96 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. 



of old birds, for a small nominal sum. This sadly decreased the 

 birds ; in fact, so much that many periodicals of that day 

 lamented their destruction. A worse result, however, came to 

 the farmers. The rapid multiplication of many species of insects 

 caused serious damage to crops and other kinds of produce. 

 The birds were eventually suffered to rest. The insects quickly 

 disappeared, and the balance was restored. The problem to be 

 solved is the reason of paucity of insects in certain seasons. 

 Although birds are a powerful agency, their result is not so much 

 seasonal as permanent. If the fluctuation of insects depended 

 entirely upon the increase or decrease of birds, then the facts 

 would be very obvious. Sometimes it happens that when birds 

 are very numerous insects are so too. From personal observation 

 I am inclined to think that the various meteorological changes 

 are more potent. The numbers of insects in certain seasons can 

 only be explained when the whole circumstances are known. As 

 a rule these are complex. The study by many entomologists 

 of certain species over a number of years, would probably help 

 to ascertain the real causes of their abundance or otherwise. — 

 Herbert E. Norris; St. Ives, Hunts, February 11, 1884. 



Collecting near Manchester. — I shall probably be staying 

 at Manchester during the greater part of the summer, and as I 

 wish, if possible, to try some sugaring during June and July, I 

 shall feel much obliged if any of your correspondents can give me 

 some information as to localities in the neighbourhood, and the 

 best way of getting at them. — H. L. Earl; The Grammar 

 School, Manchester. 



Tourist's Handbook of European Butterflies. — We 

 understand that arrangements have been concluded by Messrs. 

 Macmillan & Co. with our correspondent Mr. W. de Vismes 

 Kane to produce a new work, with illustrations, on the above 

 subject. Further particulars will be announced, and the book 

 will probably appear shortly. Such a handbook is much needed ; 

 and it will be to entomologists in the field what Dr. Lang's work 

 on the European butterflies is in the library. — J. T. C. 



Erratum.— In my description of Pieris spilleri, Entom. xvii., 

 p. 62, line 32, for " costal and inner margins are dusted with 

 black" read "costal and hind margins are dusted with black.'" — 

 A. J. Spillkk. 



