108 SEEDS, STORES, AND WOOD. 



remaining in our stores is still sound and good. Our client's suggestion 

 is that the weevils must have generated in the seed ; but we are 

 inclined to think that they found their way in from the outside, seeing 

 that the packet has been perforated." 



On examining the packet of seed, I was struck with the resemblance 

 of the little larvae to miniature Cockchafer maggots, which is a kind of 

 general characteristic of those of Anobium ; and after investigation I 

 replied that they appeared to me to be larvae of Anobium, but of course 

 of what species I could not say until the beetles from them developed. 

 I was aware from previous experience that there was sometimes much 

 mischief in Cape Colony from Anobium attack, and much trouble from 

 the infestation being without cause attributed to the exporters. In this 

 instance, from the high standing of the exporting firm, and the 

 evidence as to some of the same parcel of seed remaining in their 

 hands still continuing good, and also the fact of the seed packet 

 returned being perforated, there appears to me to be little if any doubt 

 that infestation was not sent in the seed from England. 



With regard to identification of the species, we had the benefit of 

 this in a communication from Mr. Claude Fuller, Assistant Ento- 

 mologist of Department of Agriculture, Cape Town, Cape Colony, to 

 whom some of the infested Onion seed was submitted for examination. 

 Mr. Fuller wrote at length, and I extract the following notes from his 

 letter of May 3rd : — 



"During transmittal a few of the 'maggots' have matured, and 

 the beetles prove to be the well-known ' Paste Beetle,' Sitodrepa panicea^ 

 sometimes referred to as Anobium. This, therefore, confirms the 

 opinion of your esteemed entomologist. Miss E. A. Ormerod. In view 

 of the fact that this insect is almost cosmopolitan, and not being 

 acquainted with the circumstances of its delivery after leaving your 

 stores, I can venture no opinion as to where the seeds became infested. 

 The following reference to its food habits is quoted from a report 

 presented to the Colonial Secretary of this Colony by the Entomologist, 

 dealing with the injury the insect is doing to the bindings of many 

 volumes in the Colonial Archives : — ' This insect is remarkable for feed- 

 ing upon a great number of substances differing greatly in character. 

 It is a common pest in chemists' shops, feeding on dried drugs. It is 

 not uncommon among dried plants and seeds, stored grain of various 

 sorts, and articles containing paste. In this country it is well-known 

 to boot and shoe merchants from the injury it does to their stock. 

 Such injuries are reported from Australia and America as well.' 

 Another authority says of it that ' it will eat anything except cast 

 iion.' "— (C. F.) 



At present, although this infestation is (or may be) a cause of loss 

 to English growers and exporters by attacking their consignments of 



