THE ENTOMOLOGIST. 47 
since we all know that the moth is entirely destitute of 
mandibles, and of performing a task requiring such energy. 
Sull 1 have observed that many moths prefer a substance 
like linen-cloth to which to affix their cocoons; and it seems 
probable that in this process of cocoon-building they may 
nibble little holes in the cloth. I know that this is the case 
with other caterpillars; they use their jaws very freely, often 
gnawing their way through wood or even harder substances. 
1 entirely acquit the caterpillar of any penchant for the 
linen-cloth as an article of diet, but the injury remains, not- 
withstanding the acquittal, and every precaution must be 
taken against its recurrence. 1 confess my inability to 
suggest any remedy that is likely to prove effectual. 
There is no doubt that to attack the insects in the egg- 
state, as Mr. Eccles suggests, is the right plan; but we must 
not eutirely neglect the first instruction given by Mrs. Glass 
in her cookery-book, touching the jugging of a hare: “ First 
catch your hare.” In both instances—hare, and ruby tiger’s 
eggs—this seems essential. The idea of looking for these 
eggs would evoke a smile on the gravest countenance: they 
are no larger than the head of the smallest pin. ‘Then as to 
attacking them on the broad scale, either by treating the 
bleach-fields with lime, salt, or nitrate of soda, I fear it is 
impracticable. Moreover, every experiment of this kind is 
assuredly a leap in the dark. 1 trust the mischief may not 
occur again; as in the case of the yellow-tail moth, the 
Hessian fly, and various other insects which have seemed to 
threaten a continuous loss, and from time to time have 
elicited prophecies of famine, which happily still await fulfil- 
ment, this visit of the ruby tiger may possibly never recur. 
Sincerely hoping this may be the case, I must content myself 
with doing as Mr. Eccles suggests,—continuing to give this 
subject my best and most unremitting attention. 
Epwarp NEwMaN. |] 
Entomological Notes, Captures, §c. 
Description of the Larva of Lithosia aureola.—On the 
22nd of September last | received from Mr. J. G. Ross, of 
Bathampton, near Bath, a dozen larve of this species. They 
varied considerably in size, the largest, a full-grown one, 
