In many parts of New Zealand the European earwig (_Forficula auricularia_) causes considerable damage in gardens, while in Central Otago it sometimes ruins the stone fruits. During the winter this insect lies underground, where the female will be found with her cluster of eggs. In the spring these eggs hatch, and the small whitish young earwigs (Fig. 4, 2) emerge from the ground to feed largely upon the pollen and pistils of flowers. At that time the insects and the injury they do are not very noticeable, but as the earwigs grow in size they become conspicuous and extend their depredations to the foliage of plants and to fruit. Earwigs are nocturnal in their habits, and during the day take shelter among fallen leaves, under stones, sacking, or boards, etc., lying on the ground, and may even burrow into the soil itself. In the control of the earwig, a great deal can be done by what may be called clean gardening--that is, the removal of all places likely to shelter the insect above ground during the day. Another important means is systematic trapping, one of the simplest methods being to place crumpled newspapers on the ground at nightfall, in which many of the insects will seek shelter, the papers being collected and burned next day. But the best method is the use of the following poison bait:--With 12lb. of bran mix 6 quarts of water, to which has been added 5oz. of glycerine and 6oz. of sodium fluoride; to this mash add 4lb. of treacle, taking care to thoroughly mix the whole. This bait is spread at nightfall in places frequented by earwigs, and should be repeated regularly, especially after wet weather. It is obvious, if satisfactory results are to be secured, that there should be a co-operative campaign organised among the residents of an earwig-infected district. Crickets and Grasshoppers. Fortunately, neither crickets nor grasshoppers (Fig. 10, 1 and 2) are a serious menace to the New Zealand horticulturist, though at times, especially in the warmer parts of the country, crickets may do some extensive damage. The control of these pests is a difficult matter, since they are mobile insects, and breed in places outside the boundaries of the horticulturist’s activities. Some benefits can be secured, however, by thorough cultivation, which breaks up the egg-masses which are placed in the ground. In the case of serious outbreaks, the use of a poisoned bait would have to be resorted to, and the following is recommended from the several recipes in use:--With 25lb. of bran mix 3 or 4 gallons of water in order to make a thin mash; to this, add 2 quarts of molasses and 1lb. of Paris green, thoroughly mixing the whole. If crickets alone are to be dealt with, then use a little more of the Paris green. This mash is spread on the ground invaded by the insects. Caterpillars.