16 



ASH. 



[1900 



trees — tend also to cause breeding-places for the Ash-bark Beetle 

 infestation. 



Also the custom, where there are large rough hedges, of " laying" 

 what amount of Ash there may be in it (that is, cutting the poles half- 

 way or more through, so that they may be laid lengthways to form 

 part of the hedge) is very objectionable, and Ash thus treated is to be 

 found in some districts much infested. 



Greater Ash-bark Beetle. Hylesinus crenatus, Fabr, 



Hylesinus crenatus. — 1 and 2, beetle, with wings expanded, and one wing-case 

 drawn only in outline, to show lower part of wing ; and beetle as usually seen — 

 magnified ; 3, smaller and paler variety, magnified ; also lines showing natural 

 length. 



The Greater Ash-bark Beetle, figured above, may be generally 

 distinguished from the common kind mentioned in the foregoing paper 

 by its larger size and darker colour, wholly free from paler mottlings 

 on the upper side. The galleries also differ in the circumstance of 

 this species [H. crenatus) having the mother galleries shorter than 

 those of H. fraxini, and the larval galleries fewer in number, and much 

 more irregular. 



The species is widely distributed both in England and Scotland, 

 but appears as a rule to be rather scarce, and to be rarely noticed, 

 possibly from being very local in many districts, very possibly also 

 from the differences between the beetle and its workings not being 

 very easily distinguishable without careful examination from those of 

 H. fraxini, excepting by skilled observers. But where it does occur, 

 it sometimes is recorded as appearing in great numbers. 



The only enquiries regarding the attack which I have received were 

 sent me by the Rev. John Martin, of Charley Hall, Loughborough, 

 with specimens accompanying, which from the thickness of the bark 



