Garden Pests in New Zealand: A Popular Manual for Practical Gardeners, Farmers and Schools

"Garden Pests in New Zealand" by David Miller is a scientific publication likely written in the late 20th century. The work serves as a popular manual designed for practical gardeners, farmers, and schools, focusing on the identification and control of various insects and other animals that impact horticulture in New Zealand. The author aims to make this information accessible to a wider audience, excluding overly technical language while still providing necessary scientific terminology. The opening of the manual establishes the book’s purpose, emphasizing its role in educating readers about pests in New Zealand gardens. It highlights the importance of recognizing both detrimental and beneficial animals, stressing that over time, an overwhelming number of pests have been introduced into New Zealand alongside European agricultural practices. The text outlines the classifications of the animal kingdom, distinguishing between vertebrates and invertebrates while stressing the relevance of the latter, particularly insects, as significant contributors to both pest problems and ecological balance in horticulture. Additionally, the introductory section hints at a structured approach to addressing these issues, setting the stage for deeper explorations into specific pests and control methods in subsequent chapters.