409 
ceeds to scoop out all the nutty interior of the seed and take it away 
to their nest. It does not always proceed in this manner but more 
frequently approaches the seed from below under the soil and this is 
the most dangerous manner as it cannot be seen. These ants attack 
the seed at all stages from the time it is put in the ground until the 
shoot becomes green after which they seem to take no more interest 
in it, they attack the shoot so long as it remains white. I am send- 
ing you under separate cover samples of all three sexes of these ants 
> which died after feeding on corrosive sublimate. The very large one 
does the boring, I have watched him (her or it) at it. 
They do not seem to mind Pyrethrum in the least, nor one per 
mil. corrosive sublimate but leave after repeated Kerosine emulsion 
spraying. This latter is expensive and does not prevent them from 
attacking from below. 
They occasionally give trouble in tobacco seed beds by taking 
away the seed and completely devastated my seed beds of chillies 
this year. 
I have tried soaking the Para seed in one per mil. corrosive sub- 
limate and then drying and so far they have not attacked these. I 
have also dip >ed some seed in tar and then rolled them in lim - and 
these are also not attacked but both these involve some considerable 
time and expense w’hen dealing with half a million seeds nor am I 
sure that the seeds subjected to the tar and lime treatment will 
germinate : in either case nothing protects the shoot as soon as it 
comes out. 
Will you allow me to make two suggestions as to your Agricultural 
Bulletin which is of the greatest help and use to us? I would first 
of all suggest that you should start a column of questions and 
answers, there are many of us who have neither the time nor the 
power to write articles on the subjects which interest us but we can 
put many intelligent questions which might help to the solution of 
difficulties : I would suggest that you print the name of the writer, 
his question, and then your answer or an invitation to some one else 
to give his experience if necessary. I would lay especial stress on 
priming the question as otherwise your readers would not get the 
, full benefit of the answer. 
I would also beg to suggest a series of illustrated articles on 
labour saving devices and agricultural implements of England, the 
' United States, and the Continent : there are many cute implements 
t ■ about which we know nothing out here and I personally have 
experienced the greatest difficulty in getting such things. 
Awaiting with interest your advices in ihese matters. 
I have, etc. 
FRANK E. LEASE. 
The ants sent by Mr. Lease are a very abundant and familiar 
kind which is frequently to be found in houses. The large one 
referred to seems to be an adult worker, the others young workers. 
