THE ENTOMOLOGIST. 47 



since we all know that tlie moth is entirely destiUUe of 

 mandibles, and of performing a task requiring such energy. 

 Still I have observed that many moths prefer a substance 

 like linen-cloth to which to affix their cocoons; and it seems 

 probable that in this process of cocoon-building they may 

 nibble little holes in the cloth. I know that this is the case 

 with other caterpillars; ihey use their jaws very freely, often 

 gnawing their way through wood or even harder substances. 

 I entirely acquit the caterpillar of any penchant for the 

 linen-cloth as an article of diet, but the injury remains, not- 

 v/ithstanding the acquittal, and every precaution must be 

 taken against its recurrence. 1 confess my inability to 

 suggest any remedy that is likely to prove effectual. 



There is no doubt that to attack the insects in the egg- 

 state, as Mr. Eccles suggests, is the right plan ; but we must 

 not entirely neglect the first instruction given by Mrs. Glass 

 in her cookery-book, touching the jugging of a hare: "First 

 catch your hare." In both instances — hare, and ruby tiger's 

 eggs — this seems essential The idea of looking for these 

 eggs would evoke a smile on the gravest countenance : they 

 are no larger than the head of the smallest piu. Then as to 

 attacking them on the broad scale, either by treating the 

 bleach-fields with lime, salt, or nitrate of soda, I fear it is 

 impracticable. Moreover, every experiment of this kind is 

 assuredly a leap in the dark. 1 trust the mischief may not 

 occur again ; as in the case of the yellow-tail moth, the 

 Hessian fly, and various other insects which have seemed to 

 threaten a continuous loss, and from time to time have 

 elicited prophecies of famine, which happily still await fulfd- 

 ment, this visit of the ruby tiger may possibly never recur. 

 Sincerely hoping this may be the case, 1 must content myself 

 with doing as Mr. Eccles suggests, — continuing to give this 

 subject my best and most unremitting attention. 



Edward Newman.] 



Enlomolocjical Notes, Captures^ S^c. 



Description of the Larva of Lilhosiu aureola. — On the 

 22nd of September last 1 received from Mr. J. G. Ross, of 

 Bathampton, near Bath, a dozen larvaj of this species. They 

 varied considerably in size, the largest, a full-grown one, 



