18 REPORT ON INJURIOUS INSECTS FOR 1906. 



THE RHINOCEROS BEETLE. 



Sinodendron cylindricuni, Linn. 



Two or three cases have been inquired into, where the larvae of 

 this beetle were reported as damaging Ash trees. In all cases, how- 

 ever, the trees were attacked by fungi, and in a very bad condition. 



So far as I am aware this beetle seldom attacks sound trees. 



The only action that could be taken in the above cases was to 

 cut the trees down, which was done, and many thousands of the larvae 

 and beetles were found to be present. 



WIREWORMS. 



The experiments with Vaporite as a remedy for Wireworm have 

 been continued with the greatest success. 



In one case it was tried upon a six-acre field in which Wireworms 

 had been present for some years. During 1905 swedes were grown, 

 and suffered considerably. Early in 1906 the land was treated with 

 Vaporite, an excellent crop was taken off the land, and, although I 

 have seen and examined the land, no Wireworms could be found. 



In spite of various derogatory statements, made by people who 

 have not taken the trouble to experiment with this material, I am now 

 fully convinced of its efficacy, and I have no reason to speak in its 

 favour beyond the fact that I am interested in seeing these pests exter- 

 minated, and from actual experiments I am convinced of the value of 

 Vaporite as a remedy. 



EXPLANATION OF PLATE I. 



Fig. i. Portion of field treated with Vaporite. 

 Fig. 2. Portion of field not treated with Vaporite. 



THE LARGE POPLAR LONGICORN. 



Saperda carcharias, Linn. 



In the Midland Counties this insect has been met with on several 

 occasions. In two cases considerable damage was done to avenues of 

 Poplars. The insect attacked the trees near the ground, rendering it 

 peculiarly liable to be damaged later by the wind. 



The eggs are deposited in crevices in the bark of Poplars and 

 Willows (I have found the larvae in Oak also), near to the ground. 

 These hatch out from about the middle of July to the middle of 

 August. The larvae commence and bore their way into the wood, 

 forming vertical galleries (Fig. 3), extending to the centre of the tree. 

 Trees attacked can usually be identified from the fact that the wood 



