218 ORTHOPTERA OF NOVA SCOTIA—PIERS. 
able. It is possible that they may originally have been taken 
to the island in small quantities of hay used for packing—for no 
cargoes of hay were then imported; or perhaps the eggs had 
been introduced in some earth which may have coated vegetables, 
This, however, is unlikely to account for their sudden appear- 
ance in large numbers. Upon informing Dr. Seudder of the 
matter, he said he had no doubt that the insects had flown to 
the island, their powers of flight being great when aided by an 
advantageous wind.* The scarcity of natural enemies has since 
greatly favoured their rapid increase. 
The introduction of a number of turkeys would, I think, be 
the best means of destroying the invaders, if it were possible to 
protect the birds from animals which might prey upon them. 
Perhaps some of the locust-killing appliances used in the United 
States might be employed in the present instance with advan- 
tage. The matter seems to demand immediate attention. 
Melanoplus femoratus (Burmeister). 
Yellow-striped Locust. 
This insect is familiar to everyone, and its distinctive 
colouring makes it impossible to confound it with any other locust 
found in this locality. It is one of the most abundant species in 
the county of Halifax, and is also without doubt as common in 
all other parts of the province, probably doing much damage 
wherever it occurs. It is common in long grass in meadows, and 
seems very fond of the rank vegetation which grows on the 
skirts of fields. I have also frequently observed it in marsh 
erass. The last individual was noted in 1895 on October 20th, 
Should it be found advisable to keep this pest in check, the 
destruction of weed patches and the plowing of waste spots in 
the vicinity of field borders, ete., as recommended in the United 
States, would probably keep down its numbers and render it 
capable of doing little injury. 
This species has a very extensive range, being found from 
Nova Scotia to British Columbia, and from Hudson’s Bay south 
nearly to the Ohio and North Carolina. 
* Sable Island is one hundred milesfrom the mainland. There are no intervening 
islands. 
Proc. and Trans. N,S. 1.8.; Vol. 1x., Part 2; date of publication, Oct. 31st, 1896. 
