiefly by the number of articulations, or joints, of the antenne. These are again divided into groups according to the number of marginal and sub-marginal cells, while minor differ- ences of structure are made use of in distinguishing the genera which compose the res- pective groups. Susp-Famity 1.—CImMBICINZ-. The species included herein have short club-shaped antenne consisting of from five to eight segments, and include our largest and most formidable representatives of the Tenthredinide. Of these the list is headed by Cimbex americana, which varies in length from three-fourths of an inch to one inch, and from one and three-fourth to two and one- fourth inches in the expanse of its wings. The sexes differ greatly in appearance, the male having the abdomen more elongated and flatter beneath. His legs, especially the four posterior ones, are enormously developed, and, with his long, toothed mandibles, make him a ferocious looking insect, as with strong, noisy flight he circles about in search ‘of his mate. There are several distinct varieties of this species, separated by the colour and markings of the abdomen, and the relative clearness of the wings. The clear-winged varieties prevail in Canada ; but even in these the margin of the wing is cloudy, as is also a spot beneath the stigma. In the typical form of the species the male is black, the head and thorax having a bluish, and the abdomen a purplish tinge. The female is black with a yellowish spot on the sides of the third, fourth and fifth segments of the abdomen. Both sexes have yellow feet and antenne, the latter having seven joints, the last three forming a knob. The larva feeds chiefly upon the elm, but frequents also other trees, as willow and linden. It is of a pale yellowish colour, with a black stripe running down the back, and black dots along the sides. It is solitary in its, habits, and when at rest. upon 2 leaf, is coiled up like a snail-shell. When disturbed, it discharges a fluid secretion 5 (EN.) 66 from pores along the side, which probably serves as a defence against many of its enemies. In the latter part of summer it is full-grown (measuring an inch and a half or more in length) and spins a strong brown oval cocoon, either in the leaves, with which it falls to the ground, or on the surface of the earth under leaves, etc. It does not transform to a pupa until the following spring, and the winged insect appears in June and July. Though the larvee of this species are large and voracious, they « are never so numerous as to become very destructive to foliage. Trichiosoma triangulum is a northern species, somewhat similar in appearance to the preceding, but smaller, being about three-tifths of an inch long. The head and thorax are black, the latter clothed with long whitish hairs. The thighs are bluish-black (the four posterior ones of the male having a sharp tooth underneath) and the remainder of the legs yellow. The antenne are eight -jointed, the base and club being dark, and the inter- vening joints yellow. The wings have a strong yellowish tinge. This insect is rare throughout Ontario, but appears to be more plentiful west and north, Mr. Geo. We Taylor records it (Canadian Entomologist, vol. xvi, page 91) as tolerably common in Bri- tish Columbia. The larva is said to have the same habits and to undergo the same changes as that of Cimbex. Abia Kennicotti is a smaller and somewhat bee-shaped insect about one-third of an inch long. Its colour is black varied with blue and green; the legs whitish and wings yellowish. I am not acquainted with its habits. Two closely allied species, not yet recorded from Canada, although probably inhabiting it, are Abia caprifolia and Abia cerasi, which, as their names indicate, feed upon the honeysuckle and cherry respectively. The larva of the former is described as yellow, with the back greenish, and with rows of black spots. It spins a compact cocoon half an inch long, in which it undergoes its changes in the manner of that of the Cimbex. The last species of this sub-family which I will mention is a,diminutive black fly (only about one-eighth of an inch long) which I have frequently found on hickory (Carya amara). It is Acordulecera dorsalis, and has short six-jointed antenne, the last joint rounded, but not enlarged so as to form a club or knob. The body is short and stout; black, with minute whitish hairs ; the feet are also whitish. J have taken these saw- flies upon the hickory leaves about the first of June, and again about the first of August. Larve, which are perhaps those of these flies, do considerable damage to the hickory, especially the smaller trees, as they feed together in a row across the leaf and devour everything but the mid-rib. They are pale green, whitish below, about one-third of an inch long, and when full grown they descend to the ground and form therein white shell- like cocoons about the size of a grain of rice, from which so far I have been unable to obtain the winged insects. Sus-Famity 2.—HyYLoToMIN&. The species of this group are not numerous, and are distinguished by the antennz having only three or four joints, of which the third is very much longer than the others. Two genera are represented in Canada ; the first—Schizocerus—by a single species which I have not seen, the second—Hylotoma—by four. Of these I have collected three species in this vicinity, and have received the fourth from Mr. Fletcher, who captured it at Dalhousie, N.B. They are rather handsome insects, about one-third of an inch long, but are neither sufficiently numerous nor injurious to call for detailed descriptions. They are easily distinguished from our other saw-flies by their three-jointed antennz, of which the third is very much elongated and in the males furnished with rows of hairs. Susp-Famity 3.—TENTHREDININ2. The species herein contained are of small or moderate size, and the number of articulations in the antennz varies from nine to fifteen. The sub-family contains at least nine-tenths of our saw-flies, and nearly all the well-known destructive species. At the head of it stands Cladius isomera, which is a small shining black fly, with whitish feet and clouded wings; length less than one-quarter inch. The larve feed in large numbers upon the willow, and devour the leaves with the exception of the’skeleton. 67 They are about two-fifths of an inch long, and are of a pale, yellowish colour, with the back greenish. The head and last segment are black, and there is on each side a row of black spots, eleven in number. Upon the back and on each side are two rows of small tubercles, bearing long, white hairs. Specimens which I collected on 26th June, spun (between Ist and 3rd July) transparent yellowish cocoons of light texture, which were attached to leaves in the breeding-jar, and in which the larvee could be plainly seen. A few days later they transformed to pup, and the winged insects appeared on 19th to 24th July, or a month after the larve were full grown. The genus Pristophora contains several species, of which P. grossularice is known as our native currant saw-fly. It has been figured and described in one of our early reports, as well as by Mr. Saunders in his “Insects Injurious to Fruit,” in which useful and beautiful book several other saw-flies are also treated of. It is never so abundant or injurious as the imported currant-worm (Vematius ventricosus) hereafter to be mentioned, nor is it so large an insect. The larvee, shown at Fig. 26, a, are of a pale green colour, without black spots, and are scattered over the bush when feeding. Although generally few in number and doing comparatively slight injury, they have been found at times so numerous in some places as to entirely strip the plants, gooseberry or currant, on which they fed. The flies (Fig. 26, 6,) are black, with yellowish markings. A closely allied species found in the United States, is the Cranberry Saw-fly (Pristophora identidem), which sometimes com- mits serious injuries in the cranberry marshes of Cape Cod. The genus Euura contains small species, of which the larvee form galls on willows, or inhabit galls formed thereon by other insects. Hwa orbitalis, the only species apparently recorded from Canada, is one of the former. It is a shining black species, one-eighth of an inch long, with pale head and legs. The larve, of a greenish-white colour, feed in the lateral buds of the willow twigs, causing them to become much enlarged, and eating the increased growth internally so as to leave but a mere shell, from which they bore out, and descending to the ground spin a thin whitish cocoon. The genus Creesus contains a single species (C. latitarsws) of which the larve are known to feed upon wild cherry and birch. The perfect insect is one-third of an inch long : the body shining blue-black, legs and antenne black, wings hyaline. Nematus is a very extensive genus containing small or medium-sized species, the operations of which are often extremely destructive. Nematus ventricosus, introduced from Europe, is so familiar to everyone, and has been so frequently mentioned in previous reports that, were it not such an important species, it would not merit further description. My remarks on it will, therefore, be as briet as possible, giving merely the leading facts. The winged insects are from two-tenths to three-tenths of an inch long, the male, as is usually the case, being the smaller, and the ample wings expand about one-half of an inch. The sexes differ in colouring, the female (Fig. 27, b,) having the brightest dress. She is mostly yellow, but her head is black, her antennz brown-black, and her thorax more or less spotted and striped with black. The male (Fig. 27, a,) has the head, antenne, thorax, and most of the upper surface of the abdomen black, the lower side being yellow. The females which appear in early spring deposit their eggs in rows upon the under surface of the leaves (Fig. 28), and from these hatch, in about } ten days, the worms which so speedily destroy the young foliage, At first a number are found upon 68 each leaf attacked, eating small holes through its substance, and gradually devouring all but the skeleton. Then forced to seek new feeding grounds they separate more and more as size and appetite increase, until often the whole bush is visited and defoliated. The Fig. 28. Fig. 29. larvee” (Fig. 29) are whitish when hatched, but soon become green, and then develop numerous black spots, and have the extremities tinged with yellow. When full-grown they descend to the ground and spin oval, smooth, tough, brownish cocoons, either under leaves and rubbish or in the ground ; occasionally they are found attached to the stems and jleaves of the bushes. The flies emerge generally about the first of July, and the second brood of worms attain their full growth toward the close of summer, and winter in their cocoons. Hellebore has been proved to be the most convenient and efficient remedy for the removal of the worms. I+ is applied in the proportion of an ounce to a pail of water, thoroughly mixed, and freely sprinkled over the plants; care being taken to watch for the successive broods. Nematus Hrichsonii is a saw-fly which has recently been found committing immense ravages upon the larch (commonly known as tamarac, hackmatack, juniper, etc.) in the Provinces of Quebec and New Brunswick, as well as in por- tions of the United States. It is about the size of the preceding species; the head, antenna, thorax and tip of abdomen are black ; the legs, except hind feet, and five segments of abdomen arerufous. The larve devour the leaves rapidly, and when numerous a tree is speedily stripped. They spin cocoons very similar to those of the ventricosus. * Nematus Similaris is a smaller species, of which the worms feed upon the leaves of the locust. The fly (Fig. 30, f) is about one-fourth of an inch long; yellowish, with a patch on top of head ; the sides and front of the thorax and bands on the abdomen, black. The egg (Fig. 30, Fic. 30. a) is laid in a slit made on the under surface of the leaf (as are those of many other species) and the worm (Fig. 30, 5, c), when hatched, *A special paper on this species is being prepared by Mr. Fletcher, who has studied its extensive ravages, so that a more complete account of it is unnecessary here. a 69 commences its ravages by eating the margin of the leaf or a hole therein. It is pale green, with a brownish head, and is about half an inch long when full-grown. The cocoon (Fig. 30, e) which it spins is oval, and dark brown. There are at least two broods, as I have observed the young larve feeding (as represented at 30, 6) in June and older ones in October, and have captured the imago at the end of August. Last October I found Jarve, nearly full-grown, feeding on my trees as late as 12th or 13th, which were probably killed (if they had not descended to spin up) by the sharp frost which occurred on the night of the 14th, as upon my return from attending the annual meeting of the Entomological Society (held in London on 15th), I found the foliage shrivelled and black, and no signs of the worms. They are not abundant enough here to do much harm ; nor am I aware that injuries by them have been recorded in the Province. Several species of Nematus form galls on willows, such as WV. sala-pomum and J. saliz-pisum. The first, about one-fifth of an inch long, is yellow with black markings, and the larva inhabits a globular, smooth, fleshy gall, which develops under its influence on the side of the midrib of the leaf of Salix cordata. The second is an insect of the same size, producing on the under surface of the leaves of Salix discolor galls which are yellowish, hollow and subspherical. The genus Emphytus contains several species, of which one—#. maculatus—is a well-known enemy to the strawberry plant. The eggs (Fig. 31, 9) are placed early in spring in slits sawed in the stems, and a fortnight afterwards the larve (Fig. 31, 4 and 6) are found commencing to riddle the foliage. They are pale greenish above, and pale yellowish beneath, and when mature are about three-fifths of an inch jong. The Dei OBITUARY. We regret to announce the death of one of our esteemed members, Mr. Wm. Murray, of Hamilton, Ontario, who passed away after a protracted illness early in March, 1885. He was an enthusiastic and industrious collector of both Lepidoptera and Coleoptera, and Boe special attention to the Sphingide and the Catocalas. His collection, embracing a large number of specimens, has been bequeathed to the Entomological Society of Ontario, and is now safely SEVERE in the rooms of the Society. - ENTOMOLOGICAL CLUB OF THE A. A. A.5S. The meetings of the club at Ann Arbor were held daily from the 25th to the 28th of August, both dates inclusive, and were very successful. The following among others were present and in constant attendance :—J. A. Lintner, C. V. Riley, Herbert Osborne, John B. Smith, D.S. Kellicott, O. S. Westcott, L. M. Underwood, A. J. Cook, E. A. Swarz, Henry G. Hubbard, S. H. Peabody, Clarence M. Weed, Miss M. EK. Murtfeldt. Inthe absence of Dr. Morris, Prof. J. A. Lintner presided. “Officers for the ensuing year are: President, Prof. J. A. Lintner, of Albany; Vice-President, Mr. E. A. Swars, of Washington ; Secretary, Mr. John B. Smith, of Brooklyn. Aug. 25.—The following papers were read: A Biographical Sketch of William LeBaron, late State Entomologist of Illinois; Notes on some Structural Characters of the - Lepidoptera, By John B. Smith. The Family Position of Huphanessa mendica, by Geo. D. Hulst. - Aug. 26.—Notes on Harmonia pini, by D.S. Kellicott ; On the Preparatory Stages of an Undetermined Cossus, by D. 8. Kellicott; On the Principal Injurious Insects of the Year, by C. V. Riley. Messrs. Kellicott, Underwood and Osborn spoke on the same subject. Aug. 27.—Messrs. Cook, Osborn, Smith and Riley continued the discussion of injurious insects of the year. Messrs. Lintner, Riley and Westcott discussed the ease and difficulty of raising certain larve. Mr. Osborn gave some notes on the habitat of a Chironomous ; Mr. Cook gave some notes on the functions of the secretion of Bark Lice (Leucanium tilia); also some notes on the Choke Cherry Tortricid, Cacecia cerasivorana. Mr. Westcott gave some notes on the abundance of certain Coleoptera. Aug. 28.—Random Notes on Mallophaga, by Herbert Osborn ; Larval Longevity of a Species of Coleophora ; Extract from a letter of W. H. Edwards, on some food plants of P. ajax; On a Peculiar Structure of the ¢Cosmosoma omphale, by E. A. Schwarz. How shall we Create and Foster an Interest in the Study of Entomology? by John B. Smith. All the gentlemen present participated in this discussion, which was of great interest. The following committee ef arrangements for the next meeting was appointed : Chairman J. A. Lintner, and Messrs. John B. Smith and C. V. Riley. Adjournment te meet at call of the President at the next meeting of the Association. 24 BOOK NOTICES. Report of the Dominion Entomologist for 1884.—Department of Agriculture, Ottawa. A long felt want has at last been supplied by the appointment of a Dominion En- tomologist, Sandwell qualified expert selected for the work, Mr. James Fletcher, whose preliminary report is before us. His appointment was made so late in the season that he has been unable to do more than furnish a brief report, in which reference is made to the organization of the department under his charge and the measures taken to interest all those engaged in agriculture and horticulture in the work. Following this is a report on the qnality of the Paris green found in the market, with results of the analysis of six samples; also reports on insects injuring grain crops, hay and clover, peas, root crops, fruits and forest trees ; altogether a useful review of the chief injuries caused by insects — to these several crops during 1884. We sincerely congratulate Mr. Fletcher on the good work thus far done, and earnestly hope that he may be able to carry to a successful issue the plans laid out for the present year. Kighth Report of Observations on Injurious Insects and Common Farm Pests, with Methods of Prevention and Remedy, by Eleanor A. Ormerod, Dunster Lodge, near Isleworth, England; 8vo., pp. 122, with 39 cuts. Published by Simpkin, Marshall & Co., Stationers’ Hall Court, London, England. We are much indebted to the talented authoress for a copy of this valuable report, which is in no respect behind its predecessors. In the preface reference is made to the relations of birds to insects, wherein the sparrow is condemned very strongly. Its habit of driving away other and more useful birds, together with its grain-feeding propensities, are fully recognized in England as well as in this country, and fairly entitle it to be regarded as an enemy rather than a friend. More extended reference is made to this subject in a chapter headed “Birds, Depredations of Sparrows.” The insects which have proved injurious to the following fruits, vegetables, trees, etc., during the past year, together with the best methods of preventing their ravages, are also treated of in the following order: Apple, beans, cabbage, carrots, corn and grass, gooseberry, hop, mangold, oak, onions, parsley, pine, potatoes, raspberry, turnip and willow. ‘The report also. contains chapters on marsh snails and the ox bet-fly. Miss Ormerod has succeeded in awakening much interest in England on the subject of injurious insects, and by her careful observations and experiments has conferred lasting benefits on the agricultural community. General Truths in Applied Entomology, by C. V. Riley, 8vo., pp. 7 An essay read before the Georgia State Agricultural Society, relating chiefly to insecticides and the best methods of applying them. Recent Advances in Economic Entomology, by C. V. Riley ; 8vo., pp. A communication made to the Philosophical Society of Ech atae in reference a insecticides, U. S. Department of Agriculture, Division of Entomology; Bulletin No. 4, 8vo., pp. 102. This useful publication contains a report on Cranberry and Hop Insects, by John B. Smith ; observations on the Rocky Mountain Locust; by Lawrence Bruner ; on Insects » 7, bo Ut Injurious to Cotton, Orange and Sugar Cane in Brazil, by John C. Branner ; Effects of: Cold upon the Scale Insects of the Orange in Florida, and extracts from correspondence containing many interesting facts relating to injurious insects. Revised Catalogue of the Diurnal Lepidoptera of America, North of Mexico, by Wm. H, Edwards, 8vo., pp. 95. From Transactions of the American Entomological Society, 1885. This revised catalogue of American butterflies was greatly needed. Since Mr, Edwards published his first catalogue in 1877, much new material has accumulated, more than a hundred new species have been described, while a vast amount of information has been published on the preparatory stages and habits of these insects. Much of this has been communicated by the author of the catalogue himself, who has brought an amount of enthusiasm to bear on this interesting field of research exceeding ‘that of any of his predecessors or co-labourers, while his full and accurate descriptions have been everywhere appreciated. Other excellent workers have also added to our stock of knowledge in this department, to all of which ready reference is had by the use of this catalogue. The new edition gives fuller references with dates, whereas the former catalogue gave no date. _ Many corrections are made in the synonymy, the result of a careful scrutiny by the author of every species in the entire list; the localities are also given with greater ful- ness. A large proportion of the additions to the list of new species are to be found in the Hesperidz, to which fifty-six have been added. Many additions have also been made to Melitaea, Thecla and Argynnis. A new and excellent feature is a copious index of genera and species, which will be much appreciated by all who have occasion to consult its pages. In this catalogue the author has given us the full benefit of his long experience and careful study, and has produced a work which will not only commend itself, but will be indispensable to all who are engaged in the study of American butterflies. Contributions to the Descriptive and Systematic Coleopterology of North America, Part II., by Thos. L. Casey, U. 8. A.; lge. 8vo., pp. 137. Contains very full and careful descriptions of ninety-three new species of Coleop= tera, and many new genera; also systematic revisions of several genera as represented in the United States. A very useful and valuable contribution to this department of Entomology. On the North American Asilide, Parts I. and II., by S. W. Williston, M. D.; lge. 8vo., pp. 58. From the transactions of the Amer. Ent. Soc., xi, December, 1883, and xi., Jan., 1885. These excellent papers contain descriptions of forty-three new species, together with fresh descriptions of many of the older forms. Part I. contains a very complete table of genera, with two plates illustrating the parts of the insect used in classification. Part II. contains contains convenient tables of the species belonging to the following genera: Laphria, Mallophora, Promachus, Erax and Proctacanthus, in which the chief distinguish- ing features of the species are briefly given. Notes on the Systematic Position of Some North American Lepidoptera, by John B. Smith ; 8vo,, pp. 8, with one plate containing twenty-three figures, illustrating the. structure of Zygaena, Eudryas, Alypia, Stiria, Pyromorpha, Conosoma and Ctenucha. ‘The Standard Natural History—Article, Heterocera, by C. H. Fernald. We are indebted to the author for a copy of this interesting popular article on Moths, covering forty-five pages small quarto, illustrated with thirty-four figures and one plate of silkworm moths. x Elephant Pipes in the Museum of the Academy of Natural Sciences, Davenport, lowa, by Charles E. Putnam ; 8vo., pp. 40, with one figure. THE OAK PRUNER. ELAPHIDION VILLOSUM, FABR. By Frederick Clarkson, New York City. There is in the study of Entomology a fascination and delight that captivates the imagination, and renders the enthusiast liable to construct theories based upon such slender foundations that they fail to reach the dignity of assured facts. ‘This, I think, may be said of much that has been written concerning the habits of this beetle. The record which I have thought proper to make relates to veritable facts, but whether in the particular instance referred to they are to be regarded as extraordinary and not of common occurrence, may be a problem yet to be solved. [ trust that in offering this paper I may not be thought presumptuous in differing with so distinguised Entomologists as Drs. Harris and Fitch, yet as my observations do not bear out the conclusions which they have reached, and apprehending that the best interests of the science are served by that record or enquiry which relates to the discovery of facts, ] make no apology to these fathers in the science for transcribing in relation to this subject views somewhat dissimilar to theirs. Dr. Harris says that if a burrow be split open in winter, it will be found to contain larva, which in the spring assumes the pupa form, and in June or July is changed into a beetle. He is in accord with Dr. Fitch concerning the periods of transformation, and holds similar views with him as to the habit of pruning. Dr. Fitch, I think, unduly exalts the instincts of these beetles as illustrated in their larval habit of pruning the twigs and branches of the oak, contending, as he does, that the twig or branch is eaten away by the young larva for a small space, and left supported only by the bark, that the autumn winds may fell it to the ground, and that the environment of its new condition i is necessary to the transformation of the included larva. This is substantially what each writer has to say upon the subject, thcugh Dr. Fitch’s report is very lengthened and rather extravagant ‘In imaginative conclusions. These oak pruners were very abundant in Columbia County, this State, in the season of 1878. The September winds brought showers of twigs and branches to the ground. I examined many of them, and found each to contain the larva, nearly full grown, im tunnels measuring from ten to fifteen inches long. I gathered five goodly sized branches. just after they had fallen, for the purpose of illustrating the burrows in my cabinet of nest architecture. The branches remained on a table in a room having very nearly the condi- tion, thermometrically, of the temperature without, until the early part of November, when I opened them for the purposes already stated. I was astonished to find that every burrow contained the beetle ; the transformation, therefore, from the larva to the imago was completed in less than eight weeks—how much less I know not—-and without the surroundings as narrated by Drs. Harris and Fitch. I am therefore inclined to the Opinion, born of these facts, that the transformation, barring strong winds, is as likely te occur in the tree as on the ground, and that the branch is eaten away by the young larva — not for the extraordinary reasons as cited, but for the more probable one, to prevent the flow of sap, which, if not checked, may render the wood fibre unwholesome to the larva, ‘or possibly affect injuriously the later condition of pupa and imago. It would appear, moreover, that the beetle is developed in the autumn, and remains within the burrow during the winter. SWARMING OF THE ARCHIPPUS BUTTERFLY. BY EARNEST D. WINTLE, MONTREAL. While out on an ornithological ramble on Cote des Neiges Mountain, near Montreal, on the 22nd of August last, I observed a large number of Danais archippus congregated together ; numbers were clustered on dead branches of trees and underbrush, also on ferns. I could easily have caught a hundred without moving more than ten paces. I don’t remember having seen this species so abundant here for several years. Last year Pyra- meis cardui appeared to me to be the most plentiful butterfly here, during August and September. I also noticed a large number of this latter species on the marshes of Lake St. Peter, about sixty miles down from Montreal. This was in the early part of Septem!ir, last year. If you consider the above noies interesting enough to publish, I should like to know the cause of the above mentioned assemblage of archippus. The weather was showery in the morning, and sunshiny in the afternoon, with a stiff breeze blowing from the south. HUMBLE BEES. BY THE REV. C. J. S. BETHUNE, M.A., PORT HOPE, ONT. Robbing bees’ nests has, no doubt, always been a favourite sport with boys in the country. We can well remember how we used to look out for them towards the end of summer, around stumps and under logs in the pasture fields, and how we used to watch where they flew, and spy out where they had their nests between the weather-boarding and lining of the barns, among piles of stones, and in al! sorts of nooks and corners. Great used to be our delight when on some fine September afternoon one of us boys would come running breathlessly to the others, shouting out that he had found “such a jolly big bumble-bees’ nest,” and that one of them had given him such a chase! Away we would all seamper ; arming ourselves with twigs of cedar and broad bats made of shingle, till we came near the scene of action ; then we would cautiously advance, give the nest a little kick, and put our ears as close as we dared to listen to the buzzing inside, knocking down with our bats any bee that came out to see what the matter was. A few morc kicks, or pokes with a stick, would forcibly change the note of the bees to an angry bizz-z, and pus the whole colony in commotion, and then would begin the tug of war—furious assaults being made on our part and desperate rallies on the part of the bees; sometimes the invaders would be so fiercely repulsed as to be forced to take to their heels, stung perhaps under the eye or about the neck and face by a “forlorn hope” from the besieged. But soon the contest would be renewed, and the pigmy defenders of their home would suffer for their gallantry with the loss of their lives, and the unequal conflict would end in our digging out the sweet spoils from the inmost recesses of the nest. All we could obtain would be a few waxen cells or bags of inferior honey ; but after all it was the excitement of the contest and not the spoils of victory that chiefly attracted us. The sport was, doubtless, a cruel and wanton one ; but when will boys who rob the nests of gentle birds, impale live minnows on their fish-hooks, or fire their guns at innocent squirrels, think twice about robbing bees’ nests? What is sport to them is too often, alas! death to their victims! But happiiy these amusements generally proceed from sheer joyous animal 28 spirits, and not from any wanton love of cruelty, and the restless play- loving boy g grows. up to be a kind and tender-hearted man. Thinking that some of our boy-readers, at any rate, if not their elders, would like to know something more about the habits and lives of the humble or “bumble” bees (as. they are popularly called in the country), whose nests they rob, we shall attempt to give some little account of them. . The name ‘‘ humble” bee, usually applied to these insects in books, has no reference to any latent grace of humility supposed to exist in them, but is derived—like the more- popular term “ Bumble” bee—from the loud humming noise they make when flying, and which is especially noticeable when they accidentally come into a room and are unable to find their way out again. The same phonetic origin may be observed in the names. employed in other languages, for instance hummel in “German, bourdon in French, and the scientific name bombus, derived from the Greek word for the buzzing noise of Thee. In Scotland also, and in some parts of the United States, large species of this genus are called bumbees. As we may infer from the variety of names, these insects are widely distributed throughout the world, being found in all temperate regions, except Australasia, and even in far northern regions within the Arctic circle. Our friend, W. Bowles, relates in his paper (Report of the Ent. Soc. of Ontario, 1879), that while thirteen species of this genus are found in Arctic America, only seven are found in Canada and eight in the New England States. Early in the spring, as soon as the willow catkins are in bloom, the big, handsome, yellow-uniformed queen-bees, who alone have lived through the winter, may be seen buz— zing about, searching everywhere for a svitable place for their nests. They fly about here and there close to the ground, alighting every now and then, and creeping into the grass and weeds, and then off again w ith a busy, good-humoured hum, taking alarm very easily and flying away on the least appearance of danger. The object of all this searching is usually the deserted winter-quarters of a field or barn-house, where the bee finds ready for her purposes a hidden burrow and a chamber filled with a nice soft bundle of dry hay or grass. Generally these nests are well concealed under ground, or beneath stones or rub- bish, but sometimes in meadows they are quite on the surface with no protection from the foot of the’ passer by or the mower’s sharp scythe. When at length the queen-bee has determined upon her future abode, and has provided a suitable passage way to it from the outer air, she collects from the early spring-flowers a small amount of pollen mixed with honey, and deposits in it from half a dozen to a dozen eggs ; then she gathers more pollen and honey, and Jays the eggs for a second brood, and so on till the colony 1s com- plete. The eggs, according to the observations of Professor Putnam * are “ laid in contact with each other, in the cavity of the mass of pollen, with a part of which they are slightly cov ered. They are very soon developed ; in fact the lines are nowhere distinetly drawn between the egg and the larva, the larva and the pupa, and again between the latter and the imago, a perfect series, shewing this gradual transformation of the young to the imago, can be found in almost every nest. ** As soon as the larvee are capable of motion and commence feeding, they eat the pollen by which they are surrounded, and gradually separating, push their way in various directions. Eating as they move and increasing in size quite rapidly, they soon make large cavities in the pollen mass. When they have attained their full size, they spin a silken wall about them, which is strengthened by the old bee (after the first brood has matured) covering it with a thin layer of wax, which soon becomes hard and tough, and thus the cells are formed. The larve now gradually attain the pupa stage, and remain inactive nntil their full development. They then cut their way out and are ready to assume their several duties as workers, small females, males or queens, according to their individual formation. “)t is apparent that the irregular disposition of the cells is due to their being con- structed so peculiarly by the larve. After the first brood, composed of workers, has come forth, the queen-bee devotes her time principally to her duties at home, the workers *** Notes on the habits of some species of Humble Bees,” By F. W. Putnam, in the proceedings of the- Essex Institute, Salem, Mass., vol. iv., Oct. 1864. ms Mee ‘supplying the colony with honey and pollen. As the queen continues to be prolific, more workers-are added, and the nest is gradually enlarged. The government of these colonies seems to be somewhat different from that observed in the hives of the honey-bees. The latter have but one queen, the mother of the whole swarm, while their cousins, the humble-bees, have many queens, or large females, in their nests at one time, after the first broods have become developed. There are also a number of small females, which produce only male eggs and do not survive the winter. The large females, or queens, alone hibernate, and become the founders of new colonies the following year, in the manner described above ; their eggs produce neuters or workers first, and afterwards apparently females of both kinds, or males or drones. The number of indivi- -duals in a nest varies very much with the species, and is said to be fewer in those located above ground than in the subterranean colonies. We have found less than thirty indivi- duals in a nest under some of the boards in a fence corner, but that was in October, when many may have perished from the assaults of various enemies. In the nest of an English species, bombus terrestris, which is situated a foot or more beneath the surface of the earth, there have been found 107 males, 56 females and 180 workers. ‘“‘ About the middle of summer ”—to resume our quotation from Professor Putnam— “egos are deposited which produce both small females and males. All eggs laid after the last of July produce the large females or queens, and the males being stili in the nests, it is supposed that the queens are impregnated at this time, as on the approach of cold weather, all, except the queens, die. It is desirable to ascertain whether the queens remain torpid during cold weather, and what use is made of the pollen and honey stored during the end of summer and in autumn; it may perhaps be food for the queens during mild weather in early spring before any plants are in blossom. Very little wax is made by the humble bees, as it is only used for covering the cocoons of the larve, for thinly lining the nest or the inside, for strengthening the old cells which are used for honey ‘pots, and occasionally covering these pots, and for propping up the cells.” One important use of the wax made by these bees, especially those that make their nests in the meadows without much protection from the weather, is the lining of the roof of the nest. Between the cells and the outer covering of fine grass or hay, a coating of wax is attached to the inside of the protecting mass, and forms a waterproof envelope for the store within. How this wax is produced is thus described by Dr. McCook: “Tenants of an old Farm,” p. 176—a most charming book on insects. ‘‘ The bee secretes the wax from its own body. On the under side of the abdomen are six little flaps, not unlike pockets, the covers of which can be easily raised with a pin. Under these flaps is secreted the wax, which is produced in tiny seals or flaps, and may be seen projecting from the flaps like little half-moon-shaped white lines. A scale of wax is drawn out from the abdominal ring by pincers fixed at the joint of one of the hind pair of legs, and is carried to the mouth. It is there worked up by the mandibles and tongue, and undergoes some important change. Plenty of food, quiet and warmth are necessary for the pro- duction of wax, and as it is secreted very slowly, it is extremely valuable and used by the ‘bees with great economy. How wax is formed within the body of the bee we cannot explain, any more than we can tell how the liquid silk is produced within the spider’s silk glands. The author of Nature has endowed these creatures with such gifts, and the power to use them—we go no further. But it is a wonderful substance, soft enough, when warm, to be kneaded and spread like mortar, and hard enough when cool to bear the weight of brood and honey. Moreover, it is of a texture so close that honey cannot soak through the delicate walls of the cells, which are perfect, natural honey-pots. In order to gather honey, the bee has at the end of its face a long, hair clad proboscis or tongue which it inserts into the recesses of flowers, brushes out the nectar, passes the laden tongue, through its jaws, scrapes off the sweet liquid and swallows it. Just within the abdomen the esophagus expands into a little sac called the crop or honey-bag, and into this the nectar is passed. If the bee wants to eat, it opens a minute valve which divides the crop from the stomach which is just beyond it, and lets out enough to satisfy its hunger. As long as the valve is closed the nectar accumulates, and when the crop is filled the bee flies home and regurgitates the collected sweets into one of the honey-cells. 30 XN The liquid enters the crop as nectar ; it comes out honey—by what process is a secret, even to the bee. i Bel Besides honey, the bees bring back to their nests from the flowers quantities of pollen —the coloured dust from the stamens of the blossoms. Everyone has probably noticed the balls of yellow, brown or whitish polien adhering to the bees’ legs, as they leave the — flowers. These balls are carried in the basket provided by nature for the purpose. The skin or middle portion: of the hind legs is flat and smooth, of a triangular shape, and slightly hollowed on the outer side. ‘This horn-like substance forms the bottom of the basket. Around the edges of this plate are placed rows of strong, thickly-set, long bristles which curve inward. These are the walls of the basket and complete the structure. The pollen is collected gradually with the mandibles, from which the short fore-legs gather it. Thence it is passed backward to the middlelegs by a multiplied series of scrapings and twistings, and from them to the hind legs, where it is scraped and patted into the baskets. It is secured from falling out by the walls of bristles whose elasticity will even allow the load to be heaped beyond their points without letting it fall. When the busy harvester has gathered as much as her basket will conveniently hold, she flies. away home and empties her load by a reversal of the process which filled it. In this task, however, she is often aided by her fellow-workers. Like all other insects,—indeed, one may say, like all other living creatures on this. earth, the humble-bee is infested by various parasitic enemies that prey upon it at various stages of its existence. Among insects generally, there are certain species which prey upon the eggs of the victim ; others, and this is the most common mode of parasitism, attack the “insect in its larval state; others in the pupa state, and still others when it attains to its winged form. Of these parasites the various kinds of Ichneumon flies are — much the most common, and do most efficiently the work of keeping in check the undue multiplication of the larger insects that they attack. Next to them come the different species of Tachina, which outwardly resemble very closely the common house-fly. These, as well as the Ichneumons, live in the bodies of their hosts when in the caterpillar or larvak state ; they consume the fatty parts and finish their transformations when their exhausted victim is about to die. An insect, very similar to the Tachina, produces the disease well- known to bee-keepers called ‘foul brood,” and which is very similar to the typhus fever of man. This tiny fly named Phora, enters the bec-hive, and gaining access to a cell, bores with its ovipositor through the skin of a bee Jarva, and lays its egg within the body of the grub. Very quickly the egg hatches and ina few hours the fly-maccot begins to eat the fatty tissues of its victim ; in a day or two the young bee, emaciated by the attacks of its ravenous parasite, dies, and its decaying body fills the bottom of the cell with a corrupt mass called foul-brood. This creates a miasma which poisons the contiguous cells, and then the disease spreads rapidly through the whole hive, unless promptly checked by removing the cause and thoroughly cleansing the hive. Another enemy of the honey-bee is a wingless louse which is sometimes found in hundreds on the body of a bee. These common parasites of the honey bee are mentioned, because in all probability they attack the native wild bees as well, though little is as yet known about their life and troubles under ground. ’ Among the parasites of the humble bee that are well-known, may be mentioned the larve of the beautiful dark blue oil bettle (Meloé angusticollis, Say.) During April and May, when the willows are in blossom, these little grubs may be found creeping briskly over the hairy bodies of the bees, as they buzz about the catkins. They penetrate between the segments of the body, and suck the juices of their victim, finally completing their strange transformations in the cells of the comb to which the unconscious bee has brought them. When in the nest they are said to dévour eggs and bee-bread indiscriminately. Another strange enemy of the humble bee is the Sty/ops, a curious insect somewhat allied to the oil beetle. The wingless female spends its whole life within the body of a bee, feeding upon and weakening, “but not actually killing its host. The young, which apparently are born alive and not ’ produced from eggs, creep out from the mother to the surface of the bee’s body, and are thus carried into the nest where they enter the bot of the grubs in the cells and feed upon their fatty parts. The males, when full ‘ have wings and can fly away in search of mates, while the females continue imprisoned. . 3l = = ——e Among the insects which in some way or other prey upon the humble bee may be. mentioned the closely allied genus Apathus, the members of which outwardly look very like the true humble-bee, but differ from them in possessing no pollen-collecting apparatus, and in having no worker or neuter forms. They live on apparently most friendly terms. with their good-natured hosts, but what part they play in the economy of the community, beyond living with them as visitors, is not known. Another insect, though only a two-winged fly (Vollwcella), also very closely resembles. a humble-bee in appearance ; it frequents the bees’ nests and in its larval state devours. the brood and stores. Various beetles are frequently found in the nests, and a tiny moth, ‘nearly allied to the common clothes-moth, infests the abode and bears some part in the. general raid upon the lives and property of the poor humble bees. These numerous though tiny enemies*would seem to be enough to prevent any undue. — increase of numbers among our friends, but there are still others of a much larger growth. Not to mention again the ordinary boy who does his full share in the work of decimating the numbers of the humble-bees, they are vigorously preyed upon at night by the. unsavoury skunk. This animal, which by the way deserves commendation for destroying myriads of ‘June beetles,” and other noxious insects, hunts for the nests of the bees during its nocturnal rambles, and when found tears them open and makes a sweet meal) upon the Jarve and other contents of the nest. A still more serious enemy is the field-mouse; possibly it is actuated by the feeling of revenge, and wishes to make reprisals upon the bees for taking possession of its abandoned’ nests, by deyouring the honey-comb. The part which these four-legged vermin play in the- economy of nature in connection with the bees is thus curiously described by the great Naturalist Darwin, in his “ Origin of Species.” ; “< We may infer,” he says, ‘‘as highly probable that were the whole genus of humble- bees to become extinct or very rare in England, the heart’s ease and red clover (which they fertilize by carrying pollen from flower to flower), would become very rare or wholly disappear. The number of humble-bees in any district depends in a great degree on the number of field-mice which destroy their combs and nests; and Colonel Newman, who has long attended to the habits of humble bees, believes that more than two-thirds of them are thus destroyed all over England. Now the number of mice is largely dependent, as every one knows, on the number of cats. Colonel Newman says that near villages and small towns he has found the nests of humble-bees more numerous than elsewhere—a fact which he attributes to the number of cats that destroy the mice. Hence it is quite. eredible that the presence of a feline animal in large ‘numbers in a district might deter- mine, through the intervention first of mice, and then of bees, the frequency of certain flowers in a district.” So important is this work of pollen carrying by insects for the due fertilization of plants, that repeated efforts have been made to naturalize the humble-bee in Australia... It has been found that the red clover fails to produce its seeds in that country owing to the entire absence of humble-bees, which alone seem able to penetrate its long corolla and carry the pollen from one blossom to another. The proboscis of the honey-bee is too short to effect this object, but it is easily accomplished by the long appendage of the humble- bee. The specimens imported by the Australians failed to survive the long voyage, until quite recently when, we understand, some larve were taken over and reached their destination alive. It will be a matter of much interest to learn whether successful colonies. can be reared in that continent which alone has thus far failed to be a home for the. humble-bee. BUTTERFLIES. BY THE REV. THOMAS W. FYLES, SOUTH QUEBEC. What beauty and animation do the butterflies impart to the summer landscape? What pleasant memories do they recall! Were they suddenly exterminated what a loss would be felt! And yet, how many people having eyes see them not—allow them te ‘pass as things in a dream—-satisfied with their beauty, and incurious. The Rev. J. G. Wood observes with reference to country people and insect life,—‘It is a very singular fact that those who, living so much in the open field, would be supposed to have correct knowledge of natural phenomena, are really profoundly ignorant of facts that pass daily before their eyes.” His words, when 1 read them, sent my thoughts back to my early years— to my school-boy life in the country, when, ‘at any rate, every species of bird and its egg, that were there to be found, were familiar to me; and I set myself to consider what kind of insects really attracted my attention then. I was amazed at their paucity. I knew nothing, in those days, of Entomology as a science—I was in the position of an ordinary observer having a general love for nature. But when an insect did make an ‘impression on my mind that impression was a deep one; and it is astonishing to me now how vividly I can recall the companions, the scenes, the circumstances connected with the creatures’ appearance to me. Such early impressions are ‘“‘as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies” in a sure place, and many thing are suspended from them. Wordsworth, in his address to a butterfly, has expressed his experience of the strange power that an early attraction has of securing an association of ideas in the mind. He says,— ‘* Stay near me—do not take thy flight! A little longer stay in sight ! Much converse do I find in thee, Historian of my infancy ! Float near me: do not yet depart ! Dead times revive in thee : Thou bring’st, gay creature as thou art! A solemn image to my heart, My father’s family ! Oh! pleasant, pleasant were the days, The time, when in our childish plays, My sister Emmeline and I Together chased the butterfly ! A very hunter did I rush Upon the prey :—with leaps and springs I followed on from brake to bush But she, God love her! fear’d to brush The dust from off its wings.” “ How well one remembers the ‘ Long time ago’ with which so trivial a thing as the capture of an insect, even though of no great rarity, is associated,” says«the Rev. F. O. Morris (Lritish Butterflies, p. 89.) As early insect acquaintances I can only recall the Common lue, the Small Copper, the Spe ckled Wood, the Peacock Butterfly, the Sia Spot Burnet Moth, the Magpie Moth, the Tiger Moth, the Stag Beetle, the Devil's Coach-horse, the Cock chafer, the Glow-worm. Four butterflies, three TO. and four beetles—not a long list. And I suppose there are thousands who individually could not recall a greater number, and who yet would acknowledge the force of Kate Kavanagh’s words in “ Beatrice ”—“ We all have some secret communion with nature—some fine and subtle link by which we are bound to the great mother.” They have needed a friend to take them by the hand, and to introduce them to the charming world of insects. Even the poets} who sing of all lovely things, very seldom speak of the butterfly : the bee is a greater favourite with them. In the works of that gentle priestess of natnre, Jean Ingelow, I can only find three allusions to our butterfly friends, In that delightful poem ‘“ Divided,” she says :— ‘* Flusheth the rise with her purple favour, Gloweth the cleft with her golden ring, *Twixt the two brown butterflies waver, Lightly settle and sleepily swing.” In “Scholar and Carpenter,” ** And I admired and took my part With crowds of happy things the while: With open velvet butterflies That swung, and spread their peacock eyes, As if they cared no more to rise From off their beds of chamomile.” 33 And in “ A Dead Year,” ** Let me smell the wild white rose, Smell the wood-bine and the May ; Mark, upon a sunny day, Sated, from their blossoms rise Honey-bees and butterflies.” The number of individuals of some species, like the multitude of representatives of some kinds of wild flowers, seems to forbid the investigation that rarity would invite. Things that are seen continually are passed by unheeded ; and many so called familiar things, are in reality strange to us. ‘‘The works of the Lord are great,” but, it is added, “ sought out by all them that have pleasure therein.” His treasures are everywhere abrn- dant ; but it is ‘‘he who seeketh ” that “ findeth.” The butterflies here, as elsewhere, form but a small portion of the Lepidoptera. I have in my collection representatives of fifty-four species taken in the Province of Quebec. I have heard of the capture therein of specimens of six other kinds. So we may set down the number of known species of Quebec butterflies at not less than sixty. It is charming in early June, when the maples are in their fresh green, to see Papilio Turnus fit through the sunny glades, like a fairy, or a hamadryad. So also is it to watch Papilio Asterias, as she sweeps by, sombre in dress, and graceful in motion as a Spanish belle. Where the wild goosebery is in blossom, or over their food plant, Cornus, sporting groups may be seen of the delicate blue butterfly Lycena Lucia, of the variety that Mr. W. H. Edwards has named Marginata. The Comyntas Blue is local. I have taken it on Mount Royal early in May, but have never seen it further east. Other local species taken at Montreal are Zhecla Mopsus (July 14th), Neonympha Furytris (latter part of June), Hudamus Tityrus (June and July), Debis Portlandia (August). The last is very rare. Mr. P. H. Gosse tells of the capture of it (under the name of Hipparchia Andromacha) at Compton about 90 miles east from Montreal. I have never seen the living insect. 1 am indebted to Mr. Caulfield of Montreal for the specimen I possess. I met with WV, Hurytris in the Eastern Townships for the first time in 1882. Chrysophanus Hyllus showed itself in our meadows in 1879. It*has since become plentiful. eniseca Tarquinius fell into my hands early in September, 1881. I was driving along a road which led by an alder swamp in the township of Stanbridge, when my vehicle brushed the foliage, and disturbed an insect. J said to a friend who was riding with me ‘“ That insect flies like a Vapourer Moth, but it is of a different shade, I will get out and see what it is.” With some difficulty, owing to its indistinct colouring and its uncertain flight, I captured the specimen, and found it to be one of the species new tome. A few days afterwards I returned, and spent an afternoon in the swamp, and met with several individuals of the kind, which in every case were resting on the upper side of the leaf of the alder (Alnus incana), or on its stem. I found no hawthorns near the spot, though [ searched carefully for them, so I cannot help thinking that the old appellation for the insect, P. Cratcwgi, was a misnomer, The insect has been taken in an alder swamp also by Mr. H. H. Lyman, of Montreal. On July 24th 1882, I again eaptured F. Varquinius. It was in a photographer's “saloon” on the Main Street, Cowansville, P. Que. The Saloon, a Japanese sort of arrangement of movable panels, had stood ou the Exhibition Ground, Montreal, until the October preceding. It was then moved to the Townships, and packed away for several months. As the insect was beauti- fully fresh, I have no doubt that it was accidentally imported in the chrysalis state. On August 30th, 1885, I again saw F. Tarquinius amongst alders on the Island of Orleans. Ancylozypha Marginatus 1 have taken in September in a bottom land by the Ymaska river in the township of Shefford, amongst the wild grasses that are found in such local- ities. Pamphila Egremet, Pholisora Catullus and Pyrgus Centauree I have met with among the hills bordering upon the State of Vermont. Melitea Harrisii in a swamp at St. Henri, Quebec. A. Atlantis, C. Eurytheme, and G. Fawnus among the woods and mea- dows of the County of Missisquoi. Pamphila Manitoba may be taken at Riviere-du-Loup en bas. It is said that Grapta interrogationis has been captured near Montreal. I have never met with it. Chionobas jutta was formerly taken near Quebec. For it, too, I have for several] seasons searched in vain. Mr. J.G. Jack, of Chateauguay Basin, has 3 (EN.) 1 te bal a 4 34 recorded the capture, at that place, of Papiho Cresphontes and Euptoieta Claudia (seo Can. Ent. v. xiv., p. 219). Mr. Fletcher has found Thecla Niphon in abundance in the neighbourhood of Ottawa. His interesting account of the insect has appeared in the ~ Society’s publications. Of our common butterflies, Colias Philodice is one of the most plentiful. It is seen with wings erect on moist spots in the country lanes, in sedate assemblies that have often b-en suggestive of beds of crocuses. Vanessa Antiopa is another insect that is every- where abundant with us; and it is as beautiful as it is common. In England, where it is extremely rare, it is called the ‘‘ Camberwell Beauty,” its capture at Camberwell having been recorded. I once saw the insect in Lord Scarborough’s wood, in Langton Carr, Lin- colnshire. It was in October, when insects were few. I was standing motionless whena stately insect came gliding over the trees and settled on a young oak, on which the sun- light was playing three yards in front of me. It just spread its wings, and fairly dis- played its beauties, and then sailed away and I saw it no more. Besides V. Anétzopa, the butterflies common to both countries are Pyrameis Atalanta (the Red Admiral), P. Cardus (the Painted Lady), and P2ers Rape (the small cabbage butterfly). A single specimen of Argynnis Aphrodite (the Venus Fritillary) was taken in 1833, in Upton Wood, near Lea- mington, Warwickshire, by James Walhouse, Esq., of that place. One specimen also of Pyramcis Huntera (the scarce Paiuted Lady), was captured by Capt. Blomer, at Withy- bush, near Haverfordwest, S. Wales, in 1828 (Morris’ Butterflies, pp. 76 and 113). P. Huntera is generally scarce on this side of the Atlantic, but in 1879-80 numbers of the P. Cardui in England, it is said, appears abundantly about every species could be seen. seventh year. The most beautiful of our Quebec butterflies is, I think, the Banded Purple (Zimenitis Arthemis). It has a velvety richness that is very attractive. It is met with abundantly in the mountain roads of Brome and Shefford, in June and July. On such roads, too, at times Grapta J. Album is plentiful. This insect is one that is most difficult to catch. It rests with closed wings, and the dull hues of the exposed under sides closely resemble those of the fencing on which the insect usually settles. As an intruder upon its haunts approaches it, it dashes away with a speed that sets pursuit at defiance. The specimens ot this insect that I possess were found hybernating in an unused room in the upper story of the Missisquoi High School. Melitaa Phaéton (the Baltimore Fritillary) seems to delight in swampy hollows among the hills, and Neonympha Loisduvalli (Boisduval’s butterfly) in mountain meadows. In autumn, when the roads are lined-with Golden Rod (Solidago Canadensis) in tull blossom, flocks of Fritillaries of the species Arthenus, Myrina and Sellona, rise as the waytarer approaches. Here and there an insect may be seen fixed helpless on the plant. Exumination discloses that it is in the clutches of a lurking foe, of a curiously shaped bug (Phymata erosa), that is sucking its life away. This bug lies hid amongst the blos- soms which it closely resembles in colour, and when a butterfly alights above it, seizes the unwary insect with its powerful front legs formed for grasping, drives its beak into the body of its victim, and holds it till its appetite is sated. Insects may be lost to us through improvements. The Great Copper butterfly (Chry- sophanus dispar) was lost to England through the draining of Whittlesea Mere. The cleaning out and draining of a bottom land in Brome banished Melita Phaéton from that particular spot. On the other hand, improvements may fit the country for the abode of new species from the South. The introduction of the cut-leaved ash has brought Papilio Cresphontes to Quebec Province. C. Hyllus, as we have seen, has but lately found its way hither. To the Niagara district southern forms, such as Papilio Marcellus, P. Ajax, P. Philenor, ete., ete., etc., wafted northward by the warm airs from the Mississippi valley, have found their way. Happily we are not much troubled with the small boy entomologist—with the “* Young Barnes” of the old country, with juveniles, having the greed of acquisition, but not the love of science, who catch for catching’s sake. Many a Species in England is fast disap- pearing before the nets of such spoilers. Long may it be before Canada gives birth to such a race. For, of all living things the Rhopolocera are the least hurtful and the most widely attractive. They are beautiful; they are diurnal. For the most part they feed 35 on weeds, or on plants of little value. Pzeris rape (the cabbage butterfly), is undoubtedly the most offensive of the race, but even the farmer who humanely sold his cabbages, which had been attacked by P. rape, because he deemed them unfit for food, met with a ready sale, und no purchaser was known to have been injured by them. Here and there a carrot, or a parsnip, may be somewhat smaller because Papilio Asterias has fed upon its top, but surely the beauty of the imagoamply pays for the trifling damage done by the larva. Indeed, we may thank God that He has provided such visions of beauty and grace as the butterflies afford, and at so small a cost to the beholders. FAMILIES AND SUB-FAMILIES OF THE BUTTERFLIES OF THE PROVINCE OF QUEBEC. Famity I. PAPILIONID4. Six legs fitted for walking. SE ee BAPITAONEDI) 6.0014) = Inner margin of hind wing concave. putamily IF... ...... PEERID Tee ey. alerts) oss erase Inner margin of hind wing convex. Famity II. DANAID Ai. Siz lega fitted for walking. Wings rounded, antenne with long and curved knob. Faminy III. NYMPHALIDGA. First pair of legs rudimentary. Only four legs fitted for walking. Soe 1s A DALVRID ian euscteneins Spotted insects with rounded wings. Sruetamily Ess oan NYMPHALIDI |, .......).. Wings rounded. Conspicuous bands on hind wings. sub-eamily: PVT oe eo... WIA NESS ED Ire s)he 47.2 0)<) 6 Wings with angular projections. Subfamily IV .:......4. PALES INGNIN DDD sods 2:0) ea, «19! Tawny, black-spotted insects. Hind wings rounded. Famity IV. LYCENID AA. Six legs fitted for walking. Insects of small size. Famity V. HESPERID 4. Mostly small insects. Head broad. Antenne set wide apart. Six legs of equal length. 36 BUTTERFLIES OF THE PROVINCE OF QUEBEC. A Taste to enable the student of entomology to find readily the name of a butterfly from the size, colour, and leading characteristics of the insect. Expanse of Wings; in inches or parts of an inch. Namk or Insect. Papilio Cresphontes..... |Danais Archippus........... IPaOWiOMONRNUS:. | occ ns ae © Papilio Asterias...... Limenitis Disippus......... Limenitis Arthemis ......... Vanéssa Antiopa........... Argynnis Aphrodite } | . |Grapta interrogationis 'Grapta J. album PREVAILING COLOUR. DISTINGUISHING MARKS. ABlack: attention ae em Conspicuous yellow spots and _ blotches. Large tails, each containing a yellow spot. WulvoOusi. 6 ae escent Black vems. Black border spotted with white. Mello wesc smes nis cuisines Black bands. Hind wings tailed. Black plas aise ete cattle Double row of yellow spots. Seven blue spots on hind wing. Hind wings tailed. MULWOUB! eniestctaee soe cee Black veins and borders, Curved black line through hind wing. White band. Buff margin. Mulvous’aacotieesc eee Large silver spots on under side of hind wing, Molyous:.csseee ss A golden semi-colon (;) on under side of hind Pyrameis Cardui............ Pyrameis Huntera Argynnis Atlantis .......... } Pieris, Oleraced-.< ~~ ...<....2. Pieris OTD 2 ee Colias Philodice Colias Eurytheme........... Debis Portlandia............ Pyrameis Atalanta.......... wing. Tortoise-shell........... \Under side hind wing ash-grey, with a white J in the centre. Blacker hire eres White spots, red bands. 'Fulvous with a rosy tinge|Underside marbled. Five small eye-like spots ; near hind margin of hind wing. LAinlvoug s 25 cise ksaesterne Under side marbled. Twolarge eye-like spots near hind margin of hind wing. inl MOUS: «theo ee Resembles Aphrodite, but has dark border to hind margin of all the wings. White - 5 a. ) sae as No spots. Angles near the body yellow. White So NU Blackish tips. Female has black spots. Mellow ie 4)... 5 isis: uae Black hind border. Black spot on fore-wing. Orange spot on hind wing, ! Oranges oie. At Ee ros ee Resembles Philodice, of which it is believed — to be a variety. Lr Brown ee es Velvety black spots. Under side has a rosy. ( gloss. era 37 Butterflies of the Province of Quebec—Continued. anse of Wings hes or parts in inc Exp 1 3-16| Pamphila Egremet 1 of an inch. NAME oF INSECT. Vanessa Milberti \Grapta Progne t ! | | | |Melitea Phaeton Endamus Tityrus i |Grapta HAUS Eee RS is | i Neonympha Boisduvalii Satyrus Nephele............ |Argynnis Myrina Argynnis Bellona Melitza Harrisii Neonympha Eurytris Phyciodes Tharos........... |Kudamus Pylades Chrysophanus Hyllus Thecla Acadica Thecla Falacer Thecla Niphon a er) (Rich brown .... [uly ouseeaenescr ence ! Dark brown Fulvous, black Male—Coppery-brown .. Female—Fulvous Brown Dark brown Brown with rosy blush. . Rich warm brown. ——— .|Orange-red bands. Pale yellowish-brown ... mottled with DISTINGUISHING Marks. Under side richly marbled brown, grey and yellow. A silver comma (,) on hind wing. A row of small blue erescents on hind wing. Under side dark brown, streaked with grey. A silvery hook-like mark on hind wing. Orange and white spots. Large heart-shaped silver spot on under side of hind wing. Resembles comma but is more richly marked. Mottlings of under side have a dark sage green appearance. Spots on under side black with white centres and two light rings around each. Two large black spots on fore wings with bluish-white centres. One light ring to spots on under side. Four rows of silver spots on under side of hind wing. No silver spots. A rosy-white gloss on under side of hind wing. Under side of hind wings has numerous buif pos and lunettes bordered with black. ; Black spots with two lead-coloured dots in each, |Reticulated with black lines. Whitish spots starting from costa of fore wing in two rows and meeting in the middle—one row continued. Under side of hind wing silvery-grey with orange border and black spots. Numerous small black dots on under side. Conspicuous blue patch interrupting row of orange spots on under side of hind wing. Small tails. Light brown underneath with white bor- dered brown spots. Slender tails. A few white spots on upper side of fore wing. Under side lighter. Hind wing banded be- neath with warm rich brown. 38 Butterflies of the Province of Quebec—Continued. mn a0 oe i aoe . ae Name or Insecr. PREVAILING COLOUR. | Distinevisninc Marxs. ath 4 ae a Se as ge ‘Ss! aa eee ech pubes! 14 |Nisoniades Brizomenin se eu: |Very dark brown ....... |Greyish markings and spots. ‘Two rows of ochre yellow spots near hind margin of | hind wing. 11- 10/Thecta IMTOPSIS Parts jesciases acts oe (Dark brown <0. cn. ecu. No tails. Vermillion spots on under side. 1 1-10|Chrysophanus Americana .. Gooner’ RNIN Ae Dark brown hind wing with red hind border. 1 1-10/Feniseca Tarquinius,........ Fulvous and brown ..... Under side straw-colour. Hind wing thickly set with light reddish brown, white bor- dered spots. 1 |Chrysophanus Epixanthe....|Purplish-brown......... Under side bluish-white with black dots. = Lyczena Marginata.......... Satiny-blue........... .|Under side bluish-grey with dark markings. | Wo orange crescents. 1 {|Pamphila Hobomok.........| Bulvons i. 4: sacle feces Under side of hind wing has a straw- colearen patch in the centre and a yellow spot near the shoulder. | reddish-brown. | a |PamphilacMiysties..........- |Hulvous ..........0..... Under side of hind wing has a curved row of seven straw-coloured spots. 1 |Pamphila Wamsutta........ \Darkibrown'es.s ses ee ee Under side of hind wing has two large con- nected irregular yellow patches. 1 |Pamphile Manitoba......... Wulyous’, esses seem eee Under side of hind wing has two curved rows of silvery spots. % |LLyceena Comyntas.......... Male—Violet blue. Fe-|Thread-like tail. Orange crescents on under | male—Black, glossed side, with blue =. .3.diec.-- | $ |Pamphila Ahaton.......... Tnght brown’: accm.s. LEPIDOPTERA. i i & HETEROCERA (Varivualy-horned). a ——— — ———— LYCENIDA. | ARGYNNIDI- | | : | | | | | | Argynnis. Euptoieta, “Melitau, Phyetodes. Thecla. Feniveea. Chryeophavur, | { | | r ewe | Myriny, Claudia. Phuxston, ‘Pharos. Acadica, Turquinius. Americana. Bellona. Hurrivii, Falacer. Hyllus, Aphrodite. Strigosa. Epixanthe. Atlantis, Mopsus. Nipbon. % a | I _HESPERID&, \ st ar —<— co { | | Anculorupha. Thanaos, Pamphita. | | Marginatus. Brizo 39 wings than the type, or in other words it varies in the direction of albinism, while in the smaller species the reverse is the case, this species varying in the direction of melanism, in some specimens the white spots being almost entirely covered. The smaller species is, ¥ think, common in Ontario, while Zecontei seems to be scarce. Some years since I saw 2 number of the smaller type in Mr. Brodie’s Toronto collection, but he told me he had not met with the larger form. Contigua is a well marked form and varies very little, but as I have no specimens at hand I cannot point out the distinctive features. I am, however, satisfied that breeding the larva will in time prove that we have three white-winged species, Lecontei, contiqua, and the smaller form which now does duty for Kecontes. These three white species occur in Montreal, and the smaller form and contigua are found in Ontario. IJnterrwpto-marginata is found in Ontario, but as far as known to me does not occur in Quebec. INSECTS AND ORGHIDS. BY J. A. GUIGNARD, B.A., OTTAWA, ONT. Without plants, animal life would be impossible on our globe; but likewise, most flowering plants depend entirely for their reproduction on some animal agent. It has even been found that, under water, some Infusoria of the genus Vorticella play a part in the fertilisation of Red Sea weed, Polysiphonia subulata.