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same evening, and in perfect condition. I have not previously heard of the occur- 

 rence of M. sutor in the northern division of the island ; though, some five-and- 

 twenty years ago, I saw a live specimen of M. dentator, Fab., in Glasgow. North 

 American timber stored at Port Dundas sufficiently accounted for its appearance. 

 In the meantime, I presume M. sutor is entitled to all the immunities of a free-born 

 native. — Robert Hislop, Blair Bank, Falkirk, <&th September, 1869. 



[Evidence as to the British origin of this specimen would be afforded by proof 

 that the timber used at the coal-pit mouth was grown in this country, and not 

 imported. — Eds.] 



Capture of Iassus cruentatus. — This rare Homopterous insect has occurred to 

 me during the present month at Witherslack, about four miles from Grange, where 

 I have previously met with it, also a mile or two further on towards Milnthorp. 

 It is found on Teucrium scorodonia in the pupal as well as the perfect state. The 

 only places where I have seen the insect have one feature in common, namely, the 

 presence of the yew-tree ; this I mention on account of a question that was asked 

 me respecting its habitat, and I cannot but think there is something in it, although 

 it was in vain to beat the yews. — Benjamin Cooke, 119, Stockport Road, Man- 

 chester, ZOth August, 1869. 



On the habits of Cecidomyia salicina, Schrk., marginemtorquens, Bremi, and 

 salicis, Schrlc. — The reddish-yellow larvee of Cecidomyia salicina, Schrank, are now 

 making sad havoc in the tops of the leading shoots of Salix alba in the hedge rows 

 of this neighbourhood. 



Their attacks cause the young terminal leaflets of the shoots to wither and to 

 form a small bud-shaped nidus, within which the larva?, to the number of three to 

 eight or so, pass their metamorphoses. The pupal state lasts from ten to fourteen 

 days. When the perfect insects have left the shoots, the nidi rapidly wither away, 

 turning brown, and at last drop at the slightest movement of the branch. Their 

 presence must exercise a check of considerable influence upon the growth of the 

 shoots of the year, but probably a beneficial result accrues to the plant as well, 

 as the sap which would have served to push the young shoots on, will help to 

 strengthen the old wood instead. 



But as in the plantation of hedges an equal growth is generally aimed at, the 

 temporary mischief done by these midges cannot but annoy the proprietor, as it 

 gives to the hedges a straggling look, caused by the remaining behind of so many 

 young shoots and their unsightly appearance. 



C. marginemtorquens. — The close dependence of many insects upon vegetation, 

 and the nicety and care displayed by the laying females, in the selection of certain 

 individual plants in preference to others of the same species have, at all times, 

 offered to naturalists an inexhaustible field of observation. 



With gall-makers of various orders, I have hitherto found it to be a prevailing 

 rule, that so far as ligneous plants are concerned, stunted shrubs or trees, or else 

 such as are impoverished by the effects of external injuries or old age, are chosen 

 for the deposition of eggs in preference to sound healthy ones. Plants growing in 

 hedges are also more liable to be attacked than isolated ones. 



