On the Potato Gruh of Tasmania. 79 



ground was encumbered, where it is to be presumed they 

 sought shelter from the sun's rays, and protection against 

 their natural enemies. 



From the facts just narrated, it would seem that the 

 following conclusions may not unreasonably be drawn : — 

 First. — That the best soil to sow potatoes in, sup- 

 posing that the sole object were to exempt them 

 from the grub, would be that which is impervious 

 to the moth ; such, for instance, as sand, or a com- 

 pact loam. 

 Second, — That if no such soil be available, the deeper 

 the potatoes are sown, the safer they will be from the 

 inroads of the moth. 

 Third. — That when there is reason to apprehend the 

 presence of the moth, not a moment should be lost 

 in housing the potatoes after they are dug up. 

 It has been stated in the course of these notes, that the 

 transformation of the larva into the perfect insect is not to 

 be expected for some months to come — not, indeed, till the 

 ensuing winter and spring shall have run their accustomed 

 course. Such is the ordinary routine of nature. Having 

 found numerous empty pupa cases on potatoes of this year's 

 growth, the writer has strong grounds for believing, however, 

 that there has been more than one generation of the insect 

 during the summer that is now drawing to a close ; and if 

 this be true, it can hardly be doubted that the long continued 

 drought, and unchequered heat of the weather, must have 

 been the immediate cause. Eain or variable weather would 

 in all likelihood have diminished their fecundity, and it is 

 possible that a severe storm at the proper time might have 

 annihilated them altogether. 



Previous to concluding these notes, the writer cannot 

 refrain from drawing attention to the peculiar palpi before 