* Experience teaches that cross-fertilisation is far more advantageous than self- - fertilisation, or, as Charles Darwin expresses it, that “nature abhors perpctual self- fertilisation ;” and observation has brought to light in flowers an endless number of -eontrivances, each one more admirable than the others, in order to insure crossing. Thus, im certain orders, as for instance the grasses, wind carries the powdery, pollen from the open anther-cell of one flower to the viscid stigma of another. Generally, however, this office can be effected only by peculiar, mostly winged, visitors. Each flower then prepares for them either a store of nectar or a superabundance of pollen, as an attraction and reward for the services unconsciously rendered. Some freely display their treasures to all guests, large and small ; others conceal them more or less, and privileged visitors only ean then gain access to the feast, owing to their special size, shape, habits or intelligence. Each species of plant presents in this respect its own peculiarities. Hence it is easy to understand the number of discoveries yet to be made in this field. In order to be con- vinced of it, one has only to read a few pages of such works as those of Darwin and Her- mann Miller,; giving the results of their researches in Europe. At every page new sur- prises await the reader. There are constantly new forms of the organs, new arrange- ments of the parts, new processes with which they are furnished, new successions in the time of unfolding or of maturing anthers and stigma, new motions in many cases, one might nearly say new tricks, for all of which it is not easy to find explanations. Such studies may not have an obvious practical utility. But, besides the pleasure which is always derived from perceiving new beauties in nature, our existence is so closely bound to that of plants and animals that valuable results cannot but be expected from these researches. I may, perhaps, be allowed to quote in this connection part of a delightful article of Mr. G. H. Gibson, in Harper’s Magazine for December, 1881,— “ Among our Footprints.” “The late Prof. Wood, the botanist, had received from a bee-keeper in California, together with a most appealing letter, a small box of dead bees, all of which were heavily laden with a thick covering of very small paddle-shaped substances of a brown colour The accompanying letter stated that thousands upon thousands of the writer’s bees had been attacked, and were dying of the strange disease. He supposed it to be a kind of fungus, bat nobody could explain it or suggest a cure. His business was threatened with ruin, * See McAlpine’s Botanical Atlas, Edinburgh, 1883. +H. Miiller ; The Fertilisation of Flowers. Translated by D’Arcy W. Thomspon ; London, 1883. Berwin ; Cross and Self-fertilisation of Plants ; Lowdon, 1876. 40 and in his extremity he appealed to professional skill for a remedy. Mr. Wood was not long in ascertaining the cause of the trouble. A small magnifier revealed the fact that the so-called fungus was nothing more than the sticky pollen of a certain milk-weed. HH: wrote immediately to his correspondent stating his discovery, and told him to search the country for several miles in his neighbourhood, and he would somewhere surely discover a large tract of this mischievous Asclepias. In about a fortnight he received another letter confirming his theory. The plant abounded in the locality. It had, therefore, been cut down before the scythe, after which the trouble had ceased.” If the modes of fertilisation of all plants deserve our attention, each flower having its own mysteries to be solved, it is pre-eminently the case for Orchids. The flowers in this order are shaped on a type so different from those of any other, that they seem to belong to a world of their own. ‘Their endless variety of form, to which are often added the most exquisite colours, has always attracted notice; but the interest in them has been considerably enhanced by the discovery in these peculiar shapes, of wonderful and minute contrivances to make use of the visits of insects for cross-fertilisation. Charles Darwin gave much attention to this subject, and published the result of his researches in his admirable work ‘‘On the various contrivances by which British and Foreign Orchids are fertilised by Insects, and on the good effects of Intercrossing.” When the first edition appeared in 1862, Prof. Asa Gray examined twenty-two American Orchids, and wrote some valuable articles on the arrangement of the organs, and the mode of fertilization of their flowers, (American Journal of Science and Arts, 1862, 1863). But no visits of insects were then recorded by him, and, altogether, very few seem to have been observed on North American Orchids. Prof. Gray mentions one insect visitor In the last edition of his Botanical text book ; but Prof. 8. L. Smith, of New Haven, Conn., in the summer of 1863, was so fortunate as to see five species of insects on orchidaceous flowers, or loaded with their pollen (Proceedings of the Boston Society of Natural History, vol. ix, page 328). I cannot find any other instances recorded beside those six, to which I shall add a few more. All that is known of the structure, habits, haunts, cultivation of the Orchids of New England, has been summed up in a beautiful little volume*, by Mr. Henry Baldwin, who well deserves the thanks of all lovers of Botany. To what is gleaned from former writers, there are added the results of his own observations, as well as notes from other natural- ists, and the work is most valuable for Canada, where the list of native Orchids is nearly exactly the same as in New England. Mr. Baldwin treats of the different flowers in the order of their dates of blossoming; but I shall bring together the similar features and characters by following the natural order of the genera according to Bentham and Hooker’s “ Genera Plantarum.” + These authors divide the order Orchids into five tribes: Hpidendreae, Vandeae, Neottieae, Ophrydeae, and Cypripedieae, of which the second only is unrepresented in the Dominion. The flowers of the Cypripedieae have two fertile anthers, one on either side of the column, and nearer its base than the three-lobed or rather three-fold stigma. Their pollen forms on the anthers a viscid layer, which is detached and carried away by insects in much the same way as the pollen of most flowers. The other tribes present great differences in these respects. In the first place, their flowers possess only one anther, which is situated at the extremity of the column. Then, their pollen is found in the two cells of the anther, cohering in elongated masses, or pollinia, which are provided at one end with a drop of viscid matter secreted by the rostellum, which is one of the three stigmas transformed. The pollinia thus stick fast readily to whatever comes in contact with the viscid end, and are by this means withdrawn from their cells. This arrange- ment recalls that in the milk-weed mentioned before, though in that case, the pollinia *The Orchids of New England. New York, 1884. J. W. Wiley & Sons. The book is illustrated with 40 figures, of which 15 are fine full-page plates. One cannot help, however, finding fault with some figures. Instead of representing the bold and straight lines in the plants, there has been sometimes an attempt to improve upon nature by curving stalks and leaves in a painful distortion, painful at least to a botanist. + Vol. III. London, 1883. 4] e become fixed to the legs and hairs of insects in a different way, viz., by means of a horny hook with a slit. The object is, however, evidently the same, to bring about crossing by the agency of insects. TRIBE EPIDENDREAE—(MMicrostylis, Liparis, Calypso, Aplectrum, Corallorhiza, Tipularia.) The anther in this tribe is covered by a lid which falls away or opens at maturity so as to expose more or less to view four pollinia, arranged in pairs in each cell. The lid of the Spring Coral-root, Corallorhiza innata, must fall very soon after the expansion of the flower, for I could never find it except in buds. The stigmatic surface is turned down- ward, so that it does not seem possible for the pollen to reach it spontaneously. I have only once found a pollinium on a stigma of a T'way-blade, Liparis Loeselii ; but capsules are generally formed in great number. As far as I can ascertain, no insect visitor of the flowers of this tribe is yet known. Only surmises can, therefore, be made from the shape or size of the flowers. The Adder’s Mouths (Wicrostylis) must require very small insects to effect the pollination of their minute flowers, while only a large bee standing on the sack-like lip of the Calypso borealis could touch with its back the anther above, and extract the pollinia for the benefit of the next flowers visited, The rare Crane-fly Orchis, Tipularia discolor, presents two characters exceptional in this tribe, a spur to its lip, and its pollinia connected by a stipes or stalk to a viscous gland on the rostellum. The shortness of the remarks on these plants, will, it is to be hoped, be an incentive to attentive walkers in the woods and meadows, to ask each of their flowers some of its secrets, whenever there is the opportunity. What visitors does it receive? What attraction does it offer? How do the guests behave ? TRIBE NEOTTIEAE.—(Listera, Spiranthes, Goodyera, Epipactis, Arethusa, Calopogon Pogonia.) The great distinctive character of this tribe from the Epidendreae is the less cohering pollen, which is granular or powdery, and not waxy. ‘ In some, Listera, Spiranthes, Goodyera, and Epipactis, the anther-lid opens in th bud, and the protruding ends of the pollinia become then fixed to the rostellum ; after- wards, when the flower has opened, the least contact even of a human hair, causes the surface membrane of the rostellum to rupture or explode, a portion of the rostellum ad- hering immediately by its viscidity to the foreign object, which on removal draws the pollinia out of their cells. In the European Ladies’-tresses, Spiranthes autumnalis, and Rattlesnake Plantain, Goodyera repens, the viscid strip thus carried away from the beak- like rostellum, is boat-shaped, and leaves the two sides of the beak sticking up like a fork. The flowers are proterandrous, that is, they ripen the pollen before the stigma; at least, when the pollinia are in a condition to be removed, the column is so bent down against the lip which secretes nectar at its base, that a pollinium cannot be brought against the stigma, though a bee should come loaded with one or more. In older flowers, the column is found turned upwards, and pollination of the stigma can then take place. Darwin saw humble-bees fertilise Spiranthes, alighting on the bottom of the spike, and crawling spirally up it, suck one flower after another. The same insects have been observed in Scotland and on the Alps, at work on the flowers of Goodyera repens, a species which also occurs in Canada, as well as two more, G. pubescens and G. Menziesii. Mr. J. Fletcher has in his herbarium a specimen of G. pubescens, with the head of a dipterous fly sticking to the rostellum of one of the flowers; the insect, too feeble to remove the pollinia, had perished miserably. Many similar instances have beeu observed on other species. Darwin mentions one on Epipactis latifolia, which belongs to the same tribe. [t is not unusual to find dead ants and flies on the inflorescence of the milk-weeds, hanging by one leg on the horny hooks of the pollinia. Even large Lepidoptera may be unable to free their proboscides eemented to the pollen of the little flowers of Apocynwm androsaemt- foluwm. 1 found last summer a dead Ctenucha Virginica, which had been thus caught. i) e More details, with figures, reproduced from Darwin, are given on S. autwmnalis, in Baldwin’s ‘‘ Orchids of New England.” The same work contains on Listera ovata a similar extract, also illustrated, from Miller who saw a Coleopterous insect and several different Ichneumonidae fertilise the flowers. | We have yet to discover what insects render the same service to the Canadian Listera cordata and L. convallarioiodes. As Hpipactis _ gigantea is found in the west, I add here that wasps, honey-bees, and flies fertilise two of its European congeners. Another species is, however, known to be self-fertilising. After these several genera common to both sides of the Atlantic, we come to three others, more interesting to us, as they do not occur in Europe. Arethusa, Calopogon, and Pogonia, belong also to a different subtribe, the Arethuseae, in which the very short -rostellum has no viscid gland, and the lid-like anther is inverted above it, so as to bring next to the rostellum that end of the pollinia which, in most Orchids, is turned in the opposite direction. The other end of the pollinia is, however, viscid as usual, but point- ing towards the back of the column. How this viscidity originates at such a distance from the rostellum, is, I believe, not yet understood. The anther does not open of itself as in the before mentioned Neottieae, but remains tightly clused in the clinandrium, until some force applied on its edge in an outward direction, lifts it out, swinging on its elastic hinge-like filament. If released, it immediately falls back into its place, provided it has not been too roughly handled. I have as yet seen only Calopogon pulchellus and Pogonia ophioglossoides, whose large and lovely flowers appear to such advantage on the tender green of the bog-mosses. The structure of the Jatter has been well described by Dr. S. H. Scudder in an article in the proceedings of the Boston Society of Natural History (1863), which is also to be found in Mr. Ba!dwin’s book. The column lies over the lip by which it is partly enclosed, but there is left under it a kind of tube through which the visitor may with some effort creep first under the anther, then under the long stigma, and finally reach the peculiarly per- fumed nectar at the bottom of the tube. The insect, on withdrawing, brushes against the fringed lid of the anther, and inverts it, thus bringing the upper viscid ends of the pollinia eee against its back ; nnd if they Bie fast to its body, it is enabled to perform the pollination of other stigmas. The anther is remarkably thick and massive: the pollen cells form but a very small part of its volume. Hence, after having been raised it falls by its weight into its first position, and the cells are thus brought back into the clinandrium which shelters them perfectly as before. Consequently, if all the pollen has not been taken away by a first visitor, it may be by a second. The insects must evidently be rather small to be able to pass under the column, and, further, must be winged, for entrance by creeping up the stem and the sides is prev ented by the petals and sepals, while, on the other hand, the lip spreads forward, carpeted with fringes, as a most con- venient alighting place for w inged visitors. The flower of Calopogon is very diferondly, disposed, all the parts being widely expanded and separate. It is unique among Canadian orchids, in that its ovary “does not twist when the flower opens, so that the lip keeps the same position that it had in the bud, and remains the highest part of the flower. The sepals and lateral petals are lanceolate and about equal. The lip, which is a little shorter, widens out above into a vexillum similar to that of some Leguminosae, but its anterior face is ornamented with white and yellow hairs, which contrast beautifully with the brilliant purple of the rest of the flower ; and the whole cannot but attract from afar the attention of insects in quest of booty. The lip is articulated a little above its base, where in the bud it is folded at a right angle while lying over the column. . When the flower expands, the lip is the last part of the perianth to open out. It then becomes erect and keeps that position for three or four days. Then only can the pollinia be withdrawn from the anther, and fertilisation take place ; for afterwards the lip falls down again into its original position on the column and covers up both the stigma and the anther. p The winged petaloid column projects ferward : it is peculiar both for its length and for the small dimensions of the anther and the stigma, which form a scarcely noticeable swelling at the truncated extremity. The inner and upper surface of this swelling is the. — stigma, under which the anther rests in the clinandrium. A slight outward pressure on the edge of the lid opens it, and it is seen to be divided by a thin partition into two om * ig 43 each of which contains two bright yellow pollen masses connected together at the end next to the hinge by a viscid drop ; the pair is, therefore, drawn out at once by any body touching this viscidity. That some animated agent is required to affect the pollination is manifest from the fact, stated before, that the anther never opens of itself, not even when the flower is violently shaken. There is indeed no free nectar, but the basis of the lip and of the column, which are connate, are thickened around a small depression which seems to correspond to the spur of the other genera, and are as if swollen with juices. To insects knowing how to draw from this store, the winged column offers a most convenient stage while sucking the sweets. Then the anther is behind them and the pollinia must become attached to their legs as is the case with the milk-weed. Though I paid many visits to a Calopogon plot, and noticed many anthers with empty cells and many stigmas pollinised, I only once saw an insect visit a flower. It was a humble-bee as it was just alighting on a column, its head towards the labellum ; but unfortunately it flew away frighted by my presence, without having raised the anther. However, it was easy to understand that so large an insect must by its weight bend down the column, when the edge of the swelling at its apex would thus offer a sure foothold. In its movements, the bee cannot but invert the lid of the anther, and then often, if not always, the pollinia will be fastened toa leg and carried either to the contig- uous stigma or to that of some other flower. Humble-bees are, moreover, known to puncture juicy parts of flowers, as I shall have occasion to mention later, and they have a well-known trick with long honey-tubes, to save themselves trouble, of biting them through from the outside. This may frequently be seen in the flowers of Linaria _ vulgaris, the common Toad-flax, and the Garden Antirrhinum. By holding successively a house-fly and then a meat-fly over the anther of a Calopogon, 1 saw that the former was nots strong enough to produce any effect on the lid, while the latter lifted it without difficulty, and soon had the pollinia attached to its legs; in its struggles to free itself, the insect then brought them against the stigma, which retained them. Self-fertilisation seems thus not to be so well guarded against as in the case of Pogonia, TRIBE OPHRYDE®.—(Orchis, Habenaria.) In this tribe, the anther is adnate to the apex of the column. Its dehiscence takes places by a slit along the whole Jength of the two cells, which contain each a granular pollinium. The caudicles into which the pollinia are produced, become then connected with the two glands of the rostellum. In the genus Orchis these glands are protected by a pouch, and are contiguous, coalescing even into one; in the genus Habenaria, they are on the contrary naked and more or less distant from each other. As soon as they adhere to any object, they flatten out into a disc, which has generally the remarkable property of contracting in a peculiar direction, and in about half a minute or more of time, causing to bend down from an erect position to a nearly horizontal one. If now the object loaded with them is replaced in a flower in the same position as before, the pollinia strike not against the anther cells, but exactly against the viscid stigma situated lower down, and in Habenaria (in-consequenee of a simultaneous movement of rotation) between the cells. Darwin was the first to describe this movement of depression, and he understood all the details as conducive to regular fertilisation, but in the English Orchises the spur is devoid . of honey, and he was long unable to discover what could attract the absolutely necessary msects. “Sprengel, who supposed that the pollinia were applied to the stigma of the same flower, suggested that the insect visitor came in search of honey, and on finding none, passed on to some other kind of flower. But it-was essential for Darwin’s theory that the insect visitor should visit a number of the flowers in succession, and Darwin suggested that possibly the insects pierced the delicate tissue of the spur and sucked the included fluid, My own direct observations have confirmed this view, as well as every detail of the rest of Darwin’s account.” (Miiller.*) Hive-bees and humble-bees, also an Empis, a dipterous fly. have been seen in Europe to pierce the inner wall of several kinds of Orchis with the * See also Am. Nat., pp. 280 and following. 44 points of their maxillae, the punctures being visible from the outside as small elongated ‘specks. (Darwin, Miller.) I give these particulars rather in connection with what I said before on Calopogon ; for in the Canadian Orchises the spur is a true nectary; during the two or three days before the dehiscence of the anther, free nectar is secreted in the spur, until it fills about — a third of its total length. The flower of Orchis rotundifolia resembles very much that of O. mascula described by Darwin. The sepals and lateral petals are independent from each other, and the Icbed, white, and spotted lip is nearly horizontal, forming a most convenient stage for its visitors, probably small Andrenidae. The flower of the other Canadian species of the genus Orchis, O. spectabilis, differs in several respects. The five upper parts of the perianth are united, forming over the col- umn a galea not unlike that of many Labiatae, while the ovate lip is entire and smooth ; a more important point of difference is that it hangs down, thus facilitating approach to the Sphingidae or hawk-moths, which are wont to remain poised on the wing while in- serting their proboscides into the nectaries ; and the showy white of the lip, contrasting with the delicate purple of the galea above, joined to the absence of perfume, naturally leads to the inference that the moths are day-flying species. Is not also the nearly straight and cylindrical spur admirably fitted for the slender beak of the ruby-throated humming-bird? However, the nectar is doubtless accessible as well to the larger bees, whose tongues can easily be lengthened as far as the bottom of the spur; and none of the guests mentioned could in their interested visits avoid contact with the viscid glands that keep watch over the entrance to the nectary. Mr. KE. Malan in “ Science Gossip,” 1885, p. 101, says that, in the European O. mas-. cula, ‘a warm cloudy morning is necessary to enable the pollinia to escape freely, and indeed, it is only on such a morning that I have ever seen humble-bees visiting the plant.” From this may be understood the importance of noting as far as possible not only the dates of observations, but also the hour of the day and state of the weather. In our second genus of the Ophrydeae, Habenaria, we have here at last some Cana- dian species of Orchids, of which some insect visitors are well-known, Pollinisation has even been observed repeatedly on one species. Prof. A. Gray, in the Journal of Science and Art, gave in 1862 and 1863 the results of his. careful examination of twelve species in reference to their fertilisation; in the last edition of his Botanical Text-Book, he names and figures a moth bearing pollen-masses of the largest species, Habenaria orbacu- lata. As Mr. Baldwin gives in his book all the important details from these and other sources, I shall scarcely do more than recall the principal features of each species. There are extraordinary differences in the dimensions of the flowers and in the shapes of their organs. The nectary is either sack-shaped, conical, or long and thread-like ; its entrance may be wide open, or contracted, or obstructed by projections of the column or the lip. The upper petals and the sepals are in some species grouped as a roof over the column, in others they are thrown back so as to allow a side approach. In some the lip hangs down in the shape of a strap (latin, habena), in others it projects forward with its end either pointed or spread out into three fan-like and fringed lobes, etc. The lip of H. dilatata, though narrower, entire, and slightly curved upwards, seems, as in Orchis rotundifolia, destined to serve as a standing place for insect visitors. No movement of depression or rotation, says Prof. Gray, was detected in the caudicles of the pollinia after their removal from the cells. The stigma being much narrower and situated higher than in Orchis, such a movement is less necessary. The narrowness of the lip naturally increases the chances of the pollinia brought by an insect being directed straight to the stigma in the narrow throat of the flower. H. virescens and H. viridis, var. bracteata, have their flowers disposed so as to oblige insects to approach the spur from the sides. In the former a “‘nose-shaped protuberance” on the base of the lip divides in two the orifice of the spur. The latter species, the type of which, H. viridis, is found in England, has been described by Darwin, who ,from the presence of a ridge down the hanging lip, and of two nectar secreting spots directly under the rostellum glands, concluded that insects must alight on the right or the left and detach only one pollinium at a time. 45 By the side of the former species in which every part insures crossing by extraneous aid, it is surprising to find two others which are self-fertilising: H. hyperborea, which morphologically i is most similar to A. dilatata, and the very- small- flowered H. tridentata. The pollinia of the former, having very weak and attenuated caudicles, very commonly. fall out of the anther cells, while the lip is not yet expanded, or even in the closed bud, and, when the flower opens, they topple over and fall upon the broad stigma beneath. ~ In the other species, the pollinia do not fall bodily out of the cells, but packets of pollen are found detached from them even in the bud, having already fallen down on three clavate and viscid processes of the rostellum into whose substance the pollen sends down copious tubes. The rostellum seems, therefore, to act as a true stigma; hence it is less extraordinary that the normal stigmatic surface under it should to all appearance be functionless. In both species, however, the glands are perfect, and stick fast to a bristle brought against them, when the pollinia, or what may be left of them, is easily drawn away ; thus crossing is still possible. Mr. J. Fletcher has indeed found as many as three weevils (Stethobaris tubulatus, Say) on flowers of H. hyperborea ; Mr. W. H. Harrington caught also one of the same species on a flower of H. psycodes. This weevil may, therefore, oceasionally at least poilinise the stigmas. The larger-flowered Habenaria orbiculata, ciliaris, blephariglottis, lacera, psycodes, and jimbriata have a very long thread-like spur, reaching in the first species to a length of an inch and ahalf. The nectar can evidently be obtained by long-tongued Lepidoptera; the pendant lip shows that they must be hawk-moths which feed without alighting. The prompt movement of depression of the pollinia when drawn out of their cells corresponds to the rapid flight of the moths darting from flower to flower. The moth figured in Prof. Gray’s Botanical Text- Book, Sphinx dr upiferarum, carries two pollinia of H. orbiculata, attached to its eyes, proof positive of a previous visit to a flower. But direct observations were made already in 1863 by Prof. 8. I. Smith. He watched a Sesia Thysbe, and on another day a S. difinis sucking nectar from flowers of H. psycodes.* ‘They commenced at the bottom of the spike, and, proceeding spirally upward, visited every opened flower in turn. Wher caught they had twenty to thirty pollinia sticking to the proboscides near the base.” The same observer took also a Papilio asterias similarly loaded, and frequently saw “the orthopterous insect, Phaneroptera curvicauda, Serv., feeding upon the flowers of the Orchid; but could not find that it ever effected fertilisation in any way, although pollinia were several times found attached to its feet.” The anther-cells of Habenaria Hookeri are wider apart than in the above species, and consequently a moth arriving in front could easily obtain nectar without touching either gland, but an examination of the flower convinces one that the insect must approach from the side; for the lip curves its point upward, while its edges are turned down on both sides and the lateral sepals are thrown backward. Above all, the orifice of the nectary is heart- shaped, in order to guide more surely an insect’s proboscis against the gland above. Before leaving the genus Habenaria, 1 shall mention the surprising contrast of another species of this continent with the preceding. H. nivea of Delaware has like Calo- pogon an untwisted ovary and consequently the spur is turned upward (Gray’s Manual, 5th Ed. page 681). How pollination takes place with this inverted disposition, is eed a puzzling question. The legs of an insect will very likely be found te be the means of cross-fertilisation. Trispe CyPRIPEDIEAE.—(Cypripedium. ) The large inflated lip in the flowers of the Lady’s slippers presents an opening above, while its basal portion is narrower and folded towards the column on both sides so as to form a tube, the roof of which is composed of the sterile stamen or staminodes and the stigma. The edges of the lip overarch all round, except near its base where they leave two symmetrical openings under the two anthers on either side of the base of the column. The pollen is too glutinous to become detached spontaneously from the anthers, and moreover the stigmatic surface is directed downward as if to prevent anything falling upon it. It requires, therefore, a peculiar agent for the pollination. * Seealso Mr. Gibson’s article in Harper’s Magazine, Dec. 1881, where the plant and a eee moth are figured in the usual tasteful style of that publication. 46 ——————s My attention was especially drawn to the present subject by discovering in June 1882, a dipterous fly imprisoned in the large yellow lip of a plant of C. pubescens, which T had under cultivation. The insect either had been attracted by the sweet odour or had resorted to the flower as a convenient shelter on the previous evening, but had not been able to get out again. It never attempted to escape by the wide opening above; for hours it strove to force its way under the column, but being too large to pass beneath the stigma, it always fell back into the cavity of the lip. On the next day, the fly was still in its trap, but motionless. I supposed it was exhausted and took it out, but it flew away immediately. I then placed into the same flower a smaller fly which very soon disappeared under the staminodes and arrived at one of the posterior openings. There, however, it could pass only its head: the glutinous pollen of the anther held it fast by the thorax and all its efforts to regain its liberty were useless. As the flower matures, the pollen becomes less cohering and the tissues of the lip less rigid ; the insect might have been thus released, but [ took upon myself to do the work. I had some difficulty, as I wished to injure neither the insect nor the flower. I then noticed how rigid the edges of the lip is under the aperture, and how it is further maintained in its position by the pointed tip of the filament of the anther. Having disengaged the fly, I gave it its liberty, but carrying away a lump of pollen firmly fixed on its thorax. It had not occurred to me that it might have been still of use to me; for, it was now easy to understand that if the insect with its thorax thus coated with pollen had been placed in a flower, it could not fail to follow in it the same way and to leave pollen on the stigma when passing under it, for the walls of the lip close on either side so as to leave no passage but under the stigmatic dis, which is beset with rigid papillae evidently destined to retain the pollen. A smaller fly, however, was soon found, I besmeared its thorax with pollen and placed it in the lip of a flower. I had the satis- faction to see it nearly immediately come out at one of the back apertures, and without difficulty as it was smaller, but, however, having fulfilled its mission and pollinised the stigma. I may add here, that the flowers thus fertilised produced perfect capsules, though i had never before obtained any on my cultivated plants, on account, no doubt, of the absence in the city of theinsects by which in a state of nature the flowers are usually visited. I could not doubt that such must be the mode of fertilisation, though Darwin, in the first edition of his work on the Fertilisation of Orchids published in 1862 , expressed the opinion that pollination was performed by some insect’s long proboscis inserted through the openings at the baek. And I found afterwards that the inadmissibi ity of that view had been seen long ago by Prof. Gray, who first understood that insects must enter bodily the flowers of Cypriyvediwm and visiting several flowers in succession bring about cross- fertilisation, (Journal of Science and Art, Nov. 1862). In 1863, Prof. S. I. Smith, saw some flowers of C’. spectabile almost cov ered by numbers of small flower-beetles, some of which eventually pollinised the stigma.* Mr. J. Fletcher in 1884 observed also on the same plant that same insect, which has been identified only last winter as being Antho- biwm convexum. Prof. Smith adds: “Of many flowers from different places, nearly all had had the pollen removed in minute particles from the anther to the stigma; but, in two or three instances, the pollen had been removed in one mass as if by some large insect.” “These observations have the peculiar interest of having probably been the first made on this continent of the actual fertilisation of orchids. They also justified Prof. Gray’s theory, that the insects entered the flowers, but though self-fertilisation was thus effected, crossing could scarcely ever occur, and the arrangement of the organs of tke flower is obviously destined as in other orchids to insure the transport of pollen to the stigma of another, as in other orchids, and as had probably been the case in the three instances mentioned by Prof. Smith, when he found large masses of pollen on stigmas. In 1868 an observation of Dr. H. Miller on the Cypripedium calceolus of Europe, con- firmed definitively Prof. Gray’s view: the German professor found in a flower a bee, Andrena pratensis, and saw the plant fertilised by it and afterwards also by four oblige species of the same genus. ft * Proceedings of the Boston Soc. of Nat. Hist., Nov. 1863. + American N: aeeatink 1871, p. 285, and Miiller’s Fertilisation of flowers. 47 I have also tried to ascertain which are the natural visitors of our Lady’s slippers. In the summer of 1883, I could find in @. pubescens only a dead Buprestis, Anthaxia tnornata, perhaps overpowered by a yellow spider, that had possession of the lip and had spun some threads in it, The beetle is a well known flower-loving species. ‘This spider is frequently found in the flowers of this lady’s slipper, and so must get in them sufficient prey to repay it. On another occasion, I found in a lip an Andrena nivalis, but also dead ; it had very likely been unable to escape from the flower on account of its too large size, for it had no traces of pollen on its thorax and was consequently at its first visit. At last, this summer, Mr. W. H. Harrington capturcd a live Osmia vicina on the lip of a flower: it had its thorax all besmeared with pollen and must have had a hard struggle to free itself from the gummy anther, for it seemed nearly helpless. With C. spectabdile, I was a little more fortunate ; I first caught on the 2nd of July 1883, a Megachile melanophxa in the lip of a flower. On the 21st of June 1884, I obtained in the same Lady’s-Slipper— Two bees: Megachile centuncularis, St. Farg; Anthophora terminalis, Cress. One beetle : T'richius affinis, Gory. Three Lepidoptera: Pamphila Cernes, Bd. et. Lec. ; Pamphila Mystic, Scud- der ; Ludamus Tityrus, Fabr., ‘ | -and also several smaller moths which went freely in and out by the medium opening of the lip. As for the three Lepidoptera named above, which nearly entirely filled up the lip, 1 regret, in my hurry to secure them, not to have tried to see how they would get out; it would most likely have been by the same way that they went in; and, if they touched the pollen at all, rather than remove any, they would only leave on it some of their delicate scales, and thus it does not seem possible that their visits can be of any.use to the plant. _ I was not a little pleased, while watching a plant, to see the dfegachile centuncularis fly straight inte the lip without alighting: it was evidently well used to the road to the sweets, and immediately passed under the column. I covered the flower with my net, when the bee hurried to come out by a side opening, and as I expected I found the hairs of its thorax matted with pollen old and new. ‘This was also. the case with the two other bees. The beetle I found lying on its back under the column, busy sucking the nectar-like exudation on the long hairs which line the base of the lip. Replaced in‘another flower, it did not hesitate as to what direction it should take; it disappeared under the staminodes and soon came out under one of the anthers, brushing its shoulder against it. When I tried the experiment with a Jdlegachile, the result was precisely the same; only the bee was much quicker in its movements. If I obstructed the posterior openings, or if the flower was smaller, the insect began at once to bite and tear with its powerful mandibles, till it had made the hole large enough to pass through. I noticed also that when the temperature was low, the bee was not active enough to effect its exit: in a cool room it remained as if powerless. On comparing the known guests that are able to fertilise C. pubescens and C. spectabile, we find naturally the larger ones in the latter species, which has larger flowers and has also no pointed tip to the anther-filament to hold the edge of the lip; it thus allows a larger insect to leave the flower. That tip is also absent in C. acaule, whose fiowers are rather larger again, and in the odd little C. urietinum. The two last named species are remarkable for having the median opening of the lip obstructed, the former by folds of its edge closing together, and the otber by abundant white hairs, similar to those that thickly line the base of the lip inside. The object is obviously to compel the guests after their feast to go out under the anther, but it must be exceedingly interesting to witness them, when they enter force their way where there seems to be no way. Ido not know that any visitors have been found in these flowers, nor in those of C. parviflorum, which seems to differ from C. pubescens only by its smaller size and brighter colours. Onaccount of the position of the anthers of C. acaule, exactly above the centre of the posterior openings of the lip, the pollen must adhere as a general rule exactly in the middle of the back of the 4S 4 visitors. Hence the stigmatic surface needs not to be so broad, and such is indeed the case, it being comparatively narrow. An idea may be formed from these notes which I must now bring to a close, how limited is yet the amount of information on the attractive subject of the fertilisation of Canadian Orchids. Will it not induce many friends of insects and of flowers, if they have not done so before, to watch them carefully as to their relations to each other? If every one would make a note at the time what insects he sees on blossoms of any kind, and communicate his observations, a great deal of interesting and valuable knowledge would thus be collected. Orchids deserve especial attention, both on account of their wonderful contrivanees for cross-fertilisation, and because they are not genérally easy to discover nor to observe. Owing to their fondness for damp, shady spots, the days and the hours of day, when insects can visit them are rare, and one will seldom be ready to watch them at the favor- able time. Moreover, on account of their absolute need of moisture and cover, they are constantly disappearing before the axe and spade of the settler, as also, precisely on account of their rarity, before the greed of too many of their pretended friends, the plant- collectors. In the vicinity of cities, at least, they rapidly become scarce. Every oppor- tunity should, therefore, be improv ed, and not only especially for plants of this or ‘der, ne generally for all. HYMENOPTERA ACULEATA. ANTS, WASPS AND BEES. : BY W. HAGUE HARRINGTON, OTTAWA. Our reports contain each year references to, or descriptions of, various Hymenoptera, but no attempt has previously been made to acquaint our readers with the relations that these insects bear to one another, I will therefore endeavour, in the interests of those who have not access to systematic works, or who have not the time to study them, to outline the groups included in the sub-order Aculeata, or sting-bearers, the members of which are popuiarly known as ants, wasps, and bees. ' Of these there are nine families represented in Canada,* which include about two hundred and fifty recorded species. FORMICIDE. The very interesting paper by Mr. G. W. Bowles, in the report published last year, renders it unnecessary for me to give any account of this family. I may, however, state that the species have been very meagrely investigated hitherto by our collectors, so that our _ knowledge of Canadian ants (as indeed of all our Hymenoptera) is very incomplete. I have myself collected in this neighbourhood alone several genera and species not hitherto recorded, and if entomologists in other parts of this extended country would give attention to these insects, so intelligent in their actions, and so interesting in their habits, it would be found that the number of species is quite large. CHRYSIDID&. This group is not included by some authors in Aculeata, but is considered to belong to Terebrantia, along with the Ichneumons, Gall-flies and Saw-flies. Its members are not furnished with stings such as the bees and wasps possess, for they lack the poison glands which enable the latter to inflict such pain. Only about a dozen species are known to occur in Canada. These are all comparatively small insects, the largest being but about the size of the house-fly, and are remarkable for their brilliant metallic colours, in which green predominates. They are active insects, to be seen upon flowers and shrubs, or * T have largel iy seni as suitable for this paper the classification used by Mr. L. O. Howard in the Standard Natural History now being published. 49 running about on old trees searching the holes made by other insects. When captured, many of the species will roll themselves into little balls, by folding the head upon the breast and bending the abdomen under so as to cover it. The abdomen consists apparent- ly of three, four, or (in the male of Cleptes) of five segments, thus differing from that of bees and wasps. The missing segments are diminished in size and are retracted within the others so as to form a telescopic sheath for the ovipositor. The Chrysids are parasitic in their mode of life, chiefly upon bees and wasps, laying their eggs in the nests of various genera. The grubs of some species are known to feed upon the larve of their hosts, while others content themselves with devouring the store of nourishment laid by for these, and starving the rightful inhabitants of the cells. The next five families, Mutillide, Scoliade, Sapygidx, Pompilide, and Sphegide, have been grouped under the title of Yossorial Hymenoptera, because the habit of digging or bur- rowing is characteristic of the greater number. ~ MutTILLIDz. These are ant-like insects, known generally as “Solitary Ants.” The females have no wings, but the males are usually furnished with them. Both species and individuals are rare in Canada; only two species are recorded, and a single female of Methoca bicolor is the only capture I have made here. Although having much the appearance of ants, they may be recognized by the absence of the knot, or scale, which is found in ants between the thorax and the abdomen. ScoLIADE AND SAPYGIDA. Fe Of these families we have also but few representatives; about half-a-dozen species. They are solitary in their habits; the females of some species making deep burrows in the earth in which to deposit their eggs, and a supply of food for the larve therefrom. Other Species are said to be parasitic on the grubs of beetles, etc., and a few to be inquilinous (self-invited guests) in the nests of certain wild bees. Our commonest and largest species is Tiphia inornata, which is thought by Provencher to feed in the larval stage upon the grubs of Lachnosterna fusca. PoMPILIDz. This family is more rich in species, for thirty are recorded, and undoubtedly many remain to be discovered, especially in the west. Nearly all these are black insects, . sometimes with a bluish tint, or with markings of red, white, or yellow. They are of slender form, with the wings generally clouded, and sometimes very black. The legs are long and frequently spinous, and enable the insects to burrow in the sand with great rap- idity ; whence they have derived the name of ‘‘sand-wasps.” Our species are included in four genera, of which Pompilus contains more than half the species. These have the legs furnished with spiny hairs, and construct with ease deep burrows in sand or loose soil, in which they store caterpillars, etc. The sting which they carry, and are quick to employ, is a formidable weapon, but the wound inflicted is not nearly so severe as that of the true wasp. Pompilus aethiops is our largest species, measur- ing sometimes three-quarters of an inch in length, and is of a rich deep black colour; the wings black, with a purplish tinge. P. biguttatus is a more common insect; black, with white marks on the abdomen, and sometimes on other parts of the body. The genus Priocnemis, instead of having the posterior tibize with spinous hairs, has the outer edge of them toothed, or serrate. In other respects the species are almost undis- tinguishable from Pompilus. In Agenia (Fig. 3b, nest a) and Ceropales the legs are unarmed, and, especially in the latter, very long and slender. A EN. Fig. 3b, nest a. 50 SPHEGIDZ. At least one hundred of our species are contained in this family, which is divide into several sub-families, each of which is considered by some writers entitled to rank as an independent family. The first of these, Larrinz, contains several wasp-like insects of moderate size, and usually black, which are found running and flying about the ground in dry, warm places, searching for the insects with which to provision their burrows. A common species is Larra quebecensis, black, with the basal half of the abdomen red, found often on flowers, and which 1 have seen carrying grasshoppers to its burrows. JL. termimata is a smaller species, black, with the tip of the abdomen yellowish, and has also been observed by me bearing off young grasshoppers. ‘ The sub-family Sphegine, contains larger insects, long and slender, the base of the abdomen being attenuated and lengthened to form a pedicle connecting it with the thorax. Of the genus Sphex five species are recorded, which seem to occur chiefly in western Ontario, as I have not yet been able to capture or observe any in this neighbourhood, and none are recorded by Provencher from Quebec. Sphex ichneumonea, one of the species on our lists, it is said ‘‘digs rapidly into hard ground, using both jaws and fore legs in the process, and a single female completes two or three burrows, five inches deep; in the course of an afternoon. She preferably provisions her cells with Orchelium and allied forms.” Pelopceus contains the well-known insects which construct the oblong mud cells, found, usually side by side in rows, under flat stones in the country, or under window-sills, cornices, etc., in the city. Each of these cells is stored with spiders, ete., to feed the larva which is to develope from the egg deposited in it. In spring the perfect insects emerge from their earthen homes, which are {ound to be lined with a thin tough cocoon, and they may be seen during the summer collecting earth in damp places with which to build, or catching the insects which they require for their future brood. They are remarkable for the !ong, slender pedicle by which the oval abdomen is attached to the thorax. Pelopeus ceruleus (Fig. 4) is a brilliant blue insect, three-fourths of an inch long, which does much good by disposing of many caterpillars, etc. In the Southern States it has been observed capturing half-grown individuals of the very destruc- tive cotton-worm. JP. cementarius is somewhat larger, and is black with the legs partly yellow ; it provisions its nest largely with spiders, The genus Ammophila also contains species having the first, or first and second, segments of the abdomen elongated and very slender. They construct holes in the earth especially along pathways in sandy fields, where they may be seen flying up and down in abundance. They are instrumental in destroying large numbers of cutworms and other caterpillars, which they may frequently be seen dragging off to the holes burrowed where the soil is loose or sandy, and in each of which are placed several grubs. Ammophila luc- tuosa, (Fig .5,) 1s an entirely black species, very common in dry fields in early spring, before other in- sects have become abundant. The other species usually observed have a portion of the abdomen red. (Fig. 6.) The sub-family Bembecinae contains only three species, of : Fig. 5. which Lembex fasciata is a hand- Fig. 6. some insect, much resembling the eommon wasp in size and general appearance of markings. The head, however, is broader Fig. 4. ty eres 51 and flatter, and the yellowish bands on the abdomen are widely interrupted in the middle. Tt occurs in dry fields, not very abundantly, and constructs in them burrows which are stored with flies and other insects captured in its flight, B. Monodonta is a smaller insect, having broad white bands across the abdomen. Monedula ventralis is intermediate in size between the two former species and is more com- mon than either: its markings more resembling those of the first. The Nyssonine are insects found during the summer upon flowering plants, and are smaller than those of the preceding sub-families. Nysson is characterized by having the metathorax spinous at the hinder angles. Alyson contains several species of slender insects met with (at least in this locality) most abundantly upon golden-rod, especially when, as is frequently the case, it is badly infested by aphides. Three species of the genus Gorytes, (Fig. 7,) occur, which are more wasp-like in appearance and frequent spiraea, golden-rod, etc. The sub-families, Philanthine, Pemphredonine and Crabroninz, contain insects similar in general appearance, having the same habits, and which can conveniently be grouped as regards the Canadian species in one family, as has been done by Provencher, with the title Crabronide. Its members, sometimes known as ‘ wood-wasps,’ are all small or of moderate size, the largest species—Crabro singularis—not being so big as the ordinary wasp. Many of thers are quite wasp-like in appearance, their general colour being black with yellow markings, while others have the abdomen either elongated or pedicled. The heads of these insects are usually large in proportion to the remainder of their bodies, especially is this the case in the genus Crabro. We have about fifty species divided into about fifteen genera : the typical genus Crabro containing nearly two-fifths of the species. They are most frequently met with upon flowers such as golden-rod, ete. The various species of Crabro bore holes in dead wood, or avail themselves of the deserted burrows of other insects, and provision these with dipterous or other insects. Those of Rhopalum excavate the pithy stems of elder, etc. | The males of Thrycopus have the front legs curiously flattened, so as to be of leaf-like structure, and by this peculiarity may be easily distinguished from any other of our Hymenoptera. Fig. 7. VESPIDZ, This family contains the “true wasps” and our species are grouped in two sub- families, of which the first, Eumenine, includes those species which are solitary in their habits. Of Kumenes, Fig. 8, a, we have only one or two species, black with yellow markings, and distinguished from the following genus by the long pedicle which connects the abdomen to the thorax. They construct curious flask-shaped cells of mud (Fig. 8, b c,) on the stems of plants or twigs of trees. Odynerus contains at least a dozen species, which differ little, except in size, and which make mud cells in crevices, hollow stones, under stones, etc. Orlynerus capra, one of the larger species, has been observed by Rey. Mr. Fyles, of Quebec (as stated by him at the annual meeting of the Entomological Society) to attack the larve of the currant sawfly (Nematus ventricusus). It is to be hoped that this habit will become prevalent among these insects, and that they may take large numbers of the obnoxious grubs to fill their cells. The ‘‘ social wasps” are to be found in the sub family Vespinz. Those of the genus Vespa are the builders of the large papery structures which the average schoolboy (or Fig. 8. other urchin) delights to destroy, regardless of the labor which has been expended in its construction, or of the many lives it contains. They are also the possessors of powerful stings, as many of the said urchins experience and of which I have myself felt the venom on several occasions. The “ yellow-jackets ” who have a nest hid in a clump of rasp- berries delight to put to flight those who would pluck the fruit of the vines, and the old wasp who has commenced her home in the woodshed is jealous of intruders. Vespa maculata, (Fig. 9,) the white-faced wasp, whose colours are black and white, may very frequently be seen on old palings, boards, dead trees, etc., scraping off with its mandibles the fibres of wood, which it carries off to its nest and uses in its construction. The household of the wasp consists in summer of three sorts of individuals (as in the ants) of which the workers, or sterile females, are the most abundant. The colony is not, however, a perennial institution like an ant-hill, but lasts only for one season. It is founded by an impregnated female, which has managed to survive the winter in some protected crevice, and which, revived by the warmth of spring, comes forth to commence her housekeeping. Building a comb of a few cells, she deposits an egg in each, and when the larve are hatched she feeds them carefully with the juices of flowers and animal matter, or with finely masticated morsels of insects such as flies. These larvee develope finally into workers which assist their mother in enlarging the domicile and in rearing new broods of inmates. The nest grows larger and larger ; new coverings being constructed without, and the inner ones demolished to give room for the new rows of cells which are added to the combs. These combs are placed horizontally, suspended one below the other by columns. The cells are constructed mouth downward so that the larvee have always to stand on their heads, or rather to hang by their tails, seemingly a very awkward and dangerous position in which to spend this period of their existence. The time taken to pass from the egg to the perfect state occupies about a month, and thus there can be several broods in the season. ‘The last one contains males and fertile females, and, as has already been stated, some of the latter survive the winter to be the founders of new colonies. ‘The species, of which there are several, constructing the large nests all belong to the genus Vespa. There is another wasp which con- structs a tiny nest of a few cells under flat stones, etc., which belongs to the genus Polistes. Its nest is not sur- rounded by a papery envelope, but is merely attached to the under side of a stone by a short foot-stalk, and it is never enlarged to accommodate a large family. The name of the species is Polistes pallipes. (Fig. 10, a. wasp, b. nest. ) Fig. 9. Fig. 10. ANDRENID. The insects contained in this family with those of the following one (Apide) are by some entomologists grouped in a sub-order, or tribe, to which 1s given the name Mellifera, or Honey-makers. Abbé Provencher has grouped into this family many genera which are sometimes placed with the Apide, and includes in that family only the genera which form the sub-family Socialine of some authorities. It will suit us very well here to follow the Abbé and the family as by him constituted will be found to contain about twenty- five genera, and over one hundred species. Its members are commonly known as “Solitary Bees,” and differ also from the Apide, or “ Social Bees ” in not having sterile females, or workers. As might be expected, the species vary much in their habits, and in their modes of making provision for their a8 offspring. A few of the genera are considered parasitic, utilizing for their own progeny the stores of honey and pollen so laboriously laid up by other species of bees. Such worthless individuals are unprovided with instruments for gathering pollen, whereas those which honestiy toil to provide for the securing of their progeny, have brushes of stiff hairs either on the legs or abdomen with which to gather and transport pollen. The females of Anthophora and Melisodes, resemble small humble bees, and have stiff brushes on the hind legs for carrying pollen. They construct burrows in the earth in which to deposit their eggs, each of which is placed in a ball of pollen and honey. The species of Andrena are numerous and the females transport their pollen by means of the long hairs which clothe their thighs. They sink shafts in light soils to a depth of a few inches, and at intervals make short side tunnels, each of which forms a cell for the reception of an egg and its store of nourishment. This food is apparently gathered indis- criminately from any flowering plant, even such kinds as sumac and poisen-ivy are fully garnered. Halictus also contains a number of small bees which it is difficult to distinguish from the preceding, and which have the same habits almost. Some of the species are very smali—the smallest of our bees—and these usually have a semi-metallic lustre. ‘The larger species have bands of silvery hair across the abdomen. Our most brilliant bees are two species which belong to the genus Augochlora. They are of a beautiful golden-green color, and may often be seen entering burrows in dead wood, or may be captured upon the flowers which they visit for honey and pollen. Aga- postemon tricolor is a closely allied and very pretty insect, easily distinguished by its tri- colored markings of green, yellow and black. There are four or five species of pretty little red bees, considered to be parasitic in their habits, which belong to Nomada. NV. americana has the abdomen entirely red ; the others have more or less distinct bands or markings of yellow. The bees belonging tothe genus Mega- chile (Fig. 11) Jf. brevis number fifteen to twenty species, and have the very interesting habit of forming the cells of their nest with morsels of leaves. With her long, sharp mandibles the female cuts out, as quickly and perfectly as with a pair of scissors, a portion of the leave of a rose, maple, locust or other plant, and grasping it with her feet flies off to the hole that she has chosen in some old log or stump. This hole is lined internally with the pieces of leaves, which form a cylinder, and when a sufficient length for a cell has been completed, a ball of honey and pollen containing an egg is deposited and the cell is covered by circular morsels, and another commenced. This ie Fig. 11. process is continued until the hole or crevice is filled. The labour thus performed by these “leaf-cutters” or upholstering bees” is very great, for it requires the clipping and transportation of several bundreds of leaf frag- ments. The Megachiles are larger than the bees of the preceding genera, and some equal the honey bee in size. They are black with pubescence varying in colour, and on the under part of the abdomen of the female the hairs are stiff and form a brush for the collection of pollen, The males of many of the species have the anterior tarsi (feet), broadly dilated and fringed with long hair, a character which makes them easily distinguishable. Osmia contains also a number of species in which the females have a brush under the abdomen, but the insects have generally a more or less metallic, often greenish or bluish, lustre, and have not the leaf cutting habits of the foregoing genus. They select for nesting 54 purposes the burrow of some boring insect in dead wood, and line it with a thin coating of clay, forming cells one above the other, and storing them with balls of honey and pollen. They are frequently known as “wood bees.” APIDA. This family contains the ‘‘social bees ;’ insects endowed with wonderful habits of industry, and of foresight and care in the rearing of their offspring. It contains only three genera of which the first, Apathus, is, | regret to say, apparently unworthy of its high position in the Hymenoptera. Its members toil not to lay up sweet stores in houses built by themselves, but live with their industrious relatives the humble-bees, and are believed to be mere parasites, or lazy mess-mates of their friends. There are several species, each mimicking more or less closely one or other of the species of Bombus, and probably infesting the nests of that species. They can, however, be readily distinguished from the humble-bees by the shape of the hinder legs, which lack the basket-like form of those of the latter insects. Of the genus Bombus, there are some thirty species recorded as occurring in Canada, or about one-half of those described from North America. ‘These are the large noisy insects so well-known as “humble” or “bumble” bees, which abound wherever flowering plants are found, and which add not a little life ond animation to the outdoor world during summer. The record of their life is similar to that already recorded for the wasp. The hibernating, impregnated female founds in spring a colony which grows during the summer, by the addition of the ‘“‘ workers” reared in the nest, and which cheerfully assist. their mother in all the duties of the establishment. The larve, however, are fed with a sweet paste of honey and pollen, and instead of dwelling in paper cells occupy waxen ones. The nests of our species are usually placed underground ; a favorite locality being the deserted nest of a field-mouse. The comb has not the regularity of structure attained by the honey-bee, being merely a cluster of oval cells, varying in size, and without arrange- ment of any kind, while the wax of which they are made is of a very inferior quality and dingy appearance. The females and workers have the hinder tibie flattened and broad, and surrounded by a fringe of long hairs, so as to form shallow baskets in which they can gather and transport a large quantity of pollen at each trip. As the colony only lasts for one season, no honey is collected beyond that necessary for the nourishment of the larve. About mid-summer males and females are reared, in order that the continuance of the race may be provided for, but the males perish after the fecundation of the females, and some of these alone survive the winter. We have now arrived at the last, and, at least to man, the most impcrtant member of the Hymenoptera—the honey-bee, and its productions have been celebrated by poets and other writers of all ages, and the store that it gathers for its nourishment has ever been considered not only a palatable article of food, but also a luxury fit for the table of aking. It would require far more than the few pages allotted to me for this paper to give even a concise history of this truly wonderful insect. Fortunately it is so well known throughout Canada that my readers do not require any description of it, and probably a large number of them have a far more practical knowledge of it than I myself possess. Apis mellifica, as it is scientifically known, is not a native of Canada, but has been brought hither from the old world. There are several varieties known to bee-cultivators, which have been received from various countries, as Italy, Palestine, Syria, and Cyprus. Such is the importance placed upon the improvement of bee-stocks, that new breeds are sought for in the most distant lands, with the hope of obtaining additional good qualities, and numerous hybrids between the several kinds have already been produced. The hives, unlike the colonies of humble-bees, contain communities flourishing from year to year, and sending forth new swarms each season, while the surplus stores they garner amount to millions of pounds annually, and form a considerable item in the food supply of mankind. 55 CATOCALA.—UNDERWING MOTHS. BY @. J. BOWLES, MONTREAL. The Noctuide, or night-flying moths form a large division of the order Lepidoptera Generally speaking, they are clothed in a sober livery of grey or brown, and are therefore not very conspicuous or attractive in their appearance. But on a closer examination, many of them are found to be marked with beautiful patterns in lines and spots, while some are spangled with gold or silver in different ways. There aresome genera, however, towards the end of the family, as at present classified by entomologists, which are remark- able on account of their size and the richness and beauty of their markings. In their case nature has departed from her rule, that quiet colours should be chavacveristic of the Noctuidz, and has decked them out in gay apparel, as if, even in these night-flying insects, she could not resist the impulse which has spread beauty of colour and form throughout the whole creation. ; Chief among these is the genus Catocala, commonly called “under wings,” and to these moths we wish to draw the attention of our readers. The Catocalas are found both in the old and new worlds, and principally, if not wholly, in temperate regions. Between thirty and forty species inhabit Europe, (four of which occur in Britain, according to Newman,) while those taken in America number more than sixty. ‘These are, so far as known, confined to the North American continent, and have not yet been taken in the West India Islands, with one exception, L/ia, which the Rev. C. J. S. Bethune states is found in Jamaica. Canada has more than thirty species, all of which are also found in the United States. Some of these are comparatively abundant, and inhabit large areas, extending as far north as Hudson’s Bay ; others are comparatively rave, or contined to certain localities. The species with black hind wings are, with two exceptions, absent from the northern parts of the Province of Quebec, but begin to appear in Western Ontario, and are most common in the Western, Middle and Southern States. They seem to require milder climatic conditions than the others, and to represent the less hardy portion of this extensive group of moths. Although these insects surpass the rest of the Noctuide in average size, they are never very numerous, and therefore their larve are not destructive to vegetation in any appreciable degree. The caterpillars feed on the leaves of various trees, such as oak, poplar and willow. They are of peculiar shape, being long and narrow, flattened on the under surface, and convex above, and bearing a row of pointed fleshy appendages on each side, where the convex and flattened surfaces meet. They are also striped and marked in various ways, according to the species, and all have flattened heads, which in some species are bilobed. In the larva state, they are very active, and can walk quite rapidly. This rapid motion gives them aimost a geometrid appearance, which, in some species, is assisted by the fact that the larva has only twelve feet instead of sixteen, the usual number allotted to the Noctuide.. The caterpillars of the larger species are from two to three inches long when full grown. When it ceases to feed, the larva spins a thin, gauzy cocoon, and changes into a brown pupa or chrysalis, covered with a purplish bloom like that of a plum. The perfect insects all emerge during July, August and September, some species appearing earlier than others, but it is probable that all pass the winter in the egg state, hatching out at the same time in spring as the leaves of their food plant appear. The moths are strong, active insects, with good powers of flight. Though night flyers, and therefore having the habit, common to the Noctuids, of resting in the day- time as if asleep, they are very easily disturbed. In fact some species seem to be always wide awake, so that they can hardly be approached during daylight without taking to flight. As evening approaches, the moths gradually arouse themselves, and at this time may sometimes be seen flitting around the trees in gardens or on the outskirts of the woods. A Catocala, thus seen flying, is a very pretty object, particularly one of the red- winged species. With its richly-coloured hind wings, and the contrasted grey fore wings, all in rapid motion, it is indeed a “thing of beauty.” Their proper time of flight, how- 56 —<—$—$—— ever, is after dark, when they rove about in pursuit of their mates, or in quest of food, for they have long tongues, and are very fond of sweets. Though these moths are large, and not generally scarce, the collector has considerable difficulty in finding them. In the daytime, they usually select resting places where their colours will harmonize with those of their surroundings. No doubt this is to aid in their concealment from their enemies. When at rest their brightly-coloured hind wings are entirely concealed by the fore wings, and nothing is to be seen but a large grey triangle, mottled with black or brown. The trunks of large trees, and the corners and copings of unpainted fences, are favorite places with them, and if the rough bark of the trees has deep crevices they are fond of hiding themselves there, so as to increase their security. Thus the collector has need of a sharp eye to detect the moths, so well are they protected by their colours and the exercise of instinct. The best way, however, to capture these insects, is by the process known to Lepidop- terists as ‘“‘sugaring.” They cannot resist coming to the sweet feast provided by the deceitful collector, and pay the penalty in contributing many specimens, rich and some- times rare to his cabinet. Another mode, described by Professor French, of Carbondale, Illinois, (Can. Ent., 1880, p. 241,) is to whip the trees in the afternoons between one and four o'clock, dis- turbing the moths in their s/esta and catching them in nets. In the instance reported by that gentleman this operation was remarkably successful. In order to induce our readers to take some further interest in these lovely insects we append a list of the Canadian species, so far as known, with a description of each, which will enable the student to identify many, if not all the moths. As the genus isso large, it is useful to divide it into sections, grouping the moths in accordance with the colours of their hind wings. In this arrangement the Canadian species stand as follows : GENUS CATOCALA, SCHRANK. Section I.