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PREFACE. 



In the present volume I have endeavoured to collect into a 

 convenient form for reference the most important points of 

 information which we possess regarding the life-histories and 

 habits of the insects of which the attacks are commonly 

 injurious to a serious extent to hardy fruit in this country, 

 together with notes of methods of prevention and remedy 

 which have been found serviceable at a paying rate. 



Some of the attacks mentioned have long been known of, 

 but there are few if any of these of which we have not gained 

 some additional information during the past few years, and 

 of many of the others we have only lately become possessed 

 of the whole life-history ; whilst others, again, have lately 

 shown themselves as perfect scourges (in our present large 

 scale of fruit growing) which even within the last four or 

 five years were wholly unknown to us as fruit pests. 



In the following pages (as temperatures and weather influ- 

 ences have great effect on insect life and number of yearly 

 broods), I have endeavoured, as far as possible, to give the 

 information from observations in this country sent to myself 

 during the past twenty-one years, and published as received 

 in my successive Annual Reports ; these notes being now 

 condensed into a continuous account of each infestation, but 

 as far as possible in the words of the various contributors. 



In cases where we have not British observations of the 

 points of life-history, or of preventive measures requisite for 

 practical use, I have availed myself of published information, 

 both European and American, but I have endeavoured to 



