( 626 ) 
[October, 
CORRESPONDENCE. 
*,* The Editor does not hold himself responsible for statements of fatfls or 
opinions expressed in Correspondence, or in Articles bearing the signature 
of their respe&ive authors. 
ATTACKS OF THE COMMON GREEN APHIS. 
An observation made by the Editor on page 558 of the “Journal 
of Science,” on the possibility of the common green aphis at- 
tacking man, is confirmed by my own experience. In my garden 
is a large elm, with a seat around it. I commonly sit on this to 
read in the shade. During the dry period which prevailed in 
July and August I have been ignominiously driven from this 
position by the Aphides which swarmed in the tree. Their bite 
produced an irritation corresponding with that described, and the 
backs of my hands were especially visited. They are very pretty 
creatures in this winged stage, but by no means loveable. Since 
the recent rains I am able to return to my favourite seat. 
W. Mattieu Williams. 
Stonebridge Park, September 5, 1885. 
A SEA-SERPENT. 
The following paragraph appears to be going the round of the 
papers : — 
“ The Quebec ship Emblem (Capt. Roberts), from Rangoon, 
arrived at Queenstown on Sunday morning. The captain states 
that on August 5th, at 10 o’clock in the morning, and when in 
lat. 29-35° N., and long. 34-60° W., the mate drew his attention 
to a sea-serpent which was lying on the surface of the water 
about 9 feet from the ship’s side. It measured no less than 
55 feet in length, and about 7 feet in circumference. It was of 
a light pink colour, and during the time (fifteen minutes) that 
the crew saw it, its head, which was as big as that of a calf, was 
slightly raised out of the sea. Several times its mouth opened, 
disclosing fangs about 4 inches in length. When first seen by 
the mate it was lying quite motionless, but the water from the 