—Hindwings black, without bands. 1. Epione, Drury. 4, Insolabilis, Guen. 2. Desperata, Guenee. 5. Residua, Grote. 3. Retecta, Grote. Section [1.—Hindwings black and white. 6. Relicta, Walker. | Section III.—Hindwings black and red. 14. Semirelicta, Grote. 15. Faustina, Strecker. Conecumbens, Guen. 16. Parta, Guen. Meskei, Grote. 17. Coccinata, Grote. Amatrix, Hubner. | | Unijuga, Walk. | 18. Ultronia, Hubner. | Cara, Guen. Beaniana, Grote. 19. Ilia, Cramer. Briseis, Edwards. Also variety Uxor, Grote. Se YTD HS fo OO I Section [V.—Hindwings black and yellow. 26. Antinympha, Hubner. 27. Clintonii, Grote. 28. Polygama, Guen. 20. Cerogama, Guen. 21. Neogama, Ab. and Smith. Also variety Communis, Grote. 22. Subnata, Grote. 29. Crategi, Sauuders. 23. Piatrix, Grote. 30. Similis, Edw. (formula G. and R.) 24. Paleogama, Guen. 31. Fratercula, Gr. and Rob. Also variety Phalanga, Grote. 32. Amica, Hubner. 25. Habilis, Grote. Also variety Lineella, Grote. Ou ~I Section I. Those comprised in the first section are of large size, and have hind wings of dark grey, shading into black, giving them a chaste and quiet beauty which is very pleasing. The grey fore wings are marked with black and white in a pattern differently arranged for each species, and the hind wings are generally fringed with white. 1. Epione is a rare species having only been captured in Canada, so far, at Hamil-_ ton, by the late Mr. Murray. Fore wings dark grey, crossed by the usual lines in black. Outside the transverse posterior zigzag line is a brown band (in well-marked specimens) about one-tenth of an inch wide, which follows its outline, and beyond this is a greyish white band of similar shape. The wing outside of these bands is somewhat lighter in colour than the inner two-thirds. Hind wings brown at base, shading into deep black, and with a pure white fringe. Head and body dark grey, expands two to two and. three- quarter inches. 2. Desperata.—Forewings light grey with black lines and dashes, one of- which extends from the base as far as the subreniform spot, The reniform spot is large, oval, and surrounded by a double line. Hind wings brownish grey at base, shading into deep black, fringe white. Expands three inches. Found at Montreal and London. Larva ‘feeds on various species of oak. This is probably the C. vidua of the Rev. C. J. 8. Bethune’s paper, published in the Canadian Journal, 1863 and there stated to be taken at Toronto. 3. Retecta.—Closely related to desperata, but differs in the ground colour of fore wings, being brighter and less blueish, the black shades are sharper, and the white fringe on secondaries is wider. Its size is also smaller. Found at London, rare. 4. Insolabilis.—A large species, darker in colour than the two preceding, and hav- ing a dark grey instead of a white fringe to its black hind wings. A dark shade on the interior edge of the fore wings also helps to distinguish this species. Found at London. Not common. Expands about three inches. 5. Residua is a smaller moth than imsolabilis, but closely resembles it in colour and markings. The dark shade on interior edge of fore wings is absent. Expands two and a-half inches. - Found at London and Hamilton. Section II. 6. Relicta, the only species in Section II, is a very beautiful insect,—the Queen of the Catocalas,—though bearing a somewhat doleful name. Aelicta means forsaken, and was perhaps given to the moth by Walker on account of its colours, which are those of a widow’s mourning,—black and white. Many of the names of the Catocalas are female names, or relate to love and marriage, and this one is therefore not inappropriate. Though not common, it is found from Quebec to London, and probably occurs all over the Dominion, south of the colder regions. It expands about three inches, and the larva feeds on poplar. The white curved band on the hind wings, and the white ground colour of the primaries, crossed with black lines, so fully distinguish this moth from all other Canadian species that a detailed description is not necessary. Section III. abet III. includes some of the largest and most striking of the Catocalas. Amatrix, a species expanding over three inches, with brownish grey fore wings, barked with the usual lines, Hind wings rosy red, with a wide black band on the margin, much wider in front, also a black inner band, which does not quite reach the interior margin of the wing. Though found from Nova Scotia to London, it is not common any- where. The caterpillar feeds on Lombardy and other poplars. 8. Cara.—One of the most beautiful of the genus. A large and robust insect, with fore wings of a rich dark brown, with a few black lines, and markings of lighter brown. 5 EN. \ 55 Hind wings of a brilliant rosy pink, with a wide black marginal band, and an inner one of the same colour, also a blackish shade extending from the base along the interior — margin. Expands three to three and a half inches. Found at London and other parts of western Ontario. Larva feeds on willow. : 9. Concumbens.—A very beautiful moth, much smaller than Cara, but somewhat resembling it. Fore wings light greyish-brown, marked with black crosslines and grey shades ; hind wings bright rosy red with a wide white fringe, and the usual black bands, the inner one of which does not reach the interior margin of the wing. The moth is found from Quebec to London, and is very common at Montreal. Expands about two and a-half inches. Larva feeds on willow. This species is closely related to Catocala pacta of Europe. It is somewhat larger, and the colour of the abdomen is different, being light brown, while that of pacta is rosy red. Some specimens, however, of Concwmbens taken at Montreal have had this rosy tinge on the abdomen. 10; Meskei.—A large species, closely resembling unijuga in size and markings, but somewhat lighter in the grey of the fore wings, and the lines less distinct. Found at London, also at Montreal (Hy. Edwards). Larva feeds on poplar. 11. Unijuga.—A widely diffused species, being found at Hudson’s Bay, and in all parts of Quebec and Ontario. Fore wings dark grey, with the usual ‘black lines, which are all doubled. Reniform spot large, sometimes black, a whitish spot on the inner side. Sub- reniform whitish. Hind wings dark red, marginal band irregular on inner side. Inner black band not reaching to interior margin. Fringe white. Expands two and a-halié to three inches. Larva feeds on pgplar. 12. Beaniana.—Identified as occurring at Montreal by Mr. Henry Edwards of N.Y. somewhat smaller than wnijuga, but much resembling it. Fore wings shorter and broader, and more of a bluish grey. Hind wings rosy red, outer black band as in wnijuga, but somewhat toothed on the nervures on the inner side. Inner band ending in a point curved up towards base of wing, but not touching interior margin. Rare. 13. Briseis.—A fine species and of large size, fore wings very dark grey with black lines, and a whitish irregular band extending nearly across the apical third of the wings. The subreniform spot and a space above it are also whitish. Hind wings a rich deep red, with usual black bands, the inner one of which hardly reaches the interior margin. Expands two and a-half to three inches. Found from Montreal to London. Not un- common. 14, Semirelicta.— Fore wings light grey, crossed by black zigzag lines, the teeth o the transverse posterior line not at all prominent. Subreniform spot whitish and sur rounded by a heavy dark line, a whitish space above it. Inner black line on hind wings almost straight, slightly hooked at the end, which does not reach interior margin. Ex- pands two and a half to three inches. Found at Montreal. Rare. 15. Faustina.—Primaries bluish grey, powdered with brown, lines and bands well defined. Subreniform spot white, above this and beside the reniform spot is a white space. Hind wings scarlet, outer band wide on anterior margin, narrowing to a point on interior. Inner band angulated at about half way, and not reaching to interior margin of wing. Expands about two and a half inches. Found at London. 16. Parta.—A large and handsome moth, easily distinguished by the light grey fore wings, the reniform spot surrounded by a double black line and having a large whitish spot on the inner side, below which is the large subreniform. There are also whitish spots on — the apical third of the wings, and a black dash extending from the base to the apex, but — interrupted in the middle. The hind wings are light red, fringes white, outer black band ~ rather wavy on the inner side, inner black band narrow and regularly curved, but not — reaching to interior margin of wing. This species is widely diffused, being found at Hudson’s Bay and all over the Dominion. It is the commonest species at Quebec, and seems to be one of the northern representatives of the genus. Expands about three inches, Larva feeds on willow. 17. Coceinata.— Fore wings light grey with a bluish shade on the interior margin, Or co and the usual transverse lines. Reniform spot distinct, subreniform oval, a light brown spot just beyond the transverse posterror line, opposite the reniform spot. Hind wings dark crimson, with the usual bands, the inner one angulated at about halfway. Expands two and a half inches. Taken at Montreal and London. Rare. Larva feeds on oak. 18. Ultronia—Fore wings a rich dark brown along inner margin and below apex, a patch at apex, light brown, rest of wings hoary grey or grey brown, transverse lines indistinct. (See Fig. 12.) Hind wings dark crimson, inner black band irregular in breadth, and reaching interior margin. A very handsome species, expanding about two and a quarter inches. Larva feeds on plum, Found from Quebec to London. 19. Ilia.—One of the most beautiful of the genus. Fore wings dark grey: clouded with black, brown and whitish: Reniform spot very distinct, white with a brown centre, the subreniform square and whitish. Hind wings dark red, marginal black band, wide at anterior, and wavy near interior margin, inner band twice constricted and ending ina point near inner margin of wing, base of wing with long brown hairs. Found from Montreal to London. Larva feeds on oak. Expands three to three and a half inches. Fig. 12 Section LV. 20. Cerogama.—Fore wings light grey, mottled with brown of various shades, trans- verse lines brown. Hind wings yellow, the yellow space between the two black bands being of the same width throughout. Basal third of wing covered..with long brownish hairs. Expands about three inches. Found from Montreal to London, but not generally common. 21. Neogama.—Primaries grey and resembling in their colour and markings the pre- ceding species. The hind wings, however, are very different, the yellow being darker and the space between the black bands irregular in outline. Expands about three inches. Found from Montreal to London. Rather common. The variety Communis of this species is somewhat darker in colour, the fore wings have more brown, and the markings are not so distinct, while the ground colour of the hind wings is a dusky buff. It has also been found at Montreal and London. 22. Subnata.—This is a fine species, closely allied to neogama, but may be distin- guished by its larger size, the brighter yellow of the hind wings, and the greater distinct- ness of the markings on the fore wings. There is a black dash at base of wings, reaching to subreniform spot, which is absent in neogama, The subreniform spot is also open, i.e., formed by the bending inwards of the transverse posterior line. In neogama it is closed. Expands three and one quarter to three and one half inches. Found at Montreal, also at London. 23, Piatrix.—Primaries brown, varied with darker shades, and with black transverse lines. Secondaries dark yellow, base clothed with long brownish hair. Inner black band reaches to interior margin. This species resembles the preceding, but expands only from two and one half to three inches. Found in Ontario, locality not given. 24. Paleogama.—Fore wings dark brownish grey, reniform spot dark coloured. Transverse lines indistinct, except the basal line. Hind wings dark buff, outer band wavy near internal margin, inner band much constricted about the middle, and wavy near internal margin. Base of wings clothed with long brown hair. Found at London, where its variety phalanga is also taken. Expands two arid a half to three inches. 25. Habilis.—Fore wings dark grey, with narrow black transverse lines. Hind wings dark buff, space between the black bands narrow and wavy near internal margin. Inner band ends in a point. Base of wings clothed with dark brown hairs. Very like the preceding species. a a two and a half to three inches. Found at Montreal and ~ London, but rare. mi 426. Antinympha.—A snail species, with almost black fore wings, deep black a verse lines, and the reniform and subreniform spots generally greyish. Hind wings bright yellow, inner black band reaching to internal margin, which is generally tinged — with brown towards the base of the wing. Expands one and three quarter to two inches. Found from Montreal to London, not common. 27. Clintonii.—Fore wings very pale grey, tinged in centre and on exterior and interior niargins with bluish, transverse lines, narrow. cldsocsseususe. ol Doxrcusgparailelusmrret icc. ck. -se.et 31 Doryphora 10-lineata........5.....- 6, 45 Dryobius sexfasciatus .............- 30 E HIACLES MIM PELIALIS) My ie sls ote ome Se 29 Mdemagalbitronsin. ccc. ++ es ss 25 Electric light, destruction of insects by. 12 Milectiombototticers/.%.'. 0.26. « « 8 Elaphidion parallelum...........--.. 15 Ne THU OSTNe es Bd DOaA Oa aee on 15 incon Os BCLICER \o icc aes ewe oe 32 Entomological Club of A. A. A. S... 7, 12 Entomology, popular papers on...... 15 Erythroneura rose................- 39 Fupsalis minuta .....--.....0see0ss 3: Eutrapela transversata.............. 27 2 Mall webayOVM v.42 s:s002.s2-2 see 17 RUOn LDPE orci-G 2% > 6% >>: se slsin mn 36 UDB MWyetbHOle niet esl iiss Laie one 37 Fletcher, J., articles by ....:....... 21, 43 French, G. H., ‘‘ Butterflies of Eastern Olek REE CGhe RE Gk eG ase sicic 21 Aah chr USS 35 4 99 ses a5 54 Fyles, Rev. T. W., articles by. .10,35,39,42 54 G Gastropacha Americana...........-. 28 " quercifolin }..c- eet eis 39 Geometra Papilionaria.............. 39 Glycobius speciosus ..............-- 29 Gnathocera cephalica............... 52 Gracilaria Packardella.............. 28 (CENT ACT IS SR SN") 2 See ee 37 Guignard, J. A., article by ......... 51 = Hagen, Dr. H. A., article by........ 46 Harrington, W.H., TEED a 22 Hepialus argenteo-maculatus ........ 27 Hessian fly in England ............. 6, 43 Heterophleps triguttata............. 28 House fly, the........ Bictelet eee ore. =e 33 Hyperchiria Io ..........--.-.----- 26 Hyphantria textor ...........+-+++- 17, 29 z PAGE. Thalia maculipennis ................_ 24. Incurvariazacerifoliella = 2.5.55 seers 27, 55 Indian and Colonial Exhibition, insects Sentitor.:.'..... ase eee 2,4 Insects affecting food............... 37 " house plants.......: 38 " personal comfort.... 33 Insects troublesome in the household. 33 Iphthinustopacus ... 7-2 geese 32 J Jack, J. Gj articles by «25+. eeaeeee 16, 18 Kallima paralekta >... .62-2seeeeeee 40 i Lady’s slipper, the showy........... 51 Larch injured by saw-flies........ ie 16 Thecaniumyacericola.. 5.: eee eee 33 " ALCELICOTICIS. . «saree nh a 33 " hesperidum .... , eee 38 Lepisma domestica....... 2. «eer 47 n Saccharing .... sce. eee 47, 48 Leptalis orise, 2a bale 33 M Macoun, J., ‘* Catalogue of Canadian plants? 5... ....+ see ae 21 Macroglossa diffinis’:. (25. ...- seme 40 " pelasgus .i25))-- eee 40, 41 Mallota posticata, larvee of.......... 11 Mamestra picta.......2.nee eee 61 Maple trees, insects affecting........ 22 Meal-worm, the ......: 522). 6seneee PBL Mealy-bng, the. ........-;55 see 38 Mepachile brevis...... .02.9s0seeee 52 " centuncularis ..... 5. sen 52 " frigida ......2:250eeneeee 53 u melanopheea... 25h eee 52 " optiva.....>cssueeeenee 24, 52, 53 ” pugnata ....-. oko eee " scrobiculata .......+.» sie 53 M— Continued. Meromyza Americana ........--..-- Wenhona. PSidilsqsseees. + «ss Mimetic analogy...........-.--.--- Wott ar Aes arbiclesbyie. 2... ssc Montreal Branch, report of.........- JORG TMG), WSS as onc co oo Meee Nica GOMeStICA.oae cl. 2+ -- = =: ella PE OMNILOLI Ayers ass ae 6 5 le esis Mytilaspis pomorum ............... Widanar sib bOSars.s-getelec-. ++ seesses Nematocampa filamentaria.......... INematuseHrichsoniiys sia. «<< «+ sfoisie< INGEeSsLOnWSS5 onl imsects® -....-.. +26. Noxious insects, remedies for........ Nyctobates Pennsylvanica .......... JAE ITINS SE Oe Soo a5 DOCU aD EOeDE MIDIGUAR Yo) tease sha be’. « Bese ster (Edipoda sulphurea MylasADISEHIATIS <.(22)-13%- 62 oe dons s Orgyia lencostigma................. Ormerod, Miss, “‘ The Hessian Fly”. . Orthosoma brunneum Oryssus terminalis Ce Pediculus humani-capitis ........... EPTOMADA 1. os aks sce enc we Phymatodes variabilis DIGS Te jie selec Ce eee ee Piophila casei OO GIO ONDNG DOiCNCsOsOnOrONO Oa Chon IAriOMOUSE bleh. « as diese ec «546 - 16 Entomological Club of A.A.A.S..... 29 Entomologist for British Columbia... 10, 51 te hia UDEATIA'\, \-\- ste s.r) stein se ey-le = « 56 Experimental arms. 02.00.02. sc 2. ToL F AUN CD=WOEM cs o's, 5 Si, se vee seiner 58 Fletcher, J., Annual Address of Presi- TOT See See oe ES ares 6 Watcher, Js, ATbIClO: DY...» 216 = 25.01eis%> « 46 LCE Ea ee ope 68 G Gas lime for root maggots........... 14 Gasoline for killing Specimens........ 19, 45 Geddes, G., Article by.............. 21 SXUHERNONBDPE t:.5x0F a cack: oes eeee 62 Grote, A. R., Article by .:.........- 72 LEST LTS £22 re koe a oe) a a a 61 Gryllotalpa borealis... e..4...5.-~ 61, 69 Gryllus domesticus. ..,...:...:...:.. 61, 69 BOM MIODAORDUS |. chee Bs oso ace 61, 69 H Hamilton, Dr. J., Articles by........ 38, 41 Perrmecton. We di a ee 25, 43 Hawk Moths of North America; Grote 50 Pearonvn fgets ok sce es 80 ns Ets oY) bo rr ri 80 Hemileuca tricolor ............:.... 80 OE SG RRA sees A Ae ae 13 Hickory, beetles from .............. 38 H—Oontinued. Pace. Hymenoptera, Cresson’s Synopsis of . 48 a Hints on Collecting ... 43 ue Observing Early Stages Of 0. ahi ceeeee eee Hyphantria cunea............- ae 58 oe teXtor : 3. . acs eee 58 us Insect’ powder .hi5......« <«s.cleuens ree 14 J Jackson, J. A’, Article by 22352-eeee 44 K : Katydids: <.cee. pee art cee 63 L Labia, Minors: 3.2.32 eee nee 69, 72 Larch Saw-fly.. 3. 0.5... aee 2 eee 31, 32 Locustidee, Notes' on’: -)- 255. seen 43, 62 Locusts, .. 6-2)... in 3. eee 65 M Meromyza Americana ...........-- 13 Mimicry in Butterflies and Moths.... 81 Moffat, J. A., Article by .........2. 27 Mole Crickets”. .....0.... 250.5 ose 61 Monarthrum mali. ... 22-22) eee 15 N Nematus Hrichsonit.......-.:..s59e8 31, 32 es ventricosus ... 1... eee 55 Nemobius fasciatus ..........-.-s08 62, 69 as vittatus >. i). 2 pee 60, 62, 69° Noxious insects, Remedies for ...... 51 Nuptials of Thalessa 2c eee. sae 25 Oo Qak-pruner.'. ... 330 e eee y = «hl oe Obituary ........-2 122. 50 Gicanthus niveus.;.s9. i). .seeeeee 60, 62, 69 Cidipoda Carolina. : 22: ., 254s see 66 ‘¢ __ phoenicoptera 7: eee - or sordida /ihoaeh hk pee 66 22 verruculats =. - .s0:s=-5 ee 66 Orchelimum agile .........--.25 008 64, 70 ee. eee O— Continued. PaAGe. Ormerod, Miss, Elected Honorary Memberi eee 3 ose oat 3 Ormerod, Report on Injurious Insects. 48 Orthoptera, List of Canadian........ 69 ns SiceGchyot si 2°: sereaaictecs e's 59 Oyster-shell bark louse ............ 15 Papilio cresphontes ........ naccooke 23 He STU. hea eee ore 25 Paris Green, Use of .......... 15, 29, 52, 53 Pea Crop, Failure of, in Prince Kd- WARORO OUND YR sc. carats oo. sisleieie.-c 8 Pearsbhiciianeenlen . 25 2)... « dijo on 14 Peliemus polycerator ......5.5-.-+. 21 Phaneroptera curvicauda............ 63, 69 EMeeun CMC en. SS). . sx ae ee 67 Phylloptera oblongifolia ............ 63, 70 PECL EOLOGICE 3/2.) /o)< -0> RT eon 100 00 Rem beste iG SAU tale (6 6. sas bso, sue wie exauembeyereees) oh cis) cae eee 80 00 HT SUTATI CON 215 cH iin a ios 9.0 ce icile yn loves Masia cine leila te Uele de < SORE Ree ie 25 00 Sundries—postage, telegraph, etc... .o.jic..- duces 22 39 Balance in Mander s 55 2 ys ste Gis aves iss oes Eats eis «ea 83 73 $1,312 44 We certify that we have examined the above account, with books and vouchers, and found the same to be correct. Balance in hand and in bank, eighty-three dollars and seventy-three cents, Or DOCK WwW. B.S Sepa | Auditors. London, Ont., October 24th, 1887. MEETING OF THE MONTREAL BRANCH. The fourteenth annual meeting of the Montreal Branch of the Entomological Society of Ontario, was held on May 31st, 1887, when the following officers were elected for the ensuing year :—President, G. J. Bowles; Vice-President, H. H. Lyman; Secretary- Treasurer, F. B. Caulfield; Council, W. H. Smith, J. G. Jack, J. F. Hausen and R. C. Holden. The reports of the Council and Secretary-Treasurer were read, and on motion, adopted. 8 Bowles showed a box of Lepidoptera collected at Sudbury, by Mr. J. D. Evans, several of which were new to the members. Mr. Lyman read a list of Hymenoptera and Diptera, taken at Hudson’s Bay, by Dr. Robert Bell. Mr. Caulfield read the following report of the Council for the past year :— In presenting their fourteenth annual report, your Council regrets that owing to unfortunate circumstances, it is not so satisfactory as in former years. The Society has sustained, since our last annual meeting, a great loss in the lamented death of Mr. Wm. Shaw, a member who enjoyed the highest esteem of his fellow entomo- logists as a man, and whose talents and energy warranted the expectation of a brilliant career as a naturalist. During the past year, the absence of several of our most active members from the city, has resulted in but little collecting being done. Mr. Caulfield, however, has success- fully worked out the life history of Physonota wnipuncta, and his papers on this subject: in the Entomologist are both interesting and important. Only three meetings have been eld during the winter, owing to the business engage- ments of some members and the serious illness of the President, who has been confined to the house for nearly a year. The following papers were read at these meetings :— 1. List of Noctuide, not previously recorded, from Montreal.—-G. J. Bowles. 2. Notes on some species of Ips.—F. B. Caulfield. 3. Additions to list of Montreal lepidoptera,—G. J. Bowles. 4, Some further notes on Physonota.—F. B. Caulfield. Your Council would suggest that efforts be made to increase the roll of membership, and urge upon all the need of increased zeal in the pursuit of our favourite science. The whole is respectfully submitted. GEO. JNO. BOWLES, F. B. CAULFIELD, President. Secretary. Montreal, 3lst May, 1887. REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF ONTARIO TO THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF CANADA. The progress of the Entomological Society has been so uniform and constant during recent years, that it affords material sufficient for only a very brief report. A great loss has been sustained by the Society in the removal of Prof. Saunders. from London to Ottawa, and his consequent inability to longer undertake the onerous duties of President and Editor, which for many years he performed so faithfully and suc- cessfully. In his position of Director of the Experimental Farm he will, however, still be able to pursue his researches, and, with the necessary assistance of a competent ento- mologist, will be able to greatly advance the knowledge of the very important science of Entomology. The publication of the Canadian Entomologist is successfully continued ; volume 18 contains papers from forty-nine contributors, all well-known workers, and many of the articles are of much scientific value. Volume 19 is now being issued under the editor- ship of Rey. C. J. 8. Bethune, who edited the first five volumes, and who has been con- tinuously a member of the editing committee, so that he is eminently qualified to take up the work laid down by Prof. Saunders. The Sixteenth Annual Report contained as usual much matter of economic import- ance, and No. 17 is now ready for distribution. The Annual Meeting of the Society was held in the Society’s rooms, London, Ontario, on Wednesday, 20th October, 1886, when there was a very satisfactory atendance of members. The retiring President, Prof. Saunders, delivered a very interesting and instructive address, and several reports and valuable papers were presented. The following resolution was carried unanimously by the meeting :— “That the Society learns with regret that their esteemed friend, Prof. Saunders, hag found it necessary to withdraw from the presidency of their body, and also from the editorship of their organ, The Canadian Entomologist, but recognizing the importance of the work Prof. Saunders has been called to superintend, and the wisdom of the choice made in him by the Government, it congratulates the Professor upon this recognition of his abilities and zeal in the public service, and respectfully tenders to him a life membership in the Society.” Officers for the current year were elected as follows :— LEGO UAL Les Bee. US BT oe James Fletcher, Ottawa, Ont. VOCATIONAL 3.5. 3s Se RG ae Rev. C. J. 8. Bethune, Port Hope, Ont. MS CORCLONY UMCUSUNE TA a io.c)e\ - a! , Ce gM $601 66 Hxpenses of reportiand meetings. .....7Pyweecs i230. 2 ale 411 08 BUS aaa Wari Var en hic vj ssia ede). » « «io MMe ko 331 38 LEGIT GI GAG) | GO nas) BA A A RM ns CN Sa ae 71 00 Bixpense and merchandise. ........ 2.0002 o5- secu c che vens 175 66 STRSEUES 50) (CITES ee eee ic 225 00 GING) Bau nL's be Bec CRS OES, 5: ah) Ne RN ara 40 00 LISTINGS, 3 Hite leo A Ous oie tM, Gk Maa CeO EL aD 23 91 Bearer e: Tia Hanv Cl epaey state Maer era) 3). 5 mete Arar i os 122 46 $2,002 15 We certify that we have examined the above statement with books and vouchers, and found the same to be correct. EK. B. REED, ‘ J M. DENTON, Auditors. REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN. I beg leave to submit my Report as Librarian of the Entomological Society for the year ending September 30th, 1888 :— The total number of books now on the catalogue is 987, and there are a number of volumes waiting to be bound. During the year some valuable additions have been made to the Library by purchase and exchange, and the departments of Zoology and Botany have been increased. 16 io Bat Among those of special interest are :— Rolleston’s Forms of Animal Life. : Claus & Sedgwick’s Text-Book of Zoology. Jordan's Manual of the Vertebrates. Merrian’s Mammals of the Adirondacks. Lidgeway’s Waterbirds of North America. cs Manual of N.A. Birds. The A.O.U. Code and Check-List of N.A. Birds. Coue’s Key to N.A. Birds. Capen’s Oology of New England. Sachs’ Lectures on the Physiology of Plants. De Bary’s Lectures on Bacteria, a Comparative Morphology of Fungi, Mycetozoa and Bacteria. Bower & Vine’s Practical Botany. Henston’s Origin of Floral Structures. Wood's Class-Book of Botany. Bessey’s Botany. Culpepper’s Complete Herbal. The books are in good order and well prgecuicd and due record is kept of all books borrowed. - It will be necessary that additional cases should shortly be provided. The Canadian Entomologist has been regularly issued and mailed, and the back volumes and numbers are carefully stored and made easily available when required. The electrotypes and wood cuts are in due order, and it is suggested that sheets be prepared for use of those requiring them, shewing the various orders properly classified and arranged. I would submit for the consideration of the members the great. desirability, in the interests of the Society, that an effort should, if possible, be made to have the rooms open at stated times for free reference and inspection by the public. The cabinets have been thoroughly gone over, and the Lepidoptera rearranged, since their return from England, and printed lists of Lepidoptera have been prepared and distributed to members, shewing the desiderata required to fill up and complete the collection. Respectfully submitted. E. BAYNES REED, Librarian. REPORT TO THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF CANADA. As delegate from the Entomological Society of Ontario, I have much pleasure in submitting a concise report of its work and progress during the past year. The Society, although nominally an Ontario institution, and largely supported by a liberal annual grant from that Province, is composed of members scattered all over the Dominion, besides having associate members throughout the Rates States, as well as scattered all over the world. For the past fifteen years a branch has been Se in Montreal, and though we have there suffered a severe blow during the past year in the death of our esteemed President, Mr. G. J. Bowles, an enthusiastic entomologist, and for several years a mem- ber of the Editorial Committee of the Canadian Entomologist, I have great hopes of being able to keep the branch in active operation. 17 The monthly journal of the Society, the Canadian Entomologist, has been regularly issued during the past year, and still continues to hold its place as the leading magazine devoted exclusively to entomology published on this continent. It has completed its nineteenth volume and entered upon its twentieth. The former consists of 240 pages of reading matter, with one plate besides the index. The subject matter is fully up to the standard of former volumes, both in interest and importance. Three new genera and sixty-two new species were described in it, and the contributors to its pages, amounting to thirty-seven in number, embrace a considerable portion of the active and eminent entomologists of this continent, as well as others of less note. For a number of years past one of the most important and valuable features of the Entomologist has been the very full descriptions of the preparatory stages or life histories of a considerable number of butterflies and some beetles, which have been contributed by entomologists eminent in their respective branches. These descriptions have been accumulating from year to year, and now amount to a very large number in comparison with the number of those whose early stages were known fifteen or twenty years ago. The annual report of the Society for the year 1887 has been somewhat delayed, not having yet been issued to the members, but it is expected to be distributed within a few days and will no doubt be quite up to the high standard of the reports of previous years. The very important collection of insects exhibited by the Society at the Colonial and Indian Exhibition was duly returned to the Society’s headquarters at London, Ont. Upon examination it was found that some of the specimens had been badly damaged on the journey, as was naturally to be expected, and that many others had suffered very much from the long continued exposure to the light at the exhibition, as must inevitably occur under similar circumstances. The Society has accordingly issued a list of species required to place its collection again in perfect order, and, though the list is large, many have already: been received, and it is to be hoped that the remainder of the specimens needed may be forthcoming from the members at no distant day. The establishment in connection with the Department of Agriculture of the Central Experimental Farm, under the able direction of Mr. William Saunders, a former presi- dent of the Entomological Society, and the appointment to the position of Entomologist in connection with the same of so able and active an entomologist as Mr. James Fletcher, the present President of the Society, is likely to prove of vast importance to the country. The active work which is now being carried on will certainly prove of great benefit to the agriculturists of this country, not only by showing what crops it will be best to grow, but also how to preserve those crops from the destructive ravages of their tiny insect foes. ELE, LG YaIMUAUNG ANNUAL MEETING OF THE MONTREAL BRANCH. The fifteenth annual meeting of the Montreal Branch of the Entomological Society of Ontario was held on May 8, 1888, when the following officers were elected for the ensuing year :—President, H. H. Lyman; Vice-President, F. B. Caulfield; Secretary- Treasurer, E. C. Trenholme ; Council, J. F. Haussen, A. F. Winn. The reports of the Council and Secretary-Treasurer were read and on motion adopted. Mr. Lyman shewed some curious varieties of Callimorpha confusa taken by Mr. Bethune at Credit and Port Hope, Ontario. Mr. Winn shewed some interesting Geometers taken at Montreal and other parts of Canada. , 2 (EN.) 18 FIFTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE MONTREAL BRANCH OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF ONTARIO. The Council beg to submit the following report for the year 1887-1888 : It is with profound regret that your Council have to record the death, early in the past year, of our most highly esteemed President, Mr. George J. Bowles, after a pro- longed illness. . Mr. Bowles’s enthusiasm for entomology and his untiring exertions to promote the welfare and success of the Branch, as well as his many amiable personal qualities are well known, and his premature death threatened the very existence of our Society in this city. : Your Council, however, determined to make every effort to keep the Branch in ex- istence, and have great hopes of being able to do so in spite of the great loss which has been sustained. On account of the President’s illness no meeting was held after the annual meeting until July 20, when a special meeting was convened to pass resolutions upon his death. After that sad event no attempt was made to hold any meetings until the winter had well set in, since which three meetings have been held at which the following papers have been read :— 1. Notes on the Genus Colias.—H. H. Lyman, published in Canadian Entomologist. 2, Canadian Diptera.—F. B. Caulfield. 3. List of Orthoptera, taken in the Canadian North-west by Mr. James Fletcher.— F. B. Caulfield. During the year one member of the Society, Mr. W. H. Smith, has resigned, and one new member, Mr. A. F. Winn, has been elected. The collection left by Mr. Bowles was purchased by a friend of McGill University amd donated to that institution, forming’a most valuable addition to its magnificent museum. In conclusion, your Council would strongly urge all the members to renewed activity in this our favorite science in which so much remains undiscovered and awaiting investi- gation. The death of our late President instead of discouraging us should beget greater zeal and a deternination to keep up the Branch in which he took such great interest. The whole is respectfully submitted. H. H. LYMAN, Vice-President. Papers were read by (1) the Rev. T. W. Fyles on “The Hypenide of the Province of Quebec ;” (2) Mr. J. Moffatt on ‘“‘ Some Curious Proceedings of the Larvee of Huchetes egle Feeding Upon the Milk-weed ;” (3) Mr. W. E. Saunders on the English Sparrow, strongly recommending its extermination ; (4) Rev, T. W. Fyles on ‘ The Sphingide of the Province of Quebec.” Mr. Fletcher, in discussing this paper, remarked upon the colours of Sphina 5-Maculata, and said that the dark forms’seem to be hardier than the pale green ; he had observed also in Papilio asterias that the green pupe emerged much sooner than the brown ; he had obtained no less than four broods of this insect this year. (5) Rev. T. W. Fyles read “ A Memoir of the Late Philip H. Gosse,” and ex- hibited a photograph of this eminent naturalist and his late residence. (The above papers are all published below.) ' Mr. Moffatt stated that he had taken Papilio chresphontes this summer at Hamilton, and that he had seen in that neighborhood a specimen of the now rare Pieris protodice. Mr. Fyles mentioned that he had taken Grapta gracilis and fawnus at Quebec in Septem- ber ; Hepialus gracilis in the Township of Dunham ; and Hepialus auratus in the Town- ship of Brome. Dr. Bethune had found Grapta J. Albwm numerous at Port Hope in September, and brought some living specimens to the meeting ; these will be taken care of during their hibernation, and efforts will be made to obtain their eggs in the spring. 19 The following gentlemen were elected mew bers of the Society :—Rev. Prof. Symonds, Trinity College, Toronto ; Rowland Hill, London ; Mr. Brown, Free Press, London; A. L. Poudrier, Donald, B.C. ; Arthur M. Bethune, Port Hope; E. M. Morris, Toronto. It was decided to hold the next annual meeting in London immediately after the close of the meeting of the American Association in Toronto in August. After passing a vote of thanks to the Mayor and Council for the use of the City Hall, the meeting adjourned. NCTES ON THE HYPENIDA OF THE PROVINCE OF QUEBEC. BY THE REV. THOMAS W. FYLES, SOUTH QUEBEC. For the first time since I have resided at South Quebec the hop-vines in my garden have this season been infested with the larve of Hypena humult, Harr. Throughout July the ravages of these destructive insects were continued, and by the end of that month the foliage on the vines was very thoroughly skeletonized. In their attacks on the leaves, the larvee commenced operations from beneath, biting holes through, and enlarging them till the fleshy portions of the leaves were entirely gone, and only the ribs and veins remained in unsightly tangles. At the slightest disturbance the larvee would throw themselves to the ground, and, on reaching this, would jerk themselves about for a second or two, and then remain quiescent, but contorted out of all caterpillar shape. The body under such circumstances is doubled back, the head thrown to one side and the legs protruded from the rounded segments ; and, as the under side of the creature is much lighter in colour than the upper, it can readily be conceived that the whole appearance, both in hue and shape, is so changed that even an insectivorous bird would fail to recognize the bonne bouche that had so adroitly slipped from under its bill. When full grown the larva is about eight-tenths of an inch long. It loops slightly in walking. In colour it is pale glassy green.. It has a darker green dorsal line and white side lines. The under part of the body and the legs are greenish white. The head is green- ish white dotted with black. The larve appeared in different stages all through the month of July, and were green in all their stages. I mention this fact because Professor Packard says that when half grown the larve are of a pale livid flesh-colour. Difference of climate may have something to do with the variation. Fresh imagos continued to appear all through the month of August and in the first week of September. For the destruction of the larve an application—by means of a syringe—of Paris green suspended in water would probably be found effectual. And, as the larvee appear before the blossoms of the hop, such an application might be made without fear of injuri- ous consequences. Should the use of Paris green be thought undesirable, an application of strong soap-suds would be found beneficial. The long protruding palpi of the perfect insects of the genus Hypena have suggested the name ‘‘Snout,” by which the moths are familiarly known. The Hypenide belong to a group of insects that have been called Deltoides from the Greek Delta (/\)—the outline of a Delta moth in a state of repose resembling that letter. aN Characteristics of the Genus Hypena. Imago :—Antenne long and filiform ; palpi very conspicuous, curved upward at the tip ; abdomen slender, sometimes crested on the first and second segments ; fore-wings somewhat falcate, bearing scaly tufts on the upper surface. Larva :—Long, cylindrical, active, has fourteen feet only, loops but slightly. Pupa :—Slender, pointed, contained in an imperfect cocoon among leaves. Descriptions of Hypena Moths taken in the Province of Quebec. Humul, Harris.—Expanse of wings, 1.2 in. Fore-wing : Grey, sometimes brownish grey ; inner line and elbowed line much indented ; between them a dark brown patch 20 extends from the costa for nearly half the width of the wing ; a brown dash extends from the farther of the two inward points of this patch to the tip ; subterminal line indicated by a row of black dots; on the brown patch and near the inner line are two tufts of black scales ; and, near the elbowed line, is another tuft of the same. Hind-wing, grey, bordered by a black dotted line and light grey fringe. Head and thorax, brown. Abdo- men, grey. Achatinalis, Zeller.—Expanse of wings, 1.3 in. Colour, light reddish brown—the hind-wings lighter than the fore-wings. Inner line, slightly curved, brown ; elbowed line, white, wavy ; the space between forming a band of darker colour. Towards the nearer costal angle of this band is a small black tuft. For about half the distance between the elbowed line and the subterminal line the wing is of a paler and slightly rosy hue ; then, extending to the subterminal line, there is a band of dull brown. The subterminal line is wavy, scalloped, interrupted, black with a grey edging. Apical dash, grey. Perangulalis, Harvey.—Expanse of wings, 1.1 in. Colour, grey varied with light warm brown. Inner line, curved, white, with an outer margin of brown ; elbowed line, nearly straight—one slight wave near the costa, white with an inner margin of brown ; the space between these lines somewhat darker in colour than the rest of the wing—has one small black dot of raised scales in its inner costal angle ; subterminal line, beautifully scalloped, black, interrupted. All the wings are margined with brown. Perangulalis is the most beautiful species I have taken. Vellifera, Grote.—Expanse of wings, 1.4 in. Colour, light warm brown mottled with darker brown. Inner line, sharply indented on the costa; a small tuft of dark scales at the opening of the indentation ; elbowed line, slightly wavy, touched by a small dark — brown patch at a slight distance from the costa; both these lines are dark brown bordered with a lighter hue ; they are connected at their nearest approach to each other by a cross line of brown ; subterminal line, wavy and less distinct ; a brown cloud extends from the apex about half way along the hind margin. Scabra, Fabr.—Expanse of wings, 1.3 in. Fore-wings, dark brown of an umber shade ; hind-wings, nearly as dark. Inner line, indented, somewhat obscure ; elbowed line, with a very marked tooth extending outwardly, not far from the costa. On this line, near the hind margin, are two tufts of raised scales. In the space between the lines. there are two such tufts. Subterminal line, wavy. NOTES ON LARVA OF EUCHETES EGLE. BY J. A. MOFFAT. On the 20th of August last, whilst strolling amidst a most luxuriant growth of milk ~ weed, Asclepias cornutws, I came on a brood of Euchetes Egle larve, about two-thirds grown, whose movements arrested my attention. They were situated on three tiers of leaves, the upper one more than half eaten, the second one not so much, the third one not at all; on the two upper ones the caterpillars were in the position usually taken by them when feeding in company, that is, resting on the edge of the leaf side by side, heads all one way, bodies at an acute angle with edge of leaf. When my eye first caught them they were mostly engaged in jerking their heads vigorously from side to side, the pivot of the movement being about the centre of their length, whilst every now and again one and another of them would throw itself off the — leaf and fall to the ground, others would start for the opposite side of the leaf, run as if pursued, and go over the edge. Very soon there were none left on the two upper leaves and my attention turned to the lower one, in the hollow of which was a little heap of caterpillars, probably dropped there from the leaves above. As I looked at the confused mass I thought they must be dead; as they remained quite motionless I stirred them with my cane and found them lively enough, their heads all pointing inwards and each as much as possible with its head under its neighbour. I thought of Ichneumon as probably the producing cause of such strange conduct. There was a small glossy black Hymenopter running about on this leaf, but during my observations it showed no inclina- 21 tion to interfere with the larve. Whilst I was watching them a bumble bee flew close over them. They instantly seemed to become frantic, jerking violently, whilst a number of them stampeded, going over the edge of the leaf with a bound. Is iw one rubbing the back of its head on the leaf; it seemed to be quite consvious that it had long tufts of hair to deal with. In the operation it raised its head well up, turned it a full half round, then brought it down slanting, bending all the tufts to one side, pressing hard, then sweeping rapidly the other way, and this it did several times without stopping. I saw one throw itself completely over on its back, and wriggle after the manner of a dog scratching its back on the ground, even to the raising of the centre of its body, and rubbing only its head and rump. THE ENGLISH SPARROW. BY W. BE. SAUNDERS, LONDON, ONTARIO. The sparrow question, as it is now familiarly termed, has certainly been a much debated one of late, and while not a few persons to whom the bird is an old acquaintance agree that all statements to its detriment are malicious slanders, still the bulk of evidence as well as of opinion is strongly against it, and by almost, if not quite all of those who are in the best position to know, the sparrow is unhesitatingly and sweepingly condemned. This decision has not been reached without due consideration and ample evidence. Both in the United States and on our side of the line, time and money have been freely spent in solving the problem, although most of the work has been done by our neighbours. Their Division of Zoology, in the Department of Agriculture, issued blank forms con- taining questions bearing on all points of the subject at issue, and these forms were sent to everybody known to those in charge, who would be likely to possess information of value in deciding the result of the investigation. When the reports were gathered in, it was found that while the sparrow was introduced at only a few points, chiefly along the Atlantic seaboard, it had increased so rapidly that it was fast covering the continent ; in fact, last year the new territory reported covered was about 5V0,000 square miles, which nearly equalled its total distribution for 1886, so that in a few years, probably three at the outside, we shall see it covering our whole continent. One of the greatest objections to its presence is that it crowds out and drives away our native birds, and in this respect the results of its residence among us are even worse than the effects of the summer visits of the cowbird, about whom a few words may be allowed in passing. It is a matter of public notoriety that the cowbird leaves the hatching of its eggs and the care of its young to the tender mercies of other birds, usually smaller than itself, but it is not so well known that very often this intruder, by its large size and rapid growth, absorbs the attention of its foster parents, and the legitimate occupants of the nest are first starved and then thrown out of the nest, the result often being that when the intruder is full grown it is the sole occupant of the nest, having caused the death of from three to five small birds, any one of whom would far exceed its murderer in usefulness. Therefore, every farmer would be doing a service to himself if he would endeavor to lessen the number of cowbirds in his neighbourhood, and thereby directly increase his stock of insect-eating birds in the succeeding summer. There is, however, a bright side to the cowbird question, and that is found in the fact that while the supply of the celebrated reed bird of New York and adjacent cities, consists chiefly of red-winged and rusty blackbirds, the number of cowbirds entering into it isno small one, and as the other birds decrease we may hope to see the latter species form a larger proportion of the total bulk consumed, until its numbers becomes so far reduced that we shall not seriously notice its baneful presence. But no such hope comes to our relief when we consider the ways of the sparrow. They do not utilize the attentions of other birds to rear their young—if they did there would he a limit to their increase, as there are few nests of our native birds containing eggs after the beginning of July—but this foreign intruder extends its work as long as 22 the weather is favorable, three or four broods of four to six each being the usual number of young raised in a season, and as it generally breeds in town it is not subject to the attacks of carnivorous birds and animals to the extent to which our native birds are troubled. Out of a large number of stomachs of adults examined by the writer, so much as fifty per cent. of insects has been found, the proportion varying from this to none, in which latter instances the contents generally consisted entirely of road-pickings and grain. — The stomachs of young birds taken from the nest usually contained from one-quarter to one-half of insect remains, but instances are not wanting where stomachs even of unfledged young contained nothing but road-pickings, although the belief that they feed their young to a considerable extent on insects is amply proven. Their numbers in our country are not such as would lead one to believe that they might commit havoc among grain fields, but the record they bring with them from Europe shews this to be their habit, and already reports of great damage to single fields are coming in from different localities, and thus public opinion is being aroused to the probability that they are destined to be a factor in determining the results of agriculture in our country. Reports have reached the writer from different directions around London that they have seriously affected the yield of wheat from certain fields, and it is within the range of the experience of almost every gardener that they sometimes do serious damage to the buds of fruit trees. and shrubs, and also that they often attack the ripe fruit itself. That they cannot be depended on to attack any particular insect every time it appears. is shown by a recent letter from the President of our Society, in which, after referring to their attack on a scourge of apple aphis, and stating that he saw one devour a larva of the common tent caterpillar, he says, ‘On the other hand, when trees have been swarming with Clisiocampa Americana (the tent caterpillar), as in 1887, the sparrows. flew into the trees in large numbers, but I never saw them touch a caterpillar except in the above-mentioned instance.” Some people in the country realize the fact that this bird is an unmitigated nuisance; one striking case having recently been brought to my knowledge, where a farmer living close to the city limits of London, where these birds abound, goes to considerable trouble to prevent their permanent access to his farm, and as a result the trees around his house and over his farm are inhabited by such birds as the Orioles, Vireos, Tanagers, Warblers and others, whose brilliant plumage, sweet voices and entertaining ways far more than repay him for his expenditure of time and trouble in protecting them, while they render him untiring service in ridding his farm of noxious insects which would otherwise multiply at his expense. On the contrary, other farms with which I am familiar, as a result of indifference, have for their bird music the strident tones of the sparrow, and instead of having the foliage of their trees and shrubs kept in good condition by the ceaseless activity of our native songsters, their houses are made foul, their tempers tried and their crops attacked by this intruder, who takes upon himself the onus of crowding out many and driving out more of the original avian inhabitants. This state of affairs cannot but cause grave concern to those who have given their attention to the matter, but as yet nothing has been done towards the extirpation of the — nuisance beyond recommendations to the public looking to the lessening of their numbers. in various ways, such as preventing them from breeding by destroying nests whenever possible, taking down houses put up for their accommodation, as well as those erected for other birds and usurped by the one in question, and refraining from feeding them at all times, which may sometimes result in starvation in winter. In England, where the bird is indigenous, the damage done of late years has been enormous, Sal it has been stated by Miss Eleanor Ormerod, in a letter to the Times, of — January 13th, 1885, that the ravages on wheat have been ‘ “ estimated by judges of the farm crops in some districts to amount to one-third of the crop,” and Miss Ormerod is — one of the most promiuent economic entomologists in England, and has devoted a large portion of her life to the study of the bearings of entomology on Agriculture, and has — included the sparrow in her labours, affecting as it does so largely the results of agricul- — ture in that country. In a paper read before the Farmer’s Club, April 30th, 1885, Miss Pere Gy "dae: oi) ay Ey A SYSTEMATIC VIEW OF SUCH OF THE FAMILY SPHINGID AS ARE FOUND IN THE PROVINCE OF QUEBEC. Se ee rm | SPHINGINA. MACROGLOSSINZA. CHEROCAMPINA. SMERINTHIN 4. —— SS Hemaris. Amphion. Thyreus. Everyx. Ampelophaga. Deilephila, Philampelus. Calasymbolus. Paonias. Cressonia. Triptogon. Ceratomia. Daremma. Dolba. Phlegethontius. Ellema. Sphinx (Dalman.) (Hubner.) (Swainson.) (Boisduval.) (Bremer.) (Och.) (Harris.) (Grote. ) (Hubner.) (Grote & Robinson.) (Bremer.) (Harris.) (Walker.) (Walker.) ( Hubner.) (Clemens.) — (Linnous) Thysbe. Nessus. Abbotii. Cheerilus. Myron. Chameenerii. Pandorus. Myops. Excecatus, Juglandis. Modesta. Amyntor. Undulosa. Hyleus. Celeus. Coniferarum. Drupiferima (Fab.) (Cram.) (Swains.) (Cram.) (Cram.) (Harris.) (Hubner.) (Abbott & Smith) (Abb. & Sm.) (Abb. & Sm.) (Harris. ) (Hubner. ) (Walker.) (Drury.) (Hubner.) (Abb. & Sm.) (Abb, & Se Diffinis. Versicolor. Lineata. Achemon. Cerisii. Kalmiz, | (Bois.) (Harris.) (Fab.) (Drury.) (Kirby,) (Abb. £8) Geminatus. Chersis. (Say.) (Hubner) Canadensis. (Boisducal) Eremitus. ( Hubner) A SYSTEMATIC VIEW OF SUC MACROGLOSSINZ. CHEROCAMPIN ZA. Ce | | | Ellema. - Hemaris. Amphion. Thyreus. Everyx. Ampelophaga. Deiley (Dalman.) . (Hubner.) (Swainson.) (Boisduval.) (Bremer.) (Oc (Clemens.) - Thysbe. Nessus. Abbotii. Cheerilus. Myron. Cham (apn fae ) " Til Ha i : : (Fab.) (Cram.) (Swains. ) (Cram.) (Cram.) ( Diffinis. Versicolor. Linea (Bois.) (Harris.) (Fal 23 Ormerod condemned the sparrow on all counts, judging both from evidence and inference and she strongly recommends it for wholesale slaughter. That tbe extermination of the English sparrow would be a great boon to Canada, the writer has no doubt, and for the benefit of those who may wish to lessen the numbers of this bird around their dwelling places, it may be mentioned that the Ornithologist of the Department of Agriculture at Washington has had experiments made with a view to determining the most convenient, etiicient and economical poison for use, and the simplest method of preparation. It was found that of the common poisons, strychnine was much the quickest, but arsenic was better suited for the purpose, most birds that were fed on arsenic in the morning dying in the night following, when they would be in their nests or roosting places, and thus their poisoned bodies would not often endanger the lives of domestic animals, particularly in the winter, when they seek the most secluded places for roosting purposes. The best form of presentation was one part of arsenic to fifteen of cornmeal by weight, mixed dry and fed wet. If whole grain, such as wheat, is used, it is well to moisten the grain with a little water to which some gum has been added, so as to cause the poison to adhere to the grains. There is a little association in St. Thomas to which the writer would like to call attention, which has been doing good work with small outlay. By private subscription a fund was raised, and the members of the association, mostly boys who have the good of the birds and their country at heart, gave their own captures and services free, and spread the news over the town that so much a dozen would be given for eggs and so much each for heads ; and the spread of sparrows in that city promptly received a severe check. In view of the possibility of similar organizations elsewhere, it may be recommended that as the females are the ones who are most actively engaged in perpetuating the baneful species, the price set on the heads of females in the breeding season, that is from March until the end of August, should be at least double that of the males, as, if the females can be exterminated, it goes without saying that the males will soon die out without any special assistance from man. It is generally held that until the Government take up this matter and vote a sum of money for the purpose, the increase of these birds will not be materially retarded, and certainly the sooner this is done the better for the country, and the more expeditious and less expensive the work will be. That it will come to this sooner or later, few that have given the matter much attention can doubt, as, even though the disgust and inconvenience caused to the residents of cities be not sufficient to call for its suppression, the time is coming when the damage caused to farm crops will become immense, assuming national proportions, and then one might almost say it will be too late, steps will have to be taken, and at an enormous expenditure of time and money the evil will be wiped out. NOTES ON THE SPHINGIDA OF THE PROVINCE OF QUEBEC. REV. THOMAS W. FYLES, SOUTH QUEBEC. The family Sphingide is amongst the most interesting of the families of the Lepidoptera. The large size and graceful outlines of the larve, and the beauty, both of form and colouring, of the perfect insects, at once attract the eye and win the admira- tion. The name Sphingidz is given to this family because of the habit which the larve of many of its species have of curving the body into the attitude of the Egyptian Sphinx. The perfect insects are called Hawk Moths; their hovering motions and the length and shape of their clean-cut wings have suggested the name. Sometimes, also, on account of their resemblance in shape and movements to the smallest of our feathered summer visitants, they are very appropriately styled Humming Bird Moths. The earliest of the family to make their appearance are the pretty yellow-belted moth (Amphion nessus), and the Clear Wings, or Bee-Moths (Sesia thysbe and Sesia difimis). These, in the eastern townships, are often found in company, hovering over apple-bloom. At Quebec they frequent the lilacs. I took, at lilacs, this spring, a lovely little Sesia of the size, and somewhat of the 24 appearance, of Thysbe. On comparison it is found to have striking peculiarities. Its antenne are blue back, and more slender than those of Thysbe. The upper part of the head, thorax and basal abdominal segments is of a rich olive green. Between this green and the deep Venetian red of the middle segments of the abdomen is a whitish fringe. Above the eye, and extend- ing to a point half-way beneath the hind wing, is a white line, which broadens as it approaches its termina- tion. The under part of the head and thorax is white. A reddish brown patch, extending from the eye to the end of the thorax, separates this from the white line above mentioned. On the sides of the two last segments of Fic. 8. the abdomen are tufts of yellowish hairs, those on the last projecting, So as to give the abdomen the appearance of a truncated ending. The usual abdominal tuft is pointed and not flattened, as in Z/hysbe. The under side of the abdomen is red- dish brown, with a few white hairs on the sides between the segments. The legs are red throughout. The cell of the primaries has no bar ; and the transparent disk of the hind wing has only five veins. Is this insect Chameesesia gracilis ? Thyreus Abbotii (Fig. 8 represents the moth and caterpillar) is said to have been taken at Hull. I have never met with the insect. I have found the larve of Hveryx cherulus in the eastern townships, and at Como, on the Ottawa, feeding upon grape-vines. At South Quebec it feeds upon the Virginia Creeper. The larva of Ampelophaga Myron (Fig. 9) also, I have found in the townships, feeding upon the grape-vine. The moth is shewn in Fig. 10. Of Ampelophaga versicolor I found one larva and the chrysalis (Fig. 11) ina neglected bottom land in the Township of Brome. It was full fed, and I could not determine its food plant. From it I raised a very perfectspecimen of themoth. Deilephila Chamenerii (Fig 12 repre- sents the moth), may be found in its larval state feeding upon the bo Or Bice, 12. Willow Herb (£pilobium angustifolium). Its favourite haunts are neglected, stony spots in cultivated fields. The instinct of the mother insect leads it ap- parently away from pasture lands, where there is danger to its offspring from cattle, to the safer spots that I have in- dicated. In the counties of Brome and Missisquoi the larvee may sometimes be met with in abundance. I have found them of two prevailing colours—green and madder brown. Those of the latter colour seem to be the more hardy. I have had no difficulty in raising the moths from them. With the green type I generally failed. The moths may be taken in the evening at lilac blossoms, Fie 13. Deilephila lineata (Fig 13 represents the larva and Fig 14 the moth) frequented my garden at Cowansyville, making its appearance about four o’clock in warm autumn after- It was also met with in the grounds of Col. Hall of East Farnham. It has’a noons. dashing, rapid flight, and flies low. 26 Fie 15. Two fine larvee (Fig 15) of Philampelus pandorus were sent to me by I. J. Gibb, Esq., of Como, P. Que.,afew yearsago. They were found in his vinery. Unfortunately the journey by post was too much for them, and they perished. (Fig 16 represents the Pandorus moth. ) DICn dine Pepys co 27 Fie 19. Philampelus achemon (Fig 17 the larva, Fig 18 the pupa, and Fig 19 the moth) was | very abundant in Missisquoi and Brome Counties, both on the grape vines and the Virginia creeper. Fie 20. Calasymbolus myops (Fig 20) is not uncommon. I have found the larve on the wild cherry (Prunus Pennsylvanica) and have taken the perfect insect at light. hana 28 Of the rare and beautiful Calasymbolus cerisii I have two specimens (male and female) taken at light, in my bed-room at Cowansville. Concerning this insect, Strecker says (Lepidoptera p. 59) :—‘‘ This 4s certainly the rarest of all the heretofore described N. American Sphingide ; but three authentic examples, all male, are known ; the first was figured and described by Kirby, in 1837, who did not know in what precise lacality it was captured ; this example perhaps may still be preserved in the British museum, otherwise it is probably lost ; the second was taken by the late Robt. Kennicott at Rupert House, in British America, and is at present in the museum of Comp. Zool, at Cambridge ; this is the largest specimen of the three, expanding about three inchés. The third and last, the original of figure 3, I received in a small collection of things from near Providence, Rhode Island.” Calasymbolus geminatus is abundant in Missisquoi county. Paonias excecatus is plentiful in the Eastern Townships. The larve are found on apple trees ; and the moth is taken at light. Of Cressonia juglandis, I have one specimen taken at Cowansville, and another taken at Quebec. Both were attracted by light. I have a fine specimen of Triptogon modesta, (Fig 21) which was taken at Sherbrooke, P. Que.; and I have seen several other specimens that were captured in the same locality. I have found the larve of Ceratomia amyntor in abundance in the Township of Farnham. ‘They feed upon the elm, and their side-lines closely resemble the ribs on the curled leaves of the tree. When the leaves turn brown, the larve also change colour, maintaining the illusion that is their security from their foes. Deremma undulosa I have found in the townships and at Quebec. It feeds upon the ash, etc. T have taken Dolba hyleus in the Township of Dunham abundantly, at flowers after sunset. Phlegethontius celeus was formerly rare. It was seldom that one came upon the larvee in the wide expanses of our potato-fields ; but’since the advent of the potato beetle and the use of Paris green as an insecticide, the larve have been frequently found. The fact is, the moth has shunned the pvisoned plants, and has laid her eggs on the unprotected potato and tomato patches in our gardéns. I have seen as many as fifty full grown larve on one such patch of tomatoes in the neighborhood of East Farnham. I possess one specimen only of Lllema coniferarum. It was taken at light at Cowansville. Fie 22. Sphine drupiferarum (Fig 22) is one of the most common of our Sphinges.-" My first captures were from trees and fences on Mount Royal many years ago. I have frequently raised the insect from larve taken in different parts of the province. (Fig 23 represents the larva and Fig 24 the chrysalis.) Sphing Kalmie and Sphinx Chersis are also common, and may be captured after sun- down at milk-weed, perennial phlox, etc. Sphine Canadensis is rare. I have four specimens captured at flowers in the dusk of the evening. They were taken in the Township of Dunham. Sphinx eremitus I have met with only at Cowansville. I obtained a number of larve from a bed of garden sage in the grounds of E. Carter, Esq., of that place. I also found the insect upon sage in my own garden, and upon mint (Mentha Canadensis) in the neighbouring fields. Sphinx salvie would be a better name for the insect than any yet given. In the following tables I have followed the classification of Grote : 30 ‘ojo ‘aedeer0 VIULSa A ‘ouIA ‘aBUR10 -odery (“mo2UMbwLA vYWHOSIp sepoviidg “peoy ey} m0 ouly O47) JOM Joptdg (“2007f" [e4yyue0 YSIUMOIg “YsTgTy AM “pnw pyvzy) JoMoy azoqyxurg |***°* "++" ** "+" Woeet8-YsInt_ |(eprs yore uo g) soury-epis onbryqg |**xoeq oyy uo ySITYM—uoeIy | ‘Your Z ‘BITS 9SIOASUVI SNOTAUIN NT (‘nxjofanbuinb ‘SOUT [VSIOp-qns uoyoargq |sayoynd ynoypm ‘UMoIg YStppay os g sisdopdwy) tedeerm erutsarA |*8uta Moped B UL eporaqny ‘UMOIG PUB U9eId Palys [eu_ ‘moyah Lo W290 ‘ouIA-odviny |yortq wv usoy Jo eovjd Uy |'saul[-epIs paanoroo - ayepoooyg |/osayoqnd ym ‘uMmorq Ystppoyy | “Your ¢ Treseesses* entry XAIOATT sees ees* O[BULO} JO VAIVIT scree esesOTeUr JO BATT ‘rIgoqqy sneaky, BUISUOM ies aus ees MOIS: | °° * 19 Un SoUl]-OpIs pueTestOqm|s soos: + * "*uUMOIG eyBlosoYyH | ‘your ¢ *SUOTY “YN YT : (‘snbajn19) ULOYIMVTT |-V[NUVIS ogITTM pUR yxoV[q ‘pal VYBVUlsy4G petepriogq esol [[up yyroeu (‘snduporwoydufig) KataqMoug [yy peppnjs pue ‘MoT ‘sodiiqys opis Usels YSIMoT[od zloapuy, =‘“peyepnuris ‘sapis (‘snyndo wruiungr,) [[eq-moug |-faA yy peddy onpq yysry |gysry ‘adiays pessop ystppayy joy} UO deyxAep “uooIS qstmorjox | "your Z% (‘wn ‘quoulses 4siy -Yoflad WNIPSOLT,) JOM IBA iT JO Oprs JoyytIa UO aspla Wapos (opyrwg esi9Asuvdy v !MoTad oyed ‘Yyvousopun pod yaep opewnq) s[yonskouoy ysng foot cot yoRlg |seur-opls ‘oury pesaop user3 yaecy |‘ueer3 oped soprs ‘oaoqe ontg | ‘yout FT wR BS 40 —% Mh x 5 ‘SHUV]. ONIHSINONILSI(T E OIG YOUM JSVT OA OYy gdoeo q ‘DIDDUNIOS JO Spuly less ‘fov[q seporadg ‘sedr4s “OvyTq UeAe puv & Jeyjo pues ‘ozvutog ‘oyvjog | o'''e tess uaoad-sjoory |MoT[oA-YsitooaSs onbiyqo uosaog |UMOAC SoTUTZOUMOS,“HoeId FYSIIg | ‘your g]****'** snopaO anqroyieze(td "LALO OTILOY AM. "OHTUM GIA MOTO (2qn)6 sowug) Jopye rxoVTE pret eweeeeerrrores “TOStMLID |pospo ‘yurd ‘sourf-opis onbitqg Gloss re wees Rng Vqod . rewereceeseeeveenrs W00IS-VOT “yout 34 THE HAWK MOTHS OF THE PROVINCE OF QUEBEC. A Taste to enable the Student of Entomology to learn the names of the Hawk Moths of the Province of Quebec from the average size, colouring, and distinguishing features of these insects. NAMES. Expanse of wings. Hemaris diffinis Hemorrhagia Thysbe...]2 inch. Amphion Nessus ....... 2 inch, Thyreus Abbotii........ 2? inch. | Everyxecheerilus........ 2% inch. Ampelophaga Myron ...|23 inch. Ampelophaga Versicolor.| 2} inch. | | Deilephila chameenerii ..|2} inch Deilephila lineata....... 34 inch | PREVAILING COLOURS. DISTINGUISHING MARKS. margins. Body brownish- yellow and black. 1? inch.