VI PBEFACE. 



agreed to do my best in case trustworthy agricultural 

 observations could be procured, and specimens of the 

 insects referred to also sent for identification. 



Specimens of about fifty kinds of insects were sent 

 over, of which a few proved to be of hitherto un- 

 described species ; and some notes of observation also 

 were sent, but (after a lapse of some time) it proved 

 almost impossible to procure further observation suit- 

 able for the kind of agricultural report which my 

 South African correspondents wished me to endeavour 

 to form. 



It appeared, however, a great pity not to make as 

 much use as possible of the information which had 

 been sent over, and therefore in the following pages 

 I have given, as far as I can, figures and observations 

 of habits, and means of prevention of some of the 

 pests, and descriptions by which they might be 

 identified. Where nothing further could be given, the 

 name alone has been inserted. 



For the identification of the insects sent, and for 

 the descriptions of almost all, I have been indebted 

 as I have noted on the title-page to Mr. Oliver E. 

 Janson. 



To identify these trustworthily, and to ascertain 

 which were previously unknown, required a knowledge 

 of foreign insects, and likewise a knowledge of the 

 bibliography of the subject, which I do not myself 

 possess, and also much consultation in cases of un- 



obtain it on application to Messrs. EICHABDS & SONS, Government 

 Printers, Cape Town ; subscription two shillings and sixpence a year. 

 Contribution is invited, to be addressed to the Secretary for Agriculture 

 (the Editor of the Journal), Cape Town. 



