PREFACE 



In the past season almost all of our injurious insects which 

 are usually present have been represented, and some to a serious 

 extent locally, or over small districts ; but I am not aware, 

 either from reports to myself or from notes in the agricultural 

 Press, of there having been general prevalence of any special 

 infestation. 



A few kinds of insects not previously noticed (or exceptionally 

 noticed) as British were recorded, as also some amount of bad 

 attack to crops not usually subject to this from the special kinds ; 

 likewise, from specimens and observations contributed, material 

 has been given for practically useful addition to life-history of 

 several injurious infestations. 



Of direct application of remedial measures, perhaps the most 

 important is the short note (see p. 99) of the success of use of 

 steam spraying apparatus in orchard culture ; the observa- 

 tions of good success by treatment (specified) in preventing 

 recurrence of attack of Pear Gnat Midge (see pp. 63-69) are also 

 important. 



In regard to crop insects not previously recorded, I draw 

 attention to three species of Bean- and Pea-seed Beetles in a 

 cargo imported from Smyrna. As our two previously well-known 

 kinds are also Asiatic, T thought it might be useful to draw 

 attention in time to the newcomers, and at pp. 24 and 25 I give 

 figures of the five kinds, placed side by side, with plain descrip- 

 tions added, by which I hope (should new infestation arise) the 

 cause may be recognized. The Silver Y- or Gamma Moth is a 

 most common kind, and its "half-looper" caterpillars general 

 feeders, but I am not aware of it having been recorded as 

 attacking Mustard, or, with some small exception (in the year 

 1892), Potato leafage (see pp. 53-58). I conjecture this attack 