| Wings clear with rosy-brown| Legs black. Under side of body black and pale yellow. Wings clear with rust-brown| A band of rosy brown, two segments in margins. width across the middle of abdomen. Legs have much white about them. Under side of body light reddish brown and white. Cell of primaries divided by a vein. Reddish, avproaching to salmon-colour. Fore wings olive-green. Hind wings dark salmon-colour with olive-green patches at anal angles. Fore wings olive-green of a brighter shade than that of the wings of Myron. Hind wings dull salmon colour with whitish inner margin. Olivaceous brown. Hind wings roseate and black. Olive-brown. Hind wings! roseate and black. Crown-shaped tail. Two conspicuous pale yellow bands across abdomen. — Several light dentate markings towards the middle of fore wings. Hind wings lemon yellow with dark brown termi- nal band. A whitish line along the back of thorax. Basai half of fore-wings lighter than the general colour. A black dot in this lighter portion near the costa. Basal part of fore-wings lighter in colour than the rest and interrupted by a darker olive-green band. No dorsal line on thorax. Basal part of fore-wing darker in colour than the rest, and interrupted with white markings. A white wavy apical dash on fore wing. A white dorsal line extending the whole length of the body. The underside of this insect is beautifully mottled with green, yel- low and white. Two black patches bordered with white on each side of upper part of abdomen. No transverse white lines on fore wings as in Lineata. Six or seven white diaper lines across fore wings. Six white longitudinal lines on thorax. eC CU HAWK MOTHS OF THE PROVINCE OF QUEBEC.—Continued. eS ° oe NaMES ae PREVAILING COLOURS. DISTINGUISHING MARKS. Be = Philampelus Pandorus.. side of thorax, and irregular patches of the same colour on all the wings. On these also are several ochreous 4s 4 Olivevereen:/ 22 sree: A dark olive green angular patch on each | markings. | ' Reddish ash-colour, varie- | An angular patch of rich velvety brown gated with light) brown. with whitish margins on each side of | Hind wings pink, with a thorax. Three conspicuous patches dark-coloured hind mar- of the same colour on each fore wing, gin. SS Oe ee Se eee ee ee ee ee ee eee ee oe Calasymbolus myops....|24 inch.| Brown, with a slight purple] A black oval spot with light blue centre blush. Hind wings yel- in the yellow part of hind wing. low, with a brown margin. Calasymbolus cerisii..... 3 inch.| Grey shaded with warm | A large crescent-shaped white mark on brown. Hind wings rosy. fore- -wing. On hind wing a large eye- like spot, consisting of a broad black ring with a spur to the corner of the wing, and an inner white ring with a black centre. Calasymbolus geminatus | 2? inch.| Grey, shaded with warm] Two light blue spots in a conical black brown. Hind wings rosy. patch with a spur to corner of the wing. SS a | SS a | Paonias excecatus.....- 23 inch.| Sienna-coloured with darker| Hind margin of fore-wing much indented. markings. Hind wings A single light blue spot in an oval rosy. black patch on hind wing. Cressonia juglandis..... |24inch.| Grey, with sienna tinge and} Hind wings of the same hues as fore darker markings. wings. ar eT a a ge Triptogon modesta...... 43 inch.| Fore wings greyish-olive,! Robust ‘thorax. Grey basal portion of the basal portion con-| fore wings. Head small. A white spicuously lighter than dash in a dark olive band in centre of fore wing. dull rosy, with eal | the rest. Hind wings | | patches at anal angles. | { Fawn-colour and _ brown.| A white or fawn-coloured discal spot | Hind wings eager with a black dash attached, resting on | and brown. median nerve. Fringes to hind wings Ceratomia Amyntor .... | 4% inch. brown cut with yellow. SE HAWK MOTHS OF THE PROVINCE OF QUEBEC.—Continued. re) - NAMES te PREVAILING COLOURS Ze i a ao. Loe Daremma undulosa..... 34 inch. | Grey, mixed with yellowish. | Hind wingssmoky-brown. eneeereS 2S Dolba Hyleeus.......--- 24 inch.| Lighter and darker Bee. of Indian ink, with a tinge of brown. Phlegethontius Celeus ..|43 inch. Grey, with a tinge of warm brown. Ellema coniferarum..... 24 inch.| Fore wings bluish-grey with brown markings. Hind wings light warm brown. Sphinx drupiferarum.... 4} inch.| Rich, warm umber......... Sphinx kalmie ......... 4 inch.| Sienna-colour, resembling wainscot oak, |. fe Sphinx chersis.......... 5 inch.| Dark grey, gives the idea of l wood ashes. Sphinx Canadensis...... 4 kt Light grey, with brownish tinge. Sphinx eremitis......... '3 inch,| Lighter and darker shades ‘of Indian ink, with a tinge of brown in fore wings. Hind wings yel- lowish white with very broad bands. DISTINGUISHING MARKS. A number of angulated black lines im pairs crossing the fore wings. A white: discal spot margined with black, but without the dash seenin C. Amy ntor. Hind wings crossed by three parallel dark brown bands. Fringes white cut with brown. Numerous zig-zag lines some black and some white. A white spot on fore- wing without the linear prolongations. seen in S. Eremitis. Besides the abdominal white side patches so com- mon in the Sphingide, two rows of distinct white spots on upper part of abdomen, Five orange spots in black rings on each, side of abdomen. _—————— eee A row of conspicuous brown denticula- tions running inward from hind mar- gin of fore wing. Two black trans- verse streaks in centre of fore wing. Fringes white. Upper part of thorax very dark, ap- proaching black. Whitish lines on margin of fore wings. Hind wings whitish with median and subterminal black bands and fawn-coloured margin. Fringes to wings conspicuously rust-red, cut with white. Several poner erse black dashes on fore wings. Hind wings with dark brown or blackish median and terminal bands. —— Has distinct whitish streaks and black transverse lines on fore wings; also a. black line bordered with white ex- tending nearly to the apex. On the fore wing a small white dot with a black border and with linear pro- longations, several transverse black streaks, and near the hind margin an- irregular blackish line edged out- wardly with grey. For fuller information on the Canadian Sphingide, I would refer the reader to an excellent paper by Mr. E. Baynes-Reed, published in the Society’s Report for 1881. drawing up the preceding tables. Of this paper I have je free use in: 37 PHILIP HENRY GOSSE. On Thursday, the 23rd of August, Philip Henry Gosse departed this life at St. Mary- church, near Torquay, Devonshire. He was born at Worcester on the 6th of April, 1810, and early displayed a taste for Natural History. In 1827 he was engaged as clerk in the extensive mercantile house of Messrs. Slade, Elson, Harrison & Co., of Carbonear, Newfoundland. In June, 1835, he removed with his friend, Mr. G. E. Jacques (now living at Cowansville, P.Q.), to Lower Canada. He bought a farm one mile east from Waterville on the River Coaticook. During the summer he cultivated his land, and in the winter he taught the Compton village school. At this time he collected the materials for his first work, The Canadian Naturalist. The rough life of a Canadian farmer in a comparatively new settlement was ill-suited to this young man of refined tastes, and the *‘noisy politics” and ‘‘ martial alarms” of the times must have jarred on his ear, attuned as it was to the music of nature. Then, too, che people of the neighbourhood were not of a class to appreciate his studies. They were wont to speak of him as ‘that crazy Englishman who goes about picking up bugs.” It was well for him that, as a naturalist, to use his own words, he could find “‘ gratification in any scene and at any season,” and that in Mr. Jacques, in whose house he boarded, he had a congenial friend. In Chapter VIII. of his work he draws a gloomy picture of an Eastern Townships’ farmer’s life, but in the preface (which breathes the modesty and piety which characterised him through life) he says: “ During a residence of some years in the Lower Province the author has felt it to be no common privilege to be able to solace himself by these simple but enchant- ing studies, . . . and even now the recollection of those pleasant scenes sheds forth a lustre which gilds the edge of many a dark cloud.” In March, 1838, Mr. Gosse left Compton and settled in Alabama for about six months. His observations at this period afforded the subject matter of his Letters from Alabama, chiefly relating to Natural History. He returned to England in the spring of 1839, and published Zhe Canadian Naturalist during the summer. On the 10th of August, 1844, he sailed for Jamaica to study the Natural History of that island. After a residence there of two years he went back to England, and published the result of his investigations under the title of The Birds of Jamaica, A Naturalist’s Sojourn im Jamarca, and An Atlas of Illustrations. From January, 1852, to the time of his death, Mr. Gosse’s residence was at St. Marychurch, where he had a delightful residence, which he named ‘ Sandhurst.” Attached to this were extensive conservatories, including a vinery, fernery, orchid houses, etc. For some years he was engaged in preparing works for the 8. P.C. K. After that he devoted himself to the microscopic study of the British Rotifera. In 1856 he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society. He was an indefatigable worker, usually in his study by 4 o’clock in the morning in the summer, and by 6 o’clock in the winter, and ~ producing on the average two works in the year. His books must number about forty, and among the scientific papers of the Royal Society upwards of fifty are from the pen of Mr. Gosse. Among his works are: Tenby, a Seaside Holiday; The Aquarium, Actinologia Britannica, a history of the British Sea Anemones and Corals; The Wonders of the Great Deep; The Romance of Natural History, Life in its Lower, Intermediate and Higher Forms; Land and Sea, and A Year at the Shore. Always of a religious turn of mind, he delighted in Sacred History and Biblical studies, and a number of works of a sacred and historical character proceeded from his pen. The last of these, published in 1884, was entitled, The Mysteries of God, a Serves of Expositions of Holy Scriptures. One cannot often point toa life more pleasantly and usefully spent than that of Philip Henry Gosse. THOMAS W. FYLES. 38 ANNUAL MEETING OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL CLUB OF THE AMERI-- CAN ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF SCIENCE. ne The annual gathering of the Entomologists of North America in connection with the meeting of the A, A. A.S. took place this year in the city of Cleveland, Ohio. While much regret was felt at the absence of many eminent Hntomologists who have always taken an active part in the work of the Club, and at the consequent smallness of attend- ance the meeting was. much enjoyed by those who were present, and the valuable papers read were redeived with great interest. The first session was held at 9 am. in a classroom of the Central raireth School Building on Wednesday, August, 15th, the President, Mr.-John B. Smith, of Washing- ton, in the chair. In the absence of the Secretary (Prof, A. J. Cook, of the Agricultural ‘College, Michigan), Prof. Herbert Osborn, of Ames, lowa, was requested to ae in his” place. Owing to the smallness of the attendance the Club adjourned till 1.15 p.m., when the President read his annual address on ‘“ Entomological Collections in the United States.” In this interesting and valuable paper, which, as well as the other papers read at the meetings of the Club, will, we understand, be published in Hntomologica Ameri-- cana, the writer gave an account of all the great collections, both public and private, in the United States. Among general collections he especially mentioned those of Mr. Bolter, of Chicago, and Mr. “Henry Edwards, of New York ; in Coleoptera he specified the - collection of Dr. Horn, of Philadelphia, Mr. Ulke, of Washington, and Messrs. Hubbard and Schwarz, and Lieut. Casey; in Lepidoptera those of Messrs. Henry Edwards, Neu- mogen, Strecker, Graef, Tepper, Holland, W. H. Edwards, Lintner, Bailey and Meske ; in special departments of Lepidoptera, in butterflies, those of Mr. W. H. Edwards, Rev. Dr. Holland and Mr. Bruce; in the Hesperidx, that of Mr. E. N. Aaron, of Philadelphia; . in the Sphingide, that of Mr. E. Corning, of Albany; in the Geometride, that of the Rey. G. D. Hulst, of Brooklyn ; and in the Tortricidee that of Prof. Fernald, of Amherst, Mass. He also noticed many other collections in various orders, for which we must refer the reader to the address itself. After hearing the address the meeting adjourned till the next day. The following persons were in attendance during the sessions: John B. Smith, Washington, D.C. ; Prof. H. Osborn, Ames, Iowa; Prof. F. M. Webster, Lafayette, Ind.; Dr. D. 8. Kelli-- cott, Buffalo, N.Y.; Mr. and Mrs. O. 8. Westcott, Chicago; L. O. Howard, Washington ; J. Mackenzie, Toronto; A. B. Mackay, Agricultural College, Miss. ; D. A. Robertson, St. Paul; S. H. Peabody, Champaign, [ll.; Dr. O. V. Riley, Washington ; 8. B. MeMil- lan, Signal, Ohio; Rev. L. C. Wurtele and Miss Wurtele, Acton Vale, P.Q., and others. The Entomological Society of Ontario was represented by its President, Mr. J. Fletcher, of Ottawa, and the Rev. C. J. S. Bethune, of Port Hope. On Thursday, August 16th, the Club met at 1 p.m., and entered upon the considera- tion of the President’s address ; ; this naturally led to a discussion upon the best materials for boxes, etc., in which to preserve collections. Mr. Howard stated that the boxes in the Museum of Comparative Zoology at Cambridge, Mass., had their bottoms made of” Italian poplar. Mr. Fletcher asked for the experience of members with poplar, tulip-tree and other woods as regards cracking and splitting. Dr. Riley said that there was no wood that would not split, warp or crack; the only remedy was to have the materials kiln-dried and then soaked in shellac and alcohol. He adopted the form of boxes used in Washington for the sake of convenience rather than otherwise. The cabinets in Europe were not subjected to the same dry heat as in America, and were consequently not a guide to us in this respect. Mr. Fletcher stated that there are only*two noteworthy collections of insects in Canada: (1) That of the Entomological Society of Ontario at London; it is not very large, but is very good as representative of the Canadian fauna, while it contains many specimens from the United States and other countries. The collection of Lepidoptera is especially good and well named, having been revised by Mr. Grote before it was sent to the Philadelphia Exhibition in 1876. In Coleoptera and other orders great care has been taken to have the specimens well named. The collection is open to any one who desires. to examine it. (2) The collection of Lepidoptera in the National Museum at Ottawa & is- 39 very good. The nucleus was formed by the purchase of about 8,000 specimens from Capt. Gamble Geddes, of Toronto. It is now being added to by the officers of the Geo- logical Survey, who bring to it from time to time rare specimens from out-of-the-way and little known regions. There are several private collections of value, but it is unneces- sary to specify them. Mr. Fletcher agreed with Mr. Smith that “types” of new species should be placed in some national collection, where they would be accessible to all students. For his part, he should always be glad in the future, as in the past, to place types, whenever possible, in the National Museum at Washington. A discussion then arose as to what is meant by a ‘‘type.” Mr. Fletcher understands the term to mean all the specimens actuaily before a describer when he is making out his description of a new species. Some writers, however, call all specimens types that may afterwards be identified by the describer as agreeing with the originals. Mr. Howard agreed with Mr. Fletcher that only the material before a describer | at the time is to be called “type ;” other specimens should be marked, ‘‘determined by the author.” Dr. Riley thought that all the materials determined by an author might be called ‘“ types of that species,” provided that they do not vary from the original specimens. Prof. Webster considered that all typical material should be placed in some national depository, where it would be perfectly safe, and instanced the loss of the Walsh collection by fire as a calamity to Science. Collectors should be willing to sacrifice their types for the general good of Science. Mr. Smith was also of opinion that only the specimens before the author at the time of making the description are types, and that specimens determined after- wards are not really types. Mr. Fletcher referred to Chionobas Macounti as an example. Mr. W. H. Edwards had eleven specimens before him when he described the species ; these are types. Most of these specimens were imperfect. During the past summer the speaker had obtained from the original locality a good supply of specimens in perfect order, and although these agreed with the original description perfectly, they should only be labelled as ‘‘ typical,” and he was of the opinion that the describer even would not be justified in labelling them “type.” Prof. Osborn agreed with the last speaker. Thursday, Aug. 16th.—The Club reassembled at 3.30 p.m. Papers by Mr, Clarence M. Weed, on ‘The parasites of the honeysuckle Sphinx, Hemaris diffinis, Boisd.” and on ‘‘The Hymenopterous parasites of the Strawberry Leaf-roller, Phoxop- teris comptana, Frol.,” were read by the Secretary in his absence. Mr. H. Osborn read an interesting paper on “ The food-habits of the Thripide.” Mr Smith gave an account of the collection of W. D. Bruce, of Rockport, N.Y., which was chiefly made in Colorado ; it is especially remarkable for the long series of specimens of many species of Lepidoptera. Among others he has Chionobas bore in great numbers from the Rocky Mountains, proving it to be distinct from C’. Semidea of the White Mountains; also an immense series of Colias ewrytheme in all its varieties, and numbers also of many species of Noctuide. Friday Aug 17th.—The Club met at 9 o’clock a.m. A paper was read by Dr. D.S. Kellicott, on Hepialus argenteo-maculatus, which he had succeeded in raising from larve obtained in Oswego County, N.Y. It bred in the roots and stems of Alnus incana. Mr. Schwarz stated that he had taken the moth near Marquette, Lake Superior, on July 29th, this year. Mr. Smith considered it to te quite generally distributed, breeding in oak, willow and poplar. Mr. H. Osborn read a note on the occurrance of Cicada rimosa, Say, in Iowa. Prof. O. S. Westcott related the occurrence of a large gathering of butterflies about the carcase of a dead dog at Port Arthur, in June last ; one hundred and ten specimens were counted, chiefly consisting of D. anehipeue and some JL. arthemis, Colias and Welites. In ‘the same locality he captured, July 20 to 23, nineteen examples of Melitea ; of these one was Nycteis, and seventeen tharos, eight of the form Marcia, and nine J/or- pheus. He next gave an interesting account of the numbers of Lachnosterna fusca, and gibbosu, taken at Maywood, Ill., by means of a trap attached to a street-lamp, during the months of May and June, 1887 and 1888. He also gave a list of 1,192 specimens, belonging to 65 species captured in his trap on the night of June 13th 1888 ; of these 730 were Agonoderus comma, and 204 Lachnosterna gibbosa. 40 Mr. Howard gave an account of some recent experiments made under Dr. Riley’s direction at Washington, with kerosene emulsion as a remedy for white grubs, the larvee of Allorhina mitida. He stated that the grass had died over large areas of the affected lawn, and the soil was full of the grubs. “The affected portion was treated with kerosene emulsion, diluted fifteen times with water, and applied with an ordinary watering-pot ; the ground was then kept saturated for some days with ordinary water from a hose. A month afterwards on digging into the part treated, the grubs were found to have descended sixteen inches into the soil, and all had died. In the untreated parts the larve were all alive, and only two or three inches below the surface. There was no injurious effect upon the grass, even when the emulsion was only diluted half as much. He considered that the experiment was entirely successful. In the discussion that followed, it was evident that this remedy is much too expensive for adoption on a large scale, and could only be of practical use on a lawn or plot of land of special value. Dr. Peabody stated that Prof. Forbes had found the kerosene emulsion entirely successful against the common white grub (Lachnosterna), but as its application cost at the ratejof about $100 per acre, it was far too expensive for ordinary purposes. The Club met again at 3 p.m. Mr. Fletcher gave an account of his expeditions to Nepigon, Lake Superior, in search of the eggs of butterflies, Very little is known, he stated, regarding the early stages of many of our diurnals; of even so common a species as Pamphila cernes they were unknown. In 1885 Prof. Macoun, of the Geological Survey of Canada, collected specimens at Nepigon of a new butterfly which was named after him by Mr. W. H. Edwards as Chionobas Macounti ; in 1886 and 1887 Mr. Fletcher went to Nepigon in search of this insect, travelling about 1,500 miles on each occasion, but with- out success. This year he went again early in July, accompanied by Mr. 8S. H. Scudder, of Cambridge, Mass.; on the first day after their arrival they caught five males ; the next day nine females were caught and caged; from these they obtained about 250 eggs. The egg is larger than and quite different from that of C. Jutta, which has been found near Quebec and bred by Mr. Fyles. Mr. Fletcher also obtained eggs of Jutta at Ottawa and reared the larvee from them ; the eggs were laid on July Ist and hatched on the 16th; those of Macounti were laid on the 12th and hatched on the 27th. At Nepigon he and Mr. Scudder obtained the eggs of 14 species out of 16 that they caged. He then gave a full and most interesting account of the methods of capturing, caging and treating butter- flies in order to obtain their eggs, and mentioned that he had received very valuable infor- mation and aid from Mr. Scudder in the matter. The simplicity of the apparatus employed deserves mention. ‘Cages for all small species can be made in a few minutes by cutting off the top and bottom of a tomato can and then fastening a piece of netting. over one end, either by slipping an elastic band over it or tying it with a piece of string. The female is then placed in it over a growing plant of the species that the larve are known to feed upon. These cages had answered well for all the skippers which fed on grass, and the small Argynnides. For such species as lay their eggs on the foliage of shrubs or trees bags had to be tied over living branches, care -being taken that the leaves were not crowded up, but that they should stand out freely so that the female could lay, if such were her habit, upon either the upper or lower side, or on the edge of the leaves, In this way eggs were obtained of Nisoniades icelus and Papilio turnus. Another cage for insects which lay upon low plants, and which is easily constructed, is made by cutting two flexible twigs and bending them into the shape of two arches which are put one over the other at right angles with “the ends pushed into the ground ; over the pent-house thus formed a piece of gauze is placed, and the edges are kept down either with pegs or earth laid upon them. “This kind was useful for larger insects than could be placed in the — tomato cans. In these eggs of C. Macouni, Colias eurytheme, etc., had been secured.” (Zntom. Americana, iv. 159). Mr. Fletcher then described the habits of a number of the species collected, referring especially to those already mentioned and to Pyramezs huntera, Pamphila hobomok, Mystic and cernes, Carterocephalus mandan, Colias interior, Argynnis vialis, Myrina and bellona, Nisoniades persius, Fenesica tarquinius, etc. He also exhibited living larve of C. Mandan, P. hobomok and mystic and living imagines of C. eurytheme which had emerged since his arrival in Cleveland. At the close of his address — Al Mr. Smith expressed the gratification all present felt in listening to so lucid and interest- ing an account from which everyone would carry away many practical and valuable hints. The next paper was read by Mr. E. A. Schwarz, of Washington, on ‘‘ The Geographi- eal Distribution of the semi-tropical Floridian Coleopterous Fauna.” It was followed by a discussion, in which nearly all present took part, as to what should be considered the limits of the North American fauna, and what species should be included in the fauna of a particular region, reference being especially made to semi-tropical species that are from dime to time found in the north. The Club next proceeded to the election of officers for the ensuing year and unani- mously selected the following : President—James Fletcher, Ottawa, Ont. Vice-President—L. O. Howard, Washington, D.C. Secretary-Treasurer—Dr. D. 8. Kellicott, Buffalo, N.Y. Saturday, August 1Sth—A most enjoyable excursion was made to Put-in-Bay by steamer on Lake Erie. There was a very large attendance of the members of the Associ- ation, including the Entomologists. This pleasant feature of the proceedings gave the members a much better opportunity of becoming acquainted with each other than would otherwise have been the case, Arrangements were made for the excursionists to stay on shore for about an hour, and this time was made good use of by the members of the Club. The insect of most interest was secured by Mr. Westcott, who collected in large numbers by beating a small spruce tree, a remarkable Hemipteron, identified by Prof. Osborn ° as Emisa longipes. Many galls and parasitic fungi were also collected. Among the butterflies noted were Colias philodice, Pieris rape, and what appeared strange to Can- adian eyes at this time of year, Papilio turnus ; P. astervas and Pyrameis cardui were also observed, and a few speci- mens of Utetheisa bella (Fig. 25) were captured. The party returned to Cleveland much delighted with their day’s outing, and separated to meet mext year in Toronto. BOOK NOTICES. ENTOMOLOGY FOR Bucinners, for the use of Young Folks, Fruit Growers, Farmers and Gardeners. By A. S. Packarp, M. D., New York; Henry Holt & Co., I Vol. 8vo. pp 367. It is with much pleasure that we draw the attention of our readers to the publica- tion of this work. For many~-years past we have been repeatedly asked to recommend some book that would serve as an introduction to the study of entomology and enable young collectors to make a satisfactory beginning in the pursuit. Hitherto we have been unable to mention any single work that would answer the purpose, and we have felt constrained to tell enquirers that they must procure several books, for instance, Kirby and Spence’s Entomology, Harris’s Insects [njurious to Vegetation, etc. and even then not have what they want. Dr. Packard’s new book is certainly one that has long been wanted, though we fear that it is a little too technical in its language and too abstruse in its treatment of some of the subjects to exactly meet the requirements of beginners. We think too that the author has not been judicious in the arrangement of the matter; the first two chapters on the Structure of Insects and their growth and metamorphosis will, we fear, prove rather repellant to one who has collected a few specimens and wants to know something about them and what todo with them. They are carefully written and give an admirable summary of what every student of entomology requires to know ; but they are a little beyond the youthful mind, or the uninstructed powers of the ordi- Hy) ae 2 ) nary farmer. We therefore strongly advise all beginners who procure this book—and we- recommend them to get it without fail—to commence their reading with chapter VI, which contains very interesting and useful directions for collecting, preserving and rearing insects; they might then turn back and read chapters IV and V on Insect Architecture and Insects Injurious and Beneficial to Agriculture. By this time we have- no doubt they will have become so deeply interested in the work that they will not be discouraged by the drier details and the harder words in the remainder of the book. The third chapter, which fills over a hundred pages, gives an admirable synopsis of the classi- fication of insects, and should enable a beginner to arrange with some degree of system any specimens that he collects. The author has departed from the usually received divisions of insects and sets forth no less than sixteen orders; this number he obtains by sub-dividing the Neuroptera, Orthoptera and Diptera. To the new orders thus formed, he- applies the novel terms Plectoptera, Platyptera, Mecaptera, etc. We feel rather doubtful about their general acceptance and think it a pity that they should have been put forth in an elementary work of this kind before they had been discussed and approved of by entomologists in general. We do not, however, wish to disparage the work; it is certainly a valuable compendium and we cordially recommend it to our readers who are- beginners in entomology. The book is well written and excellently illustrated throughout, and must prove a great help to the science by furnishing young students in a convenient. form with information that hitherto they could not readily procure, C. J. S. BETHUNE. An Intropuction to Entomotocy. By Prof. J. H. Comstock, Cornell University,,. Ithaca, N. Y. Published by the Author. Part I, pp 234, 8vo. (Price $2.00). The autumn of 1888 is certainly a notable one in the annals of North American entomology owing to the publication of so many important works. Last month we drew attention to Dr. Packard’s excellent “ Entomology for Beginners,” and the issue of the first part of Mr. Scudder’s grand work on the Butterflies of the Eastern States and Canada. We have now before us the first portion of another admirable work, which is intended to serve as a text-book for students, and to enable them ‘‘to acquire a thorough knowledge of the elementary principles of entomology, and to classify insects by means of analytical keys similiar to those used in Botany.” The first two chapters of the book treat of the characters and metamorphoses, and the anatomy of insects ;. he next discusses the orders of the Hexapoda, to which the author very properly limits insects. In this chapter he gives his reasons for adopting ten orders, the number being made up of the seven generally accepted orders and the Thysanura, Pseudoneuroptera and Physopoda ; in adhering so closely to the old classification he states that he has been greatly influenced by a desire to make his book as simple as _ possible, and “by the belief that an elementary text-book should follow rather than lead in matters of this kind,” in which opinion we thoroughly concur. The remainder of this. part of the work treats of the orders Thysanura, Pseudoneuroptera, Orthoptera, Physopoda, Hemiptera and Neuroptera. In each chapter is given a general account of the order treated of, an analytical table of the families, a descriptive account of each family with in many cases tabular keys of the genera, and illustrations of the common species. Future parts will complete the discussion of the orders, and furnish chapters on the- remedies for noxious insects, directions for collecting and preserving specimens, etc. Judging from the portion before us, we have no hesitation in saying that the complete work will be a most valuable and admirable manual of entomology ; in clearness and simplicity of style, in excellence of illustration and in arrangement of matter, it leaves — nothing to be desired. We must not omit to mention that the two hundred wood cuts. are for the most part drawn and engraved by the author’s wife, and are very good indeed; another excellent feature is the marking of the pronunciation of the accented syllables of technical words, which will no doubt in time help very much to a desirable uniformity in this respect. C. J. S. BETHUNE. 43 Insect Lirz. A monthly bulletin, published by the Entomologist and his Assistants in the U. S. Department of Agriculture at Washington. Vol. I, Nos. 1to 4; July to October, 1888. This new periodical “devoted to the economy and life-habits of insects, especially in their relations to agriculture,” is a very welcome one indeed. The four parts of thirty pages each, which have thus far appeared are filled with matter of great interest to both the scientific and economic entomologist. With so able and experienced a staff as that at Washington, presided over by Dr. Riley, and with field agents at widely distant points, this new magazine cannot fail to be most useful, and to do good work in the spread of valuable and timely information. THe Burrerriies oF North America. By W. H. Epwarps. Part IV of the third series has recently been issued. It contains the usual three magnificent plates; the first represents both sexes and several varieties of Colias Chrysomelas, the second, the upper and under surfaces of both sexes of the lovely Argynnis Nausicaa, and the third fully illustrates all the stages of Canonympha Galactinus form California. The letter-press contains much interesting matter on the life histories, in addition to the descriptions of the species. New Work oN JAPANESE BurTERFLIES, by H. Pryer. The task of preparing and illustrating a work upon the butterflies of Japan, after the model of Mr. Distant’s Rhopalocera Malayana, has been undertaken by Mr. H. Pryer, of Yokohama, who, with persistent enthusiasm for the past seventeen years, has been engaged in collecting the Lepidoptera of the Empire and studying their habits, The work, entitled Rhopalocera Nihonica, will appear in three parts, 4to. It is printed upon Japanese “untearable paper ” made of a curious combination of the fibres of rice straw and silk. The text is in English and Japanese. The plates are drawn upon stone and printed in colours by native lithographers under Mr. Pryer’s own supervision, and are truly excel- lent. The first part, bearing the imprint of the Japan Mail office, is before us. The writer, during a recent stay in Yokohama, had the privilege of examining a portion of the MS. of the Second Part and the proofs of the plates which are intended to accompany it. It may be worthy of note that the letter-press of Parts II. and III. will greatly exceed in volume that of Part I. The Japanese islands, stretching from Shumshu, the northernmost of the Kuriles, in Lat. 50° 40’ N. to the Riu-Kiu group in Lat. 24° N., possess every variety of climate from the semi-arctic to the tropical. The islands of the great central group, Yesso, Nippon, Shikoku and Kiushiu, are traversed by lofty mountain ranges and dotted with volcanic peaks, some of which rise from 9,000 to 10,000 ft., and one of them to 12,450 ft. above sea-level. Upon the summits of these mountains perennial winter reigns, while at their feet a semi-tropical vegetation blooms and flourishes. In addition to the wide diversity in climates which prevails in the islands and the contiguity of colder and warmer climates due to the mountainous character of the country, there are more subtle influ- ences at work depending for their operation upon the rainfall and the aérial currents. The atmosphere is characterized in spring and early summer by an excessive humidity, surpassing that of the British Islands, while at other periods of the year there is a well marked “‘dry season.” The result of these various facts, taken into connection with the additional fact that at a remote geological period the islands doubtless were connected with the Asiatic and North American mainland, has been the development of a fauna marked by a wonderfully composite character and revealing to an unusual extent the phenomena of varietal change, and, in the case of the insect tribes, seasonal dimorphism. To these ‘ phenomena Mr. Pryer has paid especial attention with the result of ascertaining that not a, few of the so-called species erected by recent Entomologists, into whose hands Japanese collections have happened to fall, must be relegated to the great and ever-growing mass 4d of synonymical species. This is especially true of the genera Papilio, Pieris and Terias, in which seasonal dimorphism reveals itself most strikingly. The course pursued by Mr. Pryer in massing a large number of forms of the species originally described by Linnaeus as Terias Hecabe under the name Terias Multrformis, Pryer is open to criticism on the ground that the labour of the elder nomenclator should have been respected and his name retained, while the names of later writers should have been adduced as synonyms. Nevertheless the fact seems to be established beyond reasonable doubt that the species lumped by Mr. Pryer under the newly coined name Multsformis are all mere local or seasonal variations of Hecabe, Linn. It was the privilege of the writer to spend many days in Mr. Pryer’s laboratory, and he can testify to the painstaking care which he has taken to avoid error in his deduc- tions. The most surprising result of breeding is, however, one which is not alluded to in Part I. of the Rhopalocera Nihonica, since it was only definitely confirmed during the past summer, viz., the discovery that Terias Bethesba of Janson is a dimorphic form of Terias Laeta of Boisduval. The entire difference in form of the two has naturally led students unhesitatingly to accept them as widely different species. Careful breeding has established their practical identity. As the first attempt at a comprehensive and accurate survey of a part of the beauti- ful insect fauna of “ Dai-Nippon,” the new work will no doubt be hailed with pleasure by all Entomologists who raise their eyes beyond the narrow confines of their own immedi- ate neighborhoods and seek to ascertain the truth as to the whole of nature. W. J. HoLianp. Toe BurrerFuies or Soura Arrica. South African butterflies: A monograph of the extra-tropical species. By Roland Trimen, F.R.S., etc., assisted by James Henry Bowker, F. Z.S., etc. Vol. 1: Nymphalide; Vol. IL: Erycinide and Lycaenide. London: Trubner & Co., 1887, 8 mo. All who have studied foreign butterflies at all are acquainted with Trimen’s work on the butterflies of Southern Africa, published more than twenty years ago, under the title Rhopalocera Africae Australis. It will please them to know that there have recently appeared the first two of three volumes on the same subject, which are based, indeed, upon the old, but wholly rewritten, and with a great wealth of additions, especially on the natural history side. These two volumes comprise the Nymphalidae, Erycinidee and Lycaenidae, in all 238 species, The Papilionide and Hesperidx are to occupy the third volume with about 142 species. It will thus be seen that Mr, Trimen falls into line with all the principal lepidopterists of England in the serial order in which he here places the different families of butterflies, adopting, indeed, exactly the subdivisions and the order Mr. Moore employs in his Lepidoptera of Ceylon, which we noticed lately. But he does more than that ; for, in a long introductory chapter of 44 pp., he treats of the structure, classification and distinctive characters of the groups, together with their geogr aphie: al distribution, their habits and instances of mimicry in an eerelons manner, such as is very unusual in a work of this nature. It would interest every reader of the Canadian Entomologist. So, too, all the families, sub-families and generic groups are characterised with a fulness entirely proportional to the specific descriptions, rendering the work one of the best introductions to a fauna known tome. These descriptions are evi- dently the work of one who is quite familiar with structure, are not copied from the work of others, but are introduced in language of the author’s own, having a special vaiue quite apart from the rest of the work. Nor is.this all ; for the characters are drawn not simply from the complete stage of the insects, but from the larva and pupa as well, and these same stages are introduced in the generic description. It is unfortunate that he has not included also the egg. The work is illustrated so far by ten octavo plates, one of which is devoted to the structure of the wings, the head and legs of the imago; two to theearly . stages of a few species, and the remainder to excellent chromo lithographs of the perfect insects. The figures of the early stages are an interesting, though somewhat scanty, . 45 addition to our knowledge, the most important of which is found in the larva and pupa of D’Urbania, a curious genus of Lycaenine, in which the pupa, as well as the larva, is covered with long fascicles of hairs, as long as the width of the body. Mr. Trimen has been aided by collectors and naturalists throughout Southern Africa, to a very great extent, so much so, indeed, that he has added the name of one of them, Col. Bowker, to his title page as joint author with himself; and the help he has received in this respect may be indicated in part by the considerable number of species which have been added to the list of South African butterflies since the publication of his first work, a total of 380 against 197. An excellent coloured map of Southern Africa, south of the tropic of Capri- corn, is prefixed to the first volume, We hope the third volume, completing the work, will soon be issued. S. H. Scupper. Creyton Burrerrires. The Lepidoptera of Ceylon, by F. Moore, F.Z.8., Vol. L, (pub- lished under the special patronage of the Government of Ceylon) London: L. Reeve & Co.. 1880-81. 4°. ° The butterflies of the East India region appear to be now in a fair way of receiving their due share of attention. We have already called attention to Distant’s invaluable work on the Malayan butterflies, and to the hand-book to the butterflies of India and Burmah, by Marshall and De Nicéville. On many accounts neither uf these is so impor- tant as the earlier work on the Lepidoptera of Ceylon by Frederick Moore, which we desire to introduce to the readers of the Canadian Entomologist, principally on account of the very considerable accession to our knowledge of the earlier stages of eastern butterflies which is here given in the plates, and also to draw attention to the notes on the natural history of the insects given by Dr. Thwaites, which are embodied in the text. The work as a whole consists of three volumes ; but we speak here of the butterflies only, which are comprised in the first volume, published in 1880-81. It is a large quarto, with 71 excellent coloured plates, in which the early stages are in very many instances figured side by side with the butterflies. Notwithstanding that it is published under the special patronage of the Government of Ceylon, the work is a costly one, and to one residing in the United States an embargo is laid upon its purchase by the fact that the duties upon such a work are so high. This single volume cost me $15 for duties and transportation alone. Thus is science encouraged with us ! We are here introduced to a new set of illustrations of the early stages of butterflies, many of which are of extreme interest, and these in every family of butterflies. It is the most important and considerable contribution to our knowledge since Horsfield’s memor- able volume. It isa pity, however, that in many instances no reference is made in the text, either to Dr. Thwaites’ notes, or Mr. Moore’s descriptive portion, as to the meaning of certain figures which differ strikingly from those of their allies. Thus the pupa ofa species of Cirrochroa is represented as hanging by its hinder end, as in all Nymphalidae, but bent so at the end of the abdomen as to le parallel to the horizontal branch from which it is suspended, much in the way that we find it in our own species of Chlorippe ; but there is no appearance in the figure and no mention in the text of any greatly elon- gated cremaster with its row of hooklets down the side, which in Chlorippe stiffens the pupa into what would seem to be an unnatural position. We have some interesting additions to our scanty knowledge of the early stages of the Lemoniine and an unusual wealth of larve and pupz of Lycaenine. Here again is a figure of a species of Spalgis hanging by its tail without the median girt, which is wholly anomalous in this subfamily, but, as there is no explanation of the matter in the text, it is to be presumed that it is not meant to represent the insect in its natural position, the more so as the same is the case in a species of Appias, one of the Pierinz, represented in two figures as hanging by its tail only, while the whole structure of the chrysalis indicates that it must have had a median girt. Very interesting are the figures of the early stages of the Papilionine, which add very considerably to our knowledge, including as they do some figures of the younger stages of the larva—presumably younger from their appendages, though here AG os ein ae — again no mention whatever is made of the fact in the text. We call attention also to the interesting figure of Gangara, a hesperian living open and unconcealed, as I am informed by Mr. De N icéville, and which bears long waxy filaments apparently not proper append- ages, but as long as the width of the body itself, rendering it an exceedingly conspicuous obj ect. In the arrangements of families, Mr. Moore follows the rapidly growing company of the best instructed entomologists in beginning the series with the Nymphalide and placing the Papilionide just before the Hesperide. He separates the Lemoniine from the Lycaenine as a distinct family, and places the Libytheine with the Lemoniine as was done by Bates ; but he brings the Pierinz and Papilionine uuder one family heading. It has naturally pleased the present writer to see that Mr. Moore has had the courage of his convictions sufficiently to sudivide the old and bulky group so long holding rank as a homogeneous whole, the so- called genus Papilio, into a number of genera, including among the seventeen species which he catalogues no less than ten génera, ; following thus precisely the line which Hubner long ago undertook to establish, and which I adopted i in 1872. SamMuEL H. ScuppDEr. Tue Burrerr.ies OF THE EAsteRN UNITED STavTES AND CANnaDA, with special reference to New England, by 8. H. Scudder. Imp. 8vo. Cambridge, pp. 1-40 and 105-208, Part 1, lst Nov. 1888. . For some months Lepidopterists and Librarians have been anxiously awaiting the appearance of Mr. Scudder’s monumental work on the Butterflies of New England, which, as is well known, has been constantly engaging the attention of this keen observer and careful student for the last 20 years. Through the courtesy of the author we have been favoured with advance sheets and _ plates of “Part I, which is to appear on the Ist Noy., 1888. From the well known high character of Mr. Scudder’s past work, doubtless much will be expected by the scientific world of this long promised book, Judging from the number under consideration we believe few will be disappointed. No ‘work has ever appeared, in any branch of science, where such thorough and complete information is given of the objects discussed, nor which has been so copiously and accurately illustrated. An introduction treats, with the greatest detail, of the general structure of butterflies from the egg to the imago, and includes a chapter upon their classification. This is followed by a systematic treatise in which ‘‘not only every species,” (embraced within the scope of the work) “but also every genus, tribe, sub-family, and family is described and discussed with a fullness never before attempted, except in individual cases, including in each instance not merely the perfect form, but, when possible, the egg, the caterpillar at birth and in the succeeding stages, and the chrysalis, together with the distribution, life-history, habits and environments of the insect, in which a great accumulation of new facts and observations is embodied.” In the wart before us we have pages 1 to 40 of the introduction covering the structure of the egg, the caterpillar and the chrysalis, and the beginning of the deserip- tion of the perfect insect. There is then a break and the pagination continues again at page 105, where the second section begins with a short chapter on the families of butter- flies. This is a reproduction, slightly altered, of the table of classification which Mr. Scudder has already published in the Can. Ent., xix., 201, in which he divides the butterflies into Nymphahde, Lycaenide, Papilionide and Hesperide, an arrangement virtually the same as that given by Bates and adopted by Packard, in which the genera @neis and Cercyonts are considered the highest of the butterflies. At page 109 the systematic treatise begins with the Vymphalide or “ Brush-footed butterflies.” With this family, as with sub-families and genera throughout the work, when possible analytical tables are given for their arrangement, based upon the egg, the caterpillar at birth, the caterpillar at maturity, the chrysalis and the i imago. The first sub-family is the Satyrine, including six genera, of which Q@neis is described first. Under each species we find first complete and careful technical descriptive details of AT structure for all the known stages. These are printed in rather smaller type than the rest of the book, a fact which will considerably facilitate reference. Then follows a general description, giving any interesting features in the distribution and habits of the perfect insect and larva, the food plant, variations and enemies, and lastly a list of the points upon which further information is needed. On page 127 appears the first ofaseries of essays, of which there are to be over 70 distributed throughout the work, and to which the author has applied the somewhat inelegant title of “Excursuses.” These discuss separately all the interesting problems which arise in the study of butterflies (whether of distribution, structure, history, or relation to the outer world), in themselves forming a complete treatise on the life of these insects. These will be a charming feature of the work by means of which a book, which must necessarily contain a large amount of technical scientific description, will be made attractive to many who will subscribe to it merely to possess the most extensive and beautiful book which has ever appeared on the diurnal Lepidoptera of North America. The scope of these may be inferred from the titles of those which occur in the first part. The White Mountains of New Hampshire as a home for butterflies. The clothing of caterpillars. The general changes in a butterfly’s life and form. The eggs of butterflies. The modes of suspension of caterpillars. Se cca ree The species described in the first part are Wneis semidea and @. jutta, Cercyonis alope and C’. nephele, Enodia portlandia, Satyrodes ewrydice, Neonympha phocion and the beginning of the description of the genus Cissza. The nomenclature, we are told in the prospectus, follows the rules of the American Ornithologists’ Union. As is well know Mr. Scudder’s views upon some points with regard to nomenclature are very extreme, and it must be conceded that he has so far few followers. This state of affairs, however, we anticipate will be changed. After many years of close study upon a special subject by so able a student, the writer, at any rate, is prepared to weigh carefully, without previously condemning them, his views as . expressed in this his greatest work. The illustrations are, as above stated, most profuse, superbly executed, and each is accompanied by copious explanatory text, which will be bound opposite each plate. The eight plates in part I, are as follows: No. 1 is a beautifully coloured chromo- lithograph of butterflies, showing in most instances both the upper and lower sides. The complete work will contain about twelve of these plates. The second plate, No. 14, is uncoloured, but is exquisitely engraved, and by some may possibly be preferred to the last. It shows seventeen figures of butterflies artistically grouped. There are to be five plates similar to this. The next plate, No. 18, comprises eight small maps, showing separately the distribution of the different species treated of in part 1 There will be fifteen of these sets of maps. No. 46 shows scales of butterflies, and there will be six of this nature. No. 52 gives the heads of butterflies. The work on this plate, drawn by J. H. Emerton, is very beautiful. There are to be eight others like it. No. 67 is the first of three plates showing the micropyles of eggs magnified highly. No. 70 is devoted to magnified figures of young larvee just after leaving the eggs, and there will be three others like it. No. 93 is a physicial map of New England, prepared specially for this work by John H. Klemroth, under the supervision of the Geographer of the U.S. Survey. These, however, do not by any means exhaust the styles of plates which will appear, for in subsequent numbers new sorts of subjects will come forward, all of which will be fully illustrated whenever figures can make the text more intelligible. Special articles upon hymenopterous and dipterous parasites are to be prepared by the able specialists, Messrs. L. O. Howard, of Washington, and Dr. Williston. In fact, all the phases of life passed by the insects treated of as well as the important circumstances connected therewith, will be presented to the reader in the most complete manner possible. There will be about two thousand figures on ninety-six plates, of which over ms 43 | forty will be coloured. The small inconvenience of not always having all the plates Dy referred to in the text issued at the same time with it, cannot of course possibly be obviated in a systematic work, where everything is treated fully in its proper place under each species, and in which the number of subjects needing illustration in each part is greater than can be shown on the quota of plates for that part. The whole will be issued in a year, in twelve parts, each to contain eight plates and about 150 pages of text. JAMES ELETCHER. JOHN ABBOT, THE AURELIAN. . BY SAMUEL H. SCUDDER. It has been a fortunate thing for the study of butterflies in this country that the earlier students were those who devoted themselves very largely to the natural history of these insects rather than to their systematic or descriptive study. It was indeed a natural and healthy result of the poverty of external resources in earlier times, and I have thought that it would not be devoid of interest to present a few facts concerning the life and industry of one of these earlier naturalists, who worked to such good purpose and accomplished so much under circumstances that would now seem very forbidding. A unique figure, perhaps the most striking in the early development of natural history in America, is that of a man of whom we know almost absolutely nothing, excepting what he accomplished. With one exception, all our knowledge of his personality comes through tradition. No life of him has ever been written, excepting a brief notice, by Swainson, in the Bibliography of Zoology, to which Mr. G. Brown Goode has kindly called my attention. It is not known when or where he was born or when he died, scarcely where he lived or to what nationality he belonged. Even the town where he worked no longer exists. His name alone remains; and though we have access to nota little of his writing in his own round hand, his signature cannot be discovered.* John Abbot was presumably an Englishman, as the name is English, and he is said by Sir. J. H. Smith to have begun his career by the study of the transformations of British insects. When not far from thirty years old, and probably about 1790, he was engaged by three or four of the leading entomologists of England to go out to North America for the purpose of collecting insects for their cabinets. After visiting several places in different parts of the Union he determined to settle in the “ Province of Georgia,” as Swainson calls it. Here he lived for nearly twenty years, in Scriven County, as I am informed by several persons through the kindness of Dr. Oemler, of Wilmington Island in that State, returning to England probably not far from 1810, where he was living about 1840, at the age “ probably above eighty.” It is rumored in Georgia that he owned land there, and all that can be learned of him comes from persons beyond middle life, in that State, who remember heariug their parents speak of him. Col. Charles C. Jones, the Georgia historian, informs me through Dr. Oemler, that ‘‘ while he remained in Georgia in the prosecution of his scientific labours his headquarters were at Jackson- borough, then the county seat of Scriven County. Here his work on the lepidoptera of Georgia was largely prepared. All traces of this old town have now passed away.” It is supposed that he also employed himself as a school master in this place, but this is purely traditional, and his occasional bungling, not to say ungrammatical sentences, rather indicate a lack of schooling on his own part. “What we certainly know regarding him is that he entered into relations with John Francillon, a silversmith, in the Strand, London, who had a famous collection of insects and an extensive entomological correspondence. Francillon undertook to supply subscribers with drawings of insects and plants by Abbot, as well as with specimens, the latter of which, says Swainson, ‘‘ were certainly the finest that have ever been transmitted as articles of commerce to this country ; they were Es *Mr. W. F. Kirby has kindly made many researches for me at the British Museum, the Linnaean ociety, etc. 4 49 always sent home expanded, even the most minute ; and he was so watchful and inde- fatigable in his researches that he contrived to breed nearly the whole of the Lepidoptera. His general price, for a box-full, was sixpence each specimen, which was certainly not too much considering the beauty and high perfection of all the individuals. Abbot, how- ever, was nota mere collector. Every moment of time he could possibly devote from his field researches was employed in making finished drawings of the larva, pupa and perfect insect of every lepidopterous species, as well as of the plant upon which it fed. Those drawings are so beautifully chaste and wonderfully correct that they were coveted by every- one.” It would appear from a note in Kirby and Spence’s Introduction to Entomology (5th ed., iii., 148), that *‘ the ingenious Mr. Abbot” also knew the art of inflating cater- pillar skins and dealt in them through Francillon. (See many other references in the same volume.) There still exist in various places, principally in the British Museum, but also at Oxford, Paris and Zurich, and in this country, at Boston, large series of his drawings of insects and plants. Those in the British Museum are arranged in sixteen stout quarto volumes, bound in red morocco ; each volume has a printed title page and is dated 1792 to 1809, the dates, no doubt, between which they were purchased for the Museum through Francillon from Abbot, and which probably indicate the period of his activity in America. In Boston two similar volumes exist, one of which was presented by Dr. Gray of the British Museum to Dr. Gray, the botanist, of Cambridge, and by him tothe Natural History Society where it may now be seen. The other volume is a collec- tion, perhaps the only considerable one which has never passed out of this country, which was purchased by the Society from Dr. Oemler of Georgia, who inherited it from his father.* i In the title page of the last volume of the British Museum series there is a miniature portrait let into the title page which tradition says was painted by Abbot himself, and . indeed it bears every mark of this, though there is no memorandum to this effect within the volume; with its peculiar physiogomy it adds considerably to our interest in the original ; there seems to be not a little humour in the quaint features and figure, and the spare form hardly gives the figure of robust health which the face would indicate. Abbot probably returned. to England about 1810, at an age of about fifty, and our portrait was doubtless painted at about this time, certainly before he left America, since it represents him in the thinnest of southern costumes. There were old persons living in Georgia up to 1885, but since deceased, who knew him, but apparently none now remain. Abbot’s work was by no means on Lepidoptera alone, as any of the series of his drawings will show. Dr. Hagen, in speaking of the volume in the British Museum con- taining the Neuroptera, says that all the details are given with the greatest care and that in almost all cases the species can be identified. The same is the case with most of the drawings of Lepidoptera, though there is a mark of carelessness in some of the figures of early stages which is not found in others ; thisis no doubt due to the fact that so many applied for these drawings “‘ both in Europe and America that he found it expedient to employ one or two assistants whose copies he retouched, and, thus finished, they generally pass as his own. To an experienced eye, however, the originals of the master are readily distinguished.” it would hardly appear that he paid more attention to Lepidoptera than to other insects. Yet in the Oemler collection alone there are one hundred and thirty-three plates of Lepidoptera, nearly every one of which figures a species distinct from the others, and ninety-four of which are accompanied by the early stages. Twenty-two of these are insects figured in Abbot and Smith’s work, but the figures of the early stages are in no case identical ; they represent the same insect, but in different attitudes. Of these one hundred and thirty-three plates, thirty-four are concerned with the butterflies. The drawings of butterflies in the British Museum are contained in the sixth and sixteenth volumes; the former comprising the perfect insects only, the latter the early stages as well, and in this latter series thirty-six species are figured; while the two Boston collections contain figures of the early stages of all but two of the species represented in the British Museum volume. Swainson states that a series of one hundred and three subjects of Lepidoptera, “Mr. Oeraler and Mr. ‘‘ LeCompte” are both mentioned in Abbot’s notes as sending him specimens, 4 (EN.) i 50 including none published before, was executed for him ‘‘ with the intention of forming two additional volumes to those edited by Dr. Smith ; but the design is now abandoned.” Each set of drawings furnished by Abbot seems to have been accompanied by more or less manuscript, in which the life history of the insect is given in a brief form, with the food plant of the caterpillar and the times of the change of the caterpillars to chrysa- lids and of chrysalids to butterflies, which shows that Abbot must have been an excep- tionally industrious rearer of insects. Indeed the transformations of not a few of our butterflies are even now known only through the observations and illustrations of Abbot. Dr. Boisduval was good enough to present me with three series of manuscript notes. entitled ‘‘ Notes to the drawings of insects,” all written in Abbot’s own hand, and com- prising twenty-seven foolscap pages, rather closely written, and describing the changes © of two hundred and one species ; of these thirty-eight are butterflies. These, unfortu- nately, are referred to only by number and by an English name which Abbot himself applied, apparently to every insect of which he furnished drawings, such as the “ reed butterfly,” the ‘ringed butterfly,” the “ lesser dingy skipper,” etc., though he occasionally makes use of such names as the ‘‘autumnal ajax,” ‘‘ Papilio antiopa,” etc., showing his familiarity to a certain extent with Linnean names. As the names and drawings aré in "some instances kept together, the manuscript of those in which they are not connected is still of use. It appears that nearly all the Georgian butterflies were observed and painted by Abbot, and that of about sixty specimens which he raised he distributed illustrations and notes of the early stages to some of his correspondents. As is well knowu by all aurelians one considerable collection of Abbot’s drawings was published by Sir James Edward Smith in two sumptuous folio volumes, but these comprise, as far as the butterflies are concerned, only twenty-four species. This work made an epoch in the history of entomology in this country. Besides this Abbot pub- lished nothing. The article credited to him in Hagen’s Bibliography was by a Rev. Mr. Abbot, who wrote from England in November, 1798, when Abbot was in this country. « JOHN ABBOT, THE AURELIAN. BY W. F. KIRBY, BRITISH MUSEUM, LONDON, ENGLAND. In the August part of the Canadian Entomologist, pp. 149-154, I notice an article on this subject by my friend Mr. Scudder, and I may perhaps be able to add some additional remarks. The volume on Exotic Moths, published by Duncan in Jardine’s “ Naturalists’ Library,” contains (pp. 69-71) a short account of Abbot’s life and works, and incorporates the notice by Swainson, to which Mr. Scudder refers. Swainson remarks, respecting the plates: “ M. Francillon possessed many hundreds, but we know not into whose hands they have passed.” I may say that this is evidently the set in the British Museum, as every volume bears the book-plate of “John Francillon.” There are seventeen volumes (not sixteen) ; the first fifteen bear the date 1792 on the printed title pages, and the two. last volumes 1804 (not 1809). The contents are as follows :— Volumes 1-4—Coleoptera. 5—Orthoptera, Hemiptera, Homoptera, and Heteroptera. 6—Lepidoptera Rhopalocera. 7-11—Lepidoptera Heterocera. 12—Neuroptera, Hymenoptera. 13—Diptera. 14—Arachnida. 15—Myriopoda, Mallophaga, Acarina, Crustacea, Lepidoptera, (transfor- mations), ete. 16—Portrait, Orthoptera, Coleoptera (transformations), Lepidoptera (transformations), 17—Lepidoptera (transformations), / 51 The drawings of transformations of Lepidoptera are rarely, if ever, duplicates of those published by Smith, sometimes representing a different variety of the larva of the same species; and they are nearly three times as numerous. There are only about a dozen drawings of transformations of Coleoptera. Among the lesser known orders there is little doubt that many species figured are still undescribed. T fully expect that some of -Abbot’s correspondence will be discovered (of course including his autograph), perhaps at the Antipodes, for Swainson left England towards the close of his life, and died, according to Hagen, in New Zealand in 1856. T am surprised that Mr. Scudder has not mentioned the volume of Abbot’s drawings presented by Edward Doubleday to Dr. T. W. Harris. (Harris, Entomological Corre- spondence, p. 123.) If this volume is the same as that said by Mr. Scudder to have been presented by Dr. J. E. Gray to Dr. Asa Gray, some error must have arisen. Possibly it came into Dr. Asa Gray’s hands directly or indirectly from Dr. Harris, with an erroneous impression respecting the original English donor. There are a number of specimens originally collected by Abbot in the British Museum and probably in other collections. The Museum of the Royal Dublin Society (now known as the Dublin Museum of Science and Art), contains a large series of bleached specimens of insects of various orders (Lepidoptera, Neuroptera, etc.), which were not improbably collected by Abbot (cf. some notes by Mr. McLachlan, Ent. M. Mag. X., pp. 227, 228.) Norte sy Mr. ScuppEr.