0 
CLOVER, 
felt hats also catch a tremendous quantity by placing them on the top 
of stakes and clearing them out daily.” 
Possibly where the insects are present in great numbers something 
to lessen the amount might be done by following up the observation 
quoted by Prof. Westwood, in proof of some kinds of Earwigs flying at 
night, “that in a small space of 18 in. square, upon palings fresh 
coated with pitch on the previous day, no less than fifty or more of 
these insects had been captured, some of which had still their wings 
expanded.”'*' AVhere the insects are ravaging valuable crops in a 
moderate compass, it might be worth while to try the effect of placing 
some boards or hanging some narrow long strips of cloth smeared 
with pitch or wet tar. If successful the expense and trouble would be 
a lesser evil than loss of the crop. 
In garden treatment, and where the dwellers in houses covered 
with ornamental plants or creepers are troubled with Earwigs, the 
cure is obvious. If the shelters are removed the Earwigs will com¬ 
monly be reduced to very small numbers, and (as it is a common habit 
of Earwigs to lay their eggs under clods of earth, or in holes in the 
earth, or similar places, and take care of them) all measures of culti¬ 
vation which would stir the surface well in early spring, and disperse 
the Earwigs and their eggs, and all measures of tidiness which would 
clear their various shelters, would be of service. 
In regard to the recent field attack, there does not seem any reason 
for supposing that it was brought on the land in any way, but rather 
that Earwigs, being unusually plentiful from some reason unknown, 
they dispersed themselves abroad, and fed on whatever they found 
suitable for their nourishment. 
CLOVER. 
Purple Clover Weevils. Aj)ion apricans, Herbst. 
{A. Jiavifemoratwn, Kirby). 
Apions or “Pear-shaped Weevils” are very small beetles with an 
oval body, to which such a long arched proboscis is prefixed that 
the whole insect has much the form of a long-stalked pear, whence 
its name. 
There are many species, some of which do great injury to Clover : 
the two kinds figured are common on the Eed or Purple Field 
Clover, Trifolium pratense. To the naked eye both kinds are of a 
metallic-black, with the lowest joint of the horns, all the thighs, and 
* ‘ Introd. to Classification of Insects,’ vol. i., p. 403. 
