PREFACE. 



Only those who live in the country are aware how 

 much the success of cultivators, whether of farm or gar- 

 den crops, depends upon insects. There is a surprising 

 lack of knowledge among otherwise well educated people 

 as to the life history of even the most common insects. 

 The questions asked, not only by those in my immediate 

 neighborhood, but by letters from all parts of the coun- 

 try, show how slight is the popular knowledge on this 

 most important branch of Natural History. In view of 

 this, and to bring a knowledge of the most destructive in- 

 sects within reach of all, this volume has been prepared. 

 It will not be necessary to say to those who make use 

 of this work that the author has availed herself of the 

 permission of Prof. C. V. Eiley, to make use of his vari 

 ous contributions to economic entomology. 



MARY TKEAT. 

 Vineland, N. </., July, 1882. 