—The small volume of paintings referred to by Mr. Kirby is in the library of the Boston Society of Natural History, and was not mentioned by me because the less said about it the better. It was picked up at a book-shop, bears the date 1830, and though Douhleday paid seven guineas for it, it is certainly not the work of Abbot but of a very inferior copyist, some of the paintings being the merest daubs. It has scarcely the least value. The notice by Duncan I had not seen, but I find that it. adds nothing to the facts of Abbot’s life. Hither I have never seen the seventeenth volume of Abbot’s drawings at the British Museum referred to by Mr. Kirby, or, if it concerns the moths only, may for that reason have taken no notice of it My memo- randum of the dates must have been incorrectly copied. A CHAPTER ON THE LITERATURE OF BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS. BY A. R. GROTE, A.M. Neither Butterflies nor Moths are mentioned in the different accounts of Creation contained in the first chapters of Genesis. As the Hebrew wants a distinctive term for them they may be intended and generally included under that of “ flying things.” The eastern people had no understanding for the western rage for classifying Nature ; and the modern type of a collector “ coveting” specimens and breaking the commandments to obtain them, had it been known to Bible writers, would have been doubtless held up by them to execration. ‘The earth is the Lord’s and all the things therein ;” this is the leading Semitic notion, and the Jews regarded all Nature as subordinate to the great question of religion. The Arabs followed suit and, under Mohammed, devoted them- selves to the propagation of the belief in the unity of the Deity and to a philosophy too grand to include the minute study of such trifling objects as insects. But the old heathen Greeks and the poets were attracted by the butterfly’s wings. With them they adorned the shoulders of Psyche. Love and death they winged like birds. Ohristianity, absorb- ing and modifying all the old heathen thoughts and customs, seems to have seen, in its earliest Roman days, a religious allegory in the life of the butterfly. To its eyes the caterpillar represented this mundane existence, the chrysalis the last sleep and the tomb, while the soaring butterfly was the soul, winging its eternal flight through heaven. During the Middle Ages people generally were too much occupied with dogmatic philosophy to pay attention to nature, but in Holland, a country which had greatly suffered under the Inquisition and the Spanish rule, at length awoke a passion for insects and for flowers. With the beginning of the sixteenth century the Swiss Conrad Gesner was born, the first naturalist who commenced the formation of a cabinet of Natural His- 52 tory upon a systematic plan. His work on plants and animals appeared 1550 to 1565, but he does not seem to have written on insects. At this time the discoveries of the Dutch and Portuguese in Asia, and above all, those of the Spanish and English in America, could not fail to draw attention to the brilliant tropical butterflies, and in the seventeenth century the European museums, especially those of Amsterdam and Leyden, already con- tained collections of them, ‘The discovery of the microscope, which, though claimed by Italy, may well be Dutch, turned the attention of naturalists to the study of insects, no less than to physiology, and the works of Malpighi, Leeuwenhoeck, Ray, Swammerdam, Reaumur, were in turn given to the world. At the beginning of the eighteenth century (1719) a Dutch woman, Madam Sibylla Merian, published an immense quarto book with plates on the insects of Surinam, especially figuring the butterflies and moths, and this work was well known to Linnaeus, and seems to have excited and inspired his entomo- mological studies, as he frequently alludes to it and cites the figures which are, however, but coarsely executed. I have named the Hawk Moth (Dilophonota Mertanae), which occurs in Texas, Mexico and Cuba, after this accomplished lady and intrepid naturalist, whose travels at that early period were undertaken at much personal inconvenience, and whose enthusiasm seems to have carried her through many obstacles. I like to think that in science we owe much to the gentler sex ; it is certain that Madam Merian in her American and, much later, Frau Lienig in her Huropean collections, gave great impetus to the study of butterflies and moths. This interest of woman. in all that concerns man is only natural, and if we look around us to-day we shall see that it continues in the matter of entomology. With the middle of the eighteenth century appeared the works of the Swedish naturalist Linné, or Linnaeus, and the principles of modern nomenclature in Natural History were founded. Linné is the inventor of the system of binomial nomenclature, that system by which each species or kind of animal or plant receives a double Latin or Latinized name, the first being that of the genus to which the species belongs, the second that of. the species to which the individual belongs. Under the law of priority the first such name proposed in print for a species, and which is accompanied by means for its adequate identification, remains its proper specific title, although, owing to our shifting conclusions as to the limit of genera, the first of the two names, or the generic title, may become changed. In this way a durable system of nomenclature is being gradually pre- pared for all kinds of plants and animals and the command given to Adam is being practically carried out. Owing to the inability of certain writers to express themselves intelligibly, or their want of experience, some names fall by the way and are lost. The sticklers for the law of priority are at great pains to construct a hospital for these defec- tive or forgotten titles, and some confusion and quarrelling results from the effort to reinstate them in their undoubted right. But argument of some sort or another is the natural mental exercise of man, and literary disputations of this kind are among the most harmless. The thought which culminated in the system of Linnaeus is probably very old. The ostensible father of the phi!osophical view which produced it is Aristotle, who seems to have held to the opinion that each animal had always reproduced itself after its kind. The world, started after a certain fashion, remained true to the original impulse. And the Creator or Creators of the universe was God or the Deities, according as the belief in the unity or plurality of the supernatural prevailed. We have in this way a chain of naturalists from ancient times, of which certain prominent links were Aristotle, Gesner, Linnaeus, Cuvier, Agassiz. But from quite early times another school of thought had arisen which taught that this is a world of change, and that the animals and plants of to-day are essentially different from those of former times and will in their turn give place to others in all probability ; that there has been no original creation out of nothing and that the formation of new kinds of plants and animals is the result of certain natural laws equivalent to those governing inorganic nature. The links in this chain are Democritus, Lucretius, Averroes, Oken, Lamarck, Wallace, Darwin, Spencer. Here it is not necessary to enter into the matter any further than the subject demands. For a hundred years after Linnaeus, from whose tenth edition of the Systema Nature (1758) the study of the species of butterflies and moths practically commences, Entomologists were busy in sorting and naming their material, without a thought but that they were arranging organisms patterned after the original designs of the Creator. Oken, indeed, made the statement that every insect begins its life as a worm, continues it as a crustacean and finishes it as a perfect insect, but the full significance of this progression, which can be observed in the lifetime of a simgle individual, was for a long time neglected. It furnished at first only material for a kind of metaphysical Natural History, in which certain fossils, standing in a certain structural relation to existing animals, were called “ prophetic types,” and Biblical and figurative language was fashionably enployed to obscure the fact of direct descent. Butterflies and moths, next perhaps to plants, have always succeeded in eliciting much attention from naturalists, and it is owing primarily to his study of them that the English entomologist, Wallace, then (February, 1855) col- lecting in Borneo, wrote his celebrated article on the law regulating the introduction of new species. This paper endeavored to show that every species has come into existence coincident both in time and space with a pre-existing closely allied species. In further communications Mr. Wallace explained the protective resemblances between animals on the theory of mimicry, and everywhere throughout his valuable contributions butterflies and moths illustrate his remarks and suggest his ideas. Afterwards Mr. Darwin’s cele- brated book fully and completely showed the action of the law of, Natural Selection throughout organic nature, and here also many important results are drawn from studies of the Lepidoptera. The study of the literature of butterflies and moths since 1758 is necessary to the student who is emulous of describing new species or adding to our stock of information. A brief sketch of that branch which treats of the moths of North America may therefore Inne, Asp, be given here. The descriptional works of Linnzus were followed in England by the publication of the illustrated works of Drury (1773), in which good figures of a number of our species are given, all of which are, I believe, recognized, and the names taken into our lists. As his species are all redescribed and figured in modern literature, his. original 54 ; ; work has lost much interest. Among the waste of public money for scientific purposes I may mention the fact that the volume in the Natural History of New York, published by the State, contains actual copies (and poor ones) of Drury’s old figures, without acknowledg- ment and this while the originals were flying about in the country all round the capital at Albany. While Drury was publishing his work in England, on the continent Fabricius, who followed very closely in Linneus’s footsteps, issued several descriptional works on insects and in them are the descriptions of a number of our North American moths. Naturally our larger and gaudier species were the ones to be first described. Linné had named our ‘‘ American Moon Moth” or ‘‘ Queen of the Night,” Actias Luna (Fig. 26), as also the ‘‘ American Emperor” on “Cecropia Moth,” Platysamia Cecropia Fic. 27. (Fig. 27). So far as the titles themselves are concerned, their choice depends on the fancy of the describer, and while Latin adjectives expressive of some characteristic marking or designating the country or the food plant were generally used, names out of Homer and the Classics were brought into fashion by Linnzus’s example. Dr. Harris introduced a new feature into our nomenclature, by using the names of Indian chiefs for our Hesperide. The name used for a species soon loses its signification apart from the object it designates. Respecting the name Cecropia, Dr. Harris says, on page 279 of the first edition of his book on the Insects of Massachusetts, that this was the ancient name of the city of Athens, and thinks it here inappropriately applied toa moth. But the late Dr. Fitch has written in his copy of Dr. Harris’s work, now in my library, “ Cecrops was the first king of Athens—Cecropia is the feminine of Cecrops—and thus implies the first queen of the most polished or fairest people, so a more appropriate and beautiful designa- tion could not have been found for this most gaudy sumptuous moth.” So far Dr. Fitch. It may be said that the multitude of species renders it difficult to find different and oppo- site names. I may close these remarks on the names of insects by referring to a very valuable paper on “ Entomological Nomenclature,” by the late Dr. Leconte, and published in the sixth volume of the Canadian Entomologist, pp. 201 and following. For his ; 55 Ss observations Dr. Leconte has chosen a motto out of Goethe: Im Ganzen-haltet euch an Worte/ The doctor advises Entomologists to disregard the advice of the devil given in this motto. ‘‘ Use words only to acquire and convey accurately your knowledge of thangs ; but never believe that the word is superior to the thing which it represents. Thus will you avoid (mere) scholasticism, one of the great abysses of thought into which the seeker after truth is liable to fall.” The doctor concludes his essay by the statement that descrip- tive natural history is the lowest and most routine work that a man of science has to perform, and that to aim at distinction by having one’s name printed in connection with a weed, a bug or a bone is an ignoble ambition; and this is certainly a sound view of the ease. In addition, if one’s name happens to be a very common one the identity is addi- tionally obscured when the name appears after a Latin title of a species. To resume our review of the older authors: Fabricius (1775) was the first to describe the ‘“ Royal Walnut Moth,” probably our finest spinner. One or two of his descriptions have not been identified, such as his Bombyx Americana, Pyralis Lactana, Tinea Sepulerella ; and this is the case also with Linné’s Phalena Omicron. The next work of importance to the American student is that of Cramer, a Dutch Entomologist whose volumes (1779 to 1782) contain a great quantity of coloured figures without any systematic arrangement and for the most part coarsely executed. Cramer figures and names for the first time several of our Hawk Moths, such as the species of the genus Everyx, Cherilus and Myron, the larve of which feed on azaleas, grapevines and the Virginia Creeper. Both Cramer and Drury figure our North American species only incidentally, with other so-called exotic material. But in 1779 appeared the large folio work in two volumes by Abbot and Smith exclusively on the Lepidoptera of Georgia, which geographical name then covered a larger area of North America than at present. The materials for this work were the collections, coloured drawings and observations of Abbot, an English schoolmaster residing in Georgia, and thus the South became histori- cally the scene of the earliest studies of our butterflies and moths. Afterwards Major Leconte continued Abbot’s work in the same field, publishing upon the butterflies together with the French Lepidopterist, Dr. Boisduval. Abbot’s original drawings, which I have had the opportunity of examining in the British Museum, are much better than the published plates, which nevertheless are superior to anything issued before that time, if we except certain figures by Dutch Entomologists of European species. Abbot gives us_ the species in the three stages of caterpillar, chrysalis and perfect insect, together with the food plant. The text, in English and French, is, however, totally, or almost valueless, if: intended to supplement the drawings and render the identification of the species certain. Some of the species cannot yet be satisfactorily made out, while it seems probable that in _ two instances, Catocala amasia and Homoptera calycanthata, Abbot has given two dis- tinct species as the sexes of one and the same form. In 1874 I rediscovered the Phalena Chionunthi of Abbot and Smith, in a collection of Noctuide sent me from Ithaca, N.Y., by Professor Comstock, of Cornell University. This species had not been even again alluded to in print, so far as I was able to ascertain, since 1797, a long space of time, and had I been less familiar with the literature of our moths I should have fallen into the error of redescribing it. The Phalena Chionanthi of Abbot and Smith is now the Adita Chionanthi of our lists ; the moth being one of the Woctwide and affording a new generic type allied to the genus Agrotis. Abbot’s unpublished drawings contain repre- sentations of several species subsequently described, and were probably not issued because only the perfect stages are represented. Among these drawings is one of the rare Citheronia sepuleralis, Grote and Robinson, our second species congeneric with the Royal Walnut Moth collected plentifully by Mr. Koebele in Florida. The species of Abbot's, which I have not been able satisfactorily to identify, are Aceris, Hastulifera and Caly- canthata amoung the Noctwide, while I originally showed that his Vidua is not the species described afterwards by Guenee under this name, altered to Viduata in the supplement to the last volume on the Moctwide in the ‘‘ Species Géneral.” I will here state that I ain of opinion that we should reject the name of Viduata, altogether, because this is only a slight alteration of Abbot’s name and is intended to apply to Abbot’s species by Guenée. Now, in my original essay I showed that Guenée’s species was not Abbot’s but Desperata, very probably. Acceptlng this we must use a new name for Vidwa and Viduata of 56 Guenée, an insect I have fully described in Proc. Ent. Soc. Philadelphia, 1872. I,shall call this stouter species C. Gueneana, and call the C. Desperata of Guenée and our collec- tions C. Vidua of Abbot and Smith. Resemblances to European forms led Abbot into. some mistakes, which have probably not been adeqnately corrected by Dr. Harris, but wait full collections from the South and detailed comparisons in all stages with the ailied forms. Abbot and Smith’s has been long our most important work on our butterflies. and moths, small as is the number of species illustrated. This arises from the fact that all stages of the insects are given, and it has become in this respect a model of what an illustrated work on the Lepidoptera should be. It is only recently excelled by the- magnificent volumes of Mr. W. H. Edwards on our butterflies. Among our larger and interesting moths first figured by Abbot are the Blind Hawk, Paonias excecatus ; the - Brown Eyed Hawk, Calasymbolus, myops: the Walnut Hawk, Cressonia juglandis ; the- Laurel Hawk, Sphinx kalmie, (Fig. 28.) After Abbot, the most important work is that of Jacob Hibner, a German naturalist. of Augsburg, who has published a number of works on the Lepidoptera, splendidly illustrating a very large number of species. Scattered in other books on Lepidoptera issued at the close of the last, and beginning of the present century, may be found single North American species. Such are, for instance the works of Stoll, De Beauvais, and Esper. Hiibner’s principal works are, the “Sammlung” and the ‘“ Zutraege.” The ‘‘Sammlung” bears the dates 1806 to 1825; but it seems certain that a few plates were: issued at various dates of the last volume, by Geyer, up to 1837, after Hiibner’s death. According to a written statement given me by Dr. Herrich-Scheffer, a literary successor of Hiibner, and owner of the original plates, these posthumous plates did not include any of the North American species issued by Hiibner, and afterwards re-named by Dr. Harris, but I do not feel certain that this statement was complete. It is only so far as these few species are concerned, that the question has any practical bearing for us. Hiibner figures four of our hawk moths Sphinx chersis, Czratomia amyntor, Philampelus pan- dorus, and Phlegethontius celews. Dr. Harris erroneously describes Pandorus under the name Satellitia of Linné, which is a West Indian species distinct from ours; and Celews under the name of Carolina of Linné, a different species ; and gives new names to the two first. But as Dr. Harris re-describes several other species of Hiibner, and, in fact, does not allude to Hiibner at all, I agree with Dr. Morris, that Hubner’s were not then known to him ; as authority for the genus Xyleutes, Harris quotes Newman, not Hiibner. It is evident that Hubner’s names for these hawk moths have priority, and they are accordingly preferred in our lists. So far as the names are concerned, Geyer retained the names for the species proposed by Hiibner, as he tells us in the Zutraege, and as to the plates of the Sammlung, he evidently only finished and issued those already determined for publication by Hiibner, whose name alone appears as the author of the Sammlung. It is probable, and indeed certain, that the plate of Aymntor was really issued not later than 1837, the latest date given by Dr. Herrich-Scheffer; Dr. Hagen makes it 1838, which in any event ante-dates Harris. That Dr. Harris only gradually beeame acquainted with the- 57 older authors, is evident from his having at one time re-named Calasymbolus astylus, as S. iniegerrima ; so that Harris’s synonyms in the Sphingide are rather numerous. Dr. Hagen’s argument that Dr. Harris knew Hiibner, and rose superior to his illustrations, deliberately, as it were, renaming his species is a very remarkable one. I do not see any reason why a similar argument might not be used as against other authors whom Dr. Harris ignores. I believe that Dr. Harris would have been only too glad to have availed himself of Hiibner’s accurate determinations had he known of their existence. I conclude, therefore, that Dr. Morris is perfectly right in his remarks in a foot-note to J. inclusa, in Flint’s edition, and that Dr. Hagen is wrong. It takes time to prepare and issue a volume of copper-plates, while a brief description can be written and printed very quickly. Ti is true that Dr. Hagen endeavours to throw doubts upon this decision, but equally so, that he does so from prejudice against Hiibner, as I shall show. Besides these two illustrated works, Hiibner issued a sheet called the ‘“‘Tentamen,” probably in 1803, in which he simply proposed a number of new genera for Huropean moths, giving no description, and merely citing the type by its scientific name. He then commenced the issue of his ‘“‘ Verzeichniss,” in 1816 ; in this, he endeavored to arrange the Lepidoptera of the whole world in a large number of genera, the diagnoses of which are very brief and usually unsatisfactory. To understand the importance of these works, we must go back a little. Linneus arranged the whole Lepidoptera under the “Genera” Papilio, Sphina, Bombyx, Noctua, Geometra, Pyralis, Tortrix, Tinea; which now are considered as types of ‘“‘families.” Fabricius increased these genera by several, such as Zygena and Hesperia ; Latreille added, Callimorpha, etc., but the modern idea of a genus is antici- pated first by Hiibner. Unfortunately Hiibner took no pains to give structural features, or to properly limit his genera. Colour and pattern were used by him in his scant defini- tions, instead of real form of parts, and while the number of his genera is excessive, the species are quite often unhappily associated. On theother hand, Hubner in important points showed himself ahead of his time. He correctly divided the Hesperide into two groups. He is the first to associate the genera Bombycia and Thyatira, and after all is said and done, his arrangement of the whole sub-order shows that he must have made continuous studies to suggest so much that is permanently valuable. In Europe, the successors of Ochsenheimer and the Viennese school of Lepidopterists which had flourished since the “Wiener Verzeichniss,” neglected Hubner and misapplied his terms. From this neglect arose of late years the attempt to restore Hubner’s terms to their undoubted right, and this attempt met with a somewhat violent opposition in certain quarters. It is an easy task to overhaul and criticise these works of Hiibner, and the style in which it was per- formed by Mr. W. H. Edwards in the pages of the Canadian Entomologist, leaves little to be desired in the way of abuse. But unwilling to stand alone in the matter, Mr. Edwards enlisted the aid of Dr. Hagen, and the plan was brought into execution by which Hiibner should be ruled out altogether. It was to show that Ochsenheimer, Hiibner’s contemporary, and a Jeading authority, simply ignored Hiibner’s genera, and that Hiibner himself attached no importance to his Tentamen. To do this, Dr. Hagen trans- lated a sentence out of Ochsenheimer, and by ingeniously inserting a full stop, changed its meaning. “This sheet (the Tentamen) I saw long after the printing of my third volume was done,” writes Ochsenheimer, and here, Mr. Edwards following Dr. Hagen, inserts the stop. But Ochsenheimer in reality goes on withont any stop ;” therefore I could not earlier have adopted anything out of it.” And Ochsenheimer did adopt Hiibner’s genera out of the Tentamen in his fourth volume, such as Cosmia, Xylena, Agrotis, Graphiphora, etc., and where he cites them in the synonymy, as Heliophila, we have no ground for the procedure, since Ochsenheimer’s own genera have also no diagnoses. Dr. Hagen additionally gives us 1816 instead of 1810 for the date of Ochsenheimer’s third volume, apparently to spin out the time since the issue of the Tentamen ; the exact date of the latter being in some doubt. From 1802 to 1806, various dates have been given to it, while probably it was printed in 1803. In Europe, of late years, Hiibner’s genera, such as could be used, have been adopted, and while I am of opinion that no changes should be lightly made in our existing nomenclature on account of a generic title proposed by Hiibner and that a large number of Hiibner’s generic titles must be dropped 58 for good, I believe it to be impossible to reject Hiibner altogether, as it would necessitate too much fresh naming and work. It is evident that we are practically near the solution of the whole question, and that having taken out of Hiibner what we can fairly use, we shall drop him and further quarrelling on the subject. The controversy has been, how- ever, an interesting one, as illustrating literary vehemence. After Hubner, the work of Kirby on Canadian insects in the Fauna Amer. Borealis, merits our attention, This author describes and figures the rare Smerinthus Cerisyi and Alypia MacCullochu (Fig. 29). I have not been able, however, to identify his Sesia ruficaudis; the supposition that it is Hemaris wniformis is contradicted by the description. Other North American moths described by Kirby and not since positively made out are Deilephila intermedia and the species of Plusia, while his Arctia parthenice has been identified as a variety of the common Arctia virgo, a species which Kirby does not seem to: have known as he Fic. 29. does not allude to it. Kirby’s descriptions have been reprinted in the Canadian Entomologist, and we can now pass briefly in review the works written and published in America itself upon our butterflies and moths up to the year 1858, the first hundred years after Linnzeus. The first author whose works have left an indelible i impression upon the science of entomology in America is Dr. Harris, who resided for the time in Cambridge and was librarian of Harvard University. An original copy of his published writings is before me, with notes in his hand, and some Bonen by the late Dr. Fitch, from aaiee library the book came into my possession. The importance of Dr. Harris’s work is not measured only by the amount of information on North American entomology gathered by him ; it is the general useful direction which his enquiries take and which is to be the model of future work in America in the same field. Dr. Harris is the first of the State Ento- mologists, a body of scientific men who are naturally to accomplish much practical good in a country whose wealth so largely depends upon agriculture. The first part of Dr. Harris’s “ Report on the habits of insects injurious to vegetation in Massachusetts” was _ submitted to the Senate and House of Representatives of the State by Edward Everett, on the 19th of April, 1838. Previous to this, some lists had appeared but no description of species. His “ Descriptive Catalogue of the North American Insects belonging to the Linnean Genus Sphinx in the cabinet of Thaddeus William Harris, M.D.,” appeared in the pages of Silliman’s Journal, No. 2, Vol. 36, in the ensuing year (1839.) There is, then, no doubt that the plates of Hiibner mentioned above have priority over the descrip- tions of Dr. Harris, who can very well afford to lose the few species considering the greater importance of his total work, as such a course, from the conscientious regard for priority displayed in his writings, would have also pleased him best. I have elsewhere written at some length upon Dr. Harris’s Report. It has become classical upon its sub- ject, going over the whole range of our noxious insects as then known. I need refer here only to that portion which treats of the Lepidoptera, or butterflies and moths. Under the heading of “ Insects injurious to Vegetation” we might arrange nearly the whole of our Lepidoptera, since the larvz almost all feed upon plants. The excep- tions to this rule are the bee moths, probably imported species of Galeria which feed upon wax, and two species of Phycidae, Huzephora coccidivora and E. pallida, described by Prof. Comstock, and which devour plant lice instead of plants, as caterpillars. There is also some evidence that the Tineid, Euclemensia bassettella, is also predaceous in its habits. A good many species of moths, however, become of great economic importance from their feeding upon cultivated plants, and it is these primarily that have become the subject of investigation on the part of the State and general Government, and which work in the United States has arrived at dimensions unknown in Europe. It is a known fact in Europe that the efforts at keeping down the numbers of certain noxious species of Lepi- doptera have been, in certain localities, effective. For instance, the White Tree Butter- fly, Aporia crataegi, no longer appears in such swarms as formerly, and this is attributable to the systematic way in which the nests of the caterpillar have been broken up and destroyed in France and Germany. On the other hand, swarms of the Cabbage Butterfly _ und several sorts of injurious moths still recur at irregular intervals. This swarming of — 59 a noxious species seems often to depend upon some interference with the usual natural checks in the shape of parasites, or to the prevalence of suitable weather to the develop- ment and increase of the broods. When we cultivate cereals or any plant of economic value we, in effect, afford an abundance of good and appropriate food for the insects which habitually live upon it. It will be recollected that the maple and other shade trees in Brooklyn and New York used to be completely defoliated by the middle of summer by the common Brown Drop or Measuring Worm, Hudalimia subsignaria: The European Sparrow rid the cities of this nuisance completely ; it cleaned them all out. Recent examinations of the stomachs of this bird in Europe prove that, although it eats also grain or farinaceous food, over fifty per cent. of its food is animal, chiefly the larve of insects. But other writers make, from experiment, the percentage less, and I do not feel certain that the introduction of the sparrow is defensible on the ground that it is a strictly useful bird on all occasions. But few things, animals or man himself, are always a prac- tical success and on all occasions. Except as against this Brown Measvring Worm New York could have got along without the help of the sparrows. Fic. 30. : Rides Bal, A common pest in the east is the hairy larva (Fig. 30) of the Vapourer Moth, Orgyia deucostigma (Fig. 31), which, owing, perhaps, to its long hair-pencils used in making its ‘cocoon, is less readily eaten by sparrows or other birds. The true remedy for the Vapourer is the sweeping down of the egg masses laid out- side of the cocoon by the wingless female. (Fig. 32 represents a, the wingless female and the mass of eggs laid on the outside of the cocoon; 6, a young larva suspended by its silken thread; c, the female chrysalis, and d that of the male.) With industry and care there need never be any trouble from this insect, and a small sum of money would rid all cities in a short time of this pest, were the cleaning of the city Hie. 32: undertaken at the proper moment. Other species occasionally increase largely in certain seasons from unknown causes. On Mount Desert one season I saw myriads of the Pretty Pine Spanner, Cleora pulchraria, which is not usually so plentiful. The several species of pine, native and imported, become infested by the Pine Pest, Pinipestis zimmermam, a small pyralid, the larva of which seems to have but one annual brood, feeding beneath the bark, causing the gum to exude and deforming the tree by swellings. This insect is widely spread over the Middle States. Now it is evi- dent that we can only diminish effectively the numbers and the damage caused by 60 these and other sorts of insects when their whole history is completely known. Then» and then only, inasmuch as each species has its peculiar habits and ways of living: can we propose rational means for their abatement. This is perfectly clear, as also that experiments as to the means to be employed for the abatement of any one species are a perfectly legitimate matter for Governmental expense. Still, the fact remains that we can do but little, practically, to check the ravages of certain of our insect enemies. Many appear suddenly and again disappear before remedies can be efficiently employed. For the abating of many kinds we can only wait the action of their natural enemies. My experience leads me to this one conclusion, that mechanical means for the abatement of any insect injurious to vegetation are, asarule and with some proper exceptions, preferable to the employmeut of poisons. Before the American Association for the Advancement of Science, in 1879, I read a paper showing that the damages resulting from the employment of Paris Green and arsenical poisons outweighed the benefits, pecuniarily in the death of stock, while accidents to persons had become not unfrequent from its unlicensed use. This protest has, I believe, borne some fruit. I am also of opinion that more good would be brought ~ about by including an elementary course of entomology, teaching the life history of our commoner and destructive insects, in the Public Schools, especially throughout the agri- cultural districts, than by the present system of publishing reports which do not sufficiently reach the farmers who pay for them. It should be the duty of the State Entomologists to lecture in the Public Schools. If an easy text book were published, and an effort made to have it introduced, good results would be soon obtained. Farmers’ boys would learn to destroy the nests of the tent caterpillar rather than of the robin. The protection of birds and, in fact, all natural enemies of our predaceous insects is a main feature of the whole matter. I may here refer to the Cotton Worm, Aletia argillacea. This species belongs to the class of migratory pests. I have shown that it-was probably introduced during the last century from the West Indian Islands where cotton was cultivated. That, in common with many other moths, it has a seasonal migration from south to north, and that its foothold and multiplication on the soil of the United States was dependent on the introduction and cultivation of the cotton plant. I was the first to show its full habits: that it hiber- nated as a moth and that there was a geographical, climatic limit to its successful hiber- nation. In other words, the moth, even within the cotton belt where I made my first studies, did not survive the winter to lay fresh eggs on the young cotton of the ensuing year, and that the new worms came from a fresh immigration of the moth from points farther south. I can see no reason for any change in my general views on the whole matter of the Cotton Worm. I could not, as a private individual, journey over the whole South and find out the line of successful hibernation. That such a line exists somewhere is the - whole gist of my paper. Before I read it, it was not known that Aletia hibernated as a moth, it was not known that it did not breed everywhere the ensuing year from eggs laid by the progeny of the year before. The main question, so far as I can see, still remains where I left it. The white Maple Spanner, Hudalimia subsignaria of Hubner, used to be so common in Brooklyn and New York, from 1855 until well into the sixties, that the shade trees of all kinds except the Ailanthus, became completely defoliated. I remember especially one poor tree at the old Nassau Street post office in New York which became as bare as in winter by the middle of June, and struggled with a stunted after-growth of leaves in July. Everywhere the brown Measuring Worms used to hang down and cover the side- walks in New York and suburbs to the great discomfort of the passers by. I have seen ladies come into the house with as many as a dozen of the worms on their skirts or looping over their dresses. The advent of the English sparrow changed all this; the naked brown larvee of the Maple Spanner disappeared before them and gradually all the other naked larve became scarce. Such were for instance the larve of Hudryas, Alypia, Thyreus Abbottii, Deidamia inscripta, Everyx myron, Chamyris cerinthia, ete., all of which I used to find abundant in the small gardens in Brooklyn, chiefly feeding on the grapevines. The larve of the Vapourer, Orgyia Leucostigma, being hairy and less palatable to the sparrows, however, remained and multiplied ; becoming, in Philadelphia, as great 61 a nuisance as the Maple Spanner had been, which with the assistance of the sparrow it had replaced. Tt is, therefore, evident from the foregoing digression upon injurious insects, that the study of entomology has a practical side, and that this practical side has attained a great development in the United States and Canada, from the fact that these are mainly agricultural countries, whose wealth is in the products of their soil, as in Europe is particularly the case with France. Therefore it is that Dr. Harris’s Report is of such importance, and that it made much more impression than the writings of Thomas Say, who described so many more species and whose American Entomology preceded it in point of time. Say described but very few Lepidoptera, but these few are among our most interesting insects. Smerinthus geminatus, the twin-eyed hawk, is the only moth named by him, if we except that in a letter, posthumously published, he described the ““Cotton Worm Moth” under the specific title of Xylina. With the publication of Dr. Harris’s report and other papers, commenced the active study of our butterflies and moths in New England and the North. Abbot’s observations had been made, compara- tively speaking, in a wilderness, and were, besides, published in Europe, where, in the infancy of our literature, works on North America would naturally be printed. But, in 1840, things were very different. An American literature was already born and well born and the study of Natural History, which I have in another work shown to be the strength of the Indo-Germanic race, had already eminent students with us in its several branches. Louis Agassiz had come to live in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and the enthu- siasm consequent upon his lectures was soon to bear an abundant harvest of results. Dr. Harris prepared a report on the insects collected by Agassiz in his memorable trip to the Lake Superior region, and the book in which it found its place has now become a very rare one. In his report Dr. Harris had described an Hastern species of Hepialus under the name of drgenteomaculatus, a species of which I have examined specimens collected in the Katskill Mountains by Mr. Meade. During this Lake Superior trip, a species of Hepialus was collected which Dr. Harris figures and identifies with the Eastern, though noting the difference in color and markings. I believe this to be the first notice of a distinct species which I also have received from the Lake Superior region, the wings more pinkish or salmon color, the spots smaller, the whole insect larger, and which I have described in the third volume of the proceedings of the Entomological Society of Phila- delphia, p. 73, pl. I, fig. 6, as H. quadrigutiatus. Not only, then, is it the matter, it is also the manner of Dr. Harris’s Report, which makes it still a readable book, although so much that it contains is superseded by better and fuller information. His excellent English, staid, unflippant style, absence of self- assertion and spirit of cultivated observation constitute the principal charms of the Report and redeem it from the dryness which such books must have for the reader. His memory will always make Cambridge interesting ground for the student, even when associations of this kind with the past are becoming laxer and a very different style is employed in entomological reports. Dr. Harris was more of a general entomologist than a specialist, and his work in the different suborders of insects is everywhere of the same character and bears much the same value. In his philosophy he seems to have held to the tradition of Kirby and Spence. In this connection it is worth while, if no more than as a reminder of views once prevailing, to give his reasons for the study of insects: “Surely insects, the most despised of God’s creation, are not unworthy our study, since they are the object of His care and subjects of a special providence.” He has a kindly courtesy for the opinions of others. In recording a contradictory statement by Miss Morris as to the habits of the Hessian fly, he says: “If, therefore, the observations of Miss Morris are found to be equally correct, they will serve to show, still more than the foregoing history, how variable and extraordinary is the economy of this insect,” etc. One contrasts this involuntarily with language we sometimes see used under similar circumstances. Such adjectives as “erroneous,” “incorrect,” “unreliable,” “ vicious,”, etc., are foreign to Dr. Harris and his report is the gainer from this fact. I have passed some happy hours wandering beneath the Cambridge elms and conjuring up the kindly figure of this entomologist of an olden time. The example of the State of Massachusetts was followed by New York, and Dr. Asa 62 Fitch shortly after commenced the publication of yearly reports on injurious insects. So far as the butterflies and moths are concerned, these reports are much less interesting to the student than Dr. Harris’s; although the descriptions of the species are. longer, they are also clumsier, and the literary resources of Dr. Harris in Cambridge and Boston were probably wanting to Dr. Fitch. In these New York reports we have the first descriptions of Prionoxystus querciperda, Tolype laricis and Rhododipsa volupia. The species of Volaphana are described as Tortricide and Hibner’s Pangrapta decoralis figures as Hypena elegantalis. There is everywhere great pains taken to be exact and explicit, and so far as many noxious species are concerned much valuable observation is brought together. In making an index to these reports Dr. Fitch’s successor, Prof. James A. Lintner, has performed an acceptable work. ; With the year 1857, the late Dr. Brackenridge Clemens commenced the publication of descriptions of North American moths. His synopsis of the Sphingide (1858) is characterized by great care in describing the species and genera, but the main defect of the work is the absence of independent literary research, the synonymy being taken from the British Museum lists of Mr. Walker. Dr. Clemens describes for the first time the rare Sphinx luscitiosa, the genera Deidamia and Hilema, and includes the West Indian forms, some of which have been more recently found in South Florida. A ““Synonymical Catalogue of the Sphingide” was published in 1865 by the late Coleman T. Robinson and myself, in which Hemaris gracilis, Huproserpinus pheton and the genera. Cressonia and Diludia were described, the literature of the group being thoroughly gone over since 1758, and henceforward the nomenclature of this family at least, takes on a more permanent shape. It is one hundred years from Linnzus to Dr. Clemens, but in North America, in 1858, there were but very few species of moths then named in collections either public or private. Commencing to publish my own studies with the beginning of the year 1862, I can say truthfully that there were then probably not one hundred species named and determined in any collection. The principal difficulty lay in ascertaining what had been described in Europe. For this purpose Mr. Robinson and [ made one trip to England and France, and afterwards another was made by myself. The results of the examinations of Mr. Walker’s and M. Guenee’s types were published and material:»was determined by us from all parts of the county, in collections both public and private. There are now (1888) probably more than five thousand species of moths described from North America, and this result is due to the large and increasing number of students, and the facilities offered by serial publications, the most reliable of which has. been the Canadian Entomologist, which has survived many similar undertakings, Each family of moths has enjoyed the attention of one prominent specialist, thus Dr. Packard has studied the Spanners, Geometride ; Mr. Hy. Edwards the Clearwings, Sessiidee ; Mr. R. H. Stretch the Spinners, Bombycide ; Prof. O. H. Fernald the Leaf — Rollers, Zortricide ; my own studies having been principally on the Owlet Moths, Noctwide ; the Sparklers, Pyralide, and the Hawk Moths, Sphingide. Very soon we shall know all about our moths and popularly written works will supersede the stiff and formal descriptive sources for our information which now exists. May we all be kindly remembered and our faults forgiven by the coming generation, who will catch our species and discuss our, no doubt, often defective views based upon the scantier information now at our disposal. j Of some of my contemporaries I confess I would like to say a word here, but I may not. I wouid like to recall the long ago when Mr. Saunders, with his kind and thoughtful and then youthful face, came to see me in New York; when Packard, on his way to “the front” during the war, called upon me in Brooklyn; when Mr. Tepper and Mr Graef before that, collected and discussed these “little beauties” with me. And then I remember Mr. Calverley, who was very old and very good to me, and Mr. Harvey J. Rich, who died so young. In Brooklyn there are now a number of new writers, among whom my new friend, the Rev. Mr. Hulst, is working steadily and cheerfully along. But now I must think of my good friend Coleman T. Robinson, who was killed by being thrown from his carriage. An accident, equally deplorable, deprived us of Mr. Walsh. I remind me also well of Mr. Angus, of West Farms, a tall Scotchman with curious, white and black in bunches, parti-colored hair, very intelligent, kindly but 63 reserved. I wonder how long ago it is since I first met Mr. Lintner, or Dr. Morris? It seems ages and ages. And Dr. Bailey is dead and J. D. Putnam. Well, well, ’tis no use to moralize. My boyhood’s friend I will remember here. It was old Dr. Kennicott, of illinois, the father of that brave and hardworking naturalist, Robert A. Kennicott.. The old doctor’s letters to me I treasure still. I never saw him. He wrote to me regularly, at least about twice a month, for several years. He was to me the best man that ever lived. He really taught me, although he never gave mea lesson. I used to sit in my little entomological room, a boy of fifteen, with his photograph on the table before me, for hours together, reading his letters. I have never forgotten him. He lives with me still and all the time. He was a man that must have made a great many people very happy, and that is to be the truest friend and the best man of us all. The story of the growth of our literature is the individual story of each one who has contributed in any way to its augmentation. Having worked so long it is natural that many should: have come to me. Very few stayed away. Even Mr. Strecker, for one brief night, consulted me and believed. He fell by the wayside, though,. before he got home. He came, with his boxes, to meet me in Philadelphia, I think, early in 1873, In Philadelphia, Cresson was the leading spirit and founded the little sheet ‘The Practical Entomologist,” which I edited for the first few numbers. Those were the days before the large ‘“‘appropriations” of latter years. We took the field against the noxious species at our own expense. I am also in the first of Prof. Riley’s Missouri reports. When I was in Buffalo many visited me; but, of all, it was Prof. Fernald who brought me most happiness. When he came to be my scholar, I knew I should quickly come to learn of him; and now he is teaching me a lot about the Sphingidce, my own par- ticular subject! As I think of the many lepidopterists I have met and corresponded with, I feel sure that the future of the science with us is heyond question and that there is really no necessity for my putting pen to paper again. I do not intend, however, to be killed off. If, like the Prince of Bulgaria, I must go, I will go with a voluntary air and in a decent manner, not be bustled out of my dominions by a conspiracy. REMEDIES FOR NOXIOUS INSECTS. BY REY. C. J. 8S. BETHUNE, PORT HOPE. In our Annual Reports for the last two years (1886; pages 55-64; 1887, pages 51-59) I have given some account of the remedies that have been found most practically useful in checking the attacks of noxious insects upon various plants and crops. I have taken up the insects in the alphabetical order of their common names, and left off last year with “The Fall Web-worm.” I now propose to go on with the list of our commonest insect enemies and give the remedies that have proved most effective, and in doing this I shall of course quote very freely from the experience of the most skilled practical entomo- logists, both in the United States and Canada, in order to furnish our readers with the best information that can be obtained on the subject. The next insect on our list is Tue GoosrBperRy Fruit-worm (Dakruma convolutella, Hubn.). Besides the caterpillars and saw-fly worms which destroy the foliage of the goose- berry and often strip the branches entirely of their leaves, and which have already been referred to under the heading of Currant insects, there is another insect trouble which frequently causes the gardener much annoyance. When the fruit is partially grown, many of the berries are often observed to have become discoloured; some turn toa dull whitish colour, and some shrivel up, while ’ others, more advanced, seem to ripen prematurely ; in either case LAG they soon drop from the branches to the ground. On inspection J it is found that nearly every berry contains a small, pale worm, Fig. 33. which is engaged in devouring the pulp of the fruit. This worm is the larva of a little pale gray moth (Fig. 33), which appears about the end of April 64 or early in May, and lays its eggs on the young gooseberries soon after they are formed. The eggs soon hatch and the tiny caterpillars burrow into the fruit, where they remain in safe concealment. When they have grown considerably they fasten two or more berries together with silken threads, sometimes biting off the stems in order to bring them’ more easily into the required position, and here they live securely with plenty of food convenient. This tying of the fruit together is more frequently done in the case of the wild gooseberry and the currant, which it also attacks, and whose berries are not large enough to contain the worm. When fully grown the caterpillar lowers itself to the earth by a silken thread, and there spins its cocoon (Fig. 33) among leaves or rubbish on the surface of the ground. In this state it lives all winter, the moth appearing, as already ~ stated, the following spring. The most obvious remedies for this pest are (1) picking off by hand all prematurely ripened or discoloured fruit and burning or otherwise destroying them. As, however, the worms are very active and quickly make their escape to the ground when disturbed, a close watch should be kept in order. to trample under foot any that may get away. (2) Clearing up and burning all fallen leaves and other rubbish beneath the infested bushes, after the fruit season is over, and in this way destroying the insect in its chry- salis state. It is also recommended to dust the bushes freely with air-slacked lime early in the spring, renewing the application from time to time as may be necessary, the object being to prevent the moth from laying her eggs on the young fruit. Tue GooseBerRY Mince (Cecidomyia grossularie, Fitch) Is another enemy to the fruit of the gooseberry. Its presence may be ascertained, as in the case of the previous insect, by the premature ripening or discoloration of the berries. It isa very tiny maggot, of a bright yellow colour and closely resembling the wheat- midge. It lives within the fruit both in its larval and pupal states, and the minute two- winged fly comes out about the end of July. How the species is perpetuated from one season to another is not yet fully known, but it is supposed that there is another brood in some later fruit or other suitable substance, and that in this way the insect is carried over the winter. % The same remedies may be employed as those given for the fruit-worm, care being taken to destroy the fallen gooseberries early in July, before the fly has had time to complete its transformations. THE GRAPE-VINE LEAF-HOPPER (EHrythroneura vitis, Harris). This little insect, popularly called ‘‘ The Thrips,” often proves very injurious to the vine. The thin-leaved varieties, such as the Clinton and Delaware, suffer much more severely from it than those with thick leathery foliage. We have seen a small vineyard of Clinton grapes almost entirely defoliated before the end of the sunamer by the attacks of this tiny enemy, with the result, of course, that the fruit failed to mature and became simply worthless. The insect, of which there are several species kifown, belongs to the true bugs (Hemiptera), and like the rest of its order, lives by gucking the juices of plants. fae The accompanying ,illustration (Fig. 34) represents the perfect insect, greatly magnified ; the natural size is shown by the short lines to the left of each figure, Ohe representing the insect with wings expanded ready for, flight, the other with the wings closéd: The different species * vary in colour and markings, but the one shewn here is dusky and red, with pale stripes. “ These insects—to quote Saunders’s Insects Fic. 34. Injurious to Fruit—pass the’winter in the per- fect state, hibernating under dead leaves or other rubbish, the survivors becoming active 65 in spring, when they deposit their eggs on the young leaves of the vine. The larve are hatched during the month of June, and resemble the perfect insect, except in size and in being destitute of wings. During their growth they shed their skins, which are nearly white, several times, and although exceedingly delicate and gossamer-like, the empty skins remain for some time attached to the leaves. The insects feed together on the under side of the leaves, and are very quick in their movements, hopping briskly about by meaus of the hind legs, which are especially fitted for this purpose. They havea peculiar habit of running sideways, and when they see that they are observed on one side of a leaf they will often dodge quickly around to the other. They are furnished with a sharp beak or proboscis, with which they puncture the skin of the leaf, and through which they suck up the sap, the exhaustion of the sap producing on the upper surface yellowish or brownish spots. At first these spots are small and do not attract much attention, but as the insects increase in size the discoloured spots become larger, until the whole leaf is involved, when, changing to a yellowish cast, it appears as if scorched, and often drops from the vine. Occasionally the vines become so far defoliated that the fruit fails to ripen.” ‘“* As the leaf-hopper enters the second stage of its existence, corresponding to the chrysalis state in other insects, diminutive wings appear, which gradually grow until fully matured, the insect meanwhile becoming increasingly active. With the full growth of the wings it acquires such powers of flight that it readily flies from vine to vine, and thus spreads itself in all directions. It continues its mischievous work until late in the season, when it seeks shelter for the winter.” A species of this insect also attacks the Virginia Creeper, and in a dry season, which seems most favourable for its development, we have known it to completely destroy the foliage of the creepers on a building, and render them leafless before the close of summer. When disturbed the insects hopped in myriads from leaf to leaf, making a ‘sound like the pattering of fine rain. Remedies.—When these insects attack the vines in a glass grapery, it is not very difficult to deal successfully with them. First, carefully close the ventilators and any other openings in the house, and then fumigate thoroughly by burning Persian Insect Powder (Pyrethrum) beneath the vines. This has been found by experiment to be pre- fectly effective. Tobacco may be used instead of insect powder, but the latter is not reliable. After the operation all fallen leaves, etc., should be carefully removed and burnt. Ouat-of-doors it is by no means so easy to deal with this pest. Fumigation is almost impossible, as the smoke cannot very well be kept long enough about the vines to destroy the insect. On a calm still day, however, it would be worth trying. It should be done several times at intervals of a few days, and if possible, before the insects have obtained their wings and are able to fly away from the smoke. Syringing with strong soap-suds, tobacco-water, hellebore mixed in water, etc., and dusting with lime or powdered sulphur, have all been recommended, and are remedies worth trying. In all cases itis important to keep the ground clean beneath the vines and leave no rubbish for the protection of the hibernating insects. Mr. Fletcher, in his Report for last year, says that the remedy ‘“ which gives the most promise of success is a weak kerosene emulsion in the proportion of one of kerosene to thirty of water, to be applied at the time when the young bugs have first hatched. Mr. John Lowe, the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture at Ottawa, tells me that he has never failed to drive these insects off his grape-vines by simply applying sulphur, which, when liberally applied to the vines, gives off on warm days a perceptible odour of sulphurous acid gas which keeps the insects away.” Dr. Lintner, in his second Report as State Entomologist for New York, mentions that the vapour from tobacco juice has been very successfully employed in France as a remedy for the grape-vine “thrips” and other small insects that infest plant-houses. He quotes the experience of one who has tested it, and who says: ‘“ Ever since I adopted dt, it has been absolutely impossible to find a thrips in my houses; and other insects have likewise disappeared.” The mode of employing the remedy is thus described :— 5 (EN.) 66 “« Every week, whether there are insects or not, I have a number of braziers containing burning charcoal distributed through my houses. On each brazier is placed an old sauce-pan containing about a pint of tobacco juice of about the strength of 14°. This. is quickly vaporized, and the atmosphere of the house is saturated with the nicotine-laden vapour, which becomes condensed on everything with which it comes in contact—leaves, bulbs, flowers, shelves, etc. When the contents of the sauce-pans are reduced to the consistency of a thick syrup, about a pint of water is added to each, and the vaporiza- tion goes on as before. 1 consider a pint of tobacco juice sufficient for a house of about. 2,000 cubic feet. The smell is not so unpleasant as that from fumigation, and the tobacco juice can be used more conveniently than the leaves. Plants, no matter of what. kind, do not suffer in the least, and the most delicate flowers are not in the slightest degree affected, but continue in bloom for their full period, without any alteration in their appearance. When the operation is completed, if the tongue be applied to a leaf, one can easily understand what has taken place from its very perceptible taste of tobacco. The process requires to be repeated in proportion to the extent to which a house is infested. It is not to be imagined that these troublesome guests are to be quite got rid of by a single operation. A new brood may be hatched on thé following day, or some may not have been reached on the first day, so that the vaporization should be frequently carried on till the insects have entirely disappeared, and after that it should be repeated every week in order to prevent a fresh invasion.” In France, Dr. Lintner adds, tobacco juice of the strength required can be purchased at the tobacco factories for about fifteen cents a quart, so that the expense is very trifling. Where the juice cannot be readily bought, it may be prepared by boiling coarse tobacco leaves and stems, till the decoction is of the required strength. Tue Hop Apuis, (Phorodon humuli, Schrank.) While the hop, like most other cultivated plants, is liable to the attacks of a great many insects, it is in this country specially injured by two very different creatures, the Hop Aphis or Plant-louse, and the Hop Snout-moth. The latter is referred to in another part of this Report by Mr. Fyles. Regarding the former, a most important point in its life-history has at last been cleared up. Till very recently it was not known exactly how or where the insect passed the winter, and conse- quently it was not possible to be quite sure what preventive measures were the best to adopt. Four years ago, Miss Ormerod, Consulting Entomologist to the Royal Agricultural Society of England, published in her annual Report on Injurious Insects, an account of her observations of the Hop Aphis, and stated the conclusions at which she had arrived. These are so important that I quote her own words: “ (1) The first attack of Aphis to the hop begins in spring from wingless females (depositing living young) which come up from the Hop-hills. (2) The great attack, which usually occurs. in the form of ‘Fly’ about the end of May, comes on the wing from Damson and Sloe, as well as from Hop, and the Hop Aphis and the Damson-hop Aphis are very slight varieties of one species, and so similar in habits as regards injury to hop that for all practical puryoses they may be considered one.” These observations, while they confirmed what had been stated by some few ento- mologists at different times, threw a flood of new light upon the life-history of the Hop- Aphis, and led to further investigations by other competent observers. In the November, 1888, number of ‘ Insect Life,” Dr. C. V. Riley, United States Entomologist, publishes a paper on this subject, in which he announces that “ We have been able to say for the first time the past year, that we now know positively the full life-history” of the Hop Plant-louse, and states that the questions as to its migration from the Damson to the Hop, and its winter resting place, have now “been fully and thoroughly settled.” The following is his summary of the life-history of this insect: ‘‘ Hibernating at the present season of the year (March), the little glossy, black, ovoid eggs of the species are found attached to the terminal twigs, and especially in the more or less protected 67 crevices around the buds, of different varieties and species of Prunus, both wild and cultivated From this winter-egg there hatches a stem-mother (Fig. 35), which is char- acterized by being somewhat stouter, with shorter legs and honey tubes than in the individuals of any other generation.” * Three parthenogenetic generations are produced upon Prunus, the third becoming winged (Fig. 36). This last is called the Pseudogyna or the migrant, and it instinctively flies to the hop-plant, which is entirely free from attack during the development of the three generations upon Plum. A number of parthenogenetic generations are produced upon the Hop, until in autumn, and particularly during the month of September, winged females are again produced. This is the pupifera or return migrant, and she instinctively returns to the Plum. . Here she ‘at once settles and in the course of a few days, according as the weather permits, pro- duces some three or more young. These are destined never to become winged and are true sexual females (Fig. 37). Somewhat infos on the Hop, the true winged male (Fig. Stem-mother, enlarged ; head 38), and the only maie of the whole series is developed, eagle CRS ehalasyenet Glatt arto! ial engecl. these males also congregate upon the Plum, on the leaves of which toward the end of IDE, Etsy, [hanes Bias First migrant from the plum, third generation, enlarged; head at side still more enlarged. the season they may be found pairing with the wingless females, which stock the twigs with the winter eggs (Fig. 39). Such, briefly, is the life-history. Twelve generations may be produced during the year, but there is great irre- gularity in the development of these generations and the return migrant from the Hop is produced at the end of the season whether from individuals of the fourth or fifth generation, or of the twelfth” _ “ Hach parthenogenetic female is capable of producing on an average one hundred young (the stem-mother pro- bably being more prolific), at the rate of one to six, or an average of three per day, under favourable conditions. Each generation begins to breed about the eighth day after birth, Fic. 37. so that the issue from a single individual easily runs up, True sexual female, enlarged. in the course of the summer, to trillions. The number of 68 leaves (seven hundred hills, each with two poles and two vines) to an acre of hops, as grown in the United States, will not, on the average, much exceed a million before the period of blooming or burning; so that the issue from a single stem-mother may, under favouring circumstances, blight hundreds of acres in the course of two or three montas.”* Fic. 38. Winged male enlarged. , The foregoing account of the life-history of the Hop Aphis is so wonderful and inter- esting that we feel sure the readers of our reports will be glad to have it brought before them. It is also of great value, as it enables hop growers now to apply remedies and use methods of prevention that could not have been devised when the true habits of the insect were unknown. The first and most obvious preventive measure is the destruction of the Aphis on the plum trees in early spring before they have migrated to the hop. This can be done by syringing the trees with a strong tobacco or soap wash, or more effectively still, by using a weak kerosene emulsion. Receipts for making this were giveh in our report for 1886, but for convenience sake we quote a simple method recommended by Professor A. J. Cook, of the Agricultural College of Michigan ; he says: ‘“ I have found nothing so satis- factory in treating plant-lice as the kerosene and soap mixture. To make this I use one-fourth of a pound of hard soap, preferably whale-oil soap, and one quart of water. This is heated till the soap is dissolved, when one pint of kerosene oil is added, and the whole agitated till a permanent emulsion or mixture is formed. ‘The agitation is easily secured by the use of a force pump, pumping the liquid Fic. 39. with force into the vessel holding it. I then add Eggs and shrivelled skin of female water so that there shall be kerosene in the pro- which laid them, enlarged. portion of 1 to 15.” This mixture has been found most efficient as a remedy for plant-lice, and may be used against them wherever they are found—upon the plum, or hop, or anywhere else. * We have to thank Dr. Riley for his kindness in permitting us to use the above illustrations of the on Sebi Ther were orginally drawn by him to illustrate his paper on the subject in ‘‘ Insect Life,” vol. i., pp. 133-136. 69 Another measure of prevention that should be adopted where hops are grown on a large scale, is the removal and destruction of all wild or cultivated plum trees in the immediate neighbourhood of the plantation. This will take away their winter refuge from the insects, and save an infinite amount of trouble. When the Aphis has made its appearance upon the hop vines, a kerosene emulsion should be at once employed for its destruction. By careful watching and prompt treat- ment this pest can, no doubt, be kept within bounds, but it must be dealt with without delay, othewise its extreme prolificness will soon fill the hop-yard with myriads, and render its destruction very laborious and difficult. THe Onton Maccot (Phorbia ceparum, Meigen). This imported European insect is quite common in Canada and the Eastern United States, and often proves very destructive to the onion crop. The attack is made by the larva, or maggot, of a little two-winged fly, which eats into the bulb of the onion and destroys it, partly by its own work, and partly by the decay which results from it. The accompanying illustration (Fig 40) represents the parent fly magnified, the line below showing the natural size with outspread wings; beneath this the pupa is shown, and below it the maggot; the figure to the right exhibits the maggot devouring the interior of the onion bulb. The fly lays her eggs early in the season on the leaves of the young onion, close to the surface of the ground ; from these the young maggots are soon hatched, and pene- trate downwards between the leaves to the base of the bulb. Several of them are generally found together; they are yellowish white in colour, tapering from one end to the other, and destitute of legs. When not feeding they gen- _erally lie just outside the onion in a cell of wet mud, which is kept damp by the exuding juice of the injured plant; they feed for about a fortnight, and then transform in the earth into brown pupz, of an oval shape; from these the Bean) flies emerge in a fortnight or three weeks, and at once lay their eggs for a second brood. In this case, as the leaves are now high above the bulb, the fly lays her eggs on the bulb itself, or on the ground close to it. At the close of the season, the insect remains for the winter in the pupa state, from which the winged flies come forth in early spring to begin another round of the life of the species. Such, in brief, is the life-history of the insect. The best method of dealing with this insect is to prevent the attack if possible. Two modes of doing this have been tried with success. The first, and most satisfactory plan, is to bury the bulb of the onion so that the fly cannot deposit its eggs upon it. This is done by earthing up the plants as is customary with potatoes and corn. The flies must deposit their eggs somewhere, and prefer to do so on the bulb itself, or very close to it; if this is well covered up with earth the eggs are laid higher up on the plant, or on the ground, and the young larve, when hatched, are unable to get to their proper feeding place, and consequently perish without doing any injury. Miss Ormerod recommends growing Onions in the garden in a trench, prepared in the same way as for celery, and gradually drawing down the earth from the sides as the plants grow, thus keeping the bulb always covered. She found this plan entirely successful in warding off the attacks of the insect. The second mode of prevention is to scatter about the plants some substance that will be sufficiently obnoxious to the female fly to keep her entirely away from the crop. For this purpose gas-lime has been found most effective. It should be sown broadcast over the bed about once a fortnight, but great care must be taken not to put it on too thickly, as it is extremely caustic, and would seriously injure the plants. Mr. Fletcher 70 says that a light sprinkling, just enough to colour the soil, answers the purpose. As this substance, however, can only be procured from a town where there are gas works, it may be impossible to get it in many localities. A substitute for it may be readily made in the following manner: ‘Take two quarts of soft soap and boil it in rain water until all is dissolved, then turn in a pint of crude carbolic acid. When required for use take one part of this mixture with fifty of water, and when mixed well together sprinkle directly upon the plants.” This carbolic wash has been found entirely successful in the case of the Radish-maggot, which is very similar in its attack to the Onion-maggot. It is recommended to sprinkle the beds every week, commencing two days after the seed is sown, and before any of the young plants are up. As a direct remedy when the onions in the kitchen garden are attacked, it is recom- mended to pour boiling water upon the affected bulbs ; it is stated that this will kill the maggots and not injure the plants. It is certainly worth trying in a few cases to begin with, and then it may be continued, if found satisfactory. It is an important matter, also, to remove from the beds all the onions that are attacked with as little delay as possible. They may be known at once by their leaves fading and turning yellow. It will not answer, however, to merely pull them up by the hand, as in most cases the leaves only will come away, leaving the infested bulb still in the ground, but it will be found necessary to use a spud, or trowel, or some such instru- ment, in order to take up the whole onion with its rotten mass full of maggots. This should at once be put into a pail, from which the creatures cannot escape, and then care- fully destroyed. By so doing the next brood of flies will be materially reduced and the severity of attack diminished. One further point is not to grow onions two years in succession on the same ground, and if a bed has been infested by the maggot to turn the surface soil deeply under in the autumn and bury the pup deep enough to prevent, or at any rate retard, their development in the spring. THE Squasu-pue (Coreus tristis, De Geer). Most persons who cultivate the squash in their gardens have probably noticed at times several of the leaves to be strangely withered, and on investigating further have found the cause to be a number of disgusting looking bugs gathered together on the underside of the leaves. There is usually a large colony collected together, composed of individuals of all sizes from the tiny newly-hatched bug to the old winged specimen half an inch long, represented in Fig. 41. The life-history of the insect may be briefly related, as follows:—The full-grown insects that have managed to escape the various perils to which their lives are exposed during the summer, retire into winter quarters on the approach of cold weather, and conceal themselves in various nooks and crevices. There they remain in a torpid state all winter, and come forth when warm weather returns in May. At this time of the year and also in the autumn, they may be found in all sorts of unlikely places, but as soon as the squash plant has put forth its first few leaves, the insects take shelter under them and lay their eggs for the future crop of destroyers. The female deposits her eggs in little patches on the underside of the leaves, to which they adhere, and per- forms the work for the most part at night. This takes place late in June, or even in July if the season is backward, but the eggs are soon hatched and there issue from them the tiny little bugs. At first these are ash-coloured, with large flattish antenn, and without any wings, but they grow rapidly and with each moult become darker above and paler beneath ; at the same time they gradually change their form from a round scale-like appearance to an oblong oval, with a triangular head. As the eggs are laid at intervals, fresh broods keep coming out all summer, arfd thus specimens of all ages and sizes are usually found crowded together on the same leaf. They all have an excessively disagreeable smell, which is intensified when their bodies are crushed. Like all true bugs they live by suction, each one being provided with a long slender beak or sucker, with which it punctures the leaves and draws up the sap. Fie. 41. 