SB 605 .G7 C6 Copy 1 REPORT ON THE INJURIOUS INSECTS AND OTHER ANIMALS OBSERVED IN THE MIDLAND COUNTIES DURING 1907. BY WALTER E. COLLINGE. M.Sc, F.L.S., F.E.S.. Foreign Member of the Association of Economic Entomologists, Washington, U.S.A. ; Honorary Secretary of the Association of Economic Biologists ; Editor of the " Journal of Economic Biology " ; Honorary Consulting Zoologist to the Land Agents' Society, and the Midland Reafforesling Association ; Honorary Consulting Biologist to the Warwickshire Agricultural Society ; and Special Lecturer on Economic Zoology in the Universitu of Birmingham. FIFTH REPORT. ILLUSTRATED. BIRMINGHAM : CORNISH BROS.. LTD. 1908. [ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.] PRICE 2s. 6cl. Sp fron The Reliat chines Class _ S S^i;, C^JSL SMITHSONIAN DEPOSIT PAYER is isy to Work. MACHINES BUILT TO ORDER. A "BURLAND" SPRAYER will increase the value of your orchard. Makers, R. BURLAND & SONS, WIGAN. SEND FOR ILLUSTRATED LIST. CLAY'S FERTILIZER THE FOOD OF LIFE FOR PUNTS. 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COLLINGE, M.Sc, F.L.S., F.E.S., Foreign Member of the Association of Economic Entomologists, Washington, U.S.A. ; Honorary Secretary of the Association of Economic Biologists ; Editor of the " Journal of Economic Biology " ; Honorary Consulting Zoologist to the Land Agents' Society, and the Midland Reafforesting Association ; Honorary Consulting Biologist to the Warwickshire Agricultural Society ; and Special Lecturer on Economic Zoology in the University of Birmingham. FIFTH REPORT. ILLUSTRATED. BIRMINGHAM : CORNISH BROS., LTD. 1908. [ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.] PRCPACE. In issuing a Fifth Report on the Injurious Insects and other Animals of the Midland Counties of England, received from various correspondents during the year 1907, it is again my pleasant duty to acknowledge a Grant of ^10 from the County Councils of Derbyshire, Leicestershire, and Warwickshire, aiding the publication of this Report. As a Report on the Injurious Animals of the Midland Counties, this will be the last I shall issue. As is well known, I have felt compelled to resign my position in the University of Birmingham owing to the lack of adequate financial support and remuneration. Since that date I have been offered and have accepted the Directorship of the Cooper Research Laboratory, Berkhamsted, where, with a full and capable staff, a wider field for work presents itself, but my services will be as freely at the command of Midland agriculturists and fruit-growers as in the past. Further Reports will be of a more comprehensive nature, and will include accounts of Injurious Fungi, Animal Parasites, and Animal Diseases, in addition to the subjects dealt with in the present series of Reports. It is my privilege and pleasant duty to once again tender my thanks to that large band of Midland agriculturists and horticulturists, who have so willingly afforded me assistance, and to whom, I trust, I shall continue to be of some service in return. I am indebted to the courtesy of the Controller of His Majesty's Stationery Office and the Secretary of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries for permission to use Figures 4, 7, and 9, all of which are from illustrations which have appeared in the Board's leaflets. WALTER E. COLLINGE. The University Department of Economic Zoology, 55, Newhall Street, Birmingham, yantiary ^ist, igo8. CONTENTS. Introduction Investigations. Orchard Inspection. Publications. Lectures and Addresses. Injurious Fungi. (Illustration.) Report on Experiments with Insecticides and Fungicides. (Illustration.) ... Report on Experiments with the Black-Currant Gall-Mite, Eriophyes rihis (Nalepa). Report on Experiments with Eelworms. The Fumigation of the Soil. (Illustrations.) ... Report upon Insect Parasites of Insects. The Gooseberry Gall-Mite. Eriophyes grossulariae^ Cllge. The Bulb Mite. Rhizoglyphus echinopiis, F. & R. The Harvest Bug. Leptus aiitumnalis^ Shaw. The Pea and Bean Thrips. Thrips pisivora^ Westwood. The Brown Scale. Lecanium hemisphericum, Targ.