THE POTATO MOTH. 149 



111 dealing with a pest of this kind, we must at once 

 ^dmit the great value of a thoroughly exhaustive study of 

 matters connected with life -histories of insects, and this 

 can only be done by those having time or being on the 

 spot. It is here, therefore, we see more than anywhere 

 the great value of "Field Agents" — entomologists whose 

 duties lie exclusively in visiting infested districts, and who 

 endeavour by every means in their power to fully 

 investigate and report on facts connected with the life- 

 history, parasites, &c., of any particular pest that may 

 make its appearance. Such institutions practically exist 

 only in America, where they have both means, popula- 

 tion, and resources to carry on what is really a most 

 necessary and useful although sometimes costly series 

 of observations. How much can be done in this direc- 

 tion has been amply proved by the visit of my friend 

 and fellow-worker, Mr. A. Koebele, to Australia, and 

 whose valuable services have been recognised by the 

 growers of the United States, and over whose Entomo- 

 logical Department Professor Riley so ably and admirably 

 presides. 



The history of the cottony cushion-scale in America, 

 the damage caused by its ravages, and the introduction of 

 its natural enemy, the Australian Ladybird {Novius 

 cardinalis), are now matters of history, and furnishes 

 one of many practical illustrations of the value of an 

 Entomological Department in any country where fruit- 

 growing plays an important part in the every-day life of 

 a portion of its people. 



But to return to the potato moth and its habits. It 

 may again be stated that the greatest importance is 

 attached to any discovery that can shed additional light 

 upon the life-history of this most serious pest. The 

 damage done to our potato crops in Victoria alone is 

 almost beyond calculation ; but knowing now fairly well 

 where and how the eggs are deposited, should be of great 

 assistance to growers and others when devising means for 

 its destruction, more especially whilst the insect is in its 

 earlier stages. 



