Practically nothing is known as yet in regard to the biology of the New Zealand click-beetles. They are extremely difficult to control, and the larval stage covers a period of two or more years. NARCISSUS FLIES.--There are two species of narcissus flies--the larger (_Merodon equestris_) and the smaller (_Eumerus strigatus_) both occur in New Zealand. The larvæ of these flies attack bulbs of various kinds, the hosts of the larger fly being narcissus, hyacinth, tulip, amaryllis, habranthus, vallota, galtonia, scylla, and leucojum; and of the smaller fly, narcissus, hyacinth, onion and shallot. These flies are two-winged insects, the hind wings being wanting as such, and belong to a group called the syrphid, or hover flies. The larger narcissus fly (Fig. 12, h1) resembles somewhat a humble-bee (which, however, has four wings); its stout and very hairy body measures about half an inch long. There is considerable variation in colour, though black or brown predominates, with greyish or yellowish hairs, and bands of the same colour; the bands, however, are absent in some individuals. During spring the insects fly about in the sun, and lay their eggs at the leaf bases of the host plants, or on the exposed neck of bulbs, or in the soil close by. The larvæ, which are legless, yellowish grubs, enter the bulb, and may completely destroy it. Infested bulbs may be detected by an unnatural softness near the neck when pressed between the fingers. The smaller narcissus fly (Fig. 12, h2) is about half the length of the larger, of a shiny black colour, with metallic reflections, and is not clothed with hair. The eggs are laid in the ground, or at times upon the plant itself. Several larvæ of this fly may be found in the one bulb; the larvæ resemble those of the larger fly, but are smaller, and have three small processes at the end of the body. The smaller narcissus fly usually attacks the bulbs already damaged by some other agent, though it has been known to infect sound bulbs. Control of both these flies depends upon the destruction of infested bulbs. Recent researches have shown that the flies themselves can be poisoned in large numbers by a spray made of 4oz. of sodium arsenate, 1lb. of crude glycerine, 2lb. of white sugar, and four gallons of water; this spray is applied during bright and warm weather. SPRINGTAILS.--These are very minute, soft-bodied insects, which are very active, and have a habit of springing with the agility of fleas. There are several species, but two are of interest to the horticulturist. One of these (Fig. 12, k1) is white in colour, narrow-bodied, and lives underground, especially in damp places, where it damages germinating seeds, or the roots of seedlings; even older herbaceous garden plants are attacked. As a control, it is important to drain the soil in damp locations and to dig in calcium cyanide about two weeks before planting or sowing.