-Tozz. The Brown Currant Scale. Lecanium persicae (Geoff.) var. corylii ( JLiitin. ) ••• ■■■ ••• •■• ••• ••• Mealy Bugs. Daciylopius citri (Risso), and D.longispinus^ Targ.-Tozz (Illustration.) ... The Felted Beech Coccus. Cyrptococcusfagi^ Barensp. The Felted Ash Coccus. Apterococcus fraxini (Newstead). PAGE I 2 3 3 3 4 7 lO 17 20 20 20 21 21 22 22 23 23 23 CONTENTS. The Hop Aphis. Phorodou linniith\ Schiank. The Willow Aphis. Lncliniis 7'imiiinlis, Fonsc. The Woolly Aphis. Schizoiicura Inni^cia, Hausni. (Illustration.) The Fruit Tree Root Louse. Schizoneuni fodieiis, Buckton. The Apple Sucker. Psylln iiiah\ Schm. (Illustration.) The Ash Psylla. Psylln fraxiin\ The May Bug. Pliylloperiha lioiiicohi, Linn. The Pea Beetle. Briiclnis pisi\ Linn. ... The Apple Blossom Weevil. Anthoiioiiiiis poiiionim, Linn The Cabbage Gall Weevil. CciilJiorliyiicliiis siilcicollis, Gyll The Turnip Seed Weevil. Cciilliorliyncliiis assiiiiilis, Payk. The Pine Weevil. Hylohiiis nhictis, Fabr. The Osier Weevil. Cryplorliyiicliiis Itipatlii, Linn. ... Willow Beetles. Phyllodccta vilellinac, Linn., etc. ... The Cigar Beetle. Lasiodcniia tcslaccn, DutY. The Wood Leopard Moth. Zcuzcra ncsaili, Linn. ... The Garden Swift Moth. Hipinliis Inpiiliiitis, Linn.... The Lappet Moth. Lasiocatiipa qucrcifolin, Linn. ... The Currant or Magpie Moth. Ahiiixiia i^rosaiiliultihi, Stcph (Illustration.) ... Tile Winter Moth. Cliciinnlohin hniinala^ Linn. (Illustration.) .. The Turnip Dart Moth. Afirolis sc^itiiiii, ^ch'id. The Heart and Dart Moth. Af^rolis cxihiiiuilionis, Linn. ... Tin- Great Yellow Underwing Moth. Tvipluicito proniihu, Linn (Illustration.) ... P.-VGE -M ^4 29 -y 30 30 31 31 31 33 34 35 35 3^' 3^' 37 3'^ 3« CONTENTS. PAGE The Apple Leaf Miner. Lyonetia clerckella, Linn. ... ... ... 39 The Apple Ermine Moth. Hyponomenta malinella, Zell. (lUustra- 11011. ] •■• ••• ••• ••• ••■ ••• ••• •■• ^y The Raspberry Gall Fly. Lasioptera rtibi, Schrk. ... ... ... 41 The Ash Cauliflower Gnat. Cecidomyia fraxinella^ Meade. ... 41 The Willow Midge. Cecidoinyia rosaria^ Liv. ... ... ... 42 The Pear Midge. Diplosis pyrivora, Riley. ... ... ... ... 42 The Onion Fly. Phorbia ceparuiu, 'Bouche. ... ... ... ... 42 The Frit Fly. Osa/n^s /r//, Linn. ... ... ... ... ... 43 The Carrot Rust Fly. Psila rosae (Fabr.). ... ... ... ... 43 The Gout Fly. Chlorops taeniopus, Meig. ... ... ... ... 44 The Pea Leaf Miner. PJiytomysa pisi\ Kalt ... ... ... 45 The Orchid Midge. Isosoiiia orchideariiin^ Westwood. ... ... 45 The Yellow Wood Wasp. Sirex gigas^ Linn. ... ... ... 46 The Pear Sawfly. Tenthredo cerasi^ Linn. ... ... ... ... 46 Parasitic Diseases of Animals ... ... ... ... ... ... 48 Red Worms. Sclerostomum armatum^ Duj. ... ... 48 The Liver Fluke. Fasciola (Distomiim) hepatica (Linn.). 49 The "Gid" Parasite. Taenia eaenurus, Kuch. ... ... 50 Scabies (Mange) in Horses and Dogs. ... ... ... 5^ The Warble Fly. Hypoderma lineata (Villers). ... ... 52 Hypoderma bovis (De Geer). ... ... 52 The Sheep Fly. Lncilia sericata (Meigen). ... ... 54 Lucilia caesar (Linn.). ... ... ... 