204 The American Naturalist. [February, 
building ; (2) search for the larva or caterpillar in all packages of 
flour and meal, and if any are found superheat in a dry kiln by spread- 
ing it out in a thin layer so the heat can reach all parts; (3) do not 
under any circumstances sell infected flour to dealers, but have it 
steamed and fed to hogs; (4) where webs are found it may be con- 
sidered that the larva has reached the chrysalis stage, and the cocoons, 
or little masses of flour glued together, being little rolls about three- 
quarters of an inch long, should be gathered up and burned. It 
must be remembered, however, that the larva has a habit of retiring 
to some crevice where it may be impossible to reach it, in which case 
watch should be kept for the moths as they emerge from the chrysalis, 
and they should then be killed. In such case sulphur fumes should 
be used. When the larve have gained possession of any part of the 
machinery, superheated steam must be used. 
Where the use of sulphur might be attended with danger, chlorine 
fumes may be used with equal benefit. Infested places may also be 
sprayed with a solution of corrosive sublimate, consisting of one 
drachm to each gallon of water, or with a soap emulsion consisting of 
two gallons of kerosene, one of water and half a pound of whale oil 
soap. The solution of soap should be heated and addded boiling-hot 
to the kerosene, and then thoroughly mixed by means of a force- 
pump and spray-nozzle. One part ofthis emulsion should be used 
with nine parts of water. Prof. Riley, who gives the above formula, 
lays great stress upon having kerosene properly emulsified when used 
as an insecticide. 
By adopting the above precautions this pest, which if allowed to go 
on unchecked soon becomes worse than any of the plagues of Egypt, 
may be kept down. The prompt measures already taken have to all 
appearance stopped its spread in Canada, but it is liable to appear 
again at any time. It has been seen in the United States but does 
not appear to have done any mischief. With the intimate trade rela- 
tions which exist between the two countries its spread in one would 
soon be followed by its appearance in the other. Eternal vigilance is 
the price of freedom from its ravages, and attention having been 
called to it, millers and others likely to suffer should be on the alert.— 
J. J. BELL, Brockville, Canada. 
