1907.] 239 



The opening chapters of the book treat in general fashion of the structure, 

 food, lifc-historj, form, and classiGcation of insects. This is followed by an in- 

 teresting and essentially practical account of llie origin of pests, and of those 

 preventive and remedial measures which have been found to be most generally 

 applicable in India. The main body of the book is occupied by a detailed treatment 

 of a large number of pests which affect many of the staple crops of the country, 

 including also chapters on grain insects, cattle pests, and beneficial insects, the 

 whole representing an immense amount of careful and systematic observation. Most 

 of the pests are figured in more than one stage, and in very many cases the whole 

 life-history lias been worked out. Wherever possible means of combating the insects 

 are advised or suggested, and useful directions for the pi-eparation of various in- 

 secticides are given in an appendix, while modifications in methods of cultivation 

 are in many instances recommended. A second appendix gives full and clear in- 

 structions for collecting and preserving insects. 



In view of the extraordinarily low price (two shillings) at whicli the Govern- 

 ment has issued the book, severe criticism of the three hundred and fifty illustrations 

 (mostly half-tone) would be out of place. They are nearly all the work of Indian 

 artists, and while the great majority are clear and well executed, a lack of experience 

 in drawing for process is now and then apparent. 



Only those who have some experience of India can appreciate the difficulties 

 involved in the production of such a work as this, and Mr. Lefroy may be con- 

 gratulated on the way in which ho has overcome them. To the public, for whom 

 the book is primarily intended, it will form a trustworthy guide towards dealing 

 intelligently with many of their insect enemies, while the amount of original work 

 and observation embodied in its pages will afford a most valuable basis for more 

 extended and detailed investigation. 



UiKJUNGHAM Entomological Socikty : July 1st, 19u7. — Mr. R. S. Searle 

 in the Chair. 



Mr. Hubert Langlcy reported finding Stauropus fagi, L., in Princetliorpe 

 Woods, near Leamington, on June 15th and 22nd last, these being the first certain 

 records in the county ; also at the same place ho had taken Larentia silaceata, Hb., 

 Boarmia roboraria, Schiff., and Lymaiitria monacha, L. ; likewise a series of males 

 of Dasychira pudibunda whicli he took in the same locality, he said they were quite 

 abundant on the wing at the time. Mr. R. S. Searle showed bred Chaerocampa 

 elpenor, L., from Wicken, together with a Hymenopterous parasite, probably Fro- 

 ichneumon laminatorius. Mr. J. T. Fountain, another ichneumon which he had 

 bred also from C. elpenor, one of the large red species ; also a bred series of Ange- 

 rona prunaria, including all its forms. Mr. Langley, a number of cocoons of a 

 Hymenopterous parasite bred from larva) of Oeometra papilionaria ; he said that 

 although a number of the larvae of the parasite had emerged from the larva of 

 papilionaria, the latter had continued to feed for some time before it collapsed and 

 died.— Colbran J. Wainweight, Hon. Secretary. 



Tub South London Entomological and Natural History Society: 

 Thursday, July -loth, 1907, Mr. R. Adkin, P.E.S., President, in the Chair. 



Mr. Newman exhibited a long bred series of Arctia villica from larvee collected 



