1883 ., 
Correspondence. 
625 
To take the latter of these two assertions first, I noticed many 
years ago that the daddy-longlegs, when in the larva state, 
cuts off seedling plants just under the surface of the ground, so 
that they perish. On referring to standard authorities to see if 
the observation was novel, I found it recorded by Professor 
Westwood, as far back as 1840, in his “ Modern Classification 
of Insedts,” that “This is particularly the case with Tipula 
oleracea, the larvae of which sometimes thus completely lay bare 
wide tradts of meadow.” Anyone who consults more recent 
authors on Economic Entomology — e.g., Miss Ormerod — will 
find that this supposed “ harmless ” creature for destroying grass 
and corn may rank with the wireworm. 
The theory that house-flies and other Dipterous insedts are 
safe and useful scavengers is equally erroneous. They “absorb” 
putrid and morbific matter, and convey it into our food and our 
very blood, and thus convey carbuncle, ophthalmia, leprosy, &c., 
from one patient to another. This 1 submit is a somewhat 
“ serious inconvenience.” One of the saddest features of the 
day is that persons come forward or are set to write on subjedts 
about which they have no special knowledge. — I am, &c., 
S. 
THE APPOINTMENT OF A PUBLIC 
EXECUTIONER. 
To the Editor of the Journal of Science . 
Sir, — Surely in these enlightened days an appointment of such 
importance as that of Public Executioner will not be left to 
“ influence or nepotism.” I hope to see the announcement in 
due form that an “ open competition ” will be held, and that 
intending candidates must prove their competency by submitting 
to an examination. — I am, See., 
R. M. N. 
