It is of no use to dig the affected bushes up and throw them number of these useful "blessings" from Currant galls, and I hold to the opinion which I expressed long years ago, viz., that in the hands of competent men these parasites might be bred in captivity in thousands. 1 suggested this plan in the case of the Hessian Fly parasite, and offered to send a number to the late Professor Riley (Government Entomologist of the United States of America) to try and introduce our British parasite (Semiotellus nigripes) into the United States. I need scarcely say that my offer was imme diately accepted, Professor Riley writing, "Send me a ship-load if you can." But I could not do that, so sent him a pill-box full, or about three thousand. These he carefully distributed to three of his entomological stations, and I had the satisfaction of hearing that a number had been successfully reared and apparently obtained a hold. As an instance of what can be done in this way I have only to again mention Professor Riley's most successful introduction of predaceous insects from Australia into the States for the purpose of destroying the Orange Scale insect. Such a work will long stand as a monument to Professor Riley, who was without doubt one of the greatest and most practical of economic entomologists ever known. Fig. 26 shows a cluster of eggs, each of which is suspended at the end of a long silken thread. These belong to the Golden eyed Lace-wing Fly, another most useful insect, both as a Fly and also in the larval stage (fig. 27). Its habit is to lie almost flat to the leaf and spread its legs out like an alligator-in fact its waggling movement much resembles that of the alligatorand with its large curved jaws it snips up a large number of Green Flies. When full grown it is barely half an inch long, and is of a greenish colour; its silken cocoon in which it changes to a chrysalis is about the size and form of a Sweet Pea, and is generally hidden away most successfully. Fig. 28 represents Hemerobius, one of the Lace-wings. The old saying "Give a dog a bad name and hang him " might well be applied to the much maligned Devil's Coach horse (Ocypus olens) (fig. 29), for which most useful insect FIG. 26. few folk could be found to speak a good word. Well, according to some, appearances are against it; and the very idea of watching such a "horrid creature" is quite enough to stamp one a lunatic. I have frequently kept these proud, assertive insects, and have been much edified by watching their habits. Their valour is something to be proud of, and they are exceedingly proud, and lacking a nosethey turn their tail up in the most graceful manner. I have seen one with open jaws face a snarling kitten, and a too inquisitive dog of mine took the liberty of smelling one, with the result that it was sent away in fright, with the Devil's Coach-horse fast on his nose. All City men ought to be grateful to this "blessing," for its favourite food is the Cabbage Caterpillar, many of which it prevents from reaching a not uncommon restingplace for them, viz., the table. It is exceedingly fond of Earwigs, too; in fact many 66 FIG. 27. pests are kept in check by this noble insect. Time will not permit me to enlarge upon the many beneficial insects which horticulturists find in houses or gardens, and about which they might give much interesting and useful information if they would endeavour to devote just a little time. I am sure that all entomologists would be glad to aid them in every way possible. FRAGRANT LEAVES v. SWEET-SCENTED FLOWERS. Farewell, dear flowers; sweetly your time ye spent, 66 And after death for cures.-George Herbert, Life." INTRODUCTION. LIKE most other natural things, the early history of perfumes, or odours, is deep down buried in the ages of the past. Still we |