71 The effect of a swarm of these creatures pumping away at the life fluid of the plant is the ‘speedy withering of the leaf and the serious injury, if not destruction, of the whole plant. As the bugs congregate together for the most part on the under side of the leaves, and their presence is indicated by the withered foliage, much may be done to diminish their numbers by the simple operation of hand-picking and crushing under foot or burning. It is well, also, to examine carefully the underside of the leaves of an affected plant, and destroy all eggs that may be found. This remedy is of easy application where only a few squash plants are grown in a garden. But if the cultivation takes place on a large scale, hand-picking of eggs and bugs becomes rather impracticable. The following remedy may then be employed: Take two quarts of powdered plaster of Paris, and add to it a tablespoonful of coal oil; sprinkle this mixture on the plants, especially on the stems and leaves nearest the root, where the attack is always made first. It is stated (Lintner’s Report, ii. 29) that one application of this will generally answer for the season, but it should be repeated if the bugs return. The author of the remedy says: “T applied it this season on several thousand hills of melons, cucumbers, etc., after the bugs ‘had commenced operations, and have not since had a vine destroyed. I have used it for several seasons with the same result. This is safer and cheaper than Paris green.” The use of liquid manure and cultivation in a good rich soil is further recommended, for when the plants attain a vigorous growth, the loss of sap occasioned by these insects is not so much felt. As already indicated, they also attack the melon, cucumber and other allied plants. THE TenT CATERPILLARS (Clisiocampa Americana and Sylvatica). Everyone must be familiar with the webs of the Tent Caterpillars, and must have noticed the amount of mischiet they do if left unchecked. They are so abundant and so widespread throughout the country that it seems advisable to mention again some of a/valerele cs eel ne « 35 BeeEESCATIGCENS 2... .;. Mina aecjeilciye ores. s 35 SMPESEDSOLICA. . . ee reels.s 0 o'er clele es 35 mileia argillaceac. .... des cue t 85 American Association for the Advancement of Science........ 21 American lackey moth.............. 32 - kine 2, 8, 22 Tiger swallow-tail butterfly ......... 38 Toenia echinococecus ......-.-/. sm ceael 69 ‘ 47 The Bombycide, or silk-spinning moths, furnish us with some very large and beautiful species, the most striking, indeed, of all our insects, whether in the caterpillar or perfect state. a ys fe \ IS Ay ANN. Wy \ NAW a yy LZZ77 Fig. 19. Samia cecropia, L., is known by all fruit growers as a depredator upon apple, plum, and other trees. The caterpillar (figure 19) is, when full grown, fully three inches long, and its bright colours and curious spined tubercles render it a very striking and inter- esting object. The moth, like those of the three following species, has been frequently figured in our reports. Teleas polyphemus, L., the larva of which’ is shown in Figure 20, is a somewhat smaller and more modestly colored moth, and the caterpillar has not such a formidable appearance. It is, when fully grown, about three inches long, and correspondingly stout, of an apple green color, and ornamented with bright colored tubercles and short lines. It feeds on a great variety of trees. . Fie, 20. 48 Actias Luna, L., is the beautiful large pale green moth with long tails to the hind wings, which always evokes the admiration and wonder of those who see it for the first — time, and who can scarcely credit (if they have no knowledge of our many splendid insects) that it is a native of Canada. The cater- pillar (Fig. 21) resembles a good deal that of the last species, and like it is quite at home on a variety of trees. Hyperchiria To., Fab., is a very interesting species, from the fact that its caterpillar (Fig. 22) bears numerous branching spines, which have upon the human skin an effect similar to that of the stinging nettle, and on a sensitive place like the face or back of the hand produce great irritation. The caterpillar is about two inches long, of a pea- green color, and with a lateral white line edged with lilac. It is an almost omnivorous feeder, attacking various fruit and forest trees, as well as the hop, maize, and many other plants. The male moth is of a yellowish colour, varied with black and other markings, and with a large eye-spot on the hind wings; the female is larger, expanding about three inches, and is of a darker colour. Fie, 22, Eecpantheria Scribonia, Stall., is another large and handsome insect, known as the Great Leopard Moth (Figure 23, a female and 6 male), The wings are white, with rings, lines and spots of dark brown ; the thorax has several black spots with a bluish white centre, and the steel blue abdomen is streaked with yellow. The caterpillar (Figure 24) is one of those which are known as “ hedge-hogs” (from their habit of rolling themselves _ up into a bristling ball), and is often called the “ great black bear,” because it iscovered with tufts of stiff shining hairs. The spaces between the segments (except thoracic ones) are banded with red. Three species of Halesidota may be mentioned, viz., H. Maculata, Harr.; H, Tescel- aris, Hb., and H. Carye, Harr. The caterpillars of these are hairy, and are distinguished by having long pencils of black or white hairs upon certain segments. They pupate in ‘hairy cocoons, under stones, loose bark, or other shelters. _ Fic. 25. Orgyra leucostigma, Sm. Abb., the white-marked Tussock moth (Figure 25), has a ‘caterpillar somewhat similarly clothed, but with different ornamentation and colouring. See Figure 26. SS EZ”: az EF (AZ SSS Z : eEEEZAZZ EZ YZ Oedemasia concinna, Sm. Ab., is the moth whose larva is called the -Red-humped Apple-tree Caterpillar (Fig. 27). The larve have been found by me to feed also upon the willow. The web-making caterpillars of Clisiocampa and of Hyphantria textor, Harr., which by their unsightly webs and omnivorous habits make themselves most unwelcome intruders in orchard or grove, also attack the willows. Ayleutes Robinie, Harris., is said to attack the willow as well as the oak, locust and maple. The larvz (which are pale greenish-white, and attain a length of two inches or more), instead of feeding upon the leaves, as do the preceding species, are true borers in the trunks or large limbs of trees, and, from the size of the burrows excavated by them, work great injury to the trees they infest. The next large group of moths is that of the Noctuide, the species of which, while more numerous, are also smaller and less conspicuous in their ornamentation. Apatela oblinita, Sm. Ab., the Smeared Dagger moth, is a modestly coloured moth (Fig. 28, c), but the caterpillar, which feeds also on apple, grape, etc., is very gaily coloured (Fig. 28, a), with bright yellow and crimson bands and spots upon a black ground. It pupates as shown in Fig. 28, b, in a thin cocoon attached to the stems of grass, etc., or loosely enclosed in a few leaves. Apatela Americana, Harris, the Aiuerican Maple moth, whose larva feeds on maple, elm, willow, poplar, etc., is a paler and somewhat larger moth than the preceding. The caterpillar, when fully grown, is nearly two inches long. It is ofa greenish black coour covered with yellowish hairs, and having two pencils of long erect black hairs on the fourth segment, and aiuther on the eleventh. 4 (Ey.) 50 The genus Catocala contains a large number of fine moths, expanding three or more ~ inches, and having the hinder wings usually banded with red or yellow and black. The larvee are curious flattened caterpillars about two inches long, tapering to each end, and having a fringe of fine hairs along the sides. When not feeding they rest upon the twigs in such a manner as enables them to very frequently escape detection. Two speeies, C. Parta, Guen., and C. Concumbens, Walk., are recorded from willows. Fig. 29 shows Catocala Ultronia, Hubn., a species which is sometimes found upon plum, as mentioned by Prof. Saunders in his “ Insects Injurious to Fruits.” Fie. 29. The last division of the Macro-Lepidoptera (or larger forms) is the Geometride, the larve of which are the “ loopers” or ‘‘ measuring worms,” so well known, and several of which are occasionally found upon willows. Among the Micro-Lepidoptera—those minute species (such as the Clothes Moth) which are so numerous and so difficult to distinguish, except by entomologists who have specially studied them—there are many species feeding in or upon the galls produced by other insects, or in mines made in the leaves. When leaves are examined they will often be found to have white blotches upon them, or to be traversed by serpentine white streaks. Closer examination will show that these are internal injuries, produced by the eati away of the inner tissues of the leaf. The minute flattened larve will be often found in their burrows, and can be watched in their work of destruction. The habits of these small motbs are of interest. but cannot be dwelt upon now. 51 OCoLEOPTERA. Of beetles feeding upon the willow we find the number of species to be but little. less than those of the Lepidoptera ; or more than half a hundred kinds which suksist at. times upon the foliage or wood of these plants. Of these beetles more than two-thirds belong to the Chrysomelide and Curculionid, and these families include all the more. destructive species. Of Buprestide, beetles of the same family as Dicerca divaricata (Fig. 30), we find mention made of Buprestis fasciata, Fab., a beautiful insect of a bright green, with yellow markings upon the elytra, It is not a common beetle in this locality. I find very commonly during the summer upon foliage, three species of Agrilus, slender insects not exceeding. Fie. 30. | Fic. 31. half an inch in length (see Fig. 31, Agrilus ruficollis, the raspberry borer), the larve of which bore under the bark of stems and branches. I have also found both upon the willow and poplar Pecilonota cyanipes, Say, which is one of our rarest Buprestids. Among the Scarabzide (the family to which the May-bugs belong) there are but few species to mention. The most common of these are Hoplia trifasciata, Say, and Serica sericea, Ill., both about one-third of an inch long, the former nearly black, or brownish with bands of golden pubescence, the latter a rich purplish or plum colour. Cotalpa lanigera, Linn, is a much larger beetle (Fig. 32) being nearly an inch long, It is of a broad oval form, and of a rich yellow or golden hue above, and coppery- beneath. The lower surface bearsa thick coat of fine whitish hair, from which charac~ teristic it has derived its specific name, lanigera, or wool-bearer. It is found throughout. a large part of Canada (although not occurring at Ottawa), and appears in May and June, the beetles hiding during the day and feeding at night upon various kinds of trees. The eggs are laid in the ground and the larve (Fig. 33), like those of many Scarabeide. feed upon the roots of plants. Lucanus dama, Thunb., which belongs to the closely allied family Lucanide, or Stag beetles is a large, smooth, brown beetle found in various parts of Ontario, the males of which have very long curved mandibles. The larve (Fig. 34) resemble in general appearance the ‘white grubs” of the May-beetles, and live in the trunks and roots of trees that have been injured or have commenced to decay. 52 Of the long-horned wood-boring beetles, the Cerambycide, the only species which “seems to infest the willow here is Saperda mutica, Say. It is a handsome beetle, about “five-eighths of an inch in length, of a blackish colour, but more or less clothed, especially Fie. 34. ‘beneath, with an ochreous or tawny pubescence, There is a bright stripe of this pubes ‘cence on the head ; the thorax has three bands, one on the back and one on each side, and the elytra are prettily mottled. The habits of this beetle are not, so far as I know, recorded, but I think it undoubtedly a borer in our native willows, upon which I have ‘taken it (on one occasion in the act of copulating) in June and July. : This beetle belongs to an interesting genus, of which there are thirteen American ‘species, all of which occur in Ontario, and the habits of which are well known to be very injurious to various trees. SS. calcarata, to which mutica is very near, is the poplar ‘borer ; candida (Fig. 35) is the apple tree borer; /ayi attacks the small limbs of thorns ; cretata has been destructive to apple trees ; vestita is the common enemy of the basswood, Fig. 35. ‘and also attacks the European linden, which is planted as a shade tree in many towns in ‘Ontario ; discoidea bores severely in hickories ; tridentata and lateralis attack the elm ; puncticollis infests grape vines and probably the Virginia creeper; moesta produces un- sightly gall-like swellings on the limbs of poplars, and concolor, the last of the species, is another inhabitant of the willows. The habits of Saperda concolor are described by Dr. Hamilton in a paper which will be found in Ann. Report No. xviir. The larve bore in the canes of Salix longifolia, often causing their death the following year. , The Chrysomelide is a family of beetles which contains a great many species, mostly of small size, but often doing great damage to vegetation by their immense numbers ; feeding for the most part, both in the larval and perfect stages, upon foliage. In appear- ance the larvee and beetles of the larger species much resemble the Colorado potato-beetle, the different stages of which are well shown in Fig. 36: 3, b, b, larve at different stages : c, the pupa ; d, d, the beetle. Chrysomela Bigsbyana, Kirby, and C. spiree, Say, are two species found upon native - willows. They are not quite so large as the potato-beetle and are more prettily marked, having the head and thorax bronzed or greenish, and the wing-covers pale with sutural lines and scattered dots of brown. The larve are pale, stout grubs, feeding upon the leaves of various plants. 53 Anomea laticlavia, Forst, is sometimes abundant in June and July. It is about. one-quarter of an inch long and half as wide ; the abdomen, legs and antennz blackish ; the head, thorax and elytra, yellow, with a broad, purplish black stripe at the junction of the latter. The forelegs of the male are very much longer than those of the female, a_ very uncommon feature of our Chrysomelide. Of the genera Pachybrachys, Diachus, Paria, etc., there are several species alway®- abundant upon the foliage of willows, and all small cylindrical beetles, one-eighth of an. inch or less in length, and often prettily colored. Fic. 36. Another group of abundant and injurious beetles is composed of small species,having- the posterior legs greatly developed, and, consequently, jumping with the greatest agility. Their saltatorial powers have earned for them the term flea-beetles. The larger species, Disonycha alternata, Ill., and D. punctigera, Say, are yellowish above, with black stripes. on the wing-covers, and are one-fourth or one-fifth of an inch long. The smaller ones. ABEL, BN belonging to Creyidodera, etc., are usually uniformly coloured bronze, green or bluish, and may be readily recognized as relatives of the common flea-beetles which injure grapes, turnips, cucumbers, etc. Fig. 37 shows the grape-vine flea-beetle, Graptodera chalybea,, and its larve riddling a leaf. 54 Galeruca decora, Say, is a beetle slightly larger than the grape-vine flea-beetle, and ‘of the same shape, but has not the hind legs formed for leaping. Prof. Riley (Rept. U. 'S. Entomologist, 1884) states as follows of this species in connection with insect attacks upon willows near Washington: “The most numerous and most dangerous of these ‘enemies is, beyond question, the Willow Galeruca (Galeruca decora, Say), of which young © larve and imagos were met with everywhere on the leaves. . . . Full grown larve were not found early in June, and only a few egg clusters) Next in number comes Colaspis tristis, which in the imago state preferably feeds upon the very young, not yet fully developed leaves. Its larva, which no doubt has subterranean habits, was not met with, and it probably feeds on the roots of some other plants.” Lina lapponica, Linn., is a dark yellowish beetle, with black dots upon the elytra» much resembling in size and shape Diabrotica 12-punctata, Oliv. (see Fig. 38), but having ‘the thorax wider and the spots upon the elytra more numerous. The larve feed upon willow and alder, and are of a dingy yellowish white colour, with black head and legs, and have upon the back and sides rows of small dusky tubercules which exude drops of a disagreeable secretion when the larve are disturbed. This species varies greatly in colour and the specimens I have bred were generally paler than those captured in the imago condition. The remaining beetles all belong to the Rhynchophora or ‘ beak-bearing ” division ‘of the Coleoptera, and nearly all to the extensive family Curculionide. The larve of these weevils are short, fleshy, whitish grubs, feeding upon various portions of plants, and generally concealed in cells or short burrows, so that they are seldom discovered until their operations have been some time in progress. The largest of about twenty species which I have found upon willows is Lepyrus geminatus, Say ; sometimes it appears quite abundantly, but never upon other plants, The habits of the larvee are not known to me, but inall probability they infest the roots ‘of the trees upon which the beetles are found. The beetle is a little over one-half an inch long, with a stout beak, equal in length to the thorax. The general colour is greyish ; the thorax has an orange line on each side, and there isa dot of the same colour on each ‘elytron near the middle. Of Apion and Anthonomus there are several small species, either black or mod- estly coloured. Some of thesebreed in the galls made by the saw-flies and midges before described, and the habits of others are not yet fully known. There are also species belonging to genera allied to Anthonomus, including a number of species of the genus Orchestes. These little weevils correspond to the flea-beetles of the Chrysomelide, as they have the posterior legs enlarged, and possess great jumping powers. The beetles feed upon the leaves, of which they riddle the epidermis with numerous small holes. The habits of the larve are not known to me. The most abundant species is O. pallicornis, an entirely black insect, and another which is sometimes abundant is O. rufipes, which is Smaller, and has, as its name denotes, red or yellowish legs. HEMIPTERA. Of the “ bugs,” properly so-called, ten or fifteen species, including some Aphides or plant-lice, are recorded in my notes, but as the extent of their ravages, and their life- histories are imperfectly known to me, I shall not give any account of them in this paper. Tn conclusion it may be stated that my object in this paper has not been to give a complete catalogue of all the species of insects found upon the various willows, or to describe them minutely. It has been rather to give a general idea of the great number of these depredators, and the different classes to which they belong. To have given the mame, description and complete history of every species would have made this paper ‘much too long, and too technical for the general readers of this Report, and would also 55 —~ have required an amount of time which was not in my power to bestow upon its prepar- tion. In Bulletin No. 7 of the U. S. Entomological Division, prepared by Dr. Packard, in 1881, upon the Insects Injurious to forest and shade trees, there are enumerated one hundred species infesting the willows. Those recorded in my own notes, and the records made by other entomologists which I have been able to examine while writing this paper increase the number to at least two hundred. Even this large list would probably be almost doubled, if careful observations were made in all parts of the country, for in Europe four hundred species are known to feed upon the various willows. INSECTS INJURIOUS TO THE OAk. BY F. B. CAULFIELD, MONTREAL, P. Q. If we examine a tree during the summer months it will generally be found abund- ‘antly tenanted by insects, some resting upon the trunk and larger limbs, while numbers may be observed upon the leaves, either sleeping or busily engaged devouring them, or else converting them into dwellings to afford them shelter from the storms and rains, or to conceal them from the numerous enemies who are constantly seeking for them. Every portion of the tree has its insect guests, each quietly and effectually performing its alloted task. It seems to be a law of nature that the old and weak must give place to the young and vigorous, hence a tree that has been unable to withstand the storm, or has been injured in any way, is speedily attacked by insects, conspicuous amongst them being the long-horned beetles, Cerambycidae ; these bore into and tunnel it in all direc- tions, permitting the air and moisture to enter, thus hastening its decay, and soon the massive trunk moulders and crumbles into dust, allowing a fresh growth to spring up and fill its place. In this way, so long as the forest is left in its natural condition the insects perform a good work. But when man steps in and the forest gives place to the orchard and the trees are reserved or planted for shade or ornament, the case is different, and it behoves us to study the habits of the insect inhabitants so that we may not con- found the good with the evil, that we may know the times of their appearance and the particular manner in which the different species work, in order that we may be prepared to take effective measures to exterminate such as are injurious, and protect and foster those which are beneficial. I have, in this article, endeavored to give a brief account of some insects known to injure oak trees, (Quercus) drawing freely upon those entomologists who have contributed so largely to our knowledge of the subject. INJURING THE TRUNK. 1. Tae Locust Carpenter Motu. YXyleutes robinie (Harris.) ORpER LEPIDOv- TERA, Famity, BoMBYCIDAE. This is probably the most injurious insect attacking the red oak, and is equally de- structive to the locust and several species of poplar. The female measures about three inches across the expanded wings, the front wings are grey marked with a network of dusky lines and spots, the hind wings are dusky, and darker at the base. The male is much smaller, and his front wings are darker than those of the female, the hind wings are black, with a large ochre-yellow spot. Dr. Harris states that the moths come forth about the middle of July. Dr. Fitch gives June and the forepart of July as the time of their appearance, the latter agrees with my own experience. During the day the moths remain quiet upon the trees, indeed I doubt that the female ever flies to any great dis- tance, as her body is so large and unwieldy, owing to the number of eggs with which it 56 is distended, that protracted flight would appear almost impossible. and by the time the eggs are deposited she is exhausted and incapable of much exertion. The male, however, flies strongly and with great swiftness. Some years since a balsam poplar growing in front of my windows was badly injured by this insect, which along with Saperda mesta,,. killed it in a few years. Upon one occasion, early in the afternoon, a male flew from the tree, although the sun was shining brightly at the time ; it appeared, however, to be- confused, as it settled on the road about twenty feet from the tree. Immediately after sunset the males made their apearance, flying swiftly up and down the street ; after dashing past the tree a few times they would circle around it, and finally make their way up amongst the limbs at their junction with the trunk, where no doubt. the females were resting. On several occasions females were attracted by light, blunder- ing in with a heavy labouring flight ; the males appeared to be indifferent to it as none entered the house. Dr. Fitch states that this is a most prolific insect, a specimen that he obtained haying extruded upwards of three hundred eggs within a few hours of its capture. The: eggs are of a broad oval form and about the size of a grain of wheat, being the tenth of an inch in length and three-fourths as thick, of a dirty white color with one of the ends. black. When highly magnified their surface is seen to be reticulated or occupied by numerous slightly impressed dots, arranged in rows like the meshes ina net. From observing her motions in confinement I think the female does not insert her eggs in the bark but merely drops them into cracks and crevices upon its outer surface. They are coated with a glutinous matter which immediately dries and hardens on exposure to the air, whereby they adhere to the spot where they touch. (Fitch.) As soon as hatched ‘the young caterpillar burrows into the tree, at first feeding upon the soft inner bark, but as it grows it sinks deeper, finally penetrating to the solid heart wood. When about to assume the chrysalis form it changes the direction of its burrow, working outwards until it reaches the bark, lining the passage with silk, then going back a little distance it, Spins a cocoon and changes to a chrysalis. The caterpillar is of a reddish color above, the head is black, while before pupating it changes color to white, tinged with pale: green. When fully grown it measures two inches and a half or more in length and is. nearly as thick as the end of the little finger. (Harris.) The chrysalis is an inch and three-quarters long and is of a chestnut color, the fore- part darkest. On the upper side of each segment of the abdomen there is a row of tooth- like projections, by means of which when about to disclose the moth, the chrysalis pushes. itself forward until partly out of the tree. The moth now ruptures the chrysalis and creeps out, leaving the empty shell sticking in the mouth of the burrow. As it is very difficult to see the moths when resting on the trees, any attempt to re- duce their number by handpicking would be useless, but coating the trunks with soft soap in the early part of June would probably prevent the moth from laying her eggs on them, and any tree known to be badly infested should be cut down and burnt. Another species, the Xyleutes querciperda of Fitch, also attacks the oak but appears to be much less com- mon than the robiniz. 2. The Thunderbolt Beetle, Arhopalus fulminans (Fabr.) ORDER COLEOPTERA ; Famity CERAMBYCID®. This pretty beetle is blackish brown, with slight dark-blue reflections ; the legs and antenne are of the same colour, the latter being scarcely longer than the body. The top of the head and the sides of the prothorax and under side of the body are covered with pale gray pile, while certain silver markings on the wing-cover are composed of similar close- set fine hairs. The hairs on the sides of the prothorax enclose a conspicuous black spot, while the top is black and more closely punctate than the wing-covers. The latter are each crossed, by four acutely zigzag lines composed of microscopic hairs, forming W—like bands on the elytra ; the basal lines being less distinctly marked than the others. The. ends of the wing-covers are also tipped with gray, especially on the inner side of the end. The legs are pitchy brown with light hairs, and with a reddish tinge on the terminal joints (tarsi). It is a little over half an inch long. (Packard). a oT Dr. Fitch states that the larva ‘‘excavates a burrow in the soft-sap-wood about 3 inches long and 0.20 in diameter, this burrow having the shape of a much bent bow or a letter U.” It changes toa pupa in the same cell, the beetle apearing in July. (Packard.) In the latter part of June 1871 I found numerous specimens of this beetle on a red oak that had been blown down on Montreal mountain. They were busily engaged tray- elling backward and forward along the trunk in search of partners. [ observed several pairs mated. Copulaticn was of short duration and was frequently repeated, the female occasion- ally dropping an egg in a crevice of the bark, no incision being made for its reception. They appeared to keep altogether to the upper surface of the main trunk, none being seen on the sides, under surface or even the larger branches. This species in some of its habits resembles the locust borer Cyllene robinie. (Harr.) That species however, drops its eggs in clusters of seven or eight together, according to Dr. Harris, while A. fulminans, as observed-my me, certainly only deposited a single egg atatime. Dr Harris believed that C. robiniw completed its transformations in one year, and this I believe is the case with A. fulminans also. The tree that I observed them on, had apparently not been attacked up to the time it had been blown down in 1871, as it appeared to be perfectly sound and healthy and was in full leaf. I examined it several times in June and July 1872, but did not tind a single beetle either on or about it, but there were plenty of holes showing where they had escaped. In 1873 I found several specimens, also on a red oak; this tree was standing, but the top branches were dead and a few years finished it. Dr. Packard states that this species has been found attacking the chestnut (Castanea vesca) by Mr. R. B. Grover. 3. THe Nosie Crytus, Calloides nobilis, (Harris). ORDER CoLEOPTERA ; FAMILY CERAMBYCIDH :— This fine beetle measures almost an inch in length; it is ofa dark blackish brown color, the wing-covers marked with two spots and three broken lines of yellow, I took five specimens at the same time and place as A. fulminans, two on the tree and the re- mainder close beside it, and although I did not find it ovipositing I am satisfied that it attacks the oak. Dr. Packard states that it has boen found beneath the bark of the chestnut at Providence by Mr, George Hunt, and as A. fulminans bores in both chestnut and oak I think there is little doubt but that C. nobilis does the same. Moreover the chestnuts are not found at Montreal so far as I am aware, so that the oak is probably its only food plant in Eastern Canada. 4, Tue Common Oak Borer, Hylotrechus colonus, (Fabr). ORDER COLEOPTERA ; FamiIty CERAMBYCIDE :— Length half an inch, color dark reddish brown, two narrow undulated pale grey bands at base of wing-covers. End of wing covers pale grey, enclosing tworound dark brown spots. Under surface dark brown with two round yellow spots. Abdominal seg- ments margined with yellow. Legs and antenne reddish brown. Dr. Packard states that he has found “ the larva of this pretty beetle in abundance mining under the bark of a fallen (probably white) oak near Providence, May 26th several pupz also occurred, one transforming to the beetle May 27th. The mine extends up and down the trunk and is of the usual form of Longicorn mines, being a broad, shallow, irregular, sinuous bur- row, and extending part of the way around the trunk, the diameter near the end of the burrow being 5 m.m.” I found several specimens of this beetle along with the preceding species, but all were quietly resting beneath the trunk, (the tree was lying on a bank of earth torn up with the roots and on the larger limbs, leaving the trunk clear of the ground). Dr. Packard states that Mr. George Hunt has found this species under the bark of an old sugar maple, and it has been found running on dead hickory by Mr. W. H. Har- rington. 58 a —— = — — ——— _ 5. Tae Oak Bark Borer, Urographis fasciatus. (De Geer.) ORDER COLEOPTERA ; Famity CERAMBYCIDA :— The grub of this beetle feeds on the inner bark of the oak, transforming to a’ long- horned slightly flattened beetle, of a yellowish grey color, thickly covered with dark spots and dashes. The female is provided with a straight awl-like ovipositor, nearly as long as her body with which she perforates the bark when depositing her eggs. “The worms from these eggs mine their burrows mostly lengthwise of the grain or fibre of the bark, and the channels which they excavate are so numerous and so filled with worm dust of the same color with the bark that it is difficult to trace them. The eggs are deposited the latter part of June, and the worms grow to their full size by the end of the season, and will be found during the winter and spring, lying in the inner layers of the bark, in a small oval flattened cavity which is usually at the larger end of the track which they have travelled.” (Fitch). I have taken this species on the red oak, at Montreal, quite commonly. 6. THe AppLe FLat-HEADED Borer, Chrysobothris femorata, (Fabr.) ORDER CoLE- OPTERA ; Famity BuPRESTIDE :— The larve belonging to this family present an appearance somewhat resembling a tadpole, (Fig. 39, a. and c.) the second segment behind the head being enormously en- Fic. 39, larged, while the remaining segments are much smaller. The species under consideration bores under the bark and in the sapwood of various trees, the apple and white oak in par- ticular. “The beetle (d) measures from four to five tenths of an inch in length ”; it is of a greenish black color, polished and shining, with the surface rough and uneven. The head and sometimes the thorax and the depressed portions of the elytra are of a dull - coppery color. The elytra or wing-covers present a much more rough and unequal sur- face than any other part of the insect. Three smooth and polished raised lines extend lengthwise on each wing-cover and the intervals between them are in places occu- pied by smaller raised lines, which form a kind of network, and two impressed transverse spots may also be discerned more or less distinctly, dividing each wing-cover into three nearly equal portions. The under surface of the body and the legs are brilliant coppery.” (Fitch). Bores in the white (and probably other species of) oak, also in apple and peach trees. <7. Tae Rep Oak Fiat-HeaDEeD Borer, Chrysobothris dentipes. (Germar.) ORDER ' GCovgoPprErRA ; Famrty Buprestipx :— Very closely resembles the preceding species but is smaller. I found it common on red oak in the early part of June, very active, and taking wing readily when alarmed. 59 8. THe NortTHERN BrRENTHIAN, Lupsalis Minuta, (Drury). ORDER CoLEOPTERA ; Famity BRENTHIDE :— This curious beetle is of a rich mahogany brown color; the wing-covers are clouded with darkish brown deeply furrowed and marked with narrow yellow spots; the thorax or neck is smooth and polished and in shape somewhat resembles an egg, the small end nearest the head. The snout or beak projects straight in front, an exception to the gen- eral form, most weevils having it curved or bent abruptly down. It measures from a quarter to over half an inch in length, the males generally being the largest. (Fig 40 represents the insect in all its stages.) The female bores a hole in the bark and dropping an egg in it, pushes it well in with her beak. It requires about a day to make a puncture and deposit the egg. During the time the puncture is being made the male stands guard, oocasionally assisting the female in extracting her beak ; this he does by stationing himself at a right angle with her body and by pressing his heavy prosternum against the tip of her abdomen ; her stout fore-legs serving as a fulcrum and her long body as a lever. When the beak is extracted the fe- male uses her antenne for freeing the pinchers or jaws of bits of wood or dust, the antenne being furnished with stiff hairs and forming an excellent brush. Should a strange male approach, a heavy contest at once ensues, and continues until one or the other is thrown from the tree. The successful party then takes his station as guard. (W. R. Howard in Riley’s 6th Report.) Attacks various species of oak, the larve boring into the solid wood. 9. Tue Gray-stpep Oak Weevit, Pandeletejus hilaris. OrpuR COLEOPTERA 3 FAMILY CURCULIONIDE :— “A little pale-brown beetle, variegated with grey upon the sides. Its snout is short, broad and slightly furrowed in the middle. There are three blackish stripes on the thorax, between which are two of a light grey color; the wing-covers have abroad stripe of light grey on the outer side, edged within by a slender blackish line, and sending two short oblique branches almost across each wing-cover, and the fore-legs are larger than the others. The length of this beetle varies from one-eighth to one-fifth of an inch. The larva lives in the trunks of the white oak, on which the beetles may be found about the last of May or beginning of June.” (Harris). 10. Taz Osx Bark Weevit, Magdalis olyra. (Herbst). Orper CoLEOPTERA ; Famity CURCULIONIDA :— Dr. Packard states that he found this species on the red oak ‘‘ occurring in all stages under the bark in May, transforming into a black weevil with the surface of the body punctured, the thorax with a lateral tubercle on the front edge, while the tarsi are brown, with whitish hairs, } inch long. 60 11. Toe Ware Oak Puymatopes, Phymatodes variabilis, (Fabr.) ORDER, CotnopTEeRA; FamILy, CERAMBYCID®. ‘‘ Boring the trunk and branches of the oak, a narrow longicorn larva, changing to a reddish thick-bodied longicorn beetle.”—-( Packard.) t Length about half an inch, body and legs reddish, head black, wing-covers Prussian. blue. Dr. Packard states that numerous specimens of this beetle were taken by Mr. Alfred Poor from a white oak stick, June 20th. 12. Tae WuitE Heapep PuymatopEs, Phymatodes varius, (Fabr.) ORDER, OoLEoPTERA ; Famity, CERAMBYCIDZ. “ A long-horned beetle, 0.25 in length or slightly less, and about a third as broad, somewhat flattened, clothed with fine erect grey hairs, its wing-covers with two distinct slender white bands which do not reach the suture, the anterior one more slender than the hind one and curved ; the antennz and slender portions of the legs usually chestnut. colored. Several specimens of this beetle were met with the last of May, in the trunk of a black oak, in which it is probable their younger state had been passed.”—(Fitch.) Dr. Packard states that he found near Providence, several of these beetles of both sexes, running in and out of a pile of oak cordwood in the forest, May 30th, which was cut the previous winter. INJURING THE Roots. 13. THe Zepra Lepturtian, Leptura zebra, (Olivier.) ORDER, CoLEOPTERA > Famity, CeRAMBYCID®. Length about half an inch, general color bright golden yellow, upper surface of thorax marked with a transverse crescent shaped spot of black. Wing-covers black, crossed by four yellow bands, under surface yellow, legs and antenne red. I took a number of these beautiful longicorns on or about the same red oak on which A fulminans was so abundant. They were very shy and active, taking flight on the least alarm, so that it was difficult to watch an individual for any length of time. The bank of turf and earth torn up by the matted roots, appeared to be especially attractive to them, as most of those taken were found there. On two occasions I observed females entering cavities where the earth had been worn away from the roots, but they followed their windings too far down to allow me to see what they were about. Their actions led me to believe that they oviposit on the larger roots; when disturbed they ran out and flew away. According to Dr. Packard, Dr. Horn states that the larva and pupa inhabit the black oak, injuring the branches. 14. Toe Oak Pruner, Elaphidion villosum, (Fabr.) OrpER, CoLEOPTERA; FAMILY, CERAMBYCID. This insect has been given its popular name on account of the manner in which the grub or larva cuts away the wood of the branch in which it is boring, thus weakening it so that it is liable to be broken off by the autumn winds. The earlier writers on this insect were of the opinion that ‘The limb thus wounded would become too dry for the maintenance of the soft-bodied larva, hence, it must be felled to the ground, where in the wet and under the snows of winter, it would remain sufficiently moist. for the existence of the insect, which completes its transformations within.” The investi- gations of Messrs, Clarkson and Hamilton have shown that moisture is not necessary for the development of the beetle. These gentlemen having obtained numerous specimens from branches kept within doors. : No doubt the pruning of the branch is instinctively done in order to stop the flow of sap, and thus obtain a supply of dead wood ; the same end is obtained by the hickory borer, Oncideres cingulatus, but in a different manner; in this case the girdling or pruning being done by the adult insect, and from the outside of the branch. 61 The mature insect (fig. 41) is a slender elongated, dark brown, long horned beetle, the wing-covers more or less marked with grey spots. Dr. Hamilton states that they vary in length from 8 to 18 m. m.; in pubescence some being nearly naked and uncolored, others having it longer and condensed into spots or almost vittate, some being quite slender and elongate, while others are short and broad; the surface of the elytra is mostly uni- form, but in some, especially such as are narrow and elongated, one or two cost are more or less evident. Dr. Fitch states that “The larva (fig. 42) grows to a length of Fig. 43. 9.60, and is then 0.15 across its neck where it is broadest. It tapers slightly from its neck backwards, the hind part of its body being nearly cylindrical. It is a soft or fleshy grub, somewhat shining and of a white color, often slightly tinged with yellow, its head which is small and retracted into the neck, being black in front.” The earlier writers on this insect state that the parent beetle deposits an egg close to the axil of a leaf stock, or of a small twig near the extremity of a branch, and that the grub tunnels its way downwards into the branch, when half grown gnawing away the wood so that it breaks off with the wind. Dr. Hamilton who has bred numbers of this species states that ‘The normal period of metamorphosis is three years, but in individuals it may be retarded to four or more years. How the larva got under the bark could not be asc2rtained. When first examined in April, they were from 4 to 5 m.m. long. They ate the wood under the bark, following its grain, and packed their burrows solidly with their dust. Their growth and progress were both slow, for by the next Aprii they had scarcely more than doubled in length, and had not travelled more than from four to six inches during the year; but after July they developed an enormous appetite, and con- sumed the wood for at least one inch in length, and often entirely around the limb. ejecting their castings through holes made in the bark. When full fed they bore obliquely an oval hole into the wood, penetrating it from four to ten inches. The larva then packs the opening with fine castings, and enlarges a couple of inches of the interior of the burrow by gnawing off its sides a quantity of coarse fibre, in which it lies after turning its head to the entrance (ag shown in fig. 43). The time spent in the pupal state is indefinite, and does not seem to concern greatly the time of the appearance of the beetle. Sticks split open at different periods from December till March, contained larva and pupa about equally, but no developed beetles. A larva that I observed to go into the wood in April appeared as a beetle among first of such as had presumably pupated in the fall. The most of the beetles appeared during the first two weeks of June, though individuals occurred occasionally till September.” Mr. T. C. Clarkson who has bred this beetle from oak, speaks of it as follows: “These oak pruners were very abundant in Columbia County, this state (New York), in the season of 1878. ‘The September winds brought showers of twigs and branches to the ground. JI examined many of them, and found such to contain the larva nearly full grown, in tunnels measuring from ten to fifteen inches long. I gathered 62 five goodly sized branches just after they had fallen, for the purpose of illustrating the burrows in my cabinet of nest architecture. The branches remained on a tablein — a room having very nearly the conditions thermometrically of the temperature without, until the early part of November, when I opened them for the purpose already stated. I was astonished to find that every burrow contained the beetle. The transformation therefore from the larva to the imago was completed in less thau eight weeks.” Mr. Clarkson repeated the experiment the following season, collecting in October seven branches that had been pruned by the same insect. The imagoes appeared on the following days: November 14th, 22nd, 26th, 29th, December 9th and 26th, all females. ‘“‘ As the imagoes appeared they were examined and replaced in their tunnels, where they now remain in a passive state, and are not likely to exhibit their natural activity until next May or June.” From these accounts it will be seen that the insects inhabiting the oak differ some- what in habit from those found in hickory ; the former completing their transformations in the fall, while the latter passed the winter either as larva or pupa. Continued observations will be necessary to determine if such is always the case, and to clear up other doubtful points in the history of this curious insect. Although called the oak pruner, it is not confined to that tree, as it also attacks chestnut, apple, plum, etc, 15. Tun Seventeen Yuar Cicapa, Cicada Septemdecim, Linn, Orper Hemiptera } Famity OIcApARiA. This insect when mature (Fig. 44, c) “is of a black color with transparent wings and wing-covers, the thick anterior edge and larger veins of which are orange red, and near the tips of the latter there is a dusky zigzag line in the form of the letter W ; the eyes when living are also red ; the rings of the body are edged with dull orange, and the egs are of the same colour, The wings expand 24 to 34 inches,”—(Harris.) The female is provided with an awl shaped ovipositor or piercer, consisting of “two sharp saws. which work alternately, and a central supporting dorsal piece which holds them in their place and strengthens them.” After pairing the females proceed to prepare a nest (Fig, 44, d) for the reception of their eggs. ‘They select for this purpose branches of a moderate size, which they clasp on both sides with their legs, and then bending down the piercer at an angle of about forty-five degrees they repeatedly thrust it obliquely into the bark and wood in the direction of the fibres, at the same time putting in motion the lateral saws, and in this. 63 way detach little splinters of the wood at one end so as to form a kind of fibrous lid or cover to the perforation. The hole is bored obliquely to the pith and is gradually enlarged by a repetition of the same operation till a longitudinai fissure is formed of sufficient extent to receive from ten to twenty eggs. The side pieces of the piercer serve as a groove to convey the eggs into the nest, where they are deposited in pairs, side by side, but separated from each other by a portion of woody fibre, and they are implanted into the limb somewhat obliquely, so that oné end points upwards. When two eggs have been thus placed, the insect withdraws the piercer for a moment and then inserts it again and drops two more eggs in a line with the first, and repeats the operation till she hag filled the fissure from one end to the other, upon which she removes to a little distance and begins to make another nest to contain two more rows of eggs. She is about fifteen minutes in preparing a single nest and filling it with eggs, but it is not unusual for her to make fifteen or twenty fissures in the same limb, and one observer counted fifty nests, extending along in a line, each containing fifteen or twenty eggs in two rows, and all of them apparently the work of one insect. : After one limb is thus stocked, the Cicada goes to another, and passes from limb to limb, and from tree to tree, till her store, which consists of from four to five hundred eggs, is exhausted. The eggs (Fig. 44, ¢) are one-twelfth of an inch long and one-sixteenth of an inch through the middle, but taper at each end to an obtuse point, and are of a pearl-white color. The young insect when it bursts the shell is one-sixteenth of an inch long, and is of a yellowish-white color, except the eyes and claws which are reddish, and is covered with little hairs. In form it is somewhat grub-like, being longer in proportion than the parent insect, and is furnished with six legs, the first pair of which are very large, shaped almost like lobster claws, and armed with strong spines beneath. On the shoulders are little prominences in place of wings, and under the breast is a long beak for suction.” (Harris.) As soon as hatched the young Cicada lets itself fall from the limb and immediately buries itself in the earth, burrowing by means of its mole-like fore feet. “The larva (Fig. 44, a) obtains its food from the small vegetable radicles that every- where pervade the fertile earth. It takes its food from the surface of these roots, con- sisting of the moist exudation (like animal perspiration), for which purpose its rostrum or snout is provided with three exeeedingly delicate capillaries or hairs which project from the tube of the snout, and sweep over the surface gathering up the minute drops of moisture. This is its only food. The mode of taking it can be seen by a good glass,” (Dr. Smith in Prairie Farmer.) The females appear to prefer oak and hickory, but will oviposit in many other trees and shrubs, sometimes causing serious injury, especially to young trees, as the following extract from the Valley Parmer will show: ‘We planted an orchard of the best varieties of apple trees last spring. We had taken particular pains, not only in selecting the best varieties, but in planting the trees, and hoped in a few years to partake of the fruit. But our hopes were destined to be blasted. The locusts (Cicadas) during the summer destroyed nearly all of them; not one in six is living. To look at them one would think that some one had been drawing the teeth of a saw over the bark of every tree.” Various applications have been tried on the trees, but without appearing to prevent: the females depositing their eggs; but numbers of the insects may be crushed in the early morning and in the evening, as at these times they are not nearly so active as during the warmer parts of the day, and when issuing from the ground hogs and poultry devour them eagerly. Although included in our lists of Canadian insects, the seventeen year Cicada appears to be very rare in Canada, and so far as known to me has not been. observec in the Province of Quebec. 16. THe WHITE-LINED TREE Hopper, Thalia wnivittata. (Harris) Orper Hemre TERA; Famity MEMBRACIDAE. This insect is about four-tenths of an inch in length, the thorax is brown, has a short obtuse horn, extending obliquely upwards from its forepart, and there is a white line on the back, extending from the top of the horn to the hinder extremity.— (Harris, ) Common on oak trees in July according to Harris. 64 INJURING THE LEAVES. 17. THe Tent CATERPILLARS, Clisiocampa distria, Hubnr, and C. Americana, Harris. OrpER LEPIDOPTERA ; FAMILY BoMBYCID&. As these insects have been already described and figured in this report, a detailed description is unnecessary (see Figs. 1-5).’ Unfortunately both species are only too common, C’. distria chiefly affecting forest trees, C. Americana being most abundant in the orchard and garden. Neither species is very particular in its choice of food plant, feeding voraciously on the leaves of many kinds of trees and shrubs ; indeed, both species © may often be seen clustered together in groups upon the trunks and larger limbs. The caterpillars resemble each other very closely, but may easily be distinguished by C. distria having a row of oval white spots along the back, while C. Americana has a white stripe on the upper surface. The reddish brown moths appear in July, and soon deposit their — eggs in rings on the smaller branches and twigs, each cluster containing from two to three hundred eggs! A surprising point in the life-history of these insects is that about a month after the eggs are laid the young caterpillar is fully formed inside the egg and remains in this condition all through the winter, only eating its way out from the egg in the following spring, when the leaves expand.—( Fletcher.) Duting the winter months, when the trees are bare of leaves, the clusters of eggs should be collected and burnt. The trees should be searched again in spring, just as the buds are opening, when the small white webs in which the young caterpillars shelter themselves may be easily found and destroyed, An invasion from neighbouring trees can be prevented by tying a strip of cotton batting round the trunk, which the caterpillars have difficulty in climbing over.—(Fletcher. 18. THE ORANGE STRIPED Oak OAaATERPILLAR, Anisota senatoria, Hubn. ORDER LeprpopTeRA ; Famiry BomBycip2. The caterpillar of this moth measures about two inches in length ; it is black, with four yellow stripes along the back, and two on the sides ; it is armed with sharp prickles or spines, and on the top of the second segment are two long slender spines that project forward like horns. The caterpillars are social, feeding together in swarms on the white and red oak, sometimes almost stripping the trees. When full grown they enter the ground, where they change to chrysalis, the moths emerging the following summer. It Ras been taken in the neighbourhood of Montreal by Mr. P; Knetzing, : and has been observed at Hull, Ottawa, by Mr. W. H. Harrington, and is, I believe, common in some parts of Ontario. 19. Tae Lear-RoLtine WEEVIL, Aftelabus bipustulatus, Fabr. ORDER COLEOPTERA ; Famity ATTELABIDS. This beetle measures a little over one-eighth of an inch in length; it is of a blue- black colour, with a red spot on the shoulder of each wing cover. This beetle has the curious habit of rolling up a leaf, trimming and tucking in the lower ends with her beak. The egg is first deposited near the tip of the leaf, and a little to one side ; the blade of the leaf is then cut through on both sides of the mid-rib, about an inch and a half below a row of punctures on each side of the mid-rib of the severed portion, which facilitates folding the leaf together, upper surface inside, after which the folded leaf is tightly rolled up from the apex to the transverse cut, bringing the egg in the centre ; the concluding opera tion is the tucking in and trimming off the irregularities of the ends. A few days after completion the cases, first observed the latter part of April, drop to the ground; by May 15 several larvee hatched and fed on the dry substance of their nests ; and by the end of May they pupated oye the nest. This state lasted from five to seven days, the first beetles issuing by June 2, while a second brood of larve may be found early in July.— (Martfelt. ) - a 65 INJURING THE ACORNS. 20. Taz Acorn WEEVIL, Balaninus rectus, Say. OrpER CoLEopTERA ; Famity CURCULIONIDAE. The larva of this beetle lives in the acorns of the red (and probably other kinds of) oak ; it is a short, stout, footless grub, of a whitish color. In the fall, by which time it is full grown, it cuts a circular hole in the side of the acorn, through which it escapes ; it then burrows in the earth, emerging the following season as a small, long-snouted, brownish beetle, obscurely mottled with spots of a lighter color. Common in Canada. 21. THE Acorn Mota, Holcocera glanduella, Riley. Orprer LEPIDOPTERA ; Faminy TINEIDAE. The acorns that have been deserted by the weevil are selected by this little moth as @ fitting abode for her offspring, and the little hole so nicely cut by the grub of the beetle provides her with a convenient opening, by means of which she is able to deposit an egg within the acorn. From this egg hatches a tiny, slender, grayish-white caterpillar, with a light brown head, and blue-black marks on the upper surface. The moth is silvery gray, marked with reddish brown ; the hind wings darker grayish brown. The following insects also live on the cak :— Papilio turnus, Linn. Limenitis ursula, Fabr. Limenitis dissippus Linn. Thecla calanus, Hubn. Thanaos brizo, Boisd & Leconte. Thanaos ennius, Scudder. Phryganidea Oalifornica, Packard. (Destructive to oaks, H. Edwards.) Halesidota maculata, Harris. (On oak, Saunders.) Orgyia gulosa, Edwards. (Edwards in Papilio 1, p. 61.) Parorgyia Clintonii, Grote and Robinson. Coquillet in Can, Ent. xii., 44, Phobetron pithecium, Smith and Abbot. (Bred from oak, Lintner.) Euclea monitor, Packard. Euclea querceti, H. S. Euclea quercicola, H. S. ; Edema albifrons, Smith and Abbot. (Harris correspondence, p. 304.) Nadata gibbosa, Smith and Abbott. (Harris correspondence, p. 308.) Anisota stigma, Hubn. (On oak, Riley.) Anisota pellucida, Hubn. (On different species of oak, French.) Telea polyphemus, Linn. Hyperchiria io, Fat. Hemileuca maia, Drury. (On oak, Riley, Lintner.) Gastropacha Californica, Packard. (On oak, Quercus agricolea, H. Edwards.) Heterocampa pulverea, Grote and Robinson. (On red and scarlet oaks, French.) Clisiocampa Californica, Packard, (on oak, Stretch.) Clisiocampa constricta, Stretch (On Quercus sonomensis, Benth. Stretch.) Cosmia orina; Guen. (On oak, Saunders. ) Catocala ilia, Cramer, (On oak, Saunders.) Catocala coccinata Grote, (Coquillet in Papilio 1. p. 56.) Paraphia unipunctaria, Haworth, (On oak, Fitch.) Aplodes mimosaria Guen. (On oak, Walsh.) Stenotrachelys approximaria, Guen. (On oak, Abbot.) Endropia bilinearia, Packard. (On oak, Packard.) Endropia pectinaria, Guen. (On oak and poplar, Abbot.) Metanoma querciveraria, Guen. (On oak, Packard.) Nematocampa filamentaria, Guen. On oak, Thorn, &c. Therina endropiaria, Packard. Also about fifty species of Micro-Lepidoptera. 6 (EN.) Given as feeding on oak by Packard. 66 COLEOPTERA. Romaleum atomarium, Drury. (In dry twigs of Quercus virens in Florida, Schwarz.) Elaphidion murcronatum, Fabr. (Same as preceding species.) Tragidion fulvipenne, Say. (Bores in oak, Riley.) Acanthoderes 4-gibbus, Say. (In dead twigs of oak, Schwarz.) Bostrichus bicornis, Web. (Under bark of white oak posts, McBride.) Synchroa punctata, Newman. (In rotten oak stumps, Horn,) Centronopus calearata, Fabr. (In black oak stumps, Horn.) Centronopus anthracinus, Knoch. (Same as preceding species.) Coscinoptera dominicana, Fabr. (In oak, Riley.) Mordella 8-punctata, Fabr. (In old oak stumps, Riley.) ‘ HEMIPTERA. Eriosoma querci, Fitch. Lecanium quercifex, Fitch. Lecanium quercitronis, Fitch. The oak is also attacked by many species of hymenopterous gall-flies, which distort and disfigure the twigs, buds and leaves, forming swellings and protuberances of various shapes and sizes. The flies which produce these galls are very small, and are generally of a black color, with red or yellow legs. CREATURES THAT AFFEOT THE FARMER THROUGH HIS LIVE STOCK. Rey. THomas W. Fyues, SoutH QuEBEC. b Part I.—Insect PEstTs. Parr IJ.—Enrozorc PEsts. te ‘Round Mount Alburnus, green with shady oaks, And in the groves of Silarus, there flies An insect pest (named (strus by the Greeks, By us Asilus): fierce with jarring hum It drives, pursuing the affrighted herd From glade to glade ; the air, the woods, the banks Of the dried river, echo their loud bellowing.” —-VirGiL, GEeorGios ITI. Horsk-FLIES (TABANID#). Kirby and Spence, in Letter V. of their very interesting Introduction to Entomology, speaking of the Tabanidw say :—“ In North America vast clouds of different species—so abundant as to obscure every distant object, and so severe in their bite as to merit the appellation of burning flies—cover and torment the horses to such a degree as to excite compassion even in the hearts of the pack-horsemen. Some of them are nearly as big as humble-bees ; and when they pierce the skin and veins of the unhappy beast make so large an orifice that, besides what they suck, the blood flows down its neck, sides and shoulders till, to use Bartram’s expression, “ they are all in a gore of blood.” Packard in his valuable Guide to the Study of Insects, page 394, confirms this statement, saying of Tabanus lineola, “ This fly is our most common species, thousands of them appearing during the hotter parts of the summer, when the sun is shining on our marshes and western prairies; horses and cattle are sometimes worried to death by their harrassing bites.” Upwards of eighty species of the genus Tabanus are found in North America, and the names of thirty-two of these are on the Toronto Natural History Society’s list. The : h 67 allied genus Chrysops has also many species. The largest of our horse-flies is Tabanus. atratus, the Black Horse-fly. (Fig. 45.) A specimen of this now before me is one inch in length of body and two inches in expanse of wings. It is one coloured, brownish-black , Tabanus lineola, the Lined Tabanus, is of a greyish-brown, and has a whitish line alone. the abdomen. It measures about an inch in expanse of wings. Its proboscis is a formidable arrangement of the maxill and other mouth organs. The female horse-flies. are those that are te be dreaded ; the males do not bite. Wood in his Insects at Home, page 615, speaking of T'abanus bovinis, gives us a good hint as to the way of dealing with the horse- Mies generally. After telling of his sufferings from the bites of these creatures—of returning to his lodgings with ‘the whole space. behind his ears filled with clotted blood from this! wounds inflicted upon him, he says :— * At length I discovered a plan which enabled me to enjoy comparative immunity from, these and other insect pests. Before starting for the forest I dipped a little sponge in paraffin and rubbed it over my hands, face and neck, I also put some of the liquid into. my gloves, and took a little bottle with me so that I might renew it as soon as the odour began to decrease in strength. Thus armed I went into the forest, and hearing in the distance the well-known trumpet charge of the Breeze Fly, determined to await the insect. without flinching. The creature drove fiercely at my face until it was within a foot or eighteen inches from me, when it came within the vapour of the paraffin and darted off like an arrow. Two or three times it tried the assault, and as often had to check itself, until at last it flew off in disgust and did not return.” Stomoxys CALCITRANS. This is a small fly belonging to the family Muscipm. It is about the size of the heuse-fly, but is very different from it in many respects. Its face is yellow and its eyes are brown. Its thorax is yellow, striped above and below with black, and its abdomen yellow, dotted with brown. Its wings have the front edge and the tip brown, and a conspicuous brown patch in the middle. The creature has a sharp proboscis and bites fiercely. It particularly affects the horse’s ears. Probably paraffin rubbed on the earg would save the horse many a pang. Hiproposca EQuina. The Horse-tick is happily far less abundant than S. calcitrans, but its attacks are more to be dreaded. It delights to get under the tail, or between the hind legs of the horse ; and it renders the animal furious by the irritation caused by its beak and claws, No doubt the thick hairy coat, the mane and the tail of the horse were designed ag protectives against the attacks of injurious insects; and those who have noticed how 68 oe aie - ‘horses stand in the pasture, nose and tail together for mutual protection, will understand the cruelty of “clipping” and ‘‘ docking.” . < THE SHEEP-TICK (Melophagus ovinus). _ The Sheep-tick is closely related to H. equina. Though it is ranked with the ‘Diptera or 7'wo-winged Flies, the Sheep-tick has no wings. Unlike other Diptera, "moreover, its abdomen has no segments—it is a membraneous sack. The insect is in “many respects a very remarkable one. It produces an offspring almost as large as itself, -and that not in the egg, but in the pupa. This pupa is soft and white at first, but its “case soon turns brown and hardens. At the front of the pupa is a notch marking the © lid. This lid in due time opens to let the perfect insect escape. Thorough washing, close shearing, and the application of a decoction of tobacco, are “the approved measures against this intruder. THE Bor Fes (OxEstRIDz&). The Bot-fly of the Horse (Gastrophilus equi). The Bot-fly of the Ox (Hypoderma bovis). The Bot-fly of the Sheep (Oestrus ovis). Who does not know the Bot-fly of the horse? Who has not admired the persever- “ance with which the creature accompanies the horse for miles, hovering around its chest and fore-legs, and the skill with which it darts in at a favourable moment, protrudes its ‘ovipositor and glues an egg to a hair of the animal? The eggs deposited by the bot-fly are ready to hatch in four or five days. The horse licks itself, and its wet tongue comes in contact with the eggs. They burst, and the active maggots adhere to the tongue, and are afterwards taken with the saliva into the stomach of the animal. Here they fasten themselves by means of the hooks with which their heads are furnished. They are nourished by the juices of the stomach.. When full grown they are voided and drop to the ground, in which they bury themselves, They then pass into the pupal state, and in about six or seven weeks the new bot-flies appear. To prevent mischief from G. equi, let the horse wear a net; groom the animal thoroughly, and make frequent use of the sponge and hot water. Pratt gives the following REMEDY FOR Bots. “Take oil of turpentine 8 oz.; alcohol, 1 quart. Mix and bottle for use. Dose, 4 to 5 oz, in the horse’s feed, once a day for eight days, will effectually remove every vestige of bots.”.—The Horse’s Friend, page 296. The Ox Bot-fly bores a hole, with her horny and augur-like ovipositor, through the skin of the back of the ox, and drops an egg therein. The process takes but a few moments, but the ox does not like it. The hole thus made enlarges as the maggot grows, allowing the air to reach the respiratory organs of the parasite. A tumor forms, and from this the creature is at length ejected, to pass the after stages of its existence as in the case of G. equi. Young and healthy animals are selected by H. bovis as hosts for its young. The perfect insect is black and hairy, and has yellow, white and orange mark- ings. It appears towards the end of summer. The Sheep Bot-fly deposits its young (for it is ovo-viviparous) in the nostrils of the sheep. The maggots crawl into the head, and feed on the mucus produced in the maxillary and frontal sinuses. When they are full grown, the sheep blows them from the nose, and they fall to the earth, there to pass into the pupa condition. The fly is of a dirty ash colour, with a brownish thorax. Its hairy abdomen is mottled with yellow and white. Pine tar rubbed on the noses of the sheep is a preventive to the operations of the ‘insect. 69 IT. “€One talks of mildew and of frost, And one of storms of hail, And one of pigs that he has lost By maggots at the tail.” — Cowper. Entozoic pests are more dangerous and more difficult to treat than those we have. hitherto been considering. ‘Their operations are obscure, and have in many instances, been fatal both to man and beast. It is hoped that the following brief accounts of some- of the most note-worthy of these pests will be acceptable, Tare Worms. The common Tape-worm (Tenia soliwm) consists of a head (which is in reality the. body), and a great number of joints (zooids), each of which contains sexual organs of both kinds, and is capable of independent life. The tail segments detach themselves as, they arrive at maturity, one by one, and are voided by their “host”; whilst, from the body of the worm, fresh zooids are indefinitely produced. The eggs from the voided: joints become scattered on the ground, and disseminated in various ways. The pig- frequently swallows them with its food. They sometimes find their way (probably in, unfiltered water or on raw vegetables) to the stomachs of human beings. From the eggs. thus swallowed embryos, or proscolices escape, and are carried by the circulating fluids to. remote parts of the body of the new host. They have been known to penetrate to the. brain of man; and to cause epilepsy, and finally death. Obtaining a lodgment, the. embryos begin to absorb nourishment and to swell, developing at length into what are. known as cysticerct. These are bladder-like forms with the heads turned inwards. It is. the presence of these in the flesh of the pig that causes the disease known as the. “ measles.” Measly pork splutters in the pan, the cysticerci bursting with the heat. When raw or imperfectly cooked measly pork is eaten by man or other animal, the. measles (cysticerci) pass into the stomach, and are acted upon by the digestive fluids. The bladder-like case or vesicle succumbs, but the head uninjured passes into the intes-. tines, and fastening itself by means of its sucking appendages, proceeds to develop inte. the mature tape-worm. Dr. Kuchenmeister, a physician of Zittau, in Saxony, was per-. mitted to administer measly pork to two criminals condemned to death. After their. execution ten tape-worms were found in the intestines of one, and nineteen in those of: the other. Thus it will be seen that two hosts are necessary for the completion of the cycle of: existence of the tape-worm—the earlier stages are passed in one, the later in another. In the case of Tenia solium, the earlier stages are passed in the body of the hog, rat, etc., and the later in man or some inferior animal. Tania mediocanellata passes from, the calf or ox, to man or the dog; Zenia marginata, from the dog to the hog, ete. ;. Tenia crassicollis, from the mouse to the cat, etc. ; and ZVetrarhynchus reptans, from the. sun-fish to the shark, etc. But of all the tape-worms the most dreadful perhaps is Tenia echinococeus. It is. gaid that one-sixth of the deaths among the population of Iceland result from the- attacks of this creature, and that there were in the year 1863 ten thousand cases of: echinococcus disease in the island. The worm attains to perfection in the dogs with, which the island abounds, and its embryos find their ways into the systems of the human inhabitants, and produce the terrible results recorded. In England fatal cases resulting. from the same dreadful cause are not unfrequent. Of hogs slaughtered at the Montreal abattoir “‘ seventy-six in one thousand and thirty-seven were found to be measly—that is, infected by the cysticercus cellulose, the. cause of tape-worm—and thirty-one were found to contain the echinocoecus.”