BULLETIN OF THE BROOKLYN ENT. 800. IT. 1879. 67 



as well as many others, must have clean litter in which to hide, for 

 they feed only at night, and lie concealed under bark, in crevices, 

 and among- grass-roots and leaves during the day. 



For pupation, the earth ought to be if possible a foot in depth, 

 though a much less depth will answer every purpose. 



It should be sifted and roasted to destroy all animal life, and 

 then moistened. 



Light sandy loam will do very well, but probably the rich 

 light soil of the woods is as good as can be found. It should be 

 made slightly compact, but not pressed hard. 



Such species as pupate in soft partially decayed wood must be 

 provided w T ith it. And so in general the conditions which nature 

 demands must be given as they are needed. 



Care should be taken against all insects which are parasitic 

 upon the larvae. 



Ichneumons and flies probably destroy more Caterpillars than 

 the birds. They prey upon them from the time the egg is laid. 



Very many are exceedingly minute, and the netting which 

 serves for ventilation in our breeding boxes must have its 

 meshes very small. 



When a Caterpillar is observed to be infested with parasites, 

 it should be at once utterly destroyed. 



Very great care should be taken in the case of those so destruct- 

 ive, which spin their little white cocoons outside upon the back 

 generally of the larvae of the iSphiugidae. They must not be 

 dropped or lost, but each and every one must be carefully and 

 ruthlessly destroyed by tire. And very much greater care should 

 be taken against those, no less minute and destructive, which 

 infest especially the chry sales of the Papiliouidae, 



One of their number bores a hole through the shell of the chrys- 

 alis, and forthwith, as from the Grecian horse within the walls 

 of Troy, the horrid progeny come to destroy. It is preferable on 

 this account to keep the chrysales of Diurnals separate from the 

 Caterpillars. 



The worst ill to guard against however is one of which we have 

 already spoken,-contag/ious diseases These appear sometimes 

 without seeming cause, but are always extensively and rapidly 

 fatal. Prevention is accomplished only by the most scrupulous 

 cleanliness, by fresh, not wet food, and proper conditions of venti- 

 lation. 



