59 
This question has been more fully discussed in a paper read with 
your consent before the Association for the Promotion of Agricultural 
Science at the Indianapolis meeting. In that paper I have referred to 
different explanations for the silver-topped condition of grass and _ pre- 
sented the grounds for my own opinion that for this locality and in 
blue grass the injury must be referred mainly to these Jasside. From 
the fact that these Jasside are exposed to the application of remedies 
that would not affect insects protected in the sheath it is evident that 
the adoption of measures to destroy these, as suggested in my last 
year’s report, should result in a decrease of the “ silver-top.” 
GRASSHOPPERS AND CRICKETS IN GRASS. 
The common species of grasshoppers or locusts have been as usual 
very plentiful, Melanoplus femur-rubrum probably heading the list for 
abundance, but several other species, as IM. differentialis, Dissosteira 
carolina, Tomonotus sulphureus, and Arphia sordida form a very con- 
spicuous part of the grass-eating species. For the present season also 
there has been a very great abundance of the little field cricket, Nemo- 
bius vittatus.. This was noticed as especially abundant on sunny hill- 
sides in pastures and in many places aggregated in such numbers 
as to completely cover the surface of the ground. While this species 
has been rather frequently mentioned among the species common 
throughout the country and its herbivorous habits accepted, so far as 
,I know by all, there has been apparently little attention to it as a de- 
‘ structive species or one worthy of particular attention on account of 
the injury it may cause in pastures. 
It is quite evident, however, that when occurring in anything like the 
abundance in which it has been observed here this season 1t must be 
the cause of no little loss, and it may very well be associated with the 
more frequently mentioned locusts in the category of destructive 
meadow insects. 
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES. 
The Apple Leaf Skeletonizer (Pempelia hammondit) has been sent me 
this season from near Des Moines, where it was reported as doing con- 
siderable damage. This insect has been comparatively rare in the State 
for a number of years, but from the account received of its appearance 
this year it must have been in such numbers as to cause no little dam- 
age, and it is to be hoped that prompt measures will be adopted by the 
fruit-growers of that locality to prevent its spread. 
The Turnus Butterfly (Papilio turnus) has been noticed as more than 
ordinarily abundant, the larve occurring in considerable numbers on 
various trees, especially on plum trees in this vicinity. While the species 
has seldom assumed an economic importance, in this State at least, it 
may be that it will require occasional attention, and it will of course 
readily succumb to the treatment by spraying, so efficacious for leaf- 
eating larve. 