—Dr. W. Osler and Mr. A, W. Clements, reported in Montreal Daily Star, January 13th, 1883. Hogs should be confined to a vegetable diet and milk. They should not be allowed, to roam at large, and to feed on the garbage of slaughter-houses, etc. The ordinary; 70 ‘putcher’s hog should be held in abomination. Scalding water should occasionally be ‘thrown over the floors of the pig-pen and the dog-kennel. Should a tape-worm be voided by any creature, it should be burned immediately or buried deep in theearth. Dried beef, ham, &c., should not be eaten raw. Al/ meat should be thoroughly cooked. Especial care in this respect should be taken with sausages. TRICHINA SPIRALIS This parasite was first made known by Prof. Owen, the famous English anatomist in 1835. It was discovered in its encysted condition in human flesh. Prof. Owen found that the gritty calcareous capsules, that had blunted the dissector’s scalpel, contained, ‘im every instance, from one to three minute hair-like worms coiled up conically. This circumstance suggested the name of the parasite to him. A German helminthologist, ~ Dr Herbst, by feeding dogs with trichinous meat, and afterwards dissecting them, dis- ‘covered the way in which the trichinz are propagated. ‘The capsules containing trichine, having passed into the stomach, are dissolved by the gastric juices, and the worms are set free. The adult male worm is one-twelfth of an inch long, the adult female is one-eighth of an inch. The latter is ovo-viviparous—she brings forth her young alive. These rapidly spread themselves throughout the voluntary muscles, wherein they at length become encysted, In the case of the human host they must ultimately perish—unless, indeed, the unfortunate man be destined to become a missionary, and to make a meal for inhabitants of New Caledonia, or some other nice people. It is from the pig that danger of trichinous infection is to be dreaded; and the danger is greater perhaps than people are aware of. It has been found that about one in two hundred and fifty of the pigs killed in Montreal have suffered from trichinosis. Such paragraphs as the following, very frequently appear in the newspapers :— ** Henrietta Straez, of Chicago, ate raw ham at a wedding a month ago, and died on Friday of trichinosis in great agony. Forty thousand parasites were found in a square inch of one of her muscles. A number of other persons who partook of the ham showed evidence of the disease but most of them have been relieved.” —Montreal Daily Witness, January 21, 1882. ‘ “Four hundred persons are prostrated by trichinosis in ten villages of Saxony, and fifty-one are hopelessly ill. Deaths from the disease are occurring daily.”— Vontreal Daily Star, October 17, 1883. The symptoms of trichinosis or trichiniasis are as follows :—Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhcea, fever and prostration, soreness in the muscles, painful swellings, laboured breathing, etc. The disease in pigs has often been mistaken for ‘ hog-cholera” ; in human beings, for typhoid fever. The means of prevention are the same as against the echinococcus disease. Tae Liver FLuKeE (Fasciola hepatica). The Flukes, unlike the triehinz and the tape-worms, are not parasitic through all the period of their existence. They spend a portion of the time on land, a portion in ~ the water. The full-grown liver-fluke is about an inch in length, and is pointed some- what abruptly at the head, but tapers gradually at the other extremity. It is provided with two suckers—the oral for imbibing nourishment, at the extremity of the head; the ventral at the base of the neck, which is nsed merely as a ‘holdfast.” The skin of the creature is furnished with numerous microscopic spines. The liver-fluke is found most frequently in grazing cattle, and especially in the sheep. The disease it causes is known as the “rot”; and so destructive is it, that, in England, during the season of 1830-31, it was estimated that upwards of 1,000,000 sheep died from it alone. The flukes are © Sometimes very numerous ; Leuwcenheck counted eight hundred and seventy in one liver. — | 71 The life-history of the fluke is a very extraordinary one. It is hermaphroditic When sexually mature it passes from the liver of the sheep, and escapes through the intestinal canal to the open pasture land, where it deposits its thousands of eggs. By various agencies, and especially in wet weather, these eggs are carried into pools, ditshes running streams, etc. From the moistened egg a ciliated embryo, or proscolex, escapes. This swims about for a while till it comes upon the soft body of some water-snail or insect and to this it fastens itself, After a time it casts away its ciliated covering and pene- trates the body of the creature to which it attached itself. When favourably placed, it rapidly develops into what is called the ‘“‘ nurse” or Sporocyst, and produces young called Cercarie. These cercarize migrate, swim about in the water, or wander into the moist pastures. From thence they are taken, either in food or drink, into the digestive organs of sheep, cattle, and (sometimes) human beings. From the digestive organs of their “host” they bore their way to the liver, in which they become encysted, and remain for a length of time. At length, having attained a higher organization, they burst from their enclosures, and become converted into the perfect Fasciola hepatica. The preventives against the fluke that have been suggested are, the confining of the sheep to the high pasture-lands that they naturally prefer, frequent salting, keeping the stock in good condition by the use of cut turnips, oil-cake, etc. Well fed, healthy stock seem as a rule to be less open to the attacks of parasites of every kind, than weak and sickly ones. SCLEROSTOMA SYNGAMUS. This parasite is the cause of the ‘‘gapes” in poultry. Itis a small red worm of the thickness of a common pin. ‘The females are half or three-quarters of an inch long: the males are smaller. They infest the wind-pipe of the fowl and cause suffocation. Poultry troubled with them gape, sneeze, and gasp for breath. To relieve them, strip a feather to near theend, dip this in salt-and-water, then slip it dexterously into the wind-pipe of the fowl, twist it around once or twice and suddenly withdraw it. This will dislodge and bring away the worms. It is said that a loop of gut such as is used in fishing-lines may be used effectively for the same purpose. The poultry-house should be fréquently and thoroughly cleaned. Wood and coal-ashes should be spread over the floor and occasionally a little carbolic acid should be sprinkled upon it. A little flour of brimstone and ground ginger mixed now and then with warm meal, and fed to the fowls, would be beneficial. BEE-MOTHS. REV. THOMAS W. FYLES, SOUTH QUEBEC. The Honey-Bee (Apis mellifica), is not an indigene of America. It was imported by the early colonists; and it soon spread and multiplied exceedingly—the forests _ surrounding the early settlements affording both sufficient harbourage and abundant food for the ever multiplying swarms. By the Indians the bee was called the White Man’s Fly. “* Wheresoe’er they move, before them Swarms the stinging fly the Ahmo, Swarms the bee, the honey-maker.” (Song of Hiawatha, ch. xxi.) “Jt is surprising in what countless swarms the bees have overspread the far West within but a moderate number of years. The Indians consider them the harbingers of the white man, as the buffalo is of the red man, and say that in proportion as the bee advances, the Indian and the buffalo retire.” (Washington Irving: Zour on the Prairies, ch, 1x.) ae And Bryant well sang :— f z “The bee, \ A more adventurous colonist than man, With whom he came across the eastern deep, Fills the savannas with his murmurings, And hides his sweets, as in the golden age, Within the hollow oak.” adding with prophetic voice :— “*T listen long To his domestic hum, and think I hear The sound of that advancing multitude Which soon shall fill the deserts.” ( The Prairie. ) Fennimore Cooper, in his stories of Zhe Prairie and Oak Openings has given delinea- tions of the men, who, on the outskirts of civilization, made it their business to hunt’and plunder the bees. But a spoiler apparently less formidable, but in reality more dangerous, followed up: the bee more closely than did its human foes. This was the Bee Moth (Galleria cerewna. Fabr) a fellow exile. (Fig. 46 represents all its stages: a the full grown caterpillar, b the cocoon it spins, c the chrysalis, d the female moth with open wings, e the male with closed wings.) And now, wherever becs are kept upon this continent, there is danger to them from the ‘‘ Bee Moth.” A few words therefore upon the Bee Moth and its relatives may be interesting to those who have the care of bees. The bee moths belong to that group of insects called Pyralidina, and to the family Galleride in that group. Insects of the kind were known to the earliest writers on the subject of bees. Aristotle and Virgil allude to them. The former says that the moths and worms are expelled by the good bees; but that the combs of the idle bees perish. The latter numbers “the moths’ dreadful progeny ” among the enemies of the hive. In England three different bee moths are known belonging to as many different genera, but all in the family Galleridw. They are Galleria cerella, Aphomia colonella, and Achoria grisella. The first and last named are found in the hives of the honey- bee, and the second in humble-bees’ nests. We will take the insects inversely so as to end with the one we are most interested in. ACHROIA GRISELLA. Many years ago I had abundant opportunities for observing Achroia grisella through all its changes. My accounts of the insect were published at the time in the Zoologist and the Entomological Intelligencer. The larva of A. grisella is about nine lines in length when full fed, and is rather hairy. It is very active, throwing itself vigorously about at the slightest annoyance. Its colour is white with a tinge of pink. The head and second segment are reddish brown. The spiracles are hardly perceptible. The pupa is pale brown, and is enclosed in a white cocoon, It is usually secreted near the entrance under the inside ligaments of the old-fashioned straw hives. The imago is from six to eleven 73 ee—eSEEESESESESESESESESESESESESESESESESEE eee lines in expanse of wings. Its head is yellow. The body and wings are grey withla satiny gloss. The fore-wings are rounded at the tip. There are two broods of the insect in the year. i The English naturalist who would see A. grisella to advantage should take his stand in the apiary at the close of the day. There he may see the female moths hovering with a bee-like motion near the entrances of the hives. ‘Their object is to dart between the guards, and win their way to the interiors. Notwithstanding their amazing agility they do not always succeed in this. I have more than once seen grisella seized by the bees and torn in pieces with the utmost fury. When the door of the hive is passed, however, . the chief danger is over, and the moth proceeds to lay its eggs in suitable places within the hive. The larve as soon as they burst from the egg begin to spin silken tubes or covered ways, sheltering themselves under their work, and pushing it forward through the hive to the brood-comb on which they thrive most, APHOMIA COLONELLA, This enemy of the humble-bee is found both in Europe and America (See Packard’s Guide to the Study of Insects, p. 329). The moth is an inch or more in expanse of wings. The fore-wing is of a pinkish grey, having a tinge of green along the front edge, it is marked with two serrated transverse lines, and between these with two black dots. The hind margin is entire. In the male insect the basal half of the fore-wing is whitish. The female moth, in the month of June, deposits her eggs, in great numbers, amongst the cells of the humble-bees nest ; and the larvee that emerge from them soon bring die- comfiture to the rightful owners. GALLERIA CEREANA, The moth that is dreaded by the bee-masters of this country is Galleria cereana. In Langstroth’s book on bees this insect is misnamed Tinea mellonella. It is true that Virgil uses the term tinea in speaking of the bee-moth ; but, since the days of Fabricius, it has been applied to a genus to which the bee-moth does not belong. In England the moth is called Galleria cerella ; and Wood in “ Insects at Home ” tells us the reason why. He says :—“ The specific name cerel/a (from the Latin word cera, wax) has been given to: this insect in consequence of the wax-eating propensities of the larva. Linnaeus being deceived by the structure of the palpi* gave to the male the specific name of cereana, and to the female that of mellonella (from the Latin mel, honey). So in order to avoid confusion, both these have been rejected, and the present specific name accepted in their stead” (page 500). By American naturalists, however, the name cereana is retained. Galleria cereana in its perfect state is a brownish moth, measuring, when its wings are expanded, about an inch across. In repose the wings hang down like the sides of a table. The fore-wings are longer than the under-wings, and appear as if they had been roughly squared off. The female has a beak-like formation of the head, and a remark- able ovipositor, which works with a telescopic motion, enabling it to deposit eggs in crevices out of harm’s way. The insect is wonderfully tenacious of life. Langstroth tells us that Mr. Tidd, of Boston, cut a female in two, and the abdomen went on thrusting out its ovipositor, and depositing eggs in some slits which had been made with a pen-knife in the board on which it lay. There are two broods of G. cereana in the year. The former of these appears in May, and the latter in August. The larve are larger and plumper than those of Achrowa grisella. In appearance they are waxen grubs, having their heads and second segments horny. Like those of A. grisella, they construct silken tunnels ; and, like them also, are slightly hairy. I imagine that the hairs serve as feelers. At any rate the larve are extremely sensitive, darting back into their silken galleries at the slightest touch. *The terminal joint in the palpus of the male is short and conoid: in the palpus of the female it is ong, tapering, and slightly forked at the end. T. W. F. “ ee : A few years ago I laid away, in an unused chamber, a hive, full of comb, that had been vacated by the bees. Examining this hive some time afterwards, I found the comb -completely broken down and destroyed. On the bottom of the hive there was an un- ' sightly mass of tangled webs, and fragments of wax, dotted throughout with the black castings of the cereana larve. ‘The larve themselves were gone; but, on examining a hea; «t pamphlets and newspapers that lay near, I found the leaves stuck together with nu:erous silken and beautiful white cocoons. From these, in due time, I obtained traiy perfect specimens of Galleria cereana. The bee-moths delight in ill-constructed hives, in which there are accumulations of old cout, Their presence in any number is a sure sign of weakness 1n the bees. A hive i which they have well established themselves may be known by its offensive smell. ('o banish them the modern hives with moveable frames should be used. Affected comb should be cut away and destroyed. It should be remembered that masses of web and broken comb, thrown on the refuse heap, will afford both food and protection to any larve that may remain in them, and that, in due time, perfect insects will come forth to invade the hives again. NOTES ON THE HEPIALIDA OF THE PROVINCE OF QUEBEC. BY THE REV. THOMAS W. FYLES, SOUTH QUEBEC. the snow-white wings and hovering motions of the insect having suggested the name. mo9%2Qur Canadian representatives of the family are few in number, and extremely rare. Three of the four species that have been taken in the Province of Quebec have greater amplitude of wing than most of their British congeners, Characteristics of the genus Hepialus. Imago :—Antenne, filiform and very short. Wings, distant at the base, lanceolate or som what falcate. Abdomen, elongate. Larva :—Naked, elongate. Head and second segment, horny. Feeds at the roots, or in the stems, of plants. Pupi.:—Furnished with short spines on the segments. Descriptions of Hepialus Moths taken in the Province of Quebec. Argenteo-maculatus. (Harris.) This fine insect, which is about three inches in expanse of wings, is in colour ash-grey with cloudy markings. The hind wings have an ochreous tinge towards the tips. The silvery spots to which it owes its name are two on each fore-wing. The one nearer the front edge is round ; the other is triangular. The insect is described by Harris, in ‘‘ Insects injurious to Vegetation,” page 410. Dr. D. S. Kellicott, of Buffalo, succeeded in raising this species, from larve obtained from roots and stems of Alnus incana (Can. Ent. vol. xx., p. 233), Gosse, in the ‘‘ Canadian Naturaiist, (page 248) speaks of Argenteo-maculatus (which he names “the Dragon Moth,”) as “quite numerous” in the latter part of July in the fields around his residence at Waterville, P.Q. The circumstances in this case must have been very peculiar, for, I think, no one else has found the insect numerous in any part of Canada. Gosse found it “dancing from side to side on the wing above the herbage within a space of a yard or two.” A female which he pinned ejected small white eggs to a considerable distance with great rapidity. In 1871 I found what I believed to be a pupa of this species in a stem of common alder; but the insect, probably from lack of moisture, perished. ! a 75 Auratus. (Grote). This beautiful moth is very accurately described by Grote in Can. Ent., vol. x., p. 18., from a specimen taken in the Adirondacks by Mr. W. W. Hill in 1877. It has since been taken by Mr. E P. VanDuzee, at Buffalo, New York (Can. Ent., vol. xx., p. 100). I have a lovely specimen of the insect which I took in Brome County, in July, 1865. It is of a faint purplish tinge. The fore-wings are decorated with pale brown markings and extensive patches like as of dead gold. There are also a pale golden spot, at about one-half the length and one-fourth the width of the fore- wing, and, near the hind margin, three other pale golden spots triangularin form. I took the insect with a net in the dusk of the evening, as it was flitting near the hedge-row of a meadow, on a slope of the “‘ Pine Mountain.” Thule (Strecker) was described and figured by Strecker in ‘“ Lepidoptera,” No. 12; from a specimen sent to him by Mr. Caulfield, of Montreal. In February, 1884, Mr. G. J. Bowles wrote that Strecker’s specimen, a specimen in his own possession, and a third in the possesion of Mr. J. G. Jack, of Chateaugay Basin, were, he believed, ‘‘ the only specimens in collections ” (Can. Ent. vol. xvi., p. 40). Since then the insect has been taken by Mr. W. D. Shaw, and by Mr. H. H. Lyman. The specimen I have was pre- sented to me by the last named gentleman. It was captured in July. Mr. Shaw found the species hovering over and settling upon the Ox-eye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare), in August, at Cote St. Antoine. Thule is about two and one-half inches in expanse of wings. It is creamy white in colour. Starting from the base of the fore-wing, and touching the costa for about two- thirds of its length, there is an irregular brownish patch. The costal edge is dark brown, and projecting from this into the brownish patch are three conspicuous dark-brown rec- tangular spots. On the inner edge of the patch, not far from the base, are two small white spots in dark-brown rings, ard on the further extremity of the same edge is a third white spot in a dark brown ring. There are a few other less conspicuous brown spots on the fore-wing, and, towards the hind margin, two slightly scalloped and interrupted brown lines. The fringe on the hind margin is marked with brown spots. Gracilis, (Grote). This insect, described and figured by Grote, is the smallest of the Quebec Hepialide. In expanse of wings it measures one and one-fourth inches. The wings are but slightly feathered. They are of a warm brownish hue streaked and spotted with darker brown. From the inner side of the base of the fore-wing, sweeping round to the tip, is an irregular, pale band. The fringes of the hind wings are brown and white. The only specimen I have of this rare moth was taken at Cowansville, in July, 1881, resting on the under side of a Hoof Boletus (Boletus igniarius.) THE RISE OF PRACTICAL ENTOMOLOGY IN AMERICA. BY AUG. RADCLIFFE GROTE, A.M., VICE-PRES. AM, ASS. ADV. SCIENCE (1878), ETC. There is another kind of moth found in Massachusetts—and with this echo of Dr, Harris’s style of writing repeating itself in my mind, I passed under the elm trees, crossing Boston Common. It needed not to feed my imagination that the trees themselves were placarded with Latin titles; | felt that I was upon scientific and sacred ground. For Boston, Science has not come in vain. Rather does she seem to dwell habitually within Bostonian shrines, leaving the temples to her honour in New York empty of the divine afflatus. That long past July day, its heat tempered by a cool east wind, my first in Boston, sheds its light upon me still, while so many of its fellows have passed in darkness from my recollection. Ihave never since been down by the Back Bay, or wandered Cambridge ways, sub tegumine ulmi, without feeling a particular reverence for the place, strange to a wanderer who has passed through many cities of renown. While New York is cosmopolitan in all its aspects, and its Jews and Gentiles combine to produce a tutti trutti dish of American science, Boston has a scientific style of its own, descending, with everything else, from the Puritans themselves. No matter who unfolds there his teaching, he tends to lose some part of his individuality, his thoughts take a local cast, he shapes his | / 76 words into sentences of Bostonian ring and emphasis. A mighty spirit pervades the people. Professor Louis Agassiz, a great man, was himself influenced thereby, and lately even Dr. Hagen, still resisting the English language and talking of ‘‘ educating ” a cater- pillar, after a quarter of a century in the shadow of Harvard, vaguely feels the spirit of Massachusetts. Recently, and since her last great champion for the old order of nature has passed into the eternal silences, Boston has been occupied in moulding Darwinism preparatory to swallowing it. Already it appears as if home-made, and is ready to deceive the very elect. The earlier notion of the origin of mankind was too much in accordance with the simple vigour of Puritan thonghts to be easily abandoned. Whereas the New Yorker quickly changed his mind as to his line of descent, being in any event unequal to the task of tracing it for any length, Boston had to fit the new ideas to the New England eternities of the “ Mayflower” and Bunker Hill before they could find favour in her eyes. But we live now in an age of anniversaries, of semi-centennials and centennials, and among these we entomologists may find the opportunity of commemorating a New England notion, and he who represented it, Dr. Thaddeus William Harris. It is a sign of increasing thoughtfulness, that, along with the memory of distinguished persons, we celebrate the rising of the ideas by which they were animated. Hero worship has not declined, but there is a clearer idea prevailing as to the value of ‘the heroes and the principles they represented, and, in consequence, some changes in public opinion as to the quality of the heroship itself. And it would appear, that whereas public opinion has declined in its estimation of many temporary celebrities and their causes, it is rising as regards Dr. Harris and the cause he represented. Amid the recent wholesale creation of the office of State Entomologist, fifty years after the publication of the first Report on Injurious Insects, we may indulge in a semi-centennial retrospect, and briefly refer to some of the phases of the progress of the science of entomology in America during this period. Yes, it is Dr. Harris who ran the first furrow, and his successors have but widened the field of practical and economic entomology. Out of the eternal movement. of atoms and ideas, the New England notion, sent forth through Dr. Harris (1837-1841), has grown in importance, and the States are generally following the example of Massa- chusetts. In the Botanical and Zoological Survey of this State, authorized by a resolve of April 12th, Dr. Harris was appointed June 10th, 1837, to report upon the insects. The first short report upon the ‘‘ Habits of some of the Insects injurious to Vegetation in Masachusetts ” (1838), was followed by the well known and fuller “ Report on the Insects of Massachusetts injurious to Vegetation ” (1841). It is a relatively smal] world in which my hero moved, and yet it finds room for differing samples from the great world about it. Its members are held together by their devotion to the study, but are otherwise ill assorted and move reluctantly together. We are al] men hefore we are entomologists. Entomology has its scholars and pedants, its men of good and ill temper, its men of conscience and no conscience, of large and small views, kind and unkind. It is clear as daylight of what sort was Dr. Harris. A plain and earnest man, without either assumption or rawness, worthy of study in all his ways, of most. commendable disposition. From his picture we get the impression of a sort of good homeliness, which stands as well in a man as good looks. From his writings we gather the certainty that he wasa pleasant, honest gentleman. As it is the soul which builds the body, itis certain that Dr. Harris was all of this. Alas, that there are not more like him. Not only should all the newer State Entomologists take him for an example, but. the appointing power, in the exercise of a high discretion, should take Dr. Harris asa standard ; should know their man before appointing him, nor be deceived by mere dabblers in the Latin names of insects. Men of talent, of the larger views which come of reading and experience, should be sought, for such do not readily present themselves. Unfortunately the appointing power yields without thought to the importunities of those entirely impressed by their own abilities, self conscious, pushing, selfish persons, who some- times come in this way to fill a position which a better and more modest man would have adorned. Even in entomologists, those dealers in cosmical smal]lware, the inequalities of life and character are mirrored. ». wT Thomas Say was, perhaps, the earliest American entomologist of wide reputation. At any rate, he described insects in all the orders, and was, for. a time, an authority in all ofthem. After Say’s death there came a pause in the progress of technical ento- mology. Say’s wide knowledge of genera and species in all the orders was inherited by no one singly. But Dr. Harris is not to be reckoned among the successors of Say. Dr. Harris gave a fresh turn, a useful impetus, to the science. Hntomology becomes under his hands practical, a2 positive help to agriculture. The real successors to Say, with whom commences what I have called the period of renascence in American entomology, sub-divide Say’s field and the domain falls into many hands. From a wider view the entomological wave passes from south to north. Commencing at the close of the last century in Georgia with Abbot and the elder Leconte, it reaches Pennsylvania at the beginning of this century with Say, and carries Harris in Massachusetts on its crest before breaking and flooding the continent in all directions. The real successors to Say are Dr. Leconte and, afterwards, Dr. Horn on the Coleoptera; Cresson, Bassett, Norton and Provancher on the Hymenoptera; Osten Sacken and Williston on the Diptera ; Scudder and Thomas on the Orthoptera ; Uhler on the Hemiptera, with others, bringing the knowledge of genera and species into a completer shape. The Lepidoptera falls into — many hands, anch io son pittore! There is this about the mere naming and classifying of insects, that, no matter how exactly the work is performed, it carries with it a certain stamp of dilettantism. Only when the scientific knowledge so gained is carried into other domains and made the basis of generalizations upon the laws of life, or when it is carried into public economy and used to further the practical ends of agriculture, does entomology become a serious science. Say’s work, with all its merits, has this flavor of dilettantism about it, and he contents himself with giving a brief description of the Cotton © Worm Moth (Aletia argi/lacea) and Hessian Fly. But Harris, with a much slenderer acquaintance on the whole with the genera and species of insects, lifts his work out of this atmosphere of dilettantism by the turn which he gives to it, and which is hencefor- ward to make one chief development of entomology in America. Practical entumology is to technical entomology what our everyday language is to Latin. There can be no question which is the more useful. In giving Dr. Harris the credit for this turn of the science, one might enquire into the genesis of the idea itself, but it is sufficient for us to celebrate the semi-centennial of its great incorporator. The successors to Dr. Harris and the natural inheritors of his idea are Saunders and Fletcher in the Dominion; Fitch, Walsh, Riley, LeBaron, Lintner, Comstock, in the States. The example set by the Legislature of Massachusetts was not quickly followed, and, as in most public mattersin America, private enterprise tided over the “ New England notion” until it received general official recognition. This private help came principally from Philadelphia where Cresson, Blake and others issued the ‘“ Practical Entomologist,” in the sixties, and of which periodical I was editor for the first few numbers, to be suc- ceeded by the late Mr. Walsh. These unpaid and unofficial exertions did much to pre- pare public sentiment, to bring about the present wholesale recognition on the part of the State of the value of entomological researches. From these unofficial sources, as well as others not here mentioned, together with the issue of the Canadian Entomolo- gist, which began in 1867, came assistance during the years until the Western States should answer the call of Massachusetts, and Illinois in 1868 and Missouri in 1869, ap- point their State Entomologists. Later on Prof. Saunders, in 1883, issued his “ Insects injurious to Fruits,” of which recently the second edition has appeared, a book which has claims to be placed side by side with the famous treatise of Dr. Harris. But the State of New York had, in 1854, taken a step in the same direction. In the Cultivator for June of that year appeared the following paragraph: ‘The Legisla- ture of this State (i.e. New York) at its late session, placed $1,000 in the hands of the New York State Agricultural Society to be expended in making an examination and description of the insects of this State injurious to vegetation. Ata meeting of the Board, Dr. Asa Fitch of Salem, Washington Co., was appointed to carry this object into effect. A better selection could not have been ‘made, and we learn that he is to devote his attent on this season mainly to the investigation ‘of such insects as depredate upon truit-bearing trees. His report will be looked for with interest and we doubt not will ; 78 Nha 2 prove of great economic and scientific value.” So far the Cultivator, which evidently meant well to Dr. Fitch, although perhaps expecting more results from ‘this season” and ‘' $1,000,” than could well be forthcoming from one head and one pair of hands. Those were still the times when a slight halo of conjuring, a flavor of necromancy gathered about the scientist. The recipe seemed to be: Take a good insect wizard, pay him as little as possible, let him loose in the fields, and the bugs will disappear. The State was anxious for practical returns from its investment of $1,000.” But the Salem Press of August 8th, 1854, already saw that there was necessity for more ‘‘liberal” funds. In an article, which is as eulogistic of its townsman as the most ambitious Chief Commis- sioner could require, it says, that “the appointment of Dr, Fitch to carry out the objects. set forth, is a very fortunate one for the State ; as he is probably more thoroughly ac- quainted with entomology than any person in the United States. To a scientific and practical knowledge of his subject, he can bring the aid of a ripe scholarship ; and should the State be liberal in its appropriations for this object, in the hands of the Doctor, we can look forward, with confidence, to a Work possessing more real value to the Agricul- tural and Horticultural interests of the Oountry [the capitals are the Press’s own | than any that has ever been published.” To this effect the Salem Press, in its comments on the announcement of the Cultivator. How far the Reports of Dr. Fitch to the N. Y.. State Agricultural Society met the expectations and merited the praises of the news- papers we shall not here inquire. Mr. Lintner has indexed these Reports. We are here interested in noting the spreading of the ‘‘ New England Notion” incorporated in Dr. Harris. ‘Do you take the idea?” asks Massachusetts of New York. It required sev- enteen years before New York, like a seventeen-year locust, rose to the occasion and ap- pointed Dr. Fitch. When she got the idea she sought for one of her own sons to represent it. At that time at least the place sought the man. As we have said, the antecedents of the idea that a study of insects would benefit the farmer, before it became incorporated in Dr. Harris, are of themselves an interesting subject of bibliographical re- search. With these we have not here to do, but with the laying hold of the notion by Massachusetts and turning it to practical account. From Dr. Harris’s writings we can see that he took something from Kirby and Spence, and it does not seem strange that such an observer should have arisen in the North American colonies founded by the English. It is New England, with her sober and sombre inclinations, which practically gave birth to this active, unornamental side of the study of entomology. And to this earnest spirit, this disposition to take a serious view of life, to enquire what is right and best to do in this world, New England owes her position and influence. We shall here keep this in mind and try to show its importance in our social development. When I think of the part of the world’s work performed by the Puritans, then also the echo of Dr, Harris’s. style rises to my lips—there as another kind of moth found mn Massachusetts. But no account of the progress of entomology in America should be given without. reference to Louis Agassiz. lt is not that, in the single treatise on this subject which [ have seen, Agassiz by the force of his genius, lifts the study of entomology into the region of the serious sciences, but it is in his character as a great teacher of nature’s secrets that he influences the rise of entomology, its renascence in America, as well. Agassiz preaches. not only to Boston, but is sent to the Gentiles also. Everywhere, as the fruit of his lectures, societies spring up and the sentiment for nature is reawakened in scholastic shape. Philadelphia may remain true to its version of science, with its French eighteenth century perfume, to the sober excursions of Leidy, Lea and Wilson, but everywhere throughout the country the halls are filled by the followers of Agassiz. The fault of Agassiz’s school, its formalism, its reliance on a label, its rage for classification, as the end and not the means, its devotion to the machinery of science, all this is less apparent in Agassiz himself than in some of his followers. I remember that the prospectus of an Agassiz society in Oalifornia once fell into my hands. This society was evidently the result of a spurious enthusiasm attending the lecturer. The seed sown by Agassiz had sprung up too quickly and the heat of the day I suspect finished that society. But the prospectus itself was a sufficient comment upon the school which gave it birth. It was nothing more than a cut and dried catalogue of natural objects, commencing with man, homo sapiens, with Order, Family, Genus and Species,—only names and nothing more. 79 Tt represented a museum, with everything stuffed or in alcohol, everything labelled, classi- fied, tucked away as disposed of, designated properly once for all, without a live thought to lighten the catacomb. This fire Darwin was to bring and Agassiz’s own scholars are to carry the torches, Marsh, Packard, Morse and the rest. The fault of science is its quarrelsomeness, its egotism, its belief, not in humanity, but in itself. Everywhere the doctors are busy naming diseases, but what humanity demands is that its evils should be cured. This is what unfavorably contrasts Science with Religion, with that practice of good conduct, unselfishness, gentleness, that enthusiasm for what is right in itself which an en- lightened Christianity displays, More than Religion, Science needs men of the first class, but it is often served by men of the second, mere disputants. Much as Agassiz himself disapproves of the quarrels of scientists, of which I have the proof in a letter, it. is undoubted that the rise of Science in America brought this fault to the surface. That Agassiz exercised an influence over Harris cannot be doubted. But Harris had a certain natural quality of his own which resisted an outside pressure and reveals itself as it is in his writings. Beside the widely heard lecturer, Harris becomes comparatively ob- secure and silent ; but the smaller man is nevertheless heard by posterity from the potency of his thought, from the singleness of his purpose. That Agassiz esteemed Harris is to be inferred from his having confided to him the entomological chapter of his “ Lake Superior,” now a rare book. Dr. Harris himself is an author who may be read to-day on the subject. The sim- plicity with which he imparts his information lends a charm to his quiet style of writ- ing. He has the merit of perspicacity. The sentences with their dependent parts, give us clear thoughts clearly expressed, and not only for what he gives us should we be grateful to Dr. Harris, but for that which he refrains from giving ; that which it is clearly not in his good nature to give He never misrepresents anyone, nor does he abuse the confidence which the State of Massachusetts has reposed in him by circulating asper- sions upon the work of others at the expense of the public. He is extremely careful of other people’s reputation, neither ridiculing ignorance nor concealing independent discovery. When Miss Morris came forward with her statement as to the method of ovi- position of the Hessian fly in opposition to Dr. Harris's own observation, he merely says, (p. 430): “If, therefore, the observations of Miss Morris are equally correct, they will serve to shew, still more than the foregoing history, how variable and extraordinary is the economy of this insect,” etc. Dr. Harris feels, with the candor of a large mind, that he has not (in common with the rest of mankind) sounded the aepths of know- ledge. He makes room for the unknown, for that at least which he does not know. The consideration which Dr. Harris habitually shows is a proof that he was unacquainted with Hiibner’s illustrated works when he renamed several species so beautifully figured by that industrious German entomologist. I agree therefore on this head with what Dr, Morris says in Flint’s edition of the report, and I regard Dr. Hagen’s supposition* that Harris “ knew” Hiibner’s names and rejected them, as doing injustice to Dr. Harris, and as the result of a false estimate of Dr. Harris’s character. Dr. Harris is throughout unambitious of himself, intent only on bringing out entomological facts in pursuance of his duty. His report, therefore, nowhere reads like autobiography ; it treats solely of the doings of insects, and what must be done by us to circumvent their ravages. With all this there is little of what may be called literary effort, and literary effort may be easily spared in a report, provided the English is good. Dr. Harris is too staid and ‘ preoccupied with his work to indulge in humour ; such sallies of wit as we may find in him are, however, neither flippant nor tawdry. He incites to a general war against the tent caterpillar: “I beg leave to urge the people of this Commonwealth to declare war against these caterpillars, a war of extermination to be waged annually during the month. * Papilio, 3, 61, where Dr. Hagen says: “It is a rule everywhere accepted that a figure even (sie)! named can never antedate a description.” What Dr. Hagen means is probably that a name, published by figure only, should not be preferred on account of priority. I do not admit that the ‘‘rule is every- where accepted.” Dr. Hagen has evidently not studied the literature of Huropean Lepidoptera. Hiibner’s: death left a few plates of the ‘‘Samlung” undistributed, but the species are wholly to be attributed to Hiibner, not to Geyer. It is different with the ‘‘ Zutraege,” which were completed by Geyer. A. com- parison of the title pages and preface to the ‘‘ Zutraege ” will sustain this view. 80 oem of May and the beginning of June.” There is no uncertain ring about this. It is the opinion of the writer that ‘‘ Carthage must be destroyed.” And, after invoking the aid of ‘every able-bodied citizen” and every “‘ housewife,” he ventures to say “that the enemy will be conquered in less time than it will take to exterminate the Indians in Florida.” From his language we can see that Dr. Harris stood nearer to the Revolution. The Seminoles we may infer were regarded then as a sort of pest, and the extermination of [ndians was always a part of the regular Puritan programme. At any rate, Dr. Uarris, here at the outset, recognizes the value of co-operation. Unless the farmers take hhold generally and apply the wisdom contained in the State Reports, they will have been .ssued in vain. As a technical writer on the butterflies and moths Dr. Harris shows a rare excellence. His account of the butterflies of New England is remarkably full and accurate, considering what had been previously published on the subject. I have always read with keen interest the pages upon which he.has given us the histories of the Spinner moths. The natural impatience with which inexperienced entomologists, in their rage for exact nomenclature, are apt to feel at his occasional mistakes, leads them to neglect this portion of the report, which, nevertheless, it would do them good to read and ponder over. These lovely Spinner moths, escaping by the hands of time from the cage of winter, make a hidden glory in the world. On purply wings they cleave the night, in their brushing flight becoming early worn and old through the quick impatience of their lives. We pin them in our boxes and write very learned paragraphs about them, forcing these soft creatures, with their curved and rounded outlines, into our square and rigid categories. But they escape us still, and, after all our efforts, we dissect mere dead chitine at last. Yet it affords a livelihood for some of us butterfly farmers, and, for others, the chance of being sometime remembered by name, of becoming in a way oneself a species lifted out of the individual ranks—the most trifling immortality, to be named in connection with a moth! As I have discovered some facts in the history of the White Mountain butterfly, it may carry some faint memory of me upon its wings. We may remember Dr. Harris by a host of insects which fill our fields each summer. Yet there is something more to be attained than to be thus remembered by posterity. We may feed our souls by study and observation by the way side, gathering with our experience a host of happy memories. Thoreau says: “I can recall to mind the stilless summer hours, in which the grasshopper sings over the mulleins, and there isa valour in that time the bare memory of which is armour that can laugh at any blow of fortune.” We must bring something away with us beside our specimens. A healthier mind, a nobler resolve, the virtue that comes from watching the struggle for life, impressing us constantly like the wind that blows upon us and is never quiet. The Hindoos say that, for purity, there is nothing to be compared with wisdom. I do not doubt it. But through action and application we reap the reward of our wisdom and test its value. But what a small field in the stretching prairies of wisdom we entomologists cultivate, whose fences yet contain for us a universe! When the true succession of evolution has been made out, we must atill make shift to live and die, still face the same conditions of life and await the same end. The problem of life changes its aspect, but remains unsolvable. My copy of Dr. Harris’s writings is one originally presented by the author to Dr. Fitch. It contains a few marginalia by both, and I give here those of Dr. Fitch upon Harris’s account of the Spinner moths. These present some few points of interest, for, while our knowledge is fuller, it is far from perfect, and a certain interest pertains to the remarks of one who followed so closely in the footsteps of Harris. On page 241 of the report, after Harris’s account of Gnophria vittata, Dr. Fitch writes: ‘ Vide Lithosia depressa, Fabr., Sup. p. 460.” I have not consulted this reference. I have given, I believe correctly, the synonyms and the name for the variety of this species in my check list. Previously the names were not properly referred. Aiter Arctia Americana, Dr. Fitch says: “ A specimen was sent to me from Canajoharie, but 1 have never met with it in Washington county ;” and then adds “’till July 27th, 1864.” To Arctia acraa, Dr. Fitch notes: ‘‘ I took a specimen at Fort Miller, 1832—where it could hardly have been introduced in the way Harris supposes.” This is in reference to the remarks on ~ 81 page 249 of the report, as to the species being carried in the chrysalis form with the salt hay from the coast. On the larva of Hyphantria textor, Dr. Fitch adds: ‘It here infests the bitter walnut most, and the swamp oak nearly as much.” Of the females of Orgyia leucostigma, Dr. Fitch says, “They have a dusky dorsal vitta.” Dr. Fitch makes no remark upon Harris’s Dasychira leuwcophea, which is probably incorrectly identified. It appears also that the moth determined in the Harris collection as achatina is not that species but Clintont. Nor are there any marginalia to Lagoa opercularis, which, from the description, is not Abbot’s species but perhaps L. crispata. In fact Harris, not unfrequently but mistakenly, identifies allied Southern forms, figured in the insects of Georgia with New England species, as first pointed out by Dr. Packard. Dr. Harris thinks also that Z. opercularis (1.e. crispata ?) may be the Bombyx Americana of Fabricus. Dr. Fitch further notes to Clistocampa Americana (larva), that, ‘‘ Their lives consist of repetitions of three acts, eating, sleeping and enlarging or adding to their nests ; in fine weather they often repose outside of the nest, lying side by side, closely stowed.” To Gastropacha Americana, Dr. Fitch adds: ‘‘I found this on the white oak in the middle of July in Stillwater, Md.” To the account of Dryocampa imperialis, Dr. Fitch adds, ‘“‘ On the pines around Philadelphia abundant (T. B. Ashton) locally called the ‘Pine Moth.’” With a criticism of Harris’s expression “ especially behind the tip” in the description of Perophora Melsheimeri, p. 301, the marginalia come to an end. I have fancied, myself, that the Spinner moths belong to the east and north, in the same way that the Hawk moths belong to the south, the Owlet moths to the West of North America. In fact several species seem to be alpine or sub-alpine, and when we regard the protective cocoon and the frequent woolliness of the moths, one would con- sider the family fitted for resisting the cold. But it is in reality very generally distri- buted, and this is a proof of its long existence as a group. The Ghost moths, or Hepi- aline are represented over the globe with but little structural variation, retaining in Australasia the general peculiar form which they display in Europe, California, Massa- chusetts and Brazil. I believe, therefore, that this particular sub-family of the Spinner moths is ancient and has survived many physical changes of the earth’s surface. The typical Spinner moths, such as the Attacine, seem wanting in the West India Islands, from whence also I have seen no Ceratocampine. This is a noteworthy observation in geographical distribution. JI have also noted that the Ceratocampine, or Hawk Em- peror moths, are found over the level country, east of the Rocky Mountains and Andes, not crossing the mountains to the Pacific as it would seem. By a strict comparison of the faune of the West India Islands and the continent of North America, some addi- tional light may be thrown on the physical history of these portions of America. Dr. Harris is an author whom we can conscientiously recommend to students of either technical or economic Entomology, for in the report the two departments of ento- mological science are not separated; it was hardly time for that; but they must be finally separated, and I have always deprecated the mixing up of technical entomology, in the reports of State entomologists, with economic entomology, their proper subject. Descriptions of new species, opinions as to matters of special classification and nomencla- ture, all these, with which the technical entomologist deals, are out of place in State reports. What the State intends to pay for is a history of injurious insects and a dis- cussion of the best means to prevent them. There is then a certain abuse of their posi- tion involved in the introduction by official entomologists of extraneous matter in their reports. For technical work we have the proceedings of the various societies, the pages of the well-known Canadian Entomologist. It was, indeed, the opinion of Agassiz, that names to secure adoption should be published in works offered for sale. There exists, then, some doubt whether technical entomologists should pay attention to reports which are simply distributed and thus not generally accessible. The question here comes up as to the publication of authoritative names in technical entomology. The sole criterion seems to be the recognisability of the object intended. Names for genera are sufficiently legitimized by the statement of the type. The type, an already described species, is something of which science has already cognizance, something known. When we reflect how unequal the generic formulas are, how opinions differ, how rarely, at least formerly, the intimate structural features are given, the justice of this simple rule becomes appar- 6 (EN.) 82 ent. Undoubtedly the worker who gives accurate and detailed accounts of his genera is entitled to more praise. As to species, and I have worked much with specific diagnoses in different languages during the past thirty years, there is no standard except recognis- ability for their validity. And this is imparted by a figure very well, generally indeed much better than by a description. Hence a figure, without description, should secure acceptance for the specific name attached. Although the arts of painting and writing have separated, a fundamental idea unites them and the author and the painter may still be compared.. For primitive man expressed his. idea by picturing the object before letters were invented. Some writers are like scene-painters, laying the colour on thickly and drawing their outlines boldly. They allow for the distance from which their work will be viewed. The distance of the spectator from the object to be viewed is replaced in letters by the ignorance of the reader of the subject discussed. He is impressed by the treatment because he does not know the subject in its detail, being carried away by the distinctness of the main idea, adopting the writer’s view easily because forcibly and singly impressed upon his mind. Other writers indulge in detail work all finely laid on ; they are like painters in miniature whose work is executed and may be studied under a glass, of whose general subject, as a whole, one may lose something in following the parts. This comparison is often in my mind between painters and authors so that the shelves of my library seem like a gallery of paintings, mental pictures hang about the titles on the back of the books, pictures affecting me more or less pleasantly. In my thoughts I make the good qualities of many entomological writers my own and thoroughly enjoy them. The splendid industry of Mr. W. H. Edwards, the scholarship of Mr. Scudder, Dr. Packard’s talent, the thoroughness of Prof. Fernald, the clearness and gentleness of Prof. Saunders—all come home to me. And Dr. Harris impresses me by his largeness and earnestness. A homely landscape with shade and sun, flower and bee. This largeness and fine simplicity may be influenced to some extent by his surroundings, by the great and venerated University near his work. But the natural man is evidently superior to his surroundings, rises above them at times, although the nearness to such a centre of education gives both elevation and harmony to the soul disposed to receive the impres- sion, All these entomologists are men of the first class, with faults of the second, not men of the second class with faults of the first. About all our work there is a sense of incompleteness, but to ensure our enjoyment the incompleteness must come as an after taste, not at once offend our palate. In most departments of thought there is some one author who, by his calmness and reasonableness, gives us confidence and prevents us from being carried off our balance by the assertions and claims of the rest. Dr. Harris seems to perform this useful office in the literature of entomology; so that, from his writings, one obtains a needed refreshment. He is so genuine, so full of his subject and yet so modest and unobtrusive. The plant of entomology is growing ever, spreading into our lives and affording occupation for many busy workers. but it may be long ere we meet one like Dr. Harris. The personality of man has a feeble beginning, is so little differ- entiated, but at length it out-tops the universe. A chip of the ‘world which seems greater than the whole. So, in the world of entomology, Dr. Harris will always seem to have been a great man. All writers appear to stand at different angles to the truth, which, as Turgeniew says, we cannot grasp as with hands. The position which Dr. Harris occupies as to the truth which is in the science of entomology, is most direct. In the meantime we are year by year adding to the picture of the science, filling out the pattern after Nature, describing species after species.) When shall we get to the end of our catalogues !—there is another kind of moth found in Massachusetts. 83 SOME THOUGHTS ON THE DETERMINATION OF SPECIES. BY J. ALSTON MOFFAT. Much dissatisfaction is expressed with the determining of species in entomology on the structure of the imago alone, and great advantages are anticipated when the earlier stages of insects are all worked out. A laudable desire is expressed in the writings of the: various workers in systematic entomology to bring their methods as much into harmony with Nature as possible ; this is hopeful. A naturalist should allow no. personal preference for one system over another to influence him in his work ; his attitude should be to discover. as much as possible of Nature’s mode of operation, work on parallel lines, and construct his system accordingly. Now, as there is considerable divergence in the direction to which these labours are tending, it seems to indicate that there is a decided difference of opinion about what Nature’s method is, or a misunderstanding of its interpretation. No one can have been engaged in the investigation of any department of biology without being impressed with the fact that Nature is not constructed on any principles of mathematical exactness ; therefore, any system aiming at that must be, just in proportion as that is attained, arti- ficial. Now, a form is often met with in life that seems to fit in nowhere comfortably, whilst another has so many points in common with widely separated forms that it is difficult to decide just where to place it; hence, I suppose, the temptation to multiply divisions, and give them places to themselves. One great objection to our present method of dividing into genus and species is, that it often has the effect of separating forms in a way that Nature has not. When a form is termed a “species” it stands apart from its fellows to some extent ; if it is placed ina different genus it stands yet further apart. When we look at a check list, with its divisions and subdivisions made with exactness, and names. with apparently no natural affinity, one would expect to be able to separate the various parts with ease; then look at a representative collection ; what a contrast! To the uninitiated the surprise is, where the necessity was for separating the great bulk of them at all. We may in a joke tell him that in the name is easily seen the difference, but we have to acknowledge that in the insect it is microscopic. But divisions have to be made, and that they may be made just where Nature indicates, it is desirable that those engaged in the work should know the life history of the insect, its habits and mode of life, as well as its appearance in its various stages. A knowledge of structure only—size, form and color—is utieient for the purpose of describing and naming an insect, the object of which is future identification. If that knowledge includes the earlier stages, so much the better for the purpose, but a good deal more is required of him who would endeavour to give it its natural position in a system, and it is unfortunate that much of this latter work has been done by those only partially qualified for it ; the ‘“ mere collector ” often having more knowledge of Nature than the accomplished scientist. Do the divisions of genera and species meet the requirements of nature? Dividing lines, to be of value, should be stable ; they look rigid ; life in Nature is never rigid, and its dividing lines are of the most undulating and irregular eharacter. Scientific terms are exact, and it was found that genera and species did not meet the requirements of science, so varieties were added to supplement them, and now the principal trouble centres around: species and varieties, no definition of the term ‘‘species” being satisfactory to all, and the kinds of varieties being many, and the origin of some of them unknown. Our knowledge of the laws of propagation in the animal economy is principally derived from the experiments with animals in domestication, and the results attained show the marvellous extent to which variation can be carried when continued for a length of time, and we may safely conclude that what man cannot do in this direction Nature never does, The terms used in this work are species for all forms that, when brought together 84 produce fertile progeny ; varieties for all the various forms from such a union ; hybrids for such as are invariably infertile from a given union, such uniform infertility being taken asa proof that the parents belonged to different species. This arrangement is brief, natural, easy to comprehend, and exact, and is as applicable to animal life in Nature as in domestication. The way man Speine his varieties is by careful, intelligent selection and isolation ; no such control being known to exist in Nature for sueh a purpose, the appearance of varieties there must be referred to some other cause. Many species vary greatly, a few seem not to vary at all. There are many kinds of variations—lst, sexual, where the sexes differ in size, form and color ; 2nd, seasonal, different broods of one species appearing at different times of the year, differing in some respect ; 3rd, local, where different forms of the same species are found in different localities ; 4th, well-marked varieties of some species, found in the same locality, coming from the same parents, belonging to the same brood ; 5th, species that give broods in which no two specimens are exactly alike. Into the causes of all this I do not enquire ; it is in the constitutions of the organisms; how it got there we may never know ; it is a fact of their existence, that is enough for the present. One thing we may be certain of, it is not of recent origin, it may have been accumulating for times indefinite. About the first there is no trouble when once the fact is known. The second has been satisfactorily dealt with in the last check list of North American butterflies. The fourth wants to be dealt with in the same manner ; the mode of speaking of ‘‘a species and its varieties” is not in harmony with Nature. A species is one, its parts may be many, and each of them is of equal value in the make-up of the species ; the varieties of a species seem to express the natural relationship. In the fifth there can be no separation made. Now for the third: migration is well known to be a habit of many insects; that the external influence of “climate and environment affects the descendants from a common parent form ” is also a well-known fact in every depart- ment of biology. Some insects are extremely sensitive to these influences, a slight change in location producing a perceptible difference in their appearance. Others are found in widely separated parts of the globe with no perceptible difference in them. All kinds are not affected in the same way or by the same influences. We know that in and in- breeding of domestic animals has the effect of producing a fixity of type that is afterwards difficult to overcome. So here, a lengthened residence in one locality will give the influences of that locality an opportunity to impress themselves on the resident and its descendants, which will tend to give the change produced a more permanent character. Now, if we breed two such migrants “throt igh all their stages and find them differ from one another i in each, are we warranted in concluding that they are two species / Dr. McMonagle, in his evidence before the Ontario Agricultural Commission, says that he has examined the egg-cells of horses under the microscope, and found hae the cells of the thorough-bred were all of the same type, form and vitality, whilst those of the cross-bred were not so, and that he could distinguish the one from the other. Now, if such a change is produced in the higher forms of life, how much more likely in the lower ? It is by crossing the two forms that we are to discover whether they are species or the varieties of a species. How often do we meet in entomological literature with such expres- sions as, good species, true species, separate species, distinct species ; as if there were species that were not good, true, separate, and distinct ; scientific terms ought not be so handled. Let me refer to the Colias controversy for illustration. We have various forms extending from the Atlantic to the Pacific ; a large number of these have been investigated, carefully described, and distinguishing names given to them, and unfortunately termed | species, and placed in the catalogues as such. Some one discovered sufficient proof to satisfy him that they are not species, and wished to abolish eight or ten names and bundle as many separate forms under one name and call that a species. This seemed to make it necessary, to save the descriptions and distinguishing names, for some one else to try and prove that they were species ; and so it went on. Now, as the object of describing and naming is for future identification only, and not to settle the question of its standing, which can be done at any time when sufficient information has been obtained, without disturbing anyone’s description and name, let all the forms that have been discovered to be of direct kinship, from east to west, north to south, be placed under Philodice (I use 85 this name merely because it is old and well known), and the distinguishing name after ; this would give us at a glance the correct relationship of the various parts ; and if their reSidence in latitude and longitude can be fixed and indicated, so much the better. This is the manner in whieh my third division wants to he dealt with. What a charming * constellation” they would make in our catalogues and cabinets ; so distinct and so natural, and expressive of the extent of our knowledge of their kinship and distribution ; laying a solid foundation for future investigation, and offering strong inducements to make yet further conquests in the same direction. From what we now know of the earlier stages of many butterflies, it can be seen that species are not to be clearly defined by these any more than by the mature insect. They can be gathered into resembling groups, in the one just as they can in the other, but that will not decide, this way or that, their specific value. How genera are to be brought into harmony with nature I really do not at present see, except by abolishing them altogether and dealing with large, loose, family groups. This would have something of the effect of removing high board fences from around small lots, which were intended to prevent trespassing, and compel each one to remain within his own legal limits, and, indeed, not even to see beyond it. Such grouping would give the genius—the man of insight and extensive knowledge—a better opportunity to arrange his material more in accordance with their natural affinities, restore that unity and har- mony which exists in Nature, making it apparent to the casual observer by the removal of the ‘‘ high board fences” of our present artificial divisions. I have often thought when reading the descriptions of the early stages of many forms that if we were to call our present *‘ genera” ‘‘species,” and our present ‘‘ species” ‘ varieties,” we should be much nearer to Nature’s divisions than we are now. The migratory habits of insects, and the external influences of environment to change and modify their appearance, should never be forgotten in any effort to decide their place in systematic arrangement. This is not a thing of recent occurrence, it has been going on ever since insects were first introduced into this scene of life, so that they may have in their constitutions inconceivable possibilities that are only awaiting a favourable opportunity to manifest themselves ; which must ever make structure an uncertain foundation to rest upon. ‘Then man must have been the means of greatly complicating Nature’s operations. We know something of what he has done in recent times, and he has been doing similar work during all his history, but observing it not ; so that we can have but little knowledge to-day of the original form and habitat of any species, whether they belong to this con- tinent, that, or the other, or whether similar forms of all the continents may not be but geographical modifications of one species, investigation having little, if at all, taken that turn. MISCELLANEOUS NOTES :—GaTHERED FROM VARIOUS QUARTERS. STATISTICS OF Loss FROM INSECTS. In Jnsect Life for August, 1889, there is given a carefully prepared table showing the loss to the cotton crop in the State of Texas, in consequence of the ravages of the cotton worm, (Aletia argillacea), The quantity of bales of cotton actually produced during the season of 1887 is given for each county in the State in one column ; in the next the percentage of loss from these insects; and in a third column the product that there would have been without this loss. The total result shows that there were 1,125,499 bales of cotton actually gathered in the State ; the average loss was 21 per cent., though in some counties there was none reported ; and the crop that should have been gathered, if there had been a total exemption from insect damage, was 1,422,948 bales. This makes an aggregate loss for the State of 297,449 bales; the value of each bale on the spot was a little over $40 on the average. The actual money loss to the planters of Texas from this insect in a single year was, therefore, the enormous sum of $11,897,960. But Texas is only one of many cotton-growing States, and its production is about one- Som fifth of the whole product of the south. Throughout all that region—the cotton belt as it is termed—the worms were pretty equally active in their operations. We may safely estimate then, that the total loss to the cotton growers of the Southern States in 1887, occasioned by these insects, was not far from the appalling sum of sixty millions of dollars. It is a wonder that so shrewd a people do not see that it would pay them well to expend a hundred thousand dollars a year upon practical entomology, if it resulted in the saving of even one-tenth of this enormous sum. ; CATERPILLARS STOPPING TRAINS. ' We have occasionally observed in the newspapers brief notices of such occurrences, ‘but have rarely been able to learn what particular insect was referred to. A correspon- dent cf Insect Life, (Mr. 8. Webster, of Mattawamkeag, Maine), has sent the editors the subjoined account of a stoppage on the new line of the Canadian Pacific Railway, in Northern Maine, occasioned by caterpillars; the report is taken from the Upper River News of that State. Mr. Webster has also stated that in the Northern Penobscot region, the same worm defoliated most of the orchards, and all of the poplars, leaving them as bare as in mid-winter. From specimens sent it was ascertained that the insect was the Forest Tent caterpillar, (Clistocampa sylvatiea): we give an illustration of this familiar pest, fig. 47. Mr. Webster found that it seemed to prefer poplar, and also fed upon oak Fie. 47. and cherry, and after these were stripped it attacked the elm, gray birch, willow, rock maple and some other trees. “The grand march of the caterpillars.