Reviews. 865 



Notes for Observations of Injurious Insects. Arranged by E. A. Ormerod. 

 London : Printed by T. P. j^ewman. 



These Notes have been drawn up in a concise form, for the guidance 

 of observers of the injuries inflicted on the food crops of the country by 

 insects. The yearly losses to agriculturists and gardeners from this 

 cause are something enormous, and but little has been yet done in a 

 systematic manner, to note the appearance of any particular insect in the 

 various parts of the country, or to prevent it ravaging the food crops to an 

 unlimited extent. Of these losses, which tell heavily year after year 

 both on the individual growers and the country at large, many could 

 be prevented or remedied if more attention were directed to the sub- 

 ject. It is with this object in view that these " Notes for 01)servers " 

 have been published, and for which the assistance of their observations is 

 requested from agriculturists, entomologists, and others, who are either 

 practically or scientifically interested, and can aid in the matter. The 

 information thus obtained is to be condensed and arranged in a printed 

 report, a copy of which is forwarded to every observer. 



Any one desiring to assist in this important matter may receive a* 

 copy of "Notes for Observers" and the Eeport for 1877 by applying 

 to Mr. T. P. Newman, 32, Botolph Lane, Eastcheap, Loudon, E.G., who 

 Avill also furnish sheets for the entry of any observations, such observations 

 to be forwarded as they occur, or in October at latest, to the Rev. T. A. 

 Preston, The Green, Marlborough, Wilts ; or to E. A. Fitch, Esq., Maldon, 

 Essex, who will give every information upon the subject to intending 

 observers. 



A list of sixteen species of injurious insects is given, upon the annual 

 appearance of which and the ravages committed by them information is 

 more particularly requested, and also the best methods for preventing their 

 appearance, or destroying them when they do appear. We would like to 

 see the list extended a little, so as to include a few of the more prominent 

 insects which so seriously injure our forest trees, and upon which so 

 comparatively little is known by those most interested, namely, foresters 

 and their employers. 



This, we trust, will be rectified in future years, when much information 

 of great value to foresters may be gleaned from these reports. 



Yew Poisons. — The effect of plants on cattle seems to be different, under 

 different circumstances. In Ireland the yew is supposed to be poisonous, and 

 the natives destroy it in the woods to which their cattle have access. Yet you 

 will find it growing in the demesne where cattle have a free run. Ivy and 

 laurels will kill some cattle, while others are yearly fed on them in winter- 

 Wild celery some cattle can eat with safety, while it is a rapid poison to others- 

 It would seem " that some men's meat is other men's poison." Or possibly 

 these different foods would not be injurious if the cattle were used to them. — 



KiNAHAN. 



