PREFACE 



THE old-time sage who wrote, " of the making of 

 books there is no end " can hardly, I think, have 

 had the subject of Insect Pests in his mind at the time of 

 his inspired remark, for although there are numbers of 

 books on insects in their various classes, those which take 

 up the pest question itself are relatively few. It is there- 

 fore hoped that the present little volume will prove of 

 value to those engaged in the production of food. 



The main difficulty that comes to a writer on pests is 

 that of choosing out of the multitude of examples those 

 which are most likely to be met with throughout the 

 country generally, and the selection herein given will, I 

 trust, meet with this requirement. 



The notes on soils and manures were added for the 

 benefit of beginners, on the ground that the best way to 

 resist pests and diseases is to ensure plant health in the 

 first instance. 



As regards the theories dwelt on here and there and 

 in the last chapter I offer these for what they are worth 

 to those who take a student's interest in the subject, but 

 for speedy reference purposes a careful index has been 

 added, as a time-saver for use in the height of the season. 

 Pests are with us however at all times, and a glance at the 

 Vigilance Chart at the end will illustrate the importance 

 of this to the grower. 



In conclusion I must acknowledge the help obtained 

 from the pubhcations of the Board of Agriculture as well 

 as the ready assistance afforded by the Editor and Staff of 

 the Smallholder in the preparation of this volume. 



JMiES SARSFIELD. 

 October 1919. 



