51 
collecting material for experimentation, in a field seriously damaged by 
grubs, we found a hill of corn, which, though it contained none of the 
depredators, bore every evidence of having been destroyed by them, 
as other hills in a similar condition about it contained from 5 to 10 in- 
dividuals. Instead, however, a larva of a species of Hrav, near bastard, 
was found. As the larvee of Hrax are known to be carnivorous, we can 
only conclude that the one found had made way with the grubs, but 
not until after the latter had destroyed the corn. 
THE VARYING ANOMALA. 
(Anomala varians, Fabr.). 
The only record of this species, as a grain destroying insect occurs in 
the report of the Commissioner of Agriculture for 1884, p. 412, where 
Mr. Eugene F. Barns, of Marion, Marion County, Kans., reported the 
beetle as working serious damage to wheat in the field during the month 
of June, destroying 1,000 bushels for one farmer. 
These beetles oceur generally over the State of Indiana, and we have 
frequently met them hovering on heads of wheat in the field, but never 
remarked any serious injury. In this State the adult insects are preyed 
upon by one of the Asilidew, Laphria tergissa Say, and we have several 
times caught these flies on wing with one of the beetles in their clutches, 
their beak puncturing the body of their victim. 
THE WHEAT WIRE-WORM. 
(Agriotes mancus, Say.) 
A number of experiments were made with a view of learning the 
effect of the applications of salt, as against the larvee of this species. 
The method employed was to place a number of kernels of corn in 
earthen pots, and transport larve from the fields, where they were en- 
gaged in destroying wheat, placing them among the corn in these pots, 
the salt being applied in different quantities to the surface of the ground. | 
Experiment No. 1.—April 26, six kernels of corn, and two wire-worms 
nearly full grown, were placed together in a pot filled with earth, the 
latter being saturated with water from beneath. Common barrel salt 
was then applied to the surface of the soil, at the rate of 940 pounds 
to the acre. May 1, watered from above. 
Result, the pot was examined May 7, and both worms found unaf- 
fected, they having in the meantime eaten nearly all of the corn, the 
uninjured kernels failing to germinate. 
Experiment No. 2.—This was made at the same time as No. 1, all con. 
ditions being the same, except that salt was applied at the rate of 470 
pounds per acre. 
Result the same as in experiment No. 1. 
Experiment No. 3.—May 7, placed three of the larvie used in the pre- 
ceding experiments and one fresh from the field, with corn in pot of 
earth, saturating the latter from below, and covering surface with salt 
in the proportion of 24,500 pounds per acre, 
