99 
A FEW FRIENDS. 
the garden. As often as not it is regarded as a foe, and 
killed forthwith. Now, the centipede does no harm to 
plants ; it feeds entirely on grubs, worms, and small animals, 
and is therefore a real friend of the gardener. It is easily 
distinguished from the millepedes by its shorter body, longer 
legs, and its greater activity. Spare him. Another creature, 
often seen in competition with the Centipede, is Geophilus 
longicornis. This measures 2^ to 3 in. in length, has a very 
slender, ochreous-coloured body, furnished with fifty-one to 
fifty-five pairs of legs. The animal moves with a waving 
motion from right to left, and leaves behind a thin line of 
phosphoric fluid which can be clearly seen in the dark. 
This creature is one of Nature’s scavengers, feeding on 
decayed roots and seeds, and never at any time does any 
harm to plants. We have often met with it in the soil and 
drainage of pot plants. Spare him likewise. 
Frogs and Toads. — These should be encouraged in 
every garden, as they are really valuable allies. Both feed on 
slugs, beetles, and grubs, and will devour an immense 
number of these pests if unmolested. The Common Frog is 
scientifically known as Rana temporaria, and the toad as Bubo 
vulgaris. 
Garden Spider (Epeira diademarta). — This spider 
spins large webs over bushes, etc., and is particularly 
abundant during September. By means of its web it traps 
small moths and flies, and devours them at leisure. It should 
not be destroyed, but left unmolested. 
Hawk Flies (Saeva). — Three species of Hawk flies, 
namely, Scaeva balteata, S. Pyrastri, and S. Ribesii, are friends 
of the gardener. The insects are of a wasp-like nature, 
though they are not capable of stinging. They are exceed- 
ingly active, and may be seen darting about here and there 
in the sunshine with great alacrity. These insects are also 
called “ Hoverers,” on account of their hovering over the 
plants. The flies lay their eggs among colonies of aphides, 
and when the larvae appear, these at once begin to feast 
upon the aphides. The larvae are so voracious that they 
will literally destroy hundreds of aphides in the space of an 
hour. The larvae are whitish or yellowish-green in colour, 
