REVIEW. 69 
whole volume by itself; while the various aspects of ento- 
mology that have been omitted would form a companion 
series of tomes. The arrangement and information given, 
however, is such as will commend itself to a large number of 
readers who delve into such works for the purpose of gaining 
concise knowledge on the subjects in which they are interested, 
and knowledge which can readily be assimilated. In the 
succeeding and main portion of the book some ofthe more 
important insects are considered, each being treated under 
the head of references, distribution in South India, life history, 
food plants, status from an economic point of view, and 
control. Under the first heading the synonyms, which will 
generally appeal only to entomologists, are limited to the 
original description and the more important or accessible 
references. Under the last heading only such control methods 
are usually given as are generally efficacious, special methods 
being often applicable to local conditions. In some cases 
where no effective method has yet been found, the information 
under this head is left blank or represented by a query mark. 
Turning to the list of crop pests, Mr. Fletcher says that it is 
not complete, and it must be understood that it cannot be 
complete for very many years, if ever. Every month new 
pests come to light, many of them altogether unknown by 
name, and our knowledge of old pests is augmented. In 
addition to the fine coloured plates already mentioned, no less 
than 440 text figures are included, while the indexing is also 
very complete. Nothing but praise can be found for the 
work. As Mr. Fletcher says in his Preface, to any in search 
of a distraction or a hobby, either to fill an idle hour or to 
provide a welcome change of thought and occupation, the 
study of insects may well be commended. Insects are always 
with us, day and night, in the bungalow, at the office, or in 
camp, and the field for observation of life histories and habit, 
even of the commonest species, is absolutely boundless. If 
this book, he remarks, lends aid to any whose tastes lie in 
this direction, its aim will have been achieved. A_ brief 
glance at the book is sufficient to prove the attractiveness of 
the study, and the work itself follows just the right lines to 
attract attention to this absorbing subject, giving, as it does, 
