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So closely are the studies of Botany and Entomology associated together that some 

 knowledge of Botany is actually a necessity to the Entomologist ; particularly is this the 

 case in the interesting work of investigating the life-history of insects. It frequently 

 happens that a very slight knowledge of the affinities of a given plant may save from 

 starvation valuable larvae which have been transmitted to a distance from the place where 

 their proper food plant occurs. Most larvae will subsist upon plants of the same genus or 

 others closely allied to them. 



A good instance of this is presented in the numerous Coliades, all of which will 

 flourish upon the common white clover (Trijolium repens), although in a state of nature 

 they may, accoi'ding to the species, feed upon plants belonging to a dozen different genera, 

 all of which, however, will be found to be of the same natural order as the clover (Legu- 

 minosce). The Argynnides, again, will all feed upon our common blue violet ( V. cucullata), 

 as will the Pierides upon common and easily procured cruciferous plants. 



On the other hand, for a right understanding of the shapes and positions of flowers, 

 and for a full appreciation of the beautiful methods by which fertilization of the ovules is 

 secured, a knowledge of the structure and habits of insects is of inestimable value. 



There is, too, an economic aspect of this case, for if insects will survive upon plants 

 which are only and perhaps distantly allied to their natural food, it is obviously necessary 

 that the cultivator should take this into consideration when engaged in the constant strife 

 which he has to wage against injurious insects, and we even find that some species will 

 actually nourish better upon such cultivated plants, when grown in large numbers ; the 

 Colorado potato beetle niay be instanced in this connection, which thrives so luxuriantly 

 upon the cultivated potato, but which, when confined to its natural food, the Solarium 

 rostratum, eked out but a precarious existence. Otherwise it is useless to abstain from the 

 cultivation of any crop which has been badly attacked, as a means of starving out its 

 insect enemies, in a locality where there are numerous wild plants or weeds which are 

 allied to the plant which it is desired to grow. This must be borne in mind with regard to 

 the many pests affecting cereals which are able to find ample temporary lodgment in the 

 various wild grasses. 



OBITUARY. 



We deeply regret to announce the death of Mr. William D. Shaw, of Montreal, on the 

 29th of June, 1886, at the early age of nineteen years. The deceased was well known for 

 his early application to science, he having been the leading spirit in founding the Montreal 

 Chapter of the Agassiz Association. Of this Chapter Mr. Shaw was Secretary and 

 Treasurer, and in 1885 was appointed General Secretary for Canada. Mr. Shaw was also 

 a member of the Council of the Montreal Branch of the Entomological Society of 

 Ontario, a member of the Natural History Society of Montreal, and a member of the 

 Astro-Meteorological Association. A devoted student of science, his loss will be deeply 

 felt by his fellow workers. Unassuming, guileless and upright, his memory will ever be 

 held in loving remembrance by those who had the privilege of knowing him. 



INSECTS INFESTING MAPLE TREES. 



BY W. HAGUE HARRINGTON, OTTAWA. 



Of recent years increasing attention has been paid in Canada to the subject of 

 Forestry, especially in the Province of Ontario. As yet, however, our magnificent forests 

 have not been entirely destroyed, despite the reckless and short-sighted manner in which 

 they have been invaded by lumberman and settler, and the time has hardly come for 

 planting, although it caDnot be far distant in some districts. It cannot be wasted labour, 

 nevertheless, to endeavour to find out what is known of the diseases and enemies of each 

 tree, in order that when required the knowledge may be available. For ornamental 