54 Appendix A. Instructions for using Hydrocyanic Acid Gas and Bisulphide of Carbon. Appendix B. 56 57 LI5T OP ILLU5TRATION5. Map showing Midland Counties. Frontispiece. Fig. I. Fruit Bodies of Polyporus squamosiis on Elm Fig. 2. Unsprayed apples attacked by Scab. Fig. 3. Apples from the same orchard sprayed. ... Fig. 4. Branches from sprayed and unsprayed apple trees Fig. 5. Roots attacked by the Root-knot Eelworm. Fig. 6. Common Mealy Bug. Fig. 7. Apple Shoots attacked by the Woolly Aphis Fig. 8. The Apple Sucker (Psylla mali). ... Fig. 9. The Currant or Magpie Moth. Fig. 10. The Winter Moth Fig. II. The Turnip Dart Moth Fig. 12. The Great Yellow Under wing Moth. Fig. 13. Tent of the Apple Ermine Moth. ... PAGE 6 8 8 9 i8 22 25 29 36 37 37 38 40 REPORT ON THE Injurious Insects and other Animals Observed in the Midland Counties DURING 1907. " Otw agricultural interests demand protection from the numerous enemies which threaten them, and the indifference with which farmers^ requests have been listened to in the past is incompatible with that intelligence which should elevate his calling, and which is absolutely necessary to enable him to carry it on profitably." " At present he is beset with obstacles on every hand, and none but the well-informed are successful; for success in Agriculture and. Horticulture, to-day, implies knowledge — scientific knowledge." — Charles V. Riley. [5th Ann. Missouri Rpt. on Noxious, Beneficial Insects, 1873, p. 23.] " // is the study of the principles underlying insect life and control which flemishes a field for research, but little tilled, and with much virgin soil. . . . There are abundant opportunities for research of the highest order in entomology, strictly economic, and related to agriculture." E. DwiGHT Sanderson. [Proc. 19th Ann. Meeting Assoc. Econ. Entom., 1907, p. 77.] INTRODUCTION. During the year January 31st, 1907, to January 31st, 1908, one thousand eight hundred and seventy-five inquiries have been dealt with. Of these, sixteen hundred and twenty-three were connected with agricultural and garden pests, twenty-six referred to household or commercial pests, and two hundred and twenty-six specimens were sent in for identification. 2 REPORT 0\ INJURIOUS INSECTS FOR I907. Applications for information were dealt with from the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries, the Bureau of Entomolog)* of the U.S. Department of Agriculture ; the Land Agents' Society ; the Midland Re-afforesting Association ; the Warwickshire Agricultural Society ; and the Agricultural and Educational Committees of various County Councils. In all two thousand and thirty-live written replies have been sent out. As compared with former years, for which details were kept, the figures are as follows : — 1903 ... ... ... 189 inquiries. 1904 325 M 1905 ... ... ... 479 M 1906 ... ... ... II7I ,, 1907 ... ... ... 1^75 ') My hearty thanks are due to Messrs. H. Willoughby Ellis, F.E.S., A. H. Martineau, F.E.S., and Claude Morley, F.E.S., for various services rendered. The year 1907, proved, so far as animal pests were concerned, a great improvement upon its predecessor. This is partly accounted for by two facts, viz., the year was a very wet one, and also a considerable amount of careful winter spraying had been done in the winter of 1906-07. No particular pest has stood out conspicuously. In Worcestershire the larvae of the Wood Leopard Moth have done much harm to young fruit trees. A new pest to Gooseberries has been discovered, but fortunately, so far as I know, it is confined to one plantation. The Apple Sucker, the Winter Moth, and the Lackey Moth are still all too plentiful in all the Midland Counties. Eelworms, Wireworms, the May Bug, and the larvae of the Turnip Dart Moth have proved very