260 



STRAWBERRY. 



In Stainton's ' Manual ' * it is mentioned of the family of 

 Peroneidce that "the insects appear in the perfect state at the 

 end of summer and beginning of autumn, and by far the 

 greater number hybernate, and are to be met with throughout 

 the winter and in early spring." 



The infestation appears to harbour about the Strawberry 

 grounds, for it will be seen above that Mr. Wrench notices 

 attack is absent in the first year, moderate in the second, but 

 devastates in the third, which points to the attackers being on 

 the spot; for if the little moths flew from neighbouring 

 localities there does not appear any reason why the first 

 years' plants should escape. 



In our present imperfect knowledge of the habits of the 

 infestation, the only plan that suggests itself is such slight 

 skimming off of the surface soil, and removal of this and 

 remains of dressings, after the crop is over, as might remove 

 the chrysalids if present, and also (later on) turn out all the 

 moths which might be hybernating in the surface rubbish. 



Small " or " Garden " Swift Moth. Hepialus lupulinus, Linn. 



Hepialus lupulinus. ^ — Moth, caterpillar, and chrysalis. 



The Small or Garden Swift Moth is a very common insect; 

 but in caterpillar state it is seldom reported, although, when 

 it does appear, it has a power of doing mischief, truly de- 

 scribed by John Curtis long ago as scarcely equalled by the 

 Surface Grubs. This is one of the attacks which really is 

 much influenced by weather. The season of ravage is autumn, 

 winter, and spring, and though we have no record of cold 

 killing these grubs, it keeps them quiet ; whereas in an open 

 winter like that of the early part of the year 1896, they can 

 creep about in the unfrozen ground and feed as they please. 



Amongst bush or ground fruits the infestation is injurious 



* stainton's ' Manual of British Butterflies and Moths,' vol. ii. p. 229. 



