344 CLIMATOLOGIOAL REPORT, 1870, 



month, and several humming-bird hawk moths were seen in the 

 course of it. 



Acklam, near Middlesbro'. — Towards the close of the month 

 great numbers of white butterflies were seen, and hosts of cater- 

 pillars on the gooseberry bushes. 



September. — 



North Sunderland. — A quail was shot at Pasture Hill farm on 

 the 27th. 



Wallington. — No wasps were to be seen nor a nest to be 

 found, and so no fruit was destroyed by them. Male wasps 

 were not observed last season, which is probably in some mea- 

 sure the cause of the absence of nests and queen wasps this fine 

 and favourable season. 



Wylam. — The humming-bird hawk moth was seen on the 19th. 



Acklam, near Middlesbro'. — Insect life abounded. Butterflies 

 and moths numerous. Swarms of gnats filled the air at times. 



Seaham. — The swallow, martin, sedge-warbler, chiff-chaff, 

 willow wren, black-cap, and white-throat disappeared soon after 

 September the 20th. 



October. — 



North Sunderland. — First woodcocks seen on the 7th-9th. 



Wallington. — Large swarms of the black aphis abounded dur- 

 ing several days, and settled down on every plant and tree. 

 The peach, nectarine, cherry, and plum trees seemed to be espe- 

 cial favourites with them. They deposited their eggs on the 

 under side of the leaves, and in a few days the young green 

 larva? appeared in millions and made the leaves to fall off pre- 

 maturely before the fruit buds were matured. This may cause 

 the loss of the fruit crop next year. 



Acklam, near Middlesbro'. — Thrushes were singing at the end 

 of the month, and starlings were numerous. 



Seaham. — Great numbers of mountain finches arrived in 

 October, and remained for about a month. 



