244 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. 
containing an account of the habits of the locust, so far as then 
known, with numerous illustrations. The circulars were readily 
responded to. 
The field work was so subdivided as best to promote the end 
in view. It-was carried on from early in April until the early 
part of November. Every assistance seems to have been 
gratuitously offered by the officials of the different States, the 
Post-office, and the railways. The report, of 477 pages, and 
of 294 closely-printed pages of appendices, shows what an 
energetic small Commission can do in one seven months in the 
way of collecting data. | 
In bringing my remarks to a close I would summarize what 
seems to me to be the present want in England on the subject of 
insect-damage :— 
Ist. We want statistics as to what is our annual national loss 
by insect damage. 
2nd. We have to decide from these whether it is sufficiently 
important to demand a united action to deal with it, 
as has been found requisite in the countries to which 
I have alluded. 
8rd. If united action is required, we have to consider whether 
a society is competent to deal with the subject, or 
whether it needs Government action. 
4th. If a society is competent to deal with it, we have to 
find a society that will take the matter up or to 
originate one. 
5th. If it is decided that Government action is needed, 
there should be drawn up a scheme to submit for 
consideration. 
As I said at the outset I am not an entomologist, but I am 
glad of this opportunity of endeavouring to draw out the present 
feeling of those who appeared to be supporting the efforts which 
Mr. Murray was making. 
[I regret that want of opportunity has prevented my learning 
about the work originated in Exeter by the Misses Ormerod.] 
@| 7 mM <1 ry Tia = =) = °, 
CorRECTION For Auaust Numprer.—P. 199, third line from bottom, jor “war” 
read * law.” 
