PROCEEDINGS OF THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION. 
99 
wished to know if Aphides were more abundant on one soil than on others, and 
also whether they were followed by Coccinellidce this year, as they had been in 
1829. On Wheat they are more abundant on the Spring than the Autumnal- 
sown crops. Tipula Tritici he had observed abundant in some districts this year. 
The pupa and chrysalides are not so numerous as in former years, but the 
caterpillars are very abundant; Wheat appears more damaged by Aphides than 
Tipulce. He then alluded to the kind of information wanted in these inquiries, 
with regard to soil, atmosphere, cultivation, and varieties of Wheat, which might 
be supplied by the agriculturist; and regretted that there was not an agricultural 
section in the Association. He hoped botanists would supply information:— 
1. On the species and varieties of Wheat grown in this country; 2. Diseases of 
Wheat arising from parasitic Fungi and other causes; 3. The provincial and local 
names of the kinds of Wheat. In conclusion, he suggested that a committee of 
the British Association, consisting of botanists, entomologists, and agriculturists, 
should be formed, in order to investigate the diseases incident to Wheat, and 
other kinds of agricultural produce. 
Prof. Graham deemed this subject one of great commercial as 'well as 
scientific importance. Insects had produced great harm this year. The cold 
winter, he thought, would hardly explain it; as, for example, Spring-sown Wheat 
was most attacked. More facts were wanted on this important subject. He had 
seen a large collection of drawings of insects destructive to grain, by Francis 
Bauer, the property of the late Sir Joseph Banks ; he thought it would advance 
such inquiries if the Association would assist in publishing those drawings. 
Dr. Greville remarked that the Aphides which were abundant one year were 
not to be found the next. 
Mr. Monk had observed tbe attacks of some insects to be periodical. 
Mr. Hope thought that weather had but little influence over the insects. 
When vegetation made sudden and extraordinary progress, insects frequently 
appeared, but they perished provided the plant remained in a state of health. 
Dr. Richardson then exhibited four species of Pouched-rats, and he was aware 
of two more species that had been hitherto undescribed. All these were usually 
looked upon as one species. 
The meeting of the Section then closed for the year, the Chairman, Sir William 
Jardine, having congratulated the members on the unusual extent, variety, and 
interest of the papers of this year. 
