At the moment of writing we have not observed many oaks defoliated by caterpillars. The following note is taken from the Museum Record Book, June 1, 1899: “Oak-trees badly attacked by the larvæ of the green leaf-roller (Tortrix viridana), which cause much damage to the foliage. The continuous falling of the excreta of these small caterpillars sounds like paper being pricked by a fine pin, and is very noticeable in a quiet wood.” In 1902 these larvæ were again equally troublesome in this district.
The ingenious work of the leaf-rolling Beetles (Genera apoderus, Attelabus and Rhynchites) may be observed at this time of the year. The female, in some species, rolls a leaf into a tube, in others she makes a compact little thimble of the upper half of the leaf, in the centre of which she puts an egg. Hazel, oak and chestnut leaves so folded are not uncommonly seen in this district. Specimens may be usually seen in the vivarium towards the end of the month.
June is a good month for the observation of what are termed Social Flowers. The veronica, in many meadows, especially those in which the grass is kept short by grazing, now exhibits round patches of several yards in diameter, which are beautifully blue. The little mouse ear (Myosotis) makes similar patches, but in much less conspicuous tints. These plants appear to have the power not only of spreading themselves, but of excluding intruders, and their territories sometimes show no other form of vegetation. The common daisy is also a social flower, but much less able to keep others at a distance. So also the wild strawberry.
QUESTIONS FOR ANSWERS.
(Continued from p. 31, which see.)
(14) Give the meanings of the following prefixes: (1) sub, (2) pseudo, (3) ob, (4) hypo, (5) hyper, (6) para, (7) ab, (8) aero, (9) con, (10) amphi, (11) ana, (12) pro.
(15) The late Mr. Holyoake tells us that as the result of a street accident in which he was much bruised he remembers “squalling for a fortnight on being taken out of bed.” In another place we read respecting an accident that “a huge dog had loitered behind, and suddenly discovered his master had driven ahead, and he, like a Leming rat, made straight for his master, quite regardless of our being in his way.” Explain the reference to the Leming rat, and rewrite both quotations so as to make them express what you think that the author intended that they should.
(16) What is meant by “a rootless tooth”?
(17) When the number of digits differs on the front and hinder feet of a quadruped, which has usually the most?