1901 ENTOMOLOGTCAT, SOCLETY. 115 



In Tokio, Japan, twelve varieties of katy-dids or bell-insects, are sold, nine of which are 

 bred in captivity. The purchasers keep them in cages for the sake of their musical sounds, as 

 we do song birds. 



The essential constituents of ordinary writing ink are galls mixed with iron sulphate and 

 gum. These galls are produced by a small hymenopterous insect Gynips gnlke-tinctorice, Oliver, 

 on the Querciis infectoria, Oliver, of the Levant. That instrument said to be mightier than 

 the sword is dependent on a very small creature for its power. There are many other galls but 

 they are not much in demand. 



It is well known that what is perhaps the richest and most elegant apparel which adorns 

 the human race is the product of a caterpillar, — the silk-worm, — Bombyx mori, Linn. Much 

 attention has been given of late to other silk producing larvpe, many of whose products are being 

 found of service, especially : — Philosamia cynthia, Drury, the Ailanthus moth. Anthenea mylitta, 

 Drury, the Tussah moth. A. yamamai, Guer. of Japan and several similar moths. 



During recent years the exporting and importing of insects by Economic Entomologists has 

 been resorted to, for the purpose of preying on other insects that may be destroying food-plants. 



In closing this short review of the role of insects in the commercial world, attention might 

 be called to the fact, that there are many persons who make more than a livelihood by collecting 

 and selling Entomological specimens to collectors and curiosity hunters, the experiences and 

 anecdotes of whom are often very entertaining. 



THE FOOD OF THE GRASS SNAKE. 

 By J. B. Williams, F.Z.S., Toronto. 



There was an article in the Annual Report for 1896 on Insectivorous Mammals,* and the 

 relationship which they sustain, on account of their food habits, to Economic Entomology. 



I find that the food habits of one of our Reptiles, — the little Grass Snake {Liopeltis vernalis, 

 — are of considerable economic interest. 



I have often tried to keep these snakes alive, but never, until recently, have been able to 

 find any food that they appeared to relish ; but while looking under a plank one summer for 

 earthworms and slugs with which to feed some Dekay's Brown Snakes that were in the same, 

 glass case with the green ones, I found several of the Noc'tuid caterpillars that go by the name 

 of " cutworms," and put them in the reptile case with the earth-worms. They had not been in 

 for a minute before the Grass Snakes seized and eagerly devoured them, though they had re- 

 jected all other food that had been previously put into the cage. They continued to take them 

 readily until the supply of " cutworms " was exhausted, and then, as I could find nothing else 

 that they would eat, I let them go. 



People generally try to kill grass snakes if they find them about their lawns, but it is evi- 

 dent that they should be protected and their enemies killed. No bird could have reached these 

 caterpillars in the position where I found them under the plank, but it was just the kind of place 

 into which a snake could creep and obtain its food. They probably eat other smooth cater- 

 pillars, and where numerous would be a check on the dreaded "army worm," for from the eager 

 way they devoured the cutworms, Noctuid larvae evidently constitute one of their favorite 

 foods. 



The Grass Snake is a beautiful little creature and perfectly harmless. Its food habits show 

 that it is very beneficial, and it should be protected in every way and not destroyed or wantnnly 

 ' put to death. 



. Ont., 1896, 16-21. 



