VI PREFACE. 



Besides the above insect pests, other allied kinds were present 

 as usual ; notably the Black Currant Gall Mite {Phytoptus rihis), 

 which, from the careful attention which is being devoted to the 

 subject, we hope may presently be brought more under control; 

 the Filbert Gall Mite {P. avellancn) was more than usually present. 

 Eelworm attacks have been alluded to above, and Millepedes, as 

 matter of course, were reported as troublesome, besides other in- 

 cidental infestations forwarded for identification and information 

 as to remedial measures, but without notes of habits, &c., which 

 are always much to be desired for increase of our knowledge. 



The amount of application both regarding insect attacks at 

 once requiring attention, and also inquiry correspondence con- 

 nected with the subject, has so much increased that I have 

 difficulty at times in attending with the promptness which I 

 always wish to do to applicants, and also in carrying on research, 

 both personal and by correspondence with observers of little- 

 known attacks, which is needed to learn their life-histories as 

 occurring in this country. Also much time is taken by attention 

 to inquiries regarding ordinary attacks which have been frequently 

 entered on in my foregoing Annual Repofts, and I believe are 

 now so generally known both to agriculturists and orchard- 

 growers that reference to them would not convey any new in- 

 formation to my readers. 



Therefore, by advice of friends, I this year publish, in addition 

 to my Annual Eeport, a "General Index" of the whole series, 

 as an assistance in reference to those possessing the set, with 

 a short digest preceding of the main points regarding special 

 observations of our more important insect attacks which have 

 been contributed in the past twenty-two years. 



So long as health sufficient for the work is granted me, and 

 I am honoured by being asked to assist, it is only a pleasure to 

 me to endeavour to do my very best, and I hope to continue to 

 publish yearly results, but with a little difference in the plan, so 

 that I may utilize sliort notes of useful means of prevention and 

 remedy sent me, in a sejjarate section following the body of the 

 Eeport, and under a distinctive heading. Thus I hope that we 

 may gather up all information sent, but without encumbering 

 the Reports with repetition of fu/ure and description, save where 

 necessary. With these slight differences (and all being well) I 

 propose to commence a new issue as a "Second Series." 



With regard to assistance in the work, which is increasingly 

 becoming more than can be dealt with by one person, I have- 

 much help in secretarial matters from my resident lady secretary. 

 Miss Hartwell ; but in much press of application and occasional 

 illness in the past year, I have found great need of a scientific 

 entomological colleague to whom, in order to save delay, I might 

 apply as occasion required to give desired information to appli- 

 cants, and also who would oblige me by co-operation in extreme 

 cases of minute microscopic investigation. 



