No. 115.] 145 



the bushes as soon as they show the small holes eaten into them 

 by the young larvae ; also, a correction ot the substitution of 

 figures of the raspberry root-borer, Bembecia marginata (Harris), 

 in a preceding number of the paper, for the currant saw-flies — 

 iigures of both sexes of each species accompanying. 



Horizontal Borings in Tree-Trunks. (The Country Gentleman for 

 May 27, 1886, li, p. 409, c. 1-2 — 32 cm.) 



To inquiry of the insect that bores round holes in a circle 

 around tree trunks, reply is made that it is not an insect attack, 

 but of the yellow-bellied woodpecker, Sphyropieus varius 

 (Linn.). Of the explanations given of the purpose of these 

 holes by different writers — feeding on the inner bark and feed- 

 ing on the sap — the latter is regarded as the true one. 

 Mr. King's observations, quoted, show this conclusively. Borings 

 made in a horizontal line gives a better sap supply thau if made 

 perpendicularly. 



The Elm-leaf Beetle. (The Country Gentleman for May 27, 

 1886, li, p. 409, c. 2-3 — 27 cm.) 



Insects occurring by thousands in a house in Whitestone, 

 N. J., are Galeruca xa?ithomelcena, which have hibernated, as is 

 their habit, in the upper rooms of the house, and are now 

 resorting to the windows to make their exit and attain the 

 elm trees for ovi position. The benefit of killing the beetles 

 before they escape for oviposition is urged. Reference is 

 made to the principal publications upon the insect which is 

 proving injurious in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and south-eastern 

 New York. 



A Plea for Entomological Study. (The Glens Falls [N. Y.] 

 Republican for June 1, 1886.) 



Extracts from an address before the Agassiz Association of 

 Glens Falls, in which are noticed the facilities offered for ento- 

 mological study, and the importance of economic entomology, in 

 consideration of the large number of insect pests and the extent 

 of their ravages. 



The Apple-tree Aphis. (The Country Gentleman for June 3, 

 1886, li, p. 429, c. 1-2 — 26 cm.) 



Aphis mali Linn., from Mossville, 111., May J.6 (some of 

 which were winged), identified. Unusual abundance of aphides 

 this season of various species, Aphis ribis f having been observed 

 to have nearly killed some black currant bushes. Arsenical 

 applications not available for destroying them. Tobacco smoke 

 is fatal, but not available for trees. Soap-suds or tobacco solu- 



[Assembly, No. 115.] 10 



