All Unknown Sense 351 



recognized the Dart or Turnip Moth (Noctua 

 segetum, Hubn.). 



The Hairy Ammophila, therefore, feeds lier 

 grubs on the caterpillars of Noctuae ; and her 

 choice falls exclusively on the species that live 

 underground. These caterpillars, commonly 

 known as Grey Worms, because of their drab 

 garb, are a most formidable scourge to agricul- 

 tural crops, as well as to garden produce. Curled 

 in their burrows by day, they climb to the sur- 

 face at night and gnaw the base or collar of the 

 herbaceous plants. Everything suits them : 

 ornamental plants and edible plants alike. 

 Flower-beds, market-gardens, fields are laid 

 waste without distinction. When a seedling 

 withers without apparent cause, draw it to you 

 gently ; and the dying plant will come up, but 

 maimed, severed from its root. The Grey 

 Worm has passed that way in the night ; its 

 greedy mandibles have performed the deadly 

 amputation. Its havoc rivals that wrought by 

 the White Worm, the grub of the Cockchafer. 

 When it swarms in a beet-country, the damage 

 amounts to millions. This is the terrible enemy 

 against which the Ammophila comes to our aid. 



I point out and urgently recommend to agri- 

 culturalists this valuable auxiliary, so zealous 

 in her search of the Grey Worm in spring, 

 so skilful in discovering its hiding-place. An 



