iS 
recorded. A photograph of a species of this genus was sent me with 
a note that it had occurred in great numbers in fowl’s nests, espe- 
cially old and dirty ones, and that it had been a great torment to 
the hens (1). No further observations have been made. 
Collembola infesting houses and destroying wheat rust. 
MARLATT (2) records a Lepidocyrtus infesting houses in the 
United States. 
A Sminthurus (? species) was found by WEBSTER in breeding 
cages of wheat, and feeding on uredo spores of the common wheat 
rust Puccinia rubigovera. It was shown also to distribute spores so 
any good done is neutralised (3). 
Prevention and treatment of Collembola on fruit and hops, etc. 
The fact that Collembola have no spiracles and breath by means 
of the whole body surface makes them intolerant to dry conditions 
asa rule. 
In consequence dressings of lime or fine lime and soot are 
often successful. 
CURTIS (4) says: « As these ’ground fleas’ will not remain on damp 
ground, they may be expelled by sprinkling salt over the land after 
the seed is sown, and well rolled down, or a thin layer of seaweed 
is a perfect security against them (Halifax Times). » This is con- 
trary to general experience. 
Other observers besides myself have noticed that the Springtails 
object to dryness. This is certainly my experience in the species I 
note here, and in all cases of bad attack it has been in damp 
seasons, and where plants are in damp positions, Or grown 
under damp conditions that damage has been done. Any drying 
agents seem at once to drive them away. Salt or seaweed would 
have the reverse effect, but nevertheless may act in other ways 
(1) F. V. T. Parasitic Diseases of Poultry, p. 37, 1896. 
(2) Canad. Entomol., XXVIII, 1896. 
3) Insect Life, 2, p. 259, 1889-1890. 
(4) Farm Insects, p. 433. 
