BY ALEX. MORTON, F.L.S. ^5l 



known entomologist, has estimated that there are within the 

 limits of the United States 50,000 species of insects ; another 

 writer says, that of the 325,000 species of insects known to 

 exist by name and description, 25,000 belong to the United 

 States. Of these 15,000 at least would be regarded as 

 injurious, from preying upon material serviceable to man. Of 

 these 7,000 or 8,000 may justly be regarded as fruit destroyers. 

 A writer in America, referring to the increase in insect pests, 

 thus writes .- — " The fruitgrower can no longer ignore the 

 insects as insignificant objects in nature almost unworthy of 

 regard. The myriad hosts confront him on every side, and 

 demand his attention. They claim the choicest products of 

 his labour, not a tithe of them, which might, perhaps, be 

 granted, but the entirety. It is a struggle for mastery, in 

 which he must conquer the insect, or the insect will conquer 

 him." It is to be hoped that Parliament will seriously 

 consider this matter and devise prompt measures, in the 

 interests of the whole colony, for the eradication of enemies 

 that seriously threaten one of the most important industries 

 in Tasmania. In the meantime, let the orchardists bestir 

 themselves and remove the breeding grounds that many of 

 them considerately leave to encourage the growth and spread 

 of insects. Let them see to it that no long grass or weeds are 

 allowed to grow in their orchards, that all trees are planted at 

 a considerable distance from fences or fallen timber, and that 

 all rubbish in the orchard be promptly and constantly burned. 

 Then the pests would be kept at any rate within manageable 

 limits, and the losses would be considerably reduced. With a 

 view of studying the development of the Curculio, and any 

 other insects that infest Tasraanian orchards, Mr. Creswell, the 

 Chairman of the Hobart Fruit Board, has kindly promised to 

 be good enough to have forwarded to me grubs in difierent 

 stages of development, and at different seasons, and am about 

 procuring a case for their reception, in which tlieir changes and 

 development may be noted. I have also written to several 

 prominent entomologists in America on the matter, and hope 

 during next session to give some further information on the 

 subject. 



