1896.J 187 



whole illustrated by several excellent coloured plates, numerous plain ones, ex- 

 quisitely rendered from photographs, illustrating the effects of the larvae on foliage 

 and fruit trees, and very many diagrams in the text. It is not our intention here to 

 go at length into the practical part of the Report, and the details of the innumerable 

 experiments with insecticides, mechanical means, &c. ; these must be attended to 

 exhaustively by every student of Economic Entomology. A list is given of thirty- 

 eight species of birds detected in feeding on the moth in some stage or other, 

 finishing with the English sparrow, though in another place this much-abused bird 

 is considered to do more hai'm than good, because it drives away the native feathered 

 benefactors (figui-es of the more prominent birds are given). Regarding this part 

 of the subject it must suffice to say that the unceasing warfare against the insect 

 has had a marked effect in lessening its ravages, but it it evident that if this be 

 even temporarily relaxed, its increase and spread are inevitable. So much for the 

 results of the escape of a few introduced larvae in 1868 or 1869. 



If the first part of the Report is exhaustive in its particular aspect, equally so 

 is the second, by Prof. Fernald, which may be taken as a model of patient scientific 

 research. The bibliography of the subject is a masterpiece in itself; commencing 

 with Godart in 1663 and ending with Meyrick in 1895, it embodies a list of over 

 700 published references, of which only about 25 are indicated as not having been 

 seen by the compiler, which speaks volumes for the amount of research, and also 

 for the completeness of American libraries in Entomological literature. Then 

 follows its distribution in the Old World, with a chapter on its history in England, 

 which we reprint (pp. 169 — 173, ante), and which is of great interest on account of its 

 earlier references. We are scarcely disposed to agree with the conclusions arrived at. 

 That the stronghold of the insect here was in the Fen districts seems practically 

 certain, and to a considerable extent it seems a parallel case to that of Papilio 

 Machaon, both species having a restricted habitat here, under conditions opposed to 

 those usual with them on the continent, and though one has succumbed, the other 

 remains. Its natural history and anatomy are treated upon in the fullest possible 

 manner, together with its parasites and other natural enemies. Not the least inter- 

 esting is the account of its food-plants. Experiments were made with over 500 

 plants, from the tallest tree to the most lowly grass or herb, including several ferns, 

 and on all of these it fed more or less readily ; whereas those on which it would not 

 feed number barely 20. We have already extended this notice far beyond the 

 limits ordinarily allowed for " Reviews," and conclude by congratulating the authors 

 on the production of a most important work in whatever aspect it may be considered. 

 — R. McL. 



The South London Entomological and Natural History Society: 

 May 28th, 1896.— C. G. Barrett, Esq., F.E.S,, Vice-President, in the Chair. 



Mr. A. H. Bartlett, M.A., 34, Vanbrugh Park, Blackheath, was elected a 

 Member. q g 



