ENTOMOLOGY. 1061 



ficial in the destruction of wire worms, and experiments were tried 

 with this substance with entirely negative results. Experiments were 

 carried on by B. Dyer, during which 100 wireworms were placed in 

 each of H jars of earth and fed, respcctivel}^, with castor-oil seed cake, 

 rape cake, and nothing. At the end of 3 months it was found that of 

 the 100 worms which had no food, 98 were alive; of those fed with 

 castor-oil seed cake 98 were alive, and of those fed upon rape cake 

 only 6 were alive. In the jar of earth which contained rape cake, 

 uncongenial conditions were brought about by the decomposition of 

 the cake, which was pro])ably largely responsible for the death of the 

 worms. The author gi\'es a brief account of the life historj- and 

 habits of Psylliodes attenvata. As remedies against this insect, the 

 destruction of rubbish and old vines and applications of various 

 substances to the soil about the roots of hops are recommended. 

 The substances mentioned for this purpose include kainit, a mixture 

 of kerosene and sawdust, gas lime, lime wash and Paris green, and 

 Bordeaux mixture. 



The author gives a detailed account of the life history, habits, and 

 remedies to be used against Ephestia hnehnieUa. Whitewashing 

 infested mills with fresh slaked lime and oil and fumigation were found 

 to be effective remedies. According to the author's observations, the 

 insect does not attack grain in Great Britain. Besides the remedies 

 already suggested, all suspected material should be quarantined in a 

 warm place for a sufficient length of time to allow the infestation, if 

 present, to show itself. An experiment was tried in one mill of stop- 

 ping work for a week, cleaning all machines, and treating the walls 

 and floor of the mill with live steam and also with fresh slaked lime 

 and kerosene. The results of this experiment were encouraging, 

 although the pest was not entirely exterminated. 



Insects injurious to the pear are discussed. The pear gnat midge 

 {IHplosi'i 2>i/i'ivora) is described and notes are given on the various 

 points of its life history which are of economic importance. Experi- 

 ments in preventive and remedial measures against this insect indicate 

 that good results may be expected from gathering and destroying 

 infested fruits and by removing and burying a thin layer of the soil 

 from near the base of infested trees. Good results were also obtained 

 by the application of kainit to soil around trees and from a similar use 

 of muriate of potash. Selandria atra is reported as injurious to the 

 pear and cherry. Notes are given on its Q,gg laying and other habits. 

 Experiments in combating this insect indicate that it is present in all 

 stages in August, and that the application of kerosene emulsion is inef- 

 fective, as was also an application of hot lime. Paris green applied as 

 a spra}^ gave fairl}" good results. The author recommends the removal 

 of the surface la3'er of infested ground to the depth at which the 

 cocoons lie. 



