12 



Of Hymenoptera Sessiliventres, Sire.v fjif/as, L., and Sirex noctilio, 

 F. (often wrongly identified as Si rex juvencm), bore the wood of 

 conifers, but their attack is probably limited to sickly trees and less 

 to be dreaded than that of the sawflies, ejj.^ Pteronns pini, L., and 

 P. sertifcr, Fourc, on Phiiis si/lrestna, and Xematiis erichsoni, Htg., 

 and xV. laricis on Lari.r eiiropiea. About ten or twelve years ago 

 NeniatKs erichsoni caused the death of many trees in the Lake 

 District. 



Of Hymenoptera Petiolata, certain species of the genus Mef/astifi- 

 )iiiift are very destructive to the seeds of conifers. 



Among the Rhynchota there are many destructive insects of the 

 family Aphidida. Pineiis pini, L., and Pineits strobi, Htg., on Piniis, 

 Cheniies abietis, Kalt., on Picea, and iltermes viridis, Ratz., on Picea 

 and Lari.r, are among the commonest and most destructive species. 

 The continued destruction of the foliage of Lari.v eiirnpoa by Aphides 

 does much to render that species difficult to grow in Britain, 

 rendering it so sickly that it easily falls a prey to disease. 



In the time available for a short paper it is impossible to do more 

 than touch lightly upon so large a subject, and I have touched upon 

 conifers only, but no doubt enough has been said to show the im- 

 portance of Entomology to Forestry. Bearing in mind the likeli- 

 hood of immediate afforestation upon a scale hitherto unknown in 

 Britain, and the unusually awkward conditions which have been 

 induced by recent fellings, a careful consideration of insect enemies 

 becomes an urgent problem. 



The study of insect pests is largely in the hands of the economic 

 entomologist, but the onus is upon the collector and the observer to 

 help him in his work, and to offer their knowledge to his use. The 

 knowledge of the members of this and other scientific societies may 

 prove of immense value in combatting insect attack upon trees, 

 thousands of pounds may be saved and many crops of trees may be 

 made to flourish which would otherwise be lost. No doubt there 

 is much to learn, but a good deal is known already, and the know- 

 ledge already possessed, if willingly communicated, may tend to 

 great advantage, and will extend as it is utilised. I cannot appeal 

 too strongly to all collectors and students of Entomology to do all 

 they can to assist the economic entomologist in waging his diflicult 

 war against the enemies of forestry. 



