THE LARCH SAW-FLY. 22 1 



The last of the larv.c were found on the 15th of August, that 

 is after the plantation referred to had been gone over twice 

 and in some parts three times. 



While watching the infected plantations last summer, one 

 fact that came under the writer's notice was the large number 

 of grey spiders that were to be found on the higher branches of 

 some of the trees. At first it was thought that the drv summer 

 was accountable for this, and perhaps to a certain extent it 

 was ; but careful observation showed that on every young 

 tree where the spider had its nest large collections of larvae 

 had been attacked, and no living larvae could be seen on any 

 of the trees where the spider was found. The egg beds and 

 the first appearance of the larvae's work could be seen on the 

 twigs, but the larvte had been attacked by the spider before they 

 were old enough to do much damage. The writer is convinced 

 that if spiders and other forms which attack the parasites could 

 be increased in the affected plantations, this would greatly aid 

 in combating the saw-fly. 



In the saw-fly, proprietors are faced with one of the most 

 injurious insects that have infected woodlands, and unless 

 some remedy can be applied to stay the spread of this insect, 

 entire destruction of larch plantations is likely to ensue. It 

 is hoped that the experiments being carried on by the Board 

 of Agriculture and Fisheries will result in a sure remedy being 

 found for this pest. 



