409 



ceeds to scoop out all the nutty interior of the seed and take it away 

 to their nest. It does not always proceed in this manner but more 

 frequently approaches the seed from below under the soil and this is 

 the most dangerous manner as it cannot be seen. These ants attack 

 the seed at all stages from the time it is put in the ground until the 

 shoot becomes green after which they seem to take no more interest 

 in it, they attack the shoot so long as it remains white. I am send- 

 ing you under separate cover samples of all three sexes of these ants 

 which died after feeding on corrosive sublimate. The very large one 

 does the boring, 1 have watched him (her or it) at it. 



They do not seem to mind Pyrethrum in the least, nor one per 

 mil. corrosive sublimate but leave after repeated Kerosine emulsion 

 spraying. This latter is expensive and does not prevent them from 

 attacking from below. 



They occasionally give trouble in tobacco seed beds by taking 

 away the seed and completely devastated my seed beds of chillies 

 this year. 



I have tried soaking the Para seed in one per mil. corrosive sub- 

 limate and then drying and so far they have not attacked these. I 

 have also dip >ed some seed in tar and then rolled them in lim t and 

 these are also not attacked but both these involve some considerable 

 time and expense when dealing with half a million seeds nor am I 

 sure that the seeds subjected to the tar and lime treatment will 

 germinate : in either case nothing protects the shoot as soon as it 

 comes out. 



Will you allow me to make two suggestions as to your Agricultural 

 Bulletin which is of the greatest help and use to us ? I would first 

 of all suggest that you should start a column of questions and 

 answers, there are many of us who have neither the time nor the 

 power to write articles on the subjects which interest us but we can 

 put many intelligent questions which might help to the solution of 

 difficulties : I would suggest that you print the name of the writer, 

 his question, and then your answer or an invitation to some one else 

 to give his experience if necessary. I would lay especial stress on 

 printing the question as otherwise your readers would not get the 

 full benefit of the answer. 



I would also beg to suggest a series of illustrated articles on 

 labour saving devices and agricultural implements of England, the 

 United States, and the Continent : there are many cute implements 

 about which we know nothing out here and I personally have 

 experienced the greatest difficulty in getting such things. 



Awaiting with interest your advices in these matters. 



1 have, etc. 



FRANK E. LEASE. 



| 



The ants sent by Mr. LEASE are a very abundant and familiar 

 kind which is frequently to be found in houses. The large one 

 referred to seems to be an adult worker, the others young workers. 



