INSECTS INJURIOUS TO THE POTATO. 99 
bles the Arma). This, however, I never have subjected to the crucial test 
of boxing up with the beetle, but have never seen it feeding on them in 
e idea entered my head when I saw the potato bugs so scarce, and the 
Sister beetles, especially the es ing one, so very abundant on our pota- 
toes. To test it, I put a few Striped Blister-beetles into a breeding jar, 
With one small bunch of potato bug eggs (all I could find) and a potato 
gist," on this Subject, I failed to find 
anything of this kind MD since then 
I have not searched for it. 'Their pa- 
per is full of ‘peas a to the practical man does not give very much 
Substantial encouragement except in recommending the old-fashioned 
tedious way of picking the bugs by hand, as in reality this is about all 
man can do. 
Before closing this ob dong note, allow me to place among the list 
of insect enemies a Philonthus which is undescribed, according to Mr. 
Walsh, who received the specimen from me. This specimen, in the sum- 
mer of 1865, I found as an intruder in one of my breeding boxes, containing 
number of Colorado potato bug larve. When found, it had virg mp 
Mh all the larvæ, just as a pera or mink will kill more chickens than it 
needs for food. This insect was a medium sized member of the pest 
Staphylinide, a hice ens bids: It was black, with short wing-cases. 
flerce and powerful insect, individually, is the most terrible enemy of 
the Colorado potato bug extant among insects, and I hope that some day 
it will be honored with the name of the Prairie State, with credit for an 
efficient worker. 

NOTE. — Cuts 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21 and 22, are from the * American Entomologist." 


