In spite of this absence of males in some cases, and of the comparatively small numbers of eggs, Coccids would naturally increase at an exceedingly rapid rate if left undisturbed, on account of the great proportion of females. They are, moreover, protected, to a great extent--First, by the fact that birds do not, as a rule, care to eat them. The "blight-bird" or "white-eye," _Zosterops lateralis_, has been noticed in this country pecking about in holly-hedges infested by _Lecanium hesperidum_; but it is not absolutely certain whether it was eating the Coccids or the other more easily picked-off insects on the plant, such as _Psocus_, which is very commonly observed among Coccids. And other birds seem not to devour them at all. Secondly, the usual position of these insects, on the under side of the leaves, or in the crevices of bark, is a great shelter and protection for them against birds or ordinary accidents. Again, they are in many cases effectually covered by the waxy or fibrous shields, or by the masses of cotton with which they surround themselves. In countries like the South of France, California, or the greater part of New Zealand, the winters do not appear to be sufficiently severe to injure Coccids, and many of them breed as much in winter as they do in summer. It would therefore seem that everything combines to assist these insects in their career, and in their propagation. Nature, however, has provided a check which is to some extent effective, at least against several species, although, unhappily, against some of the most noxious--such as _Mytilaspis pomorum_, the Dactylopii (mealy bugs), _Icerya purchasi_, &c.--it is not energetic in this country; and this remedy is the attacks of other minute animals, whether by direct devouring of the Coccids or by parasitism.