142 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. 
could have reports during the coming season of the dates of 
general appearance, the quantity, and condition of the ordinary 
farm insects; and also whether, in garden and farm operations, 
the larve are found at lower depths than is usually the case. 
Unnatural circumstances, whether of temperature or sur- 
rounding conditions, are almost certainly prejudicial to life, or at 
least to health; and the cold which causes a larva capable of 
voluntary motion to bury itself beyond the usual depth, puts it 
in unusual circumstances as to atmospheric effect, moisture, food, 
and other matters calculated in some cases to retard develop- 
ment, in some to militate against its return in imago form to 
the surface. 
It appears possible that in these abnormal conditions we 
might find the clue to the (at present) unaccounted-for appearance 
or absence of many of our insects; and, if I may be allowed to 
prefer the request, I should lke to mention the pleasure it would 
give me to be favoured, in the course of the season, with any 
notes on these points, which, by collation with those of tempera- 
ture, and comparison with those of other districts, could not fail 
to be a most valuable addition to the information which I trust 
the coming season will supply on the subject of the presence of 
“ Tnjurious Insects.” 
Dunster Lodge, near Isleworth, May 2, 1879. 
NOTE ON THE HABITS OF RANATRA LINEARIS. 
By Axssorr G. LaKeEr. 
Durine the last few months I have had the opportunity of 
observing the habits of Ranatra linearis in its imago stage, and 
a note of the peculiarities of this curious insect may be of 
interest. It is very slow and sluggish in its movements, and will 
cling to the weeds, generally at a depth of only a few inches 
under water, but sometimes close to the surface, for hours 
together; remaining perfectly still except when it rises to 
breathe, and even then it only moves just sufficiently to enable it 
to protrude the tip of its anal filament slightly from the water, 
and after taking a fresh supply of air immediately it crawls down 
again and remains stationary as before. Hyen this limited 
degree of motion is not necessarily often repeated, for (from 
