[November, 
690 Correspondence . 
A prominent feature has been the general rarity of wasps : 
bee-keepers, and growers of grapes, peaches, &c., under glass, 
report very unanimously that they have had no trouble with these 
marauders throughout the season. A few have appeared in shel- 
tered places at the end of September and the beginning of 
October. Hornets have been still scarcer. In the neighbourhood 
of Chingford, Sewardstone, &c., where they are usually common, 
none have been seen. 
The cockchaffer and his diminutive successor, Rhisotrogus sol - 
stitialis , have both been scarce, and have occasioned no damage. 
The currant-moth (Abraxas grossulariata) has not been plen- 
tiful. Gooseberry and currant bushes, which were much infested 
with its larvae in 1879 and 1880, have been this year nearly free. 
The yellow underwing (Tryphcena pronuba) was very plentiful, 
but only for a short time. Orgyia antiqua has been very plenti- 
ful in the suburbs of London and the country districts around, 
and has done much mischief. 
Earwigs have been abundant almost beyond precedent during 
the whole season. Lettuces in May, roses and carnations in the 
summer months, and dahlias and asters in September and Octo- 
ber, have been full of these pests. 
The crane-flies have been scarce, but gnats and biting flies 
(Stomoxys) very abundant. Dragonflies have been unusually 
scarce. 
In connection with the multitudes of gnats, I may mention the 
scarcity of swallows. I know an instance of a mansion where 
a few years ago they were very abundant, and where they were 
carefully protected by the proprietor. This year there have been 
scarcely any. — I am, &c., 
S. 
