1914] The Ottawa Naturalist. 119 



Plasmodiophora brass ic6S . 



From certain experiments which had been carried on at 

 Yarmouth, N. S., it has been fotmd that excellent seed of roots 

 can be grown there. Eleven hundred potmds of seed per acre 

 is about the average for mangels. 



Mr. Clark discussed the methods adopted by the seedsmen 

 in buving and distributing seed. He also stated how it was 

 that seed-growing in such places as Waterloo County, Ontario, 

 came to be started in Canada some years ago. It was a result of 

 jtidicious help given by the federal Government. He ftirther 

 pointed out the fact that the sub-vention offered this year by 

 the Government should help in the production of more home 

 grown seed. The last few years over 1 ,200,000 pounds of 

 mangel seed have been imported into this country, each year, 

 much of which might be grown here. The subject provoked 

 considerable discussion by the members. 



F. E. B. 



THE VALUE OF SOME MAMMALS AND BIRDS AS 

 DESTROYERS OF NOXIOUS INSECTS.* 

 By Norman Criddle. 



In these days of specialization, we are apt to overlook 

 the close relationship that other classes or orders hold in the 

 economies of nature. Yet, as our work proceeds we find that 

 its scope must of necessity be widened to take in, at least, an 

 elementary understanding of other things. The student, for 

 instance of lepidoptera will find it necessary to learn something 

 of botany so that he may recognize the variotis plants acting as 

 unwilling hosts, or being fertilized through the agencies of the 

 insects visiting them. He will also require some knowledge of 

 hymenopterous insects and of diptera, which in their larval life 

 sometimes live as uninvited guests within the caterpillars. 



Then again, there are the birds and mammals which often 

 play a not unimportant part in the control of insect outbreaks. 

 As these last seldom receive their due in entomological journals, 

 I have decided to select them for my theme, trusting that the 

 outcome will not prove altogether without interest. 



In the year 1913, being busily engaged in the task of collect- 

 ing June beetles (Lachnosterna spp.) for breeding purposes, I had 

 occasion to visit nightly a favourite locality for those insects, 

 the time being from dusk to midnight. Here, lantern in hand, I 

 examined the various trees for specimens and often sat watching 

 the insects' habits, collecting such individuals as seemed desirable. 



♦Contribution froin the Entomological Branch, Department of 

 Agriculture, Ottawa. 



