INTRODUCTION. 3 



of the seed crops in the Dominion, was observed in the year 1883. To 

 the southward of New York the insect is occurring in Pennsylvania 

 and Virginia. 



The punctured clover-leaf weevil, Phytonomiis piiiutatus (Fabr.), has 

 also steadily and rapidly extended its area of operations from Yates 

 county where it was at first observed in 1881, northwardly to Lake On- 

 tario, and westwardly, to and beyond Niagara river. In August of 

 1884, large numbers of the beetle carried in their flight by severe easterly 

 winds, were observed on the sidewalks, in the streets, and on house-tops 

 in Buffalo. Thousands were crushed under foot on the pavements by 

 pedestrians. Many were borne westward and dropped into Lake 

 Erie, from the surface of which they were blown upon the shore where 

 they were found in millions, unfortunately not dead, but soon recover- 

 ing from the effects of their exposure in the water. Many at the same 

 time were observed upon sidewalks, fences and trees at Ridgeway in 

 Canada, ten miles to the west of Buffalo. 



The Colorado potato-beetle, Doryphoni decemlineata (Say), seems to 

 be diminishing. The experience with it in various portions of the State 

 is, that it has been brought under comparatively easy control. Usually 

 a single application of Paris green made early in the season for the 

 destruction of the first brood is all that is required. The diminution 

 in its numbers is believed to be largely owing to the increase of the in- 

 sects and other animals that feed upon it. In several localities, species 

 not previously known to attack it, are reported from time to time, as 

 making it their prey, as they come to find it convenient and agreeable 

 for food. 



The same decrease in its ravages has been noticed in other States. 

 In Pennsylvania and Ohio, according to a statement made by Prof. E. 

 W. Claypole {^American Naturalist, xvii, 1883, pp. 1174-1175), there 

 was no second brood in 1882, and in the following year, it almost failed to 

 appear at all. Hot and dry summers have been found favorable for its 

 increase, and upon the recurrence of such seasons hereafter, especial 

 care may be required in order that the destructive insect shall not be 

 allowed again to obtain the ascendancy. 



Severe injuries have been reported from different localities in the 

 State, to grass, from the destruction of its roots, by the grubs of the 

 common May-bee.tle, Lachnostenia fiisca (Frohl.). Hitherto this insect 

 has been one which has almost defied all efforts made for its destruction, 

 but from experiments now being conducted in a quite new direction, 

 results are anticipated which will enable us to control its ravages in a 

 large degree. 



The unusual occurrence of immense numbers of grasshoppers in 



