THE YOUNG NATURALIST. 



7 



beforehand, that we may stamp it out should it really appear. 



I desire to devote myself more particularly in future to the study of farm 

 pests, their habits, parasites, &c., with the best means of counteracting them. 

 It is true much of the ground has been gone over already, particularly by the 

 lady whose works I have so liberally quoted, and who has directly and in- 

 directly furnished me with most of the material for this paper ; still there is 

 plenty of scope for us all, and plenty of work worth doing, as also plenty 

 that we may do amongst us in our own particular district if we only kept our 

 eyes open, and if spared, I intend to devote my special attention to it next 

 season. I shall be glad of any facts, specimens, or information in any shape 

 that any of my friends have to report, and shall make it my particular en- 

 deavour not to rob anyone of the honour due to him individually or as a 

 member of the club for any useful information he may impart. Another 

 thing I should like to see got up, under the auspices of the club, and in 

 connection with the museum, a collection of specimens of insect pests, 

 agricultural, horticultural, and even domestic, with samples of their effects, 

 parasites, food, and general history, as is possible to preserve and exhibit ; 

 and also to endeavour to enlist farmers, country-people, and others having 

 much opportunity of observation to assist us in the work. 



By making an effort of this kind we might gain a triple result. It would 

 be a public benefit, it would also be an object and enjoyment to ourselves, 

 and a means of acquiring valuable information ; whilst by enlisting the 

 sympathies and co-operation of all interested in cultivation, instead of look- 

 ing upon us as intruders, it would serve to shew in a practical manner the 

 utility and objects of " them bug-hunters." 



Warrington, Nov., 1887. 



NATURE IN JANUARY. 



By ALBERT H. WATERS, B.A., 



Nature is not at its best in January — far from it. The woods are either 

 sodden with moisture and damp as damp can be, or they are buried deep 

 beneath the drifted snow ; the green lanes are either profoundly muddy, or 

 frozen hard as adamant. Nevertheless, the naturalist will find some work 

 to do even in mid-winter. When the landscape is " white without a speck," 

 and the fields and meadows are covered up with a mantle of snow, the 

 ornithologist finds plenty of occupation, for it is then a good time to make 

 out a list of the resident birds of a district, and of such species as come to it 

 in winter from more northerly parts. I find it very interesting at such times 

 to pay a visit to the fens near Cambridge, and observe the birds which visit 



