248 THE CANADIAN ENTOMOLOGIST. 



most successful means of combating them, as so far ascertained, is to 

 spread sheets under the trees at night, and shake the crickets on to them. 

 Mr. Stanley fed the crickets gathered thus to the chickens, who devoured 

 them greedily. At this writing, we have not heard of C. monstrosa from 

 any other section, except those mentioned by Professor Scudder. 



AN ANTIDOTE TO INSECT-BITES. 



BY CHARLES STEVENSON, MONTREAL. 



During a trip to Paraguay to study the mosquito pest, Prof. Voges, 

 the Director of the National Board of Health at Buenos Ayres, acciden- 

 tally discovered a remedy for mosquito bites. He had a supply of all 

 kinds of substances, among which was naphthalene, a chemical of no use 

 whatever against the mosquito itself. A surprising result was produced 

 on rubbing this chemical on mosquito bites. Even when the part stung 

 was greatly inflamed, it had the effect of neutralizing the insect-poison. 

 By rubbing it on the spot immediately after a person has been bitten, the 

 swelling that usually follows does not arise. 



Soon after hearing of the above remedy, I suggested, more in fun 

 than in earnest, to a person who was being tortured by flea-bites, to rub 

 them with a naphthalene or "moth" ball. Almost instant relief came 

 after a good rubbing of the lumps raised by the bite, with a permanent 

 disappearance of the painful irritation that generally lasts so long. 



Personally, I have found "moth" balls a ready relief for the bites of 

 gnats, and also the larger Diptera, as well as mosquitoes. A " moth " ball 

 is such an easy thing for a person to carry round with him that it is well 

 worth the trial of all entomologists on any stings or bites they may 

 receive during any of their excursions. To get good results the " moth " 

 ball must be well rubbed on the affected part for a few minutes. 



Most entomologists use this chemical in the form of cones or balls 

 for the protection of their collections. But I get better results from 

 using it in its crystalline form, sprinkled in the cases now and again. It 

 is entirely volatile when it is in its pure state, and the purest commercial 

 quality is the crystalline and should leave no residue on evaporating in 

 the cases. It not only keeps out insect mites, but also prevents mould, 

 destroys bacteria and schizomycetes, and, being neutral, it has no 

 reaction on paper or colours of the insects. But, most important to the 

 user, it is not poisonous to man. 



