40 



of Wight disease," was about to be imported. If this introduction 

 should prove successful it would be a great boon to bee-keepers. 

 The disease is supposed to be carried by a parasite, Nosima apis : 

 but there appears to be some uncertainty whether Nosiuia is always 

 the agent. More accurate observation is needed as to the effects 

 caused by unsuitable winter feeding, such as the use of variously 

 adulterated syrups and sugars. May not the artificial methods of 

 modern apiculture have some effects in lowering the vitality of the 

 stocks, thus rendering the bees more susceptible to the disease ? May 

 not the artificial syrups lack a vitamme that may be peculiar to pure 

 honey ? 



As the result of observations upon the effect of destructive 

 bacteria and muscardine fungi on the larvae of Cnethocampo pitijo- 

 campa, the most virulent attacks were found to have been made by 

 species of Beaitveria. After contact with the culture spores, the 

 larvjB of C. vityocampa and the adults and eggs of Melolontlia vid- 

 (/aris were mummified in a few days, but the larvae of Cunsus- 

 lifiniperda remained alive for three weeks. 



The number of insects that have served, and are serving, as food 

 or medicine for the human race is surprising. The Israelites were 

 enjoined by Moses to eat locusts. John the Baptist for a time lived 

 on them and wild honey ; and locusts are still esteemed highly in 

 Africa and Persia, where they are bought and sold as an everyday 

 article of commerce. The Parthians and Nasamones are said ta 

 have relished locusts as food ; whilst, when fried in butter, they 

 form a staple and favourite dish amongst the modern Moors. Many 

 of the N. American Indians ate large numbers of the Eocky Moun- 

 tain locust, an insect of considerable economic importance. When 

 the red-man was at his zenith, this locust was innocuous ; since his 

 subjugation it has increased and spread to such an extent that it has 

 become a serious pest. 



Bushmen eat quantities of the Bugong-moth, Agrutia infum. 

 According to Kunze, the bodies of these moths abound in oil and 

 taste like nuts. When first eaten they produce violent vomiting, 

 but this effect soon passes, and the eaters thrive on them. The 

 larvjB of Kiiploea hiiwata also are a favourite food. Dr. Howard and 

 Prof. Riley experimented with these insects as food, making a thick 

 milk stew of them ; but although it had no unpleasant flavour, it 

 lacked substance. When fried in butter, the larvas reminded them 

 of shrimps ; but they are not likely to be considered a delicacy. 

 Such examples of insects as food might be multiplied. 



