IS 



Geratopogon pulicaris, Linn. 



Plate I, fig. 2. 



In certain localities in England in the latter part of April and 

 beginning of May, 1904, this midge was especiall)' abundant, and 

 much inconvenience was caused by its bites. A correspondent 

 writing from Romford, Essex, on April 28th, with reference to the 

 multitudes of Ceratopogoii pulicaris w ith which the town was then 

 afflicted, said : — " They swarm in countless m_\-riads, and their bite is 

 very virulent, to me worse than a bee-sting, or the bite of any gnat. 

 I have never seen them before in anything like the quantities, neither 

 have I known the effects to be so severe and lasting. No doubt the 

 hot sun and damp soil have brought them out, as in the tundras." 

 Writing again on May ist, the same correspondent said : — " The 

 insects were in such large numbers that b\- just turning a killing- 

 bottle through the air I soon got a pill box full. Many of my 



Ci-iidopogon /u/iuzris, Linn. ( 9 ), in resting position ( ;•; 1 2). 

 neighbours had lumps on their necks, and their faces like measles, 

 while some of the workmen ' struck.' " In many other localities near 

 London, such as Epping Forest, Harrow, and the suburb of Stoke 

 Newington, this pest was also very prevalent at the same time, and in 



