248 ORTHOPTERA OF NOVA SCOTIA. — PIERS. 



1896. Walker did not include it in his list of Canadian Ortho- 

 ptera of 1872, but the Nova Scotian references in that catalogue 

 were founded on collections made here by Lieut. Redman 

 prior to 1848, and probably about 1821. The common name, 

 "Yankee Settler," which is usually applied to it in Halifax, 

 shows that in the popular mind at least it was believed to 

 have been an incomer from the New England states. 



It is very common in some houses in Halifax and doubtless 

 occurs also, but less commonly, in other large shipping 

 towns in the province. C. B. Gooderham has taken it 

 only once at Truro, Col. Co. where he reports it rare. I am 

 also informed that it occurs in Oxford, Cumb. Co. It is 

 very rarely, if ever, seen in the country districts. It is less 

 often found in dirty surroundings than the larger Oriental 

 Cockroach (B. orientalis), and therefore is more liable to be 

 met with in the better class of dwellings. It delights in 

 warm, moist places, such as the vicinity of fire-places and 

 hot-water pipes, and is less strictly nocturnal than the 

 Oriental Cockroach. When it has once gained an entrance, 

 it is extremely difficult to exterminate, as its small size and 

 fiat body permit it to hide and breed in small cracks where 

 the larger cockroach could not penetrate. The rapidity 

 with which it propagates also adds to its seriousness as a 

 household pest in cities.- 



It is careful to avoid poisoned food placed to tempt it. 

 A most thoroughly effective means of ridding premises of 

 this pest, is fumigation with hydrocyanic gas. This gas, 

 however, is extremely poisonous to human beings, and its 

 use by inexperienced persons should never be thought of. 

 Fumigation with a poisonous gas such as bisulphide of carbon 

 is somewhat more suitable and quite effective Avhon rooms or 

 ship's holds can be vacated and sealed up, and the liquid 

 exposed therein in open vessels at the rate of one pound to 

 every 1,000 cubic feet of room space. When left for twenty- 

 four hours all roaches and every other kind of vermin will be 



