ter of fact, we chiefly used pieces of cane-stem planted in almost 

 pure white sand, for these will root and the eyes sprout quite 

 successfully under such conditions. A removable zinc trav fit- 



ting the bottom of the cage holds the sand or soil, h'or the 

 journey this tray was securely fastened down by a couple of 

 small nails. 



HANDLING QF BENEFICIAL INSECTS AFTER 

 ARRIVAL. 



The successful handling of the various parasites and preda- 

 ceous insects after their arrival was of course all important. The 

 latter are generally of a much hardier nature than the former 

 and any one at all accustomed to raising broods of insects can 

 successfully propagate such creatures as ladybirds in captivity, 

 provided that their proper food is procurable and cHmatic con- 

 ditions permit. It is clear that for practical purposes the dis- 

 covery of a parasite of an injurious insect counts for little (ex- 

 cept for such scientific value as it may have) unless it can be 



