On the 10th of July I found a pupa of this species suspended by the hind end of its body beneath a log. The 1arval skin was rent and worked backward, but still retained nearly its original shape and color, and by comparing it with certain larvæ which I have frequently met with in similar situations, there is no doubt in my mind but that these latter belong to the above species.

These larvæ very closely resemble that figured by Packard on page 465 of his “Guide” (fig. 432), which in the text on the succeeding page is referred to Photuris. The dried specimens now before me measure about 12 mm., and are of a dull purplish-brown color; venter pale yellow, tinged with pink and marked with a brownish stripe on each outer edge, and with two rows of brown spots, these not extending upon the first three segments; head retractile, dull blackish, the region of the jaws polished brown, and furnished with four black prickles, the upper two of which are placed transversely, the lower two longitudinally.

By the kindness of Mr. Donnelly, the very efficient head gardener of the Central Park, of this city, I am put in possession of sixty cocoons of the “Basket-worm.” They were taken from the terminal twigs of a sapling Sycamore Maple and Horse Chestnut growing on the low land in the immediate vicinity of the zoological garden. The cocoons hung in clusters on every twig, and as they had excited considerable curiosity, the gardener permitted them to remain until about the period of egg-hatching. I have supposed it might be of interest to the subscribers of the Canadian Entomologist to have the result of my examination of these cocoons. The of them had been occupied by the male, as attested by the puparium within. In about an equal number I found the broken shell-case of the female, all else having been devoured by parasites, some of which, in pupa condition, were found within the cocoons.

Under this head one might arrange nearly the whole of our moths, except, perhaps, a little species, the Euzephora eoccidivora, which Professor Comstock has discovered to be predaceous, and to live upon plant-lice in the larval state, and one or two others, which, perhaps, have similar habits. A good many species become unusually numerous, however, in certain years and localities. Almost always this seems to be owing to the temporary cessation of action of the checks which keep down species from excessive multiplication, and disturbing the order of things. When we cultivate a large quantity of any cereal or plant of economic value, we in effect afford abundant food for the insects which habitually infest it. Many will recollect that the maple and other shade trees in Brooklyn and New York used to be completely defoliated by the middle of summer by the common Brown Drop or Measuring Worm, Eudalimia subsignaria. The English sparrow rid us of this nuisance; it eat every one of them. This Measuring Worm sought refuge in the cities from the birds which attacked it, and kept it down in the country. In the cities the birds were less plentiful and, this check being removed, they throve exceedingly.