Reports to various Correspoiulents. g 



" The stokehole was next inspected, and when the gardener and self 

 entered and lit candles legions of the 'Common Domestic Gnat' {Gulex 

 pipiens) flew out. They covered the walls and roof, though the favourite 

 resting-place seemed to be the lower half of the iron pijies, where they were 

 actually packed, and by passing the hand quickly along after the manner 

 in which one catches flies, a handful could be obtained. 



" The water in tank overhead for supplying the small feed cistern was 

 baled out and a quart of paraffin poured in. The stokehole being the 

 hibernating headquarters of the pest it would be advisable to close 

 temporarily tlie entrance and fumigate from time to time as they gathered 

 there. 



" In a general search round the Hall, I found what I believe to be the 

 chief breeding-place of the ' Common House Gnat,' a large sink for taking 

 the rain-water from roof of porch, &c. The gully was stopped up, and the 

 sink contained about four inches of bad smelling water with a green scum, 

 and three or so inches of sludge. Its sheltered position would prevent it 

 being dried up, even in the hottest weather. The sink was crowded with 

 larvae and pupse of pqmns, and the sides with adults of both sexes. The 

 gully was opened, the water run off and the sludge taken away, sides of 

 sink scraped down and the whole scrubbed out with paraffin and finally 

 flushed. 



" In a shady way between a screen of two privet hedges leading to a 

 convenience near by, the gnats were on the wing in such numbers that I 

 netted them in thousands and crushed them. 



"While at work on the estate each day from 10 a.m. till 7'30 p.m. 

 Oidex nemorosus and cantans always bit savagely, pipiens never, though 

 they were often swarming round me. 



" The methods detailed above, followed up and modified or extended as 

 occasion demands, or knowledge suggests, will undoubtedly keep down the 

 mosquito in the immediate neighbourhood of the Hall, but the district 

 could only be cleared by combined action by the authorities and 

 residents. 



" From observations and enquiries made, the mosipiito nuisance would 

 appear to be general in the district, also any measure to lessen it would be 

 welcomed by the inhabitants." 



II. Mosquito annoyance at Worplesdon. 



Mrs. Malcolm Thompson, of Bridley Manor, Worplesdon, also 

 wrote stating that a very large-sized gnat had invaded the house, and 

 had especially pervaded two south-eastern rooms in great numbers. 

 They have a very undulating flight and a loud buzzing noise, and 

 their sting is very painful. The house stands high and open, but 

 there are pinewoods and extensive commons near. There being no 

 -stagnant water near, Mrs. Thompson wished to know where they 

 would be likely to breed. 



The following note was sent in reply : — 



"The insects causing you such annoyance at Bridley Manor, 



