From Our Files

THE disappearance of earwigs during the past two years is addressed in the current issue of the Cumbria Naturalists Trust newsletter, posing the question: "Where have all the ear wigs gone?"

"The earwig," it goes on to say, "by the chance of its common name, is well known to every child who turns over loose stones or pulls the bark off dead tree stumps, to every gardener who cuts out old stems from his herbaceous border and to the many women who arrange flowers for churches.

"Few of the insects were seen during 1976 and the numbers are still reduced.

Why?"

The article speculates that the lower than average rainfall for Cumbria over the past three years and the severe drought of 1976 could be the reason.

Humidity has a profound effect on insects and humidity and temperature influences the new micro fauna on which the earwigs feed.

"A further adverse factor," the article states, "could have been the great reduction in the green fly numbers and young caterpillars on many sorts of trees and shrubs in late summer when earwigs spend the night feeding on such trees."

The earwig is regarded as a very successful colonist, however, and such numbers should be back to normal in a year or two.

50 years Ago-September 27, 1952:

A PETITION regarding alleged pollution of Fisherbeck, Ambleside, and signed by 300 people was received by Lakes Urban Council, at a meeting at Ambleside yesterday (Thursday).

The clerk, Mr T.

Sowerby, said the council was well aware of the action taken by the medical officer of health and the course he was pursuing.

He suggested there should be no discussion of the petition until the return of the medical officer who was in a position to answer.

He said he had been in touch with the MP for Westmorland, who had taken up the matter with the Gas Board.

He added that a letter accompanying the petition made certain allegations against officials, which under standing orders must be investigated in committee.

Counc G.

E.

Jackson said the council had served notice on those responsible for the alleged pollution some time ago and he did not think the council could be held responsible.

The matter was now in the hands of the medical officer.

The chairman stated the council had done everything possible in the matter.

He thought the alleged pollution was "a menace to the people living around that area."

100 Years Ago-September 27, 1902:

ON SUNDAY evening a young gentleman staying at Eeis Wike Wood went with his sister for a stroll in Bishop Wood where they found a viper.

He set about killing it and cut off its head with a knife and left it there.

On returning to the place about half-an-hour later, whilst stooping down to pick it up, it bit him on his second finger.

He sucked the bite and set off home, but was so ill he had to stay at a house at Town End, being seized with sickness and vomiting.

The doctor was sent for and found him suffering from the poisonous effects of the bite.

As soon as the sickness had passed, he was removed and is now progressing favourably under the treatment of Doctor Allan.

It is about 40 years since a young girl was bitten by one down by Ee's Bridge.

150 Years Ago-September 25, 1852:

ON WEDNESDAY (week) the 11 o'clock up train from Lancaster had arrived within a mile of Wigan when the passengers were surprised by a severe shock and it turned out that the engine had come into contact with, as we understand, the last of a train of wagons that was passing off the rails of the other line.

The engine was much shattered and so much damaged that it could not proceed with the train.

The engine driver jumped off when the collision took place and an engine from Wigan was dispatched to pick him up.

He was found much cut and bruised about the face and is otherwise much shaken.

The guard also received a contusion in the head.

The day's ill-fated train had been brought to a stand still the other side of Shap in the morning by reason of the engine broken down.