10 



annually destroyed around Quebec alone amounted to about 

 240,000 dollars in value. 



I think it very probable that the Ichneumons Syrphi, and other 

 Dipfera which prey on the larvce of Pieris rap<e, have not been 

 introduced into Canada with the small cabbage buttei-fly, and that, 

 therefore, its ravages are unchecked by insect enemies ; and I do 

 not think from my own observations that the larva, pupa, or 

 perfect insect are much eaten by birds. 



This leads me to the consideration of another branch of economic 

 Entomolo-v, that of the introduction of indirectly beneficial in- 

 sects-by^this I mean those insects which prey upon noxious 



insects. , . 



In this county, where the hop is so largely grown, and in some 

 districts the greater source of the people's livelihood is obtained 

 from its cultivation, economic entomology has been forced upon 

 the farmers. Many habitually carry in their pockets a small 

 tnagnifying lens, and examine the early leaves of the hop plants 

 in fear and trembling, lest they may discover some of the dreaded 

 Aphides. But, on the other hand, the farmer equally rejoices 

 when he discovers the larvcs of the different species of lady-birds 

 CoccineUce, of the lace-winged fly ranw-pa, and of iYi^Syrpht.^W 

 engaged in preying upon the Aphides in their wingless but 

 marvellously prolific state. ,, ,, 



I do not think it is saying too much, that without the three 

 kinds of insects named, the cultivation of the hop would m Kent 



be impossible. . 



A good illustration of the value of Aphidivorons insects was 

 brougit before the Entomological Society this year. 



It appears that Aphides have been introduced into ^ew Zealand 

 but at present no CoccineUa Panorpa, or Syrphus, has accompanied 

 them; their ravages are, therefore, very great. An application 

 was made to the Entomological Society to suggest any mode by 

 which the beneficial insects adverted to could be introduced 



The plan which found most favour was that pj-oposed by Mr. 

 R McLachlan, also a member of this Society, to export the am, 

 fupce, and, in the case of the lady-bird, even the perfect insects, to 

 New Zealand packed in ice. p ^^ v i „,i 



There is another difficulty in the agriculture of ^ew Zealand 

 and I believe, of Australia, arising out of the interdependence of 

 plants and insects, which I will draw your attention to. 



