2. “Notes on the Destruction of Kumaras by Beetles,” by Major T. Broun (p. 262).

3. “Remarks on a Parasitic Fungus allied to Cordyceps clavatula,” by Major T. Broun.

In a report for the Agricultural Department, dated the 30th June, 1897, when dealing with a fungus found destructive to the codlin-moth. I also mentioned the discovery, in 1895, of another fungus which still continues doing valuable service in destroying some pernicious scale insects. As that report was a mere record of its discovery, it may prove interesting to gardeners and fruit-growers if I now add something more about it. It may be stated that this fungus is better known by the name applied to it by local nurserymen—i.e., “Broun's fungus.”

If the black scale (Lecanium oleæ) on an affected lemon or orange tree be carefully examined it will be seen that a few slender grey filaments stretch across it; these in time form a film over the surface, and ultimately a complete ring which wholly embraces the base of the scale as adhering to the leaf or branch. This greyish deadly circle forms a sort of cement around the waxy covering of the female insect and scale in such a manner that the eggs and young larvæ must remain under the scale itself. There is no possibility of escape, so they die, sealed up under their natural protective waxy shield or scale, and are thus prevented from spreading and injuring the tree or its fruit.

Some lemon-trees at Whangarei that were badly infested with this scale, accompanied by this natural enemy, were again examined within a year after my first visit to them, when I failed to detect a single Lecanium oleæ: all had been destroyed by this fungus. There had been no spraying and no artificial removal.

Lecanium hesperidum, often called the holly and ivy scale, besides being perforated by minute parasitic flies (Encyrtus flavus, for example) is also destroyed by this or a nearly related fungus.

4. “Notice of the Occurrence of the Lesser Frigate-bird in New Zealand,” by T. F. Cheeseman (p. 265).

5. “On the Occurrence of certain Marine Reptilia in New Zealand,” by T. F. Cheeseman (p. 267).