152 Morley : Laroa plague in Defier Wood. 
autumn, not a single specimen was seen. The mortality in the 
metamorphic stages must have been enormous. The two 
species of Hybernia, defoliaria and am antiaria, appeared in 
the perfect state during the autumn of 1912 in vast numbers. 
Eighty females of defoliaria were counted one evening on 
one birch trunk. The moths swarmed everywhere. The 
resulting larvae in the spring of 1913 were in such immense 
quantities that many of the trees were never allowed to come 
into leaf at all. The growth was eaten up as the buds expanded. 
The larvae were reduced to such straits as to eat the moss off 
the tree trunks ; grass, heather, and bracken were also eaten. 
The autumn proved that few survived, H. defoliaria was a 
rarity, and although H. aurantiaria was rather more numerous 
it was not by any means common. It was evident that over- 
production had paid its penalty. 
To that pestiferous species Cheimatobia brumata must be 
given the credit for persistence, for whatever be the cause 
of the reduction in the numbers of all the other species, whether 
it be parasites, or insufficient food supply, or both, brumata has 
not suffered, the emergence late in 1913 was as abundant as ever. 
Cidaria corylata was an abundant species six years ago, 
but now seems to have disappeared. 
Cosmia paleacea. Became common five years ago, but • 
has not 'been taken for three years. 
Cleocerisviminalis. Four years ago larvae were abundant on 
sallow. Not a single larvae has been found for two years, and 
all the sallows have been completely stripped before the 
larvae of viminalis could be a quarter grown. 
Cabera pitsaria and Hylophila prasinana are practically 
extinct. 
Geometra papilionaria. Was formerly common ; only 
one seen during the last three years. 
Metrocampa margaritaria, Orthosia suspecta. Drepana 
falcataria, Notodonta dictceoides, N. dromedarius, Lophop- 
teryx camelina, Acronycta leporina and others have all either 
disappeared or are very scarce. 
Calymnia trapezina. Five years ago was abundant, now 
it is a scarce species in the wood, notwithstanding the great 
reputation the larva has for cannibalism ; evidently a diet of 
caterpillars alone is not good for it. 
The effect of these four years of defoliation has been 
disastrous to the trees. They have now a very stunted 
appearance, and owing to the growth being repeatedly arrested 
they have many dead twigs and boughs. 
The wood is strictly preserved for game, consequently, 
with the exception of owls, which are numerous, birds of 
prey are scarce, therefore insectivorous birds are far from un- 
common. The night-jar especially is plentiful. 
Naturalist, 
