CHAPTER X 

 CONCLUSION 



General remarks on the insect pest question and liow to regard 

 it — A small section of the great and universal process of 

 parasitism. The pig and its tapeworms an example of the 

 complexity and resourcefulness of pests — Cooking the cause 

 of the general immunity of human beings— A conclusion 

 as to the real motive of parasitism. Nature study, vigi- 

 lance and co-ordination of preventive action and methods 

 the best means of protection for the farmer and small- 

 holder 



WE have now brought our long catalogue of small 

 life-histories to a close. It is obvious that out 

 of the countless cases we have had to choose from only a 

 comparatively brief selection could be made, some of 

 which will be more familiar in one part of the country 

 than in another, whilst there may still be examples not 

 here dealt with which some people have found a 

 trouble to them. I can only now refer them to larger 

 works, and propose to conclude the present little 

 volume with a few general remarks on the principles 

 which underhe the pest problem, which I hope may be of 

 service to the reader. 



How ought we to regard the pest problem ? We have 

 seen in the foregoing pages the ubiquity of insects and 

 alKed pests ; their resourcefulness ; their vast numbers 

 and variety ; the causes of their sudden and unexpected 

 appearances in plague proportions ; and we have con- 

 sidered hosts of remedies. As to the last point, I should 

 like to say here that I hope no reader will set to work to 

 purchase and use all the artificial remedies mentioned 

 in this book and elsewhere, or he will take the gilt off the 



179 