injurious to root crops. The Felted Beech Coccus was found in Staffordshire. As I have pointed out in previous Reports, this pest is slowly but surely spreading throughout the country, and is likely ere long to prove very serious on landed estates where beech trees arc in any number. The Yellow Wood Wasp has been sent in troin numerous correspondents ami seems to have been unusually plentiful during 1907. There is a decided increase of the Woolly Aphis. Some of the worst infestations I have ever seen have been noted during the past year. INVESTIOATIONS. During the past year the work on Insecticides has been continued, as also the experiments upon tiie Lime and Sulphur treatment for LECTURES AND ADDRESSES. 3 the Black Currant Gall Mite, particulars of both of which will be found on pages 7 and 10 respectively. The experiments made with a view to finding a remedy for Eelworms have proved most successful, these are set forth in detail on page 17. ORCHARD INSPECTION. Many orchards in the Midland Counties have been inspected and recommendations made thereon. Although this work has entailed considerable labour and time, I have good reason to know that it has been fully appreciated, and that growers have profited by the oppor- tunity thus offered of discussing in the orchard the various pests and diseases, with which they had to contend. PUBLICATIONS. The following papers, etc., have been published : — 1. A New Gooseberry Pest (Eriophyes grossiilariae). " Gardeners' Chronicle," p. 177, 1907. 2. Some Insects Injurious to Barley and other grain when in Store. " Journ. Inst, of Brewing, 1907," vol. xiii, pp. 242-265. 3. First Annual Report of the Honorary Consulting Zoologist. "Journ. Land Agents' Soc, 1907," vol. vi, 248-259, 3 figs. 4. Report on the Injurious Insects and other Animals observed in the Midland Counties during 1906. Birmingham : Cornish Bros., Ltd. 5. On the Eradication of the Black-Currant Gall-Mite. {Eriophyes ribis^ Nalepa. " U.S. Dept. Agric, Bur. of Entom., Bull. No. 67, 1907," pp. 1 19-123. 6. The Application of Economic Biology to Agriculture. "Journ. Econ. Biology, 1907," vol. 2, pp. 96-106. LECTURES AND ADDRESSES. 1907. 1. Jan 23. Insects Useful and Injurious. Bournville Village Council. 2. Jan. 28. The Protection of Injurious Wild Birds. Birmingham and Midland Counties Gardeners' Association. 3. Feb. 13. Animal Pests of the Garden. The University. 4. Feb. 15. The Principles and Practice of Plant Spraying. Evesham Fruit Pests Committee. 5. Feb. 20. The Red " Spider" and other Mites. The University. ■ 4 REPORT ON" INJURIOUS INSFXTS FOR IQOy. 6. Feb. 27. Garden Friends and Foes. Rovdl Soiiclv of Ariisls, Birniin^^luiin. Feb. 27. Earwigs and Greenflies. Till- Univcrsily. Mar. T. British Gall-Mites. Vescy Club, Siiltoii Cohijichi. Mar. 7. Scale Insects and Ground Caterpillars. The L'liii'crsilv. Mar. 13. Leaf Minintf Insects and Saw-flies. The i'nlvcrsily. Mar. 15. The Spraying o£ Fruit Trees. Evesham Fniil Pest Coniinittee. Mar. 23. Some Parasites of Sheep and Cattle : Their Prevention and Cure. Wariciekshire Chamber of Agriculture. 13. July 4. On the Ceciiiouiyidae or Gall-Midges. 5/// Meeting of the Assoc. Economic Biologists held at the Imperial Institute^ London. Aug. 2. On the Rise and Recognition of Economic Biology. 10 II 12 14 16 18 19 British Association, Leicester Meeting. Aug. 29. Useful and Injurious Insects. Woolhopc Naturalists' Field Club. Oct. 10. Insects Injurious to Farm and Garden Crops. Kidderminster Horticultural Society. Oct. 17. The Application of Economic Biolog\' to Agriculture. Bristol University College. Nov. II. The Woolly Aphis and other Greenflies. Birmingