iv PREFACE. 
information on this head. Figures of Marsh Snail ( Limnceus ) 
and some observations on this subject are given at pp. 91, 92. 
The amount of attention bestowed on the very important 
subject of insect prevention is showing year by year that the 
national losses are not by thousands, but by millions, of pounds. 
The loss in the Hop failure of 1882 was estimated at a million and 
three-quarters, that from Turnip Fly of 1881 at over half a million 
pounds sterling ; and a perusal of the losses recorded per acre as 
a regular yearly trouble will show what is going forward. The 
subject is steadily gaining the attention it deserves, but with this 
has come such an enormous increase of correspondence that I 
have made arrangements to enable me more especially to attend 
to all enquiries, and to communicate with those who may be 
disposed to note the effects of different treatment, and to report 
results. I shall feel it a pleasure to give my very best attention 
to all enquirers, and shall hope, if all be well, to be permitted 
again to offer the information given to my contributors. 
The subject of bird-presence has lately been so much discussed 
that it seems desirable to add something more to the observations 
(pp. 5—11), which were in type when the discussion arose. 
Nobody wishes to destroy the small birds broadcast. We should 
suffer severely if their presence generally was lessened ; for in¬ 
stance, there appears to be good reason for considering that the 
insect-presence in 1879 was more than usual, owing in part to 
the destruction of birds by the cold of the preceding winter, and 
the cold wet spring affecting nesting and hatching (see Pheno- 
logical Report of the Meteorological Society); but, on the other 
hand, if from special local cause, increase takes place to the 
great extent which is noted by Mr. Goodwin near Sevenoaks, this 
may need attention. 
With regard to benefit received from many of our common 
birds, I think it may be of interest to repeat a portion of the 
information given at p. 88 of my Report for 1879, and to that 
list it is desirable to add Wagtails, as one or more species is 
stated to feed on the Marsh Snail, and consequently may help with 
regard to keeping down the Liver Fluke; see above, in Preface, 
and also p. 91. 
Among the species serviceable generally on forest trees, Apple 
trees, and fruit trees, the Report mentions the Titmice, including 
the Blue, Cole, Marsh, Long-tailed, and Great Tit (and of these 
