FOX-COLOURED PINE SAWFLY. 
121 
the end of May and in June. Whether this is always so I do not 
know, but these observations agree precisely with Mr. Clark’s, given 
at p. 119, “ They begin their ravages about the first of June, and are 
all away by the end of the month.” 
On enquiry as to the position of the cocoons, Mr. Clark wrote me 
that they were found amongst Moss and Heather, but as far down as it 
was possible for them to be without being covered with earth. 
Prevention and Remedies.— These are the same which are found 
serviceable for clearing infestation of the Common Pine Sawfly cater¬ 
pillars, and which have been mentioned in previous Reports. So far 
as merely getting rid of the caterpillar has to be considered this may 
easily be done ; but in some cases there is great difficulty in bringing 
these measures to bear, partly because of the expense that would be 
entailed in clearing the great extent of plantation infested (in the 
Argyleshire attack, of which the above notes are given, this was three to 
four thousand acres), partly also on account of the disturbance to the 
Heather, in one of the best methods of prevention, lessening its use as 
a shelter for game. 
One of the regular methods of prevention where circumstances 
allow is, after Pine Sawfly caterpillars have disappeared from the trees 
on which they have fed, to turn over the surface of the ground beneath, 
to find whether the little yellowish or brown cocoons, about as large 
as a small pea, are lying beneath ; if so, how deep they lie. Then if 
desirable they may be collected and destroyed. Where trees are large 
enough to have (as is often the case with Scotch Fir) little beneath 
but fallen leaves, rubbish, or small growths, and the extent o wood 
is moderate, this plan answers well. 
Stripping off the caterpillars, by means of a man with a well-gloved 
hand taking firm hold of the infested shoots and squeezing the cater¬ 
pillars, has been found to answer. Of this Mr. W. Clark wrote, “ I am 
strongly in favour of hand stripping, as being most effectual, but it 
takes too much time.” 
The various methods of prevention of attack, or of remedy when 
established, which have been found successful on moderate sized tracts 
of ground, and which are advised by Scottish foresters, have been given 
in my previous Reports and ‘Manual.’ * 
* Mr. P. Cameron mentions of this species, under the synonym now used, of 
L. sertiferus, “ The larvae are found in May and June; spin up towards the end of 
June, the flies appearing in August to October, when no doubt the eggs are laid, 
remaining undeveloped till the following year.”—* Mon. of Brit. Phytophagous 
Hymenoptera,’ vol. iii., p. 82. 
