168 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. 



especially cultivation, with a view to the suggestion of 

 remedies, prevention of" insect attack, or limitation of injury. 

 The distribution of these papers is somewhat of an experi- 

 ment, but similar observations taken and recorded by 

 memlDers of the Meteorological Society have not been without 

 benefit ; and it is hoped that agriculturists, horticulturists, 

 and field naturalists will each lend their best support, as the 

 object is a worthy one. If reliable information can only be 

 obtained from competent observers (which on the prepared 

 forms would cost them but a few minutes occasional labour), 

 it is intended to digest it into a report primarily for the 

 benefit of the observers, and which could not fail to be of 

 great value to the country at large. Few but those scien- 

 tifically or practically concerned know the heavy money 

 losses constantly going on from insect causes in the crops ; 

 but it is only by co-operation in observation that the root of 

 the evil can be thoroughly reached. Further information 

 may be obtained of the Rev. T. A. Preston, Marlborough, 

 Wilts; or of Edward A. Fitch, Maldon, Essex. 



ANSWEKS TO CORRESPONDENTS. 



F. Beynon. — Pyrrhocoris apterus. — Would you kindly 

 tell me in what countries the Hemipterous msect Pyrrhocoris 

 apterus is found ? I have found it nowhere on the mainland, 

 and only on the island off Teignmouth, which Curtis 

 mentions. I may say on this rock there are no ants of any 

 kind. On another island not far from it ants abound in great 

 numbers, but there is no Pyrrhocoris apterus. It is most 

 probable, I should think, that this insect has exterminated 

 the ants. Is it likely that this insect was brought over by a 

 bird.^— F. Beynon; Hardwick, Torquay. 



{Pyrrhocoris apterus occurs nearly throughout Europe. 

 Being a common garden insect in some parts of France, &c., 

 it might easily be imported by chance, but I do not know 

 that it has been. 1 should much like to know the grounds for 

 thinking that "it has exterminated the ants;" the ants are 

 more likely to have exterminated it, 1 think. I should be 

 glad of specimens if it is common. — F. B. W.] 



Woodstock. — Can any correspondent of the 'Entomo- 

 logist' give me information for working Lepidopiera round 

 Woodstock ? — C. Lemesle Adams ; The Estates Office, 

 Blenheim Palace, Oxford. 



