96 THE CAXADIAN ENTOMOLOGIST. 



If correct in the opinion that the greater part of this injury where I 

 have observed it is due to these insects, the matter of applications for 

 their destruction becomes much easier, as we then have to deal with 

 insects exposed to destructive liquids, or to destruction with " hopper 

 dozers " and similar contrivances. 



My argument in brief is this : " Silver-top " may be produced by a 

 number of different insects — a point already made by Mr. Fletcher. It 

 may result from the action of insects within the sheath, or from punctur- 

 ing and sucking of sap by insects that operate from the outside. In my 

 own observations but a very small percentage of affected stems have 

 contained insects of any kind within the sheath, and many show clearly 

 evidence of puncture from without. 



The species most abundant in the affected fields, and known to punc- 

 ture grasses, are ma.[nly /ass idee. These insects are sufficiently abundant, 

 and their habits entirely in accord with the injuries noted. No other 

 insects of sufficient abundance, and with habits to make it probable that 

 they could cause the injury, have been found in the silver-topped grass. 

 I conclude, then, from all the observations made so far, that for the 

 locality studied, Homoptera (ma.m\y /ass idee) are the principal causes of 

 the disease. The insects are open to general attack, and Silver-top 

 should be prevented by their destruction. 



[The attention of Canadian observers is invited to this important 

 subject. The appearance known as '• Silver-top " has increased enor- 

 mously in some districts during the last few years. In many cases 

 examined the cause could not be ascertained. — Ed. C. E.] 



SOME RARE LEPIDOPTERA TAKEN NEAR MONTREAL. 



BY A. F. WINN, MONTREAL. 



Thecla laeta, Edw. I was fortunate enough to take a female of this 

 rare and beautiful butterfly on the top of Beloeil Mt., 22 miles east of 

 Montreal, on May 24th, 18S8. I again visited the place on the same 

 date in 1889 and 1890, but on both occasions the weather was too cloudy 

 for anything to be on the wing. 



Thecla acadica, Edw. I took two specimens at St. Rose, July 7th, 

 1889, flying over a field of oats, among which there was a quantity of 

 wild mustard in flower, and the butterflies visited the latter occasionally, 

 but only for a moment, and then dashed off. 



