218 ORTHOPTERA OF NOVA SCOTIA PIERS. 



able. It is possible that they may originally have been taken 

 to the island in small quantities of hay used for packing for no 

 cargoes of hay were then imported ; or perhaps the eggs had 

 been introduced in some earth which may have coated vegetables. 

 This, however, is unlikely to account for their sudden appear- 

 ance in large numbers. Upon informing Dr. Scudder of the 

 matter, he said he had no doubt that the insects had flown to 

 the island, their powers of flight being great when aided by an 

 advantageous wind.* The scarcity of natural enemies has since 

 greatly favoured their rapid increase. 



The introduction of a number of turkeys would, I think, be 

 the best means of destroying the invaders, if it were possible to 

 protect the birds from animals which might prey upon them. 

 Perhaps some of the locust- killing appliances used in the United 

 States might be employed in the present instance with advan- 

 tage. The matter seems to demand immediate attention. 



Melanoplus femoratus (Burmeister). 



Yellow-striped Locust. 



This insect is familiar to everyone, and its distinctive 

 colouring makes it impossible to confound it with any other locust 

 found in this locality. It is one of the most abundant species in 

 the county of Halifax, and is also without doubt as common in 

 all other parts of the province, probably doing much damage 

 wherever it occurs. It is common in long grass in meadows, and 

 seems very fond of the rank vegetation which grows on the 

 skirts of fields. I have also frequently observed it in marsh 

 grass. The last individual was noted in 1895 on October 20th. 

 Should it be found advisable to keep this pest in check, the 

 destruction of weed patches and the plowing of waste spots in 

 the vicinity of field borders, etc., as recommended in the United 

 States, would probably keep down its numbers and render it 

 capable of doing little injury. 



This species has a very extensive range, being found from 

 Nova Scotia to British Columbia, and from Hudson's Bay south 

 nearly to the Ohio and North Carolina. 



* Sable Island is one hundred miles from the mainland. There are no intervening 

 islands. 



Proc. and Trans. N,S. I.S.; Vol ix., Part 2; date of publication, Oct. 31st, 1896. 