—They blockade a train on the Canadian Pacific.— Freight locomotives and railroad men powerless.—Mosquitoes join in the raid and do bloody work.—Additional motive power and sand effect their release. “The first freight train run in connection with the Bangor and Piscataquis over the Canadian Pacific, met with a novel and what at one time threatened to be a serious as well asa laughable mishap on Sunday. Our managing editor was in it. At a pointa few miles from Sebois, on the Canadian road, the Messrs. Pierce Brothers, of Milo, had collected 1,500 ship knees, and Superintendent Van Zile sent down a big engine and eleven flats to draw them up to Brownville crossing. “They were loaded, and the return trip of fifteen miles was begun, which occupied ten hours. When the train had proceeded a few miles, and when it was on a short grade, it was brought to a standstill by an army of small, gray caterpillars, greasing the track and driving-wheels to such an extent as to almost entirely suspend friction between the rails and the driving-wheels. In some places they were half an inch thick, and the army stretched out eleven miles. 87 “The night previous, as the time-keeper, who had about twenty miles to cover, was working homeward on his jigger or railroad velocipede, he encountered the advance guard, and for half a mile pushed his machine along the rail by hand. ‘Section men undertook to sweep them off with alder bushes, but the slight touch ofgthe twigs would crush them and lubricate the rails, and the mass formed like dough upon the driving-wheels. “The train in going down passed through these and others, but the big collection came during the forenoon, and while the knees were being loaded. Of course, sand was used, but it did not avail much, and Superintendent Van Zile was wired, and he ordered out another locomotive from Sebois. “On her arrival there began a series of charges at that grade, which now had been liberally sprinkled with sand, but the animal life was so thick that various attempts were unsuccessful, and it was not until late at night and the sun had gone down that the creeping things desisted in their march. *“ With these there had come clouds of mosquitoes, and they very materially aided the other insects by pitching most vigorously into the men, seemingly drawing blood from all nationalities alike, and the sight of a sweating, swearing railroad laborer, frantically brandishing alder boughs over his head with one hand, while with the other he scraped caterpillars, was laughable in the extreme. “The matter has at once engaged the attention of Superintendent Van Zile, who is trying to find out from the encyclopedia how long the march of these Maine hosts con- tinues, and it is quite likely that the road alongside this section will be ditched and flooded with running water. Nothing like it was ever known hereabouts before, but then sunlight was never before let into the wilds of Maine as the Canadian road has let it in, and there may be unknown difficulties to come consequent upon it.” THe Errect oF ARSENICAL INSECTICIDES UPON THE Honey BEE. The prevailing opinion seems to favor the theory, that if arsenical mixtures are sprayed or dusted upon fruit trees while the latter are in bloom, the bees which frequent them will be destroyed. With this idea in view fruit-growers have very properly been cautioned not to use these mixtures during the blooming season, and in fact this has been urged as an argument against the use of these substances as insecticides. The writer, while in Louisiana, was told by planters that dusting Paris green upon the cotton plants, killed the bees which frequented the blossoms thereon for the purpose of securing the nectar which was contained in them. There appears, however, to be some good negative evidence bearing upon the problem, which it will be well to consider before forming a decided opinion in this really important matter. Mr. Edwin Yenowine, a fruit-grower near New Albany, Ind., is a very strong advo- cate of the use of arsenical mixtures, as against both Codling Moth and Plum Curculio, and is also, to a limited extent, engaged in apiculture. Some time ago, while spending a day with Mr. Yenowine, he reminded me that several years ago he had written me as to the probable effects on bees of the use, during the blooming season, of these arsenical mixtures, and had received a very cautionary reply. It appears that instead of following my advice he sprayed all sorts of fruits freely during a period of two years, both in and out of the blooming season, and instead of destroying his bees they have increased from eight to seventeen strong, healthy colonies, and have furnished honey of which he and his family have partaken freely. This con- versation with Mr. Yenowine took place on the 23rd of June, so that the increase shown was practically that of one unfavorable season, that of 1888.—F. M. Webster, La Fayette, Ind. 88 REMEDY FOR THE PLUM CURCULIO. In the bulletin of the Ohio Agricultural Experiment Station for September, 1889, Mr. Clarence M. Weed gives the following results of his experiments carried on through two seasons, upon two varieties of cherry trees and four of plum trees, and during which the large number of 65,500 cherries were individually examined, and any insect injuries carefully recorded. He finds that ‘‘ About three-fourths of the cherries liable to injury by the Plum Curculio, can be saved by two or three applications of London purple in a water spray, in the proportion of one ounce to ten gallons of water; (2) Thata sufficiently large proportion of the plum crop can be saved by the same treatment, to insure a good yield when a fair amount of fruit is set ; (3) That if an interval of a month or more occurs between the last application and the ripening of the fruit, no danger to health need be apprehended from its use ; (4) That spraying with the arsenites is cheaper and more practical than any other known method of preventing the injuries of this insect.” REMEDIES FOR THE STRIPED OucuMBER BEETLE. The same careful observer, Mr. O. M. Weed, gives an account of his experiments with remedies for the Striped Cucumber-bettle (Diabrotica vittata)—the very common- yellow beetle with black stripes along its wing cases (Fig. 48), which attacks cucumbers, melons, squashes, and other plants of the same family. A great many remedies and preventives have been recommended for this insect. In order to test the efficacy of these; Mr. Weed has carried out a series of experi- ments, and furnishes the following summary of results: The methods recommended were divided into four classes, viz: 1. The use of offen™ sive odours in order to keep away the beetles. 2. Coating the plants with substances that would produce a mechanical barrier to their feeding. 3. Poisonous coatings of the leaves in order to kill the insects. 4. Preventing their attacks by enclosing the plants under some form of tent or gauze-covered frame. The experiments were made on a large scale under ordinary field conditions during the summer of 1889, when the striped beetles were exceedingly abundant. Five substances of the first class were tested, viz.: hen manure, cow manure, kero- sine, carbolic acid and bi-sulphide of carbon. None of them proved practically successful. Three substances of the second class were tested, viz.: Coal-soot, gypsum and salt- petre. Of these the soot and saltpetre proved worthless, while gypsum showed some beneficial effect, but not enough wholly to save the plants. Three substances of the third class were applied, viz :—pyrethrum, ‘ slug-shot,” and “peroxide of silicates.” Pyrethrnm (Persian insect powder) killed those beetles with which it came in contact when first applied, but soon lost its etficacy. ‘‘ Slug-shot ” in- jured the plants to which it was applied. ‘Peroxide of silicates” had a decided effect in preventing injury, and where the plants had been weil started before being attacked saved them from destruction ; but it did not save them when the beetles were so numer- ous that they burrowed down to meet the sprouting plants before they were out of the ground. The results obtained from the fourth method—that of fencing out the insects by covering the plants with some form of tent or gauze-covered frame—were by far the most satisfactory. The cheapest and most successful method employed is that of protecting each hill by a piece of plant-cloth or cheese-cloth about two feet square. This may be done simply by placing it over the plants and fastening the edges down by small stones or loose earth. It is better, however, to hold it up by means of a half barrei hoop or a wire bent in the form of a croquet arch. Mr. C. P. Gillette, in the bulletin of the Iowa Agricultural Experiment Station for May 1889, gives an account of his experiments on this insect, with much the same results j . hy deh: mt 89 as those obtained by Mr. Weed. He found, however, that dry pyrethrum dusted over the plants i in the early morning (5 a. m.) was a complete success. “‘ At this time in the morning the beetles are cold and sluggish, and their bodies damp with the dew of the night, so that they do not fly away, and every particle of the powder that falls on them sticks. Forty hills of squash vines were treated in this manner with two ounces of the powder, and at two o’clock in the afternoon 280 dead beetles were counted about a single hill of five small plants.” Brrp MurpER IN FRANCE AND ITS EFFECT UPON SOME Noxious INsxcts. Any one who takes a walk abroad in the rural parts of France, when farming oper- ations are going on, will often see small children following the plough armed with small pitchers, into which they put all the white fat grubs of the cockchafer which are turned up. In England the rooks do this work, Hina: voung children being withdrawn from school or from play. But the French sportsman has nearly extirpated ‘these useful birds. A recent iniquity is the systematic destruction of the swallows on their return from Africa. Emissaries of the Paris Modistes fix up on the shore, about the points where the birds usually land, long wires connected with powerful electric machines. The wearied swallows perch on the wires and are struck dead by scores. Their bodies are then sent off to Paris to ornament women who are a disgrace to humanity. The saddest feature is that - our English contingent of martins and swallows arrives by way of France, and will doubt- less be ‘eruelly decimated —J. W. SLATER, in Sczence Gossip. We do not know which to wonder at the most, the industry of the women or the numbers in which the White Grub (larva of the European Meolontha vulgaris) must have occurred in the soil, in the statement made by M. Reiset and quoted in “* La Nature” for the 18th of May, where it is stated that in a field of about one hectare (24 acres) a single woman collected 759 pounds (344 kilograms) of these White Grubs or Cockchafer larve in 15 days. The actual number of grubs was estimated at 180,000.—Insect Life. BLACKBIRDS vs. Corn BoLL-wWoRMs. My field of corn was in full roasting ear, and the blackbirds were swarming in it. My hired man came to my library and told me we must get some boys with guns to shoot blackbirds, or they would ruin our corn. He added, ‘“ The neighbors are all in their corn- fields shooting to drive away the blackbirds.” I told him to wait until I had time to see what the blackbirds were doing. On entering the field there were enough blackbirds in sight to have ruined the field of corn in a short time. I spent an hour or more in the field of 24 acres, and did not find an ear that showed the birds were eating the corn. The birds would light on the ears, and spend but a short time there, and pass to another ear. I noted ear after ear that I had seen a bird on, and I always waited until the bird had finished his work on it. I found on every such ear the marks of the boll-worm. They were developed enough to have commenced eating the grain. There were the evidences that the worm had been there, and I saw the blackbirds there, and making passes as if picking out the worms, and after the bird had left the ear I could find no worm. The birds seemed to be busy hunting and eating this destructive and disgusting pest. I left the field pleased and grateful to the blackbirds. I told my hired man he need not waste any time or powder on the birds. They were welcome to hunt worms, and could take what corn they wanted to make a variety. Now, this is not sufficient to show that black- birds are in the habit of feeding on boll-worms, I know, but it satisfied me that the birds were destroying thousands of them for me. The-season was dry, the meadows were short, and the grass dried on the hillsides overlooking my bottom fields. The conditions were these : corn in full roasting-ear, the earth dry, and the weather hot. The corn at husking time was not injured by birds more than usual, which is so light as.to be almost inappre- ciable. I hope I may have opportunity this season to make further observations, and that the good work of the blackbirds may be established by many witnesses. ee, N. Bonham, Columbus, Ohio, in Insect Life. 90 SPARROW DESTRUCTION IN AUSTRALIA. Miss Eleanor A. Ormerod, consulting entomologist to the Royal Agricultural Society of England, has forwarded a donation of £5 to be applied to the destruction of sparrows in South Australia. A subcommittee of the Royal Agricultural Society of South Au- stralia has undertaken to raise subscriptions in aid of this worthy object, and it is pro- posed to have monthly competitions in the production of sparrows’ heads and sparrows’ eggs. These competitions will take place after the next autumn show in Adelaide. At the autumn show there will be a grand prize competition, when prizes of £2, £1 10s., 10s. and 5s. will be offered for the largest number of sparrows’ heads, and the same value in prize- money will also be offered for the largest number of sparrows’ eggs. Additional to this, every competitor who fails to secure a prize, and yet brings in 100 or more heads or eggs, will receive a bonus of 2s. 6d., and any one producing under 100 and not less than 50 heads or eggs will receive a bonus of ls. These prizes and bonuses ought to encourage the boys to exert themselves. An American paper tells us that: ‘There is a scarcity of our native song birds ; the sparrow drives them away and destroys their eggs and young. Dr. Merriam estimates that a pair of sparrows in ten years will increase to 275,716,983,698. They migrate over the country in grain cars, in which they have been caged while stealing breakfast. They can be destroyed by throwing down a handful of wheat and shooting among them with fine shot. The owl and hawk are very helpful and should invariably be spared.” In Victoria the fruit-growers are becoming alarmed at the depredations of the sparrows, which are exceedingly numerous. A Bill was lately placed before the legis- lature there, to provide means for relieving cultivators from this pest, but, as in South Australia, it was opposed by those who were not subject to losses, who were too indolent to examine into the truth of the complaints made, or who were too selfish to interfere in a matter in which they were not directly and personally concerned. A few of the op- ponents were led away by statements that the Sparrow does little harm in its native home in England, but itis a fact that it does a great deal of damage, though it is there kept from increasing so rapidly as in Australia—first, by the colder weather, which limits the breeding season to a month or two, whereas in Australia the season lasts nearly all the year through ; and secondly, in England there are many owls, hawks and other ene- mies which prey upon the Sparrows, whilst in Australia these enemies are almost entirely absent. Perhaps, when it is too late, the opponents to the Sparrow bill will find that their pockets and personal comforts are very intimately affected by the presence of hordes of these little pests, which drive away all the insectivorous birds, but will not touch an insect (except from pugnaciousness), but which will eat all the seeds of all the plants that grow in the fields, spoil all the fruit that is produced in the orchard and vine- yards, and even attack the vegetables and flowers in the gardens when there is nothing else to destroy.— Garden and Field { Adelaide, South Australia], January, 1889. How TO GET RID OF ANTS. Professor Fernald, in an interesting paper on Household Pests in the Bulletin for July, 1889, of the Massachusetts Hatch Experiment Station, gives the following remedy for ants when they are troublesome in the house from their attacks upon sugar and other sweets: ‘“‘ It has been recommended to sprinkle sugar into a sponge and place it in their path, and as it fills up with ants several times a day immerse it in hot water to kill those adhering to it. This will undoubtedly prove successful if carefully followed up for some time ; but when we remember that the females are constantly laying eggs to produce workers which will take the places of those already destroyed the task seems almost hopeless. “There can be no doubt that a better method would be to follow the ants carefully and discover, if possible, where their nest is and then destroy the entire community by 91 making one or more holes down through the nest and then pouring in a teaspoonful of pisulphide of carbon, carefully stamping down the ground afterwards to close the holes. The fumes of this substance will penetrate the nest in all directions and destroy the entire community.” Dr. Riley, in the October, 1889, number of Jnsect Life, gives an interesting account of a successful effort to get rid of the large black or brownish ant which is often so great a nuisance in dwelling houses. ‘‘A case was brought to my notice, he says, two years ago in Washington, where a fine old homestead was on the point of being sold on account of the annoyance caused by these ants. An investigation showed one enormous nest several feet in diameter in the back yard, and several colonies here and there in other parts of the premises. The large colony was completely destroyed by the use of bisul- phide of carbon. A teaspoonful was poured down each of a number of openings, and a damp blanket was thrown over them for a few minutes. Then, the blanket being removed, the bisulphide was exploded at the mouth of each hole by means of a light at the end of a pole. The slight explosions drove the poisonous fumes down through the underground tunnels, killing off the ants in enormous numbers. The main source of the trouble being thus destroyed, the nuisance was greatly lessened, and all taik of selling the old place has ceased.” A FLOCK OF BUTTERFLIES. BY S. W. DENTON, WELLESLEY, MA88. While in the interior of New Guinea, in August, 1883, I observed what might pro- perly be called a “flock of butterflies.” They were apparently of one species, (of a dark- brown color, with a blue reflection on the fore-wings in a certain light,) and in such great numbers as to actually blacken the green bushes on which they lit. I first came across them one day, while out after birds, in a thick and shaded part of the tall forest in low land adjoining the Laloki River. Being so numerous I supposed it would be an easy mat- ter to catch all I desired without the aid of a net; but after several unsuccessful attempts, in which case they would rise in a cloud and settle again in a few moments on the bushes close at hand, I was obliged to give it up. They did not seem to be very much disturbed at my approach, but would not, however, allow me to get very near without taking flight, as soon as I remained still they would immediately settle on bushes and foliage close by, but always out of reach. ‘The flock was perhaps two acres in extent, but the butterflies were not equally numerous over this entire area, in some places every bush, branch, twig and leaf seemed to be covered with them, while in others there were comparatively few. What their object was, or how long they remained in that locality, Iam unable to say, except that on visiting the place several days afterwards they were still there in appar- ently undiminished numbers. I might add none were seen feeding, and so far as I observed there were no flowers in bloom anywhere in the vicinity. CATCHING BUTTERFLIES BY MEANS OF DECOYS. BY SHELLEY W. DENTON, WELLESLEY, MASS. It has long been a matter of fact to me, and one which has served a good purpose and doubtless to other readers of the Can. Hnt., that many butterflies, especially the larger kinds, are attracted by decoys resembling themselves in size and colour. So many incidents of this nature have crowded themselves upon my notice that I trust it will not be considered presuming on my part to enumerate a few of them, and at the same time state the benefits to the butterfly hunter which may arise from this source My attention was first called to this fact some fifteen years ago while collecting in the neighborhood of Boston. I caught one day an example of Papilio Turnus, after taking the insect from my net, and while holding it in my fingers preparatory to placing 92 in my collecting box, another butterfly of the same kind darted down at the one I held and fluttered above it for a moment as if to entice it away. I was so surprised that no attempt was made to capture the visitor until it had riscn beyond reach. Expanding and placing on a bush close by the almost lifeless butterfly which I had held in my fingers, and partially concealing myself, I awaited the insect’s return, nor was I disappointed or obliged to wait long. I could catch an occasional glimpse through the bushes of my intended victim ; nearer it came till, hovering for a moment above my decoy, it was easily secured. This plan was followed during the rest of that day, and more or less since that time, with gratifying results, having caught as many as 37 Papilio Turnus in a day, and _ that, too, ina place like Eastern Mass., where they are, so far as my experience goes, not very common. While in Nevada, in the summer of 1887, this method was followed with good success in the capture of Papilio Rutulus, Hurymedon and Daunus ; Argynnis Leto, Nevadensis and Coronis, Limenitis Lorquint and others. I found a piece of bright: yellow paper, cut out to resemble P. Ratulus, proved almost as attractive as a butterffy of that species, and even a yellow leaf which I picked up and placed in a conspicuous spot answered the purpose very well once to enable me to’secure a decoy. I find the best place to expose a decoy is in some sunny nook where an occasional specimen of the species of which you are in search is seen, allowing the full rays of the sun (provided your decoy is a butterfly) to strike on the expanded wings. It is usually my custom to cut down the green bushes, except, perhaps, one in the centre of the open- ing, and stripping the leaves from the tallest sprig or branch, place my decoy on the point. The decoy may be a badly damaged specimen, one not fit to preserve. This method applies best to the larger and stronger flying species of butterflies, and these are the ones the hunter has the greatest difficulty in procuring, especially if the coun- try is rough and broken so that he is restricted in his movements by deep gullies, cliffs or large loose rocks. Occasionally the hunter will have an enemy in the shape of a large dragon fly, which will pounce on the coming prize just as as you are about to “scoop” it in ; then away the two will go, the butterfly soaring and flapping often till almost out of sight in the vain endeavor to rid itself of the enemy which has taken such a death-like grip upon it, but this shark of the air is, in the end, generally victorious. In some countries, such as Australia and New Guinea, and I speak of these because of personal knowledge, there are large and showy butterflies of very powerful flight which are almost impossible to catch on the wing, not only being shy but high flyers, and I know of no way in which they can be taken so readily as by the method above described. I refer particularly just now to that large and magnificent blue butterfly (Papilio Joésa) which in Northern Queensland may be seen alighting on or floating above the tops of the forest trees, occasionally flashing in the sunlight like a star of unusual brilliancy. It is a magnificent sight to a butterfly hunter, and one that will fill him with enthusiasm, but one likely to be of great disappointment should he wait for it to come within reach or settle near the ground where it could be taken with his net, for nine times out of ten, when it takes flight, it will sail around and away over the tops of the trees till lost from view, unless you have something to catch its eye and cause it to descend from its elevated position. Now procure one of the same species and place it in a con- spicuous place in the sunlight, conceal yourself near by, but be ready to strike ata moment’s notice, and await the result. Your decoy will most likely soon be seen (for it is wonderful how quickly a butterfly will discern one of its own kind) and down will come the longed-for prize to your delight and satisfaction, but you must sweep with your net at just the right time or the opportunity is lost. But perhaps you will ask how is the first specimen or decoy to be obtained? This is often a matter of considerable difficulty, T was accustomed, when rambling in the forest of that country, to carry a gun, and although when obtained by shooting they were generally in a rather dilapidated condi- tion yet they served the purpose of a decoy very well. One thing which has always surprised me is the remarkable sight, and perhaps sense q of smell, which some insects seem to possess. Often while having a decoy exposed I 93 have been startled by the sudden appearance of a butterfly when none were apparently in the neighborhood. The causes which lead to the attractiveness of decoys, no doubt, are various, possibly the passing butterfly, on seeing the decoy, supposes the latter has found an abundance of suitable food. But my opinion is, that in the majority of cases it is a matter of sexual importance, and but for this powerful influence which causes them to seek each other and thereby propagate their species, these most beautiful objects of nature would eventually die out. NOTES ON BOMBYCID At. BY FREDERICK CLARKSON. The habits of insects present an attractive and fruitful field of discovery, illustrating in many remarkable ways their peculiar instincts, governed by heredity and more or less conditioned by environment. The power, which we call instinct, controlling the habits of insects has a regularity of action governed by ordinary conditions, but there are fre- quent manifestations of adaptations to circumstances as conspicuous in the several orders of insects as in the various races of mankind. ‘The extraordinary condition can only be regarded as an obstruction to the usual law that governs instinct and compels the creature to conform to the changed surrroundings. The larvee of Bombyx Mori, if crowded for space,at the time of pupation, will associate to the number of three or four in spinning the one cocoon which covers them. The larve of Samia Cynthia, under like surroundings, pre- sent a similar variation of habit by spinning interior sections, one above the other, in the silk-lined leaf constituting the one envelope, so that outwardly it has the appearance of a long single cocoon. The marked feature of this dual cocoon is that while ordinarily the place of escape for the imago is at the upper end of the cocoon, the inhabitant of the lower section emerges at the lower end of the cocoon, from the lower end of its section. The Cynthia worms occasionally from like necessity will to the number of two spin a cocoon in common, and undergo transformation in the one interior section. I have col- leeted the past season very diminutive cocoons of P. Cecropia, and S. Cynthia, the former measuring 14 inches long by % inch in diameter ; the interior section ? inch long 2 2 by 2 inch in diameter; the latter was spun on a leaf 1$ inches long, the cocoon rather less by 2 inch in diameter. The cocoons contained the larva dead and in a dried condition, From a cocoon of P. Cecropia I have obtained a very small male, measuring scarcely four inches in expanse of wing. The kidney-shaped spots on secondaries are reversed from their usual position, the pointed end being directed towards the abdominal or inner margin instead of, as commonly, to the exterior margin. The wavy white line bordered with black, on the exterior margin of the primaries, which is usually more or less pointed into the adjoining lilac, is in this specimen a line corresponding in form with that of the margin of the wing. DROVES OF LYCAINID CATERPILLARS HERDED BY ANTS. BY MRS. WYLLY, OF INDIA.* The larve of Tarucus theophrastus, Fabricus, are cultivated and protected by the large common black ants of Indian gardens and houses. The caterpillar, which varies in color from a light pure green to a dark reddish tint [this is a common variation in Lyce- nid larve], is about three-quarters of an inch long, louse-like in shape, and slow in move- ment, and it feeds on the Zizyphus jujuba, a small thorny bush of the jungles, with an edible astringent yellowish fruit, the ‘‘ Byr-coolie” of the natives. Some Lycenide larve have the power of protruding and retracting at will two small fleshy tentacles or . * Reprinted from an article entitled ‘‘ Butterflies and Ants,” by Lionel de Niceville, F.E.S., in the Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society, Vol III. p. 164 (1888). 94 horns, each tufted with a brush of fine hairs, from the upper surface of the tail segments: — Between [on the next segment, anteriorly | these tentacles is a small slit, from which they exude a small drop of a juice of some sort eagerly sought by the ants, and which they can generally procure by stroking the larve gently with their antenne. The ants set up what appears to be merely a temporary nest at the foot of the tree, the better to carry on their operations. Just before the rains set in, about the middle of June, great activity among the inhabitants of a Zizyphus tree may be observed. The ants are busy all day long. running along the branches and leaves in search of the larve, and without fail an ant will come on one full-grown and meditating on the choice of a snug retreat [in which to turn to a pupa]. A friend or two turning up, the ants set to work to guide and drive their caterpillar in the direction they wish him to go, 7.e., down the stem of the tree towards their nest. This is not always an easy business if the prisoner is refractory and would prefer going somewhere else. But as a rule they are docile and easily led. Having kept guard over him until they get him safely into his proper berth in the row, and he has accepted their ultimatum as final, he drops off into a preliminary doze, and undergoes his transformation into a pupa. If you gently scrape away the loose earth piled up at the base of the tree, you will see some hundreds of larve and pupz in all stages of development arranged in a broad even band all around the trunk, and lightly covered with earth. The ants object to their being uncovered, and will immediately set: to work to re-cover them, and, if you persist, they will remove all the chrysalids, and bury them lower down. When the butterfly is ready to emerge, which is in about six or seven days, it is tenderly assisted to disengage itself from its shell, and should it be strong and healthy, it is left undisturbed to spread and strengthen its wings and fly away.. But if by any mischance it emerges deformed and too crippled to use its wings, a catas- trophe occurs. In one case a butterfly had fallen to the ground before its opening wings had dried, and one of the soldier-ants tried to rescue it. He carried it back to the tree with the utmost care, and made several attempts to assist the butterfly to hold on again. Finding his efforts unavailing, he left the cripple for a short time to recover itself. On his return, seeing no improvement, he appeared to lose patience, and, rushing in, bit off both the deformed wings at the base, and carried off the wingless body into the nest below, whether as food for the community, or for what other purpose, I was unable to: ascertain. ‘Chat was the only occasion on which I ever saw any high-handedness on the part of the ants, though their usual ill-temper requires no very close observation to detect. It is a curious sight to watch the fragile and delicate new-born butterflies wandering about, all feeble and helpless, amongst the busy crowd of coarse black ants, and rubbing: shoulders in perfect safety with the ordinary fierce, big-headed soldiers ; as odd a contrast as the fresh, creamy whiteness of the opening wing, the flash of purple and blue, and the sparkle of green and silver eyes is to the darkness and dinginess of their queer home. For some time after the butterflies have gained strength to fly away they remain hover- ing over the nest. A larva of a species of Catopsilia [one of the Pierine or “ Whites ” | { threw down as an experiment was immediately set upon and torn to pieces in a second by the ants. 1 took a 7. theophrastus larva from a tree, and introduced it on the pathway of another company of the same species of ants who lived in our verandah, but kept no “farm,” and it was odd to see the ants come tumbling out headlong to fight the intruder, and the sudden way they cooled down on investigation of the foe. None attempted to harm him, and he was politely escorted across their boundary, the ants running along- side and feeling him all over with their antenne. » This must have been instinct, as they could have had no former knowledge of him as a‘ milk-giver.” The dead chrysalids in an ants’nest are carefully removed and thrown away outside; the ants also distinguish betweem the dead and the living. J a a = 95 THE MEDITERRANEAN FLOUR-MOTH. (Ephestia kuhniella. Zeller.) BY JAMES FLETCHER, OTTAWA. Probably the most interesting occurrence, from an entomological standpoint, which has taken place during the past year, was the discovery that a mill in the heart of one of our large milling centres had been infested to such an extent by a vast colony of insects as to necessitate the closing of the mill and the cessation of all business. This insect proved to be a new pest to America, but one which, during the last decade, has received much attention in Europe, where it is described as “the scourge of the Mediterranean ports.” Immediately upon its recognition the attention of the government was officially drawn to it, and prompt and radical measures were adopted to ensure its extermination. The matter was placed by the Hon. Minister of Agriculture for Ontario in the hands of Dr. P. H. Bryce, the secretary of the Provincial Board of Health, who sub- sequently published the results of his enquiries and investigations in pamphlet form as Bulletin I. of the Board of Health. This publication is plainly expressed and treats the subject in a practical manner. The importance of the matter is shown and the history of the attack is told. The insect in its various stages is shown by figures, and as much of its life-history in Europe and in this country as was known is detailed. At the time of the first appearance of this new pest in Canada, there was very little available literature upon the subject, the only article of a practical nature being that by Miss Eleanor A. Ormerod, Entomologist of the Royal Agricultural Society of England, in her Twelfth Report. Since the publication of Dr. Bryce’s pamphlet a very complete article giving a summary of the known history of the insect has appeared in the pages of “Insect Life,” vol. i1., p. 166. This article gives much valuable information and describes the larva of another closely allied species, Ephestia interpunctella,( = zee, Fitch) which might be confounded with the Mediterranean Flour-moth. The beautiful illustrations, Fig. 49 and 50, used herewith, were drawn specially for that article, and have been kindly lent to our society by Prof. Riley. Although this insect has attracted much attention during the last ten or twelve years it does not appear to have been known until the year 1877, when specimens of the moths and larve were placed in the hands of Prof. P. C. Zeller, of Grunhof, Germany, by Dr. Kihn, Director of the Agricultural Institute of the University of Halle. They were stated to have been very troublesome in the bolting cloths of a flour mill. Prof. Zeller found that they belonged to a previously undescribed species, and in the Stettiner Entomologische Zevtung for 1879, pp. 466-71, he described it under the name kuhniella, after the gentleman who sent him the first specimens. In Prof. Riley’s article above mentioned the following records of injuries are given. Preudhomme de Borre, in 1884, gave an account of injury done by this insect in Belgium. In May of the same year Dr. F. Karsch records the appear- ance of the moth at several places along the Lower Rhine. In the same month M. Maurice Gerard read a note before the Entomological Society of France on the ravages of this moth, which had appeared in enormous numbers in a flour mill at Lodelinsarte, Belgium. In an editorial note in the Hntomologische Nach- richten, for 1885, mention is made of reports of the appearance of the insect in mills near Bremworde, and in the same publication a review is given of a com- 96 ‘munication by Prof. P. H. Landois, in which it is stated that this pest is by far the % most annoying and dangerous of all the insects affecting wheat or flour. In 1887 five articles appeared in English magazines, giving accounts of the appearance and habits of the insect as observed in English mills and warehouses. The first of these was by Mr. W. Thompson, of Stoney Stratford, who reported the first appearance of the pest in England. The most important English article, how- ever, is by Miss Ormerod, who summarises the known facts concerning injuries by this insect, and gives details of a new attack which had been brought to her notice in the north of England during 1888. The state of affairs in the infested mill, as described by Miss Ormerod, was practically the same as was found to be the case in our Canadian mill. Her correspondent writes: “I have got quite a plague of moths in the mill, some of which, and worms, I send you; they get into the spouts and machinery and do no end of mischief, both by destroying the silks and stopping the flow of flour, etc., in the spouts by spinning their webs and hanging there. The mill is in constant work, and I should have thought this would have prevented them from lodging, but it does not seem to affect them at all.” The following statement by the manager of the mill which was so seriously affected in Canada is taken from Dr. Bryce’s pamphlet, and is virtually a resumé of the different points as they were brought to my notice during the investiga- tion. “The first appearance of the Hphestia kuhniella, or flour moth, that we re- member seeing was during the month of March last, 1889. The moth was seen flying about near a steam pipe in the basement of the mill. Little attention was paid to it, as from appearance it did not indicate any danger. In April there was an appearance of a few moths on the different floors of the mill, even at the top, but still there was nothing suspicious. In the month of May we were troubled with a few worms in some of our goods, and in June more of them appeared. In July they increased rapidly, and then we began to suspect they were from the fly which we had seen in the mill during the previous months and which was steadily increasing in numbers. About the middle of July we shut down fora day or so; took the clothing from our bolting reels and cleaned it and washed the inside thoroughly with soft lye soap and lime. We did the same with the elevators. When we started up again every corner and part of the mill had been thoroughly cleaned, as we supposed, and we commenced to work again, but after about four days we found our bolting reels, elevators, ete, worse than before. They were literally swarming with webs, moths and worms, even inside the dark chambers of the reels. We shut down again and made a more thorough cleaning by wash- ing, ete. While this was going on we found there was no use to try and clear ourselves of the pest as the mill walls, ceilings, cracks, crevices and every machine was completely infested with moths, cocoons and caterpillars, and there was no use going on. It then occurred to us that a plague like one of the plagues of Eeypt was upon us. The moth was different to any of which we had had any knowledge or experience, and we decided to apply to the Dominion Government for relief and assistance. We addressed the government entomologist, Mr. Fletcher, and sent him samples of the moth, caterpillars, webs, ete., and received © a prompt answer which considerably alarmed us. This letter was followed by others almost daily from Mr Fletcher anda visit from Prof. Saunders on the 17th of August. Mr. Fletcher visited us also on the 27th of August; but in the meantime Mr. Blue, the Assistant Minister of Agriculture for Ontario, visited us and took in the whole situation. It was explained to Mr. Blue that the Dominion Government had been appealed to by us, through Mr. Fletcher, the 97 Dominion Government entomologist, for assistance and remuneration for the loss we had sustained. Mr. Blue, considering it to be a matter with which the Local Government had to do, brought Dr. Bryce, Secretary of the Provincial Board of _ Health, and submitted the matter to the Government for action. Afterwards Dr. Bryce and Mr. Fletcher came together, and finally the whole matter was left im charge of Dr. Bryce and the Provincial Board of Health. “In the meantime we took down our machinery and subjected it to steam- ing. Every part was thoroughly steamed. The mill was swept down and sub- jected to sulphur fumes. The walls, ceilings, ete, were cleaned, and elevator spouts and loose wooden work burnt up. Paper bags and hundreds of dollars worth of goods were burnt in the furnace, while the other bags, elevator belts and cups were boiled for hours in a cauldron of water. The machines and all parts that were not destroyed were then burnt by means of a kerosene torch, which flamed and smoked through and around every part of them until we considered we had everything clean and ready for putting together again. “But on the 19th of September the Local Government passed an Order in Council compelling us to take more stringent steps, or rather ordering the Pro- vincial Board of Health to take immediate steps for the suppression of the pest. — This Act was approved of by His Honour, the Lieutenant-Governor, who signed ‘the Order in Council, and on the 20th September we received an order from Dr. Bryce which stated that before placing our machinery in position we should sub- ject it to a thorough disinfecting process in a strong room so arranged that steam under pressure might be drawn or driven into it. “Tn compliance with this order we at once constructed a tight. steam box six feet wide, six feet high and 12 feet long, and attached a steam pipe to it from the boiler. In this box we put every machine, and even our mill stones and iren rollers. This process was very expensive and took up considerable time, as, we were over a week at the process and were delayed in the placing of our machin- ery. The Board of Health visited us in a body during the time this process was. going on and pronounced it a success. This was all done not only in our own interests, but in the interests of the public health and commerce of the country: Having now got to the position which enables us to go to work again after two months loss of time, and the loss of machinery, fixtures, stock and expense, we: have arranged for remedial measures to prevent the reappearance or destruction of the pest should we ever be again attacked. We have erected a steam. stand- pipe with hose or other connection on each flat of the mill building. By shutting up all doors and windows of each flat and turning on the steam simultaneously to each floor the whole building can be filled with hot live steam sufficient to kill anything. This will rust all bright parts of the machiney, but to remedy this we intend using oil on them, should we ever be under the necessity of resorting to the measure. Another purpose of this steam stand-pipe will be, in cold weather, to let om. sufficient steam to moisten every thing and part of the building at night and let. the frost penetrate so as to kill any eggs or insects that may have become lodged: 1n unseen parts. By these measures, with plenty of light, thorough cleanliness, a cold mill, and caution in taking in stock and old bags, we hope to keep free of a pest whieh has given us so much trouble and loss. The above accounts serve to show what a serious matter was the introduction of this insect into Canada. There is no class of focds more important to the masses than those which we derive from cereal crops, any cause therefore which brought about their destruction was an enemy menacing the whole community. By the 7 (EN.) 98 Z thorough treatment which was applied, it is probable that this attack has peaet put an end to, and every one should feel under a deep obligation to the Hon. Charles Drury for enabling Dr. Bryce to do his work so thoroughly. An account of the habits and life-history of this insect, which has suddenly _ become so celebrated, will probably be of interest and will enable our readers to recognise it in its different stages should it make its appearance at any future time. The perfect moth is shown at Fig. 49,c and f slightly enlarged, the actual length of average specimens is shown by the hair-lines at the side of the figures. Fie. 49. The moth when the wings are spread measures about { of an inch from tip to tip of the wings. The colour is leaden-gray more or less sprinkled with black scales and the forewings are crossed by transverse angled waved lines as shown in the figure. When the specimens are fresh the colours are much brighter than they are a few days after they have been killed. The ground-colour of some specimens which were left for ten days in a cyanide killing bottle changed to a yellowish brown tinge. J mention this point from the fact that in the article in Insect Lvfe it is stated that in the typical specimens raised by Zeller, the ground colour is pure vellow or nearly brownish. I have no doubt of the identification of our Canadian insects as the true #. kuwhniella, Zeller, for specimens were sent to Prof. C. H. Fernald for confirmation, and I have lately received from Mr. O. E. Janson specimens from Germany, which had been found feeding on flour, and of which he writes: “I have compared these and find they agree precisely with the type specimens in the Zeller collection now in the British Museum, and also with some specimens which I have reared from larve found in warehoused flour in the east end of London, you may therefore have no doubt as to the identity of these examples. Some specimens have the forewings of a darker shade with the blackish marking a little more pronounced than in those sent, others are rather paler with the markings less distinct, otherwise I have seen very little variation in the many specimens which have come under my notice.” : The moths are rather sluggish in the day time but are active at night. When at rest they are difficult to detect the wings are drawn in close to the body after the manner of the Crambide or grass-moths, which belong to the same natural order, and the antenne are folded back and crossed over the thorax, some- times the attitude shown at / is asumed, but not so commonly as in the case of the Meal Moth (Asopia farinalis, L.) When fresh from the chrysalis, the females will remain for hours in this position, with the abdomen protruding between the wings, but more erect than in the figure, in fact at right angles with the line of © : 99 the body and with the ovipositor extended to its fullest length. Pairing generally takes place and eggs are laid within 24 hours. An anatomical examination (by Prof. H. Landois) showed the number of eggs in a single female to be 678. Of four separate females which I have enclosed immediately after pairing, the num- ber of eggs laid has in each instance been a little under 300; but this does not. necessarily disprove the above statement. The eggs are beautiful objects; under the microscope they are about ,'g of an inch in length, about half as wide as long, of an oblong form with rounded ends and having the surface marked with rather large star-shaped prominences, the radiating lines or wrinkles of which are waved. The eggs are greenish white when first laid, ,!, of an inch in length, oblong or slightly kidney shaped with rounded ends, and are deposited singly or sometimes in strings of from three to fourteen, connected by their ends. Mr. Sidney Klein found that “the eggs appeared to be laid on the top of the sacks, and hatched within a few days. The larve burrowed through the sacking, spinning long galleries through the flour, generally not penetrating to a greater depth than three inches.” (Insect Infe, vol. ii, p. 170). This may be the case or the eggs may be pushed in between the meshes or into crevices of woodwork where flour has lodged; the ovipositor of the female is so long and slender that this would ve quite possible. In the breeding jars the eggs were laid indiscriminately all over the surface of the glass and grain placed in the bottom; but in one jar, the neck of which was closed with a plug of cotton wool, a large mass of eggs was found, pushed into the cotton, over a quarter of an inch from the surface, where they had been laid by the females. Three lots of eggs laid in October and November and kept inside my study hatched in 19 days, this period would probably be rather shorter in summer-time. ~ The caterpillars are very slender active little creatures, rather under 3; of an inch in length when first hatched, of a pinkish-brown colour with dark heads, and they are covered with long slender hairs. After leaving the egg-shell which they seldom eat, as many caterpillars do, they wander about quickly looking for food. From the very first they have the habit, which when they are larger con- stitutes one of their most injurious characters, of spinning silken threads where- ever they go. They not only eat a certain quantity of flour but render a much larger quantity useless by the copious silken threads and tunnels which they spin through their food at all stages of their larval growth. A tin box 34 inches high by 2 inches in diameter, filled with Indian corn meal as food for about 30 nearly full-grown larve, in about a month had the contents so permeated and ~ matted with their webs that the whole of the meal could be raised in one thick felted mass. When the caterpillars get into the complicated machinery, which is used for bolting and cleaning flour, their chief injury arises from these webs which they spin all over the surfaces, but also from their eating holes into the gauze through which the flour is sifted. When full-grown, if possible, they leave their food and craw] to some corner where they spin a close cocoon of silk. into which they also weave particles of flour or dust. Some of the caterpillars which I have had in my study since September have remained as caterpillars in a semi-torpid state for four months; but most of them have changed to chrysalises and moths. From the fact, however, that some remained torpid in my room which was kept constantly at about 65 degrees of heat, I believe that under ordinary circumstances many would hibernate as caterpillars. Miss Ormerod thinks that where there is warmth as in a mill that there is no definite succession of broods; but that the pest is present constantly in all stages. In Rep. xii, p. 69, she writes: “The attack may be considered as going on constantly where temperature is suitable, for we have notes of appearance of the moths in May, June, July, November and December ; and intermediate observations of larval or pupal presence point to 100 LO | es ~ — fl \ vane “this, which, when once established, is indeed a mill or flour scourge, as being an sall-the-year-round pest.” The full-grown caterpillar is a little more than half an “inch in length, of a greenish white or sometimes of a decidedly pinkish tinge. ‘The head is reddish-brown and bears a few long bristles. The thoracic and anal ‘shields as well as the thoracic feet are honey yellow. The spiracles are yellowish - and inconspicuous. Along the sides are four series of dark piliferous tubercles. (i.) Sub-dorsal, consisting of an anterior and posterior tubercle on each segment from 5 to 12. (ii.) Lateral. (ili.) Sub-stigmatal and (iv) supra-ventrai. The sub-stigmatal series is double throughout, 7.e., each tubercle bears two bristles, separated a little at the base. On segments 3, 4, and 13, the sub-dorsal and lateral series are represented by a single large double tubercle instead of two separate tubercles as on the other segments. These three tubercles are the most conspicuous marks on the larve. The latera! series consists of double tubercles on segments 2, 3, 4, and 13, and of;two bristles on the remaining segments, one of these, above and slightly anterior to the spiracle,is very small. The tubercles are small but distinct, the dark colouring is in the form of a cloud round the bases of the bristles. which in the lateral series on segments 3 and 12 takes the form of a black ring recund the white base of the larger bristle and the smaller bristle is placed on this ring. On the anterior section of segment 13 the two sub-dorsal rows of tubercles are joined by a dark cloud and there is a large double con- spicuous tubercle in the lateral area. The chrysalis is of the shape shown at figure b, 3 of an inch in length of a honey yellow colour. This stage lasts about three weeks in September. Prof. ‘Riley has figured for comparison with /. kuhniella the native species af the same genus LZ. interpwnctella shown at Fig. 50, with its larvee and chrysalis, This species was found associated with £. kihneilla in the infested mill. The moths are quite different in appearance, interpunctella having the bases of the wings of a yellowish drab tinge and the tips reddish mottled with purple. “ The early states are quite similar in appearance, but the larve may be dis- tinguished by the following characters: the larve of kwhniella are more slender and of a more uniform diameter than those of the other species. The abdominal legs are longer, cylindrical, with a circular fringe of hooklets at the crown. In anterpunctella the legs are short, conical, with the fringe of hooklets at the crown oval. All piliferous warts in kihniella, most of which are rather minute, are still rather prominent, readily observed, and of a black or brown colour. Thoge most conspicuous are the lateral ones, in front of the first spiracle ; the sub-dorsal - one each side of the meso-thorax, almost completely encircled by a narrow black ring interrupted only at its upper margin, Fig, 50,d. In interpunctella all the warts, while present, are coneolourous witn the rest of the body, and can be dis- — 101 tinguished only with great difficulty. The surface of the body of kihniella is almost perfectly smooth, while that of interpwnctella is somewhat granulate.” Insect Life, V. vi., p. 171. E. wnterpunctella appears to be a much more general feeder than kihniella for while I only have actual record of the latter feeding on the following sub- stances, preparations of maize, wheat, barley, and rice, Prof. Riley gives the following list for interpunctella, wheat, meal, corn, dandelion roots, chickasaw plums, sugar, dry opuntia, old books, Pecan nuts, cinnamon bark and English walnuts. Prof. Cook also mentions it as a pest in bee-hives, and I have myself bred it in numbers from European almonds, of which the larvee had eaten both the soft shells and the kernels. DR. CHRISTIAN ZIMMERMANN. BY H. A. HAGEN, CAMBRIDGE, MASS. There exists no biology nor necrology of this excellent entomologist as far as known to me, though he lived for thirty-nine years in the United States. I am much indebted to Dr. George C. Horn for Zimmermann’s note book, which, with his library, came into | the hands of the late Dr. J. L. Leconte. Only a very short abstract of the contents, which are written wholly in German, can be given. The entries begin with Zimmermann’s earliest boyhood and end in 1843, followed by a few pages for 1865. The narrow pages contain only the substances of ‘events in short phrases, often very cutting both for Europe and for America. If the whole could be published it would give a very interesting picture of the life of an excel- lent naturalist, always kept down and hindered by want and ill-luck but always ready to **begin again.” It is sad that such a life akin to the remarkable histories of former ages, published by the masterhand of G. Freytag, should have been possible in the mineteenth century—a continuous struggle of a noble soul with continuous misfortune. Christian Zimmermann was born in Quedlinburg, Prussia, September 6th, 1800. His father and three generations before him were carpenters as the name indicates ; all were born and died in Quedlinburg. Christian entered the gymnasium in 1811 and graduated in 1821. The note book May 26th, 1814, says: “I am to-day 5,000 days old.’ (He always counts his life both in Europe and here by the 1,000 days.) The collection of beetles begins and the study of music. His talent for music must have been obvious, as one year later he played the organ for the church service and studied thorough bass. When he graduated he writes :—“ Up to this time my money was made by keep- ing score for target shooting, teaching children, giving music lessons, organ playing, copy- ing music, furnishing music at funerals, stuffing birds.” His parents, who were poor, proposed that he should choose a profession, but deter- mined to study he went to Halle, where he stayed as student from 1821 to 1825. He passed his examination after having attended the lectures in theology, philology and phil- osophy, but his entomological studies were never neglected. In 1827 he published his first music, a Polonaise. When he lett Halle in 1828 he ‘was already acquainted with a large number of eminent zoologists. He went to Berlin and writes :—‘ Great expectations, small success, a load of cares, experience of the world.” He worked with Professor Klug in the museum and gave Latin lessons to barbers’ appren- aices. March, 1829, working up the genus Amara, of which some sheets were printed. 1830. Very bad times begin; want of money. 1831. Monograph of the genus Zabrus finished ; printed in June. During this time he had become acquainted with many prominent entomologists and with a large number of students, who later became famous, but the constant want of means was so depressing that he decided to try his fortune as a collector in Mexico. He sold his collection of 2,400 species of beetles and his books. To enable him to fulfil his inten- tions twenty-four naturalists of prominence from Germany, England and Russia subscribed (102 — ‘\ six hundred dollars and a number of friends six hundred and eighty dollars to pay his q debts. This was all repaid with interest by Zimmermann as soon as he had made money here, as a page in his note book states. He left Hamburg August 5th, 1832, as steerage ~ passenger for Philadelphia. He began directly to collect and to study the English. language. His collection grew rapidly, but in a few months he saw that it was impossible: to work in expensive America for cheap Europe without running in debt. So he decided! to leave Philadelphia and to try his luck as a teacher in South Oarolina. He made the trip according to the custom of German students on foot, a knapsack on his shoulder and a few dollars in his pocket. This journey of 713 miles, in the midst of a severe winter and attended with much hardship which proves his excellent health and strength, was made in fifty days with $27 in cash, $6 credit, three maps, one book and a pocket knife. The visit to Dr. Melsheimer on this trip has been published before by me. The detailed report of excursion given by Zimmermann to Professor Burmeister is very interesting, but has never been printed. Zimmermann had no idea that he was here considered simply a tramp, which explains easily and rightly most of his complaints. In Georgetown, S.C., he tuned pianos and gave music lessons till he was engaged in the South Carolina Female Institute at Berhamville to teach music and drawing. This happy change in his circumstances allowed him to pay directly the debts made in Europe: . with five per cent. interest. He collected largely, sometimes quoting the number collected at the end of the month or the year as ‘11,508 specimens have been collected,” besides. mentioning any remarkable forms. He made many excursions, visited Cambridge (where. he saw Harris), Niagara, Albany, the Catskills, New York and its surroundings. He made the acquaintance of every naturalist of eminence. He sent to Europe many insects and received many from there, together with the newest publications. His correspondence was apparently a large one. After a few years his situation in the school where he was engaged was given up 3. ‘it had become unpleasant some time before. He possessed now an excellent collection, very comfortable furniture and three thousand dollars, and decided to buy a little farm to be used as a nursery and for raising silk-worms. In 1839 he made, as he states, four- teen ‘“farm-reisen” in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and other states, partly with Zeigler and Morris. His project proved to bea failure, and he decided to return to Europe and to send his property to New York. After a short visit to Harris, he went to New York, to find that the vessel, with all his property, was lost in a fearful storm. His note-book says :—‘‘Sept. 10. Iam notified of the loss of my collection and property.” ‘Sept. 16, Beginning of a new collection. The voyage is given up.” “Sept. 25. Invitation of Harris to come to Cambridge,” where he stayed until November 12th. On Nov. 7th new insect boxes were bought of the box-maker, Newell, in Cambridge. He made many excursions with Harris, whose family very well remember the German naturalist. The next year he lived in Baltimore, occupied with entomological systems and excur- sions with Mr. Morris, and decided to return to South Carolina. Feb. 27 recordsa “letter to Hannah, with an offer of marriage.” March 21. ‘‘ Hannah answers yes.” April 3. “T find Horia sanguinipennis.” Apr. 14. “I find Trichiws maculosus.” He had made the acquaintance of Mrs. Hannah Green, afterwards his wife, seven years ago in Georgetown, 8.C. We find in his note book: “ Evening with Hannah, drawings on the wall; sweet home and picture; quarrels plenty.” Monday, June 21. Arrival in Rockingham, N. Carolina.” June 22. “I reach the town in the morning, visit Hannah at noon, and am married in the evening.” ‘Hannah begins her school, July 16, with 16 pupils, and 7 pupils of mine in music and drawing.” Sept. 17. ‘‘ Dispute took place with Hannah about American culture and the fight. that lately happened in Washington among the members of Congress ” It very soon became apparent that it was impossible to make a comfortable living in North Carolina, and they decided to return to Columbia, South Carolina. Here they built a school-house, forty feet by sixteen, which was inaugurated December 18th, 1843. __ The expense was, for the building, $417; for Loring’s globes, $33. Income during the — year, $1,521 ; expenses, $1,277. 103. This is the last entry in the diary, and I know nothing more of his life except what is told in some letters to Thaddeus W. Harris. Some extracts follow :— 1865. January 1. I possess: “© $570.00 in Confederate money. <¢ $200.00 in oG bonds. ‘© $900 in certificates. *¢$200.00 in provision store shares. «© $13.00 in bank notes. 66 $114.90 in silver. “Feb. 10. The Yankees are in Barnwell Co. To-day’s prices: a load of oak wood, $140; a barrel of flour, $550.00; a pound of brown sugar, $12.00 ; a bushel of corn, $35.00, “ Feb. 17. The Yankees are here, 75,000 strong. This is the last day of Columbia. They at once entered the houses, got drunk, and set fire to everything. I bezan to move everything that could be moved into the garden ; but they broke open the trunks and boxes with their swords, and followed this up with a regular and general plunder. “Feb. 22. The army has left. All quiet. My collection and books brought back in the house. Expenses for these days :—1 bushel meal, $40.00; 13 ibs. beef, $22.00; mo- lasses, $6.00. i “July 1. We still possess — $1,100.00 Confederate States bonds, worth .........., $ 0 00 $915.00 Confederate treasury notes “ .......... 0 00 $13.00 South) Carolina bank bills > S$ 2... 68:080.8 2 00 $3.00 South Carolina state bills COL tA ee Nasi UN ROO, SLVE EM ON Eyre sy mee vaioicwal cis accel yusiawelesieleceeress eilesiss 74 00 GOL deena oe eeemeeae eoy vac Mab eada eldaah. Cen ccutcines 2 50 Copper 0 05 “We must begin again at the beginning.” This is the closing sentence. These few simple words, without any moan over the loss of his all, are not a little touching—all the more so because the pathos is uninten- tional—the pathos of facts, not of words. They call to mind his former record of the loss of everything by shipwreck on the 10th September, 1839, followed by the entry on Sept. 16th, ‘ Beginning of a new collection.” Zimmerman died in December, 1867. He left no children. His interest in science was always kept up. - Nearly every month the number of _ insects collected is reported, sometimes amounting to 3,725, and during the year to 11,500, In November, 1842, he sent fifty dollars to T. W. Harris to buy three Goliaths. He constantly bought books both in Europe and America, and his library was valuable. It was bought by the Museum of Harvard College in Cambridge, excepting some volumes which were retained for his own use by Dr. J. L. Leconte, at whose instance the pur- chase was made. His collection is also in the museum, having been bought first by Dr. Lewis, of Phil- adelphia, and from him by the late R. Crotch, who sold it to the museum. A great part is in Le Conte’s collection, and can be recognised at once by the numbers on the pins, in Zimmerman’s handwriting. He was an unwearying worker. In 1842 he wrote to Harris that he was occupied with a systematic arrangement of the Lamellicorns, and wanted Echiurus and Goliath for study. In April, 1844, he writes again to Harris :—‘“ I have almost finished my chapter on Lamellicorns. 104 BOOK NOTICE. ? Insects INJurious To Fruits; by William Saunders. Second edition. Philadelphia — J. B. Lippincott Company, | vol., 8vo, pp. 436. ’ It is with very great pleasure that we announce the publication of the second edition: of this valuable and important work. That a new issue should be called for is a most satisfactory proof of the excellence and permanent usefulness of the book, and establishes. the fact that Prof. Saunders has provided the fruit growers of North America with a. standard manual upon the insect enemies that they have to contend with. Six years have gone by since the issue of the first edition, and during that time great. and steadily increasing attention has been given to the study of economic entomology,, with the result that many new methods have been discovered for successfully combatting: the ravages of noxious insects. The most important and useful of these the author has. now embodied in his book, and has done so with very little change in the text of the work. A superficial reader would hardly notice the alterations, but we find that many have been made, and that they bring down the information given to the knowledge of the present day. As an example, we may mention the insertion among the remedies for the codling worm, of the apple and the plum curculio, the recently discovered method of spraying with a mixture of Paris green and water, which has proved so eminently successful, For the information of those of our readers who are not already familiar with the work, we may mention that the insects treated of are grouped under the name of the particular fruit that they attack, and are arranged in order according as they affect the root, trunk, branches, leaves and fruit. An illustrated life history is given of each, fol- lowed by an account of the most useful remedies that may be employed and of any para- sitic insects that assist in keeping the pest in check. Twenty of the most important fruits are dealt with, and two hundred and sixty-six noxious insects and a large number of beneficial ones are more or less fully described. The book is beautifully printed on fine paper, and illustrated with four hundred and forty admirable wood cuts. While this work is simply indispensable to the intelligent horticulturist, it is als® of great value to the practical entomologist and a most useful book to place in the handg of beginners. The young collector will find in its pages figures and descriptions of most of the insects he meets with, and the more advanced student cannot fail to learn from it much that would otherwise escape his observation. gm, | Anan Aaa \ : Sepeatod ar’ ~ = NA PRP > i, a ne i NON Ye r\A ae? > eaahne an bs AWA, nA Na AR 2A2355 BR AAAM aA waanthns vant AERA tak RARAR. 2 SAREA eee a ; A AATACY- ananrAAamananaa moar SENAY ae ~ wm Ae aaa! ‘ARS! NRAGR ~A\ a Aa x. ane ay awa > 55 £3 39 3 Dee dn 2S 2% 2X. a>: py pO) PID» 23> a Bp Bs By SD. 4 ) Ip Z > <¥* > SH D> yy J»? DY De ! yp Brees a Dy) 222 > Pp») dD” >») »> my a 1 | > bye». » } Bytes | Nw Saye Reid ! wot ob . ww \ ‘ : t HAAN 3 9088 01268 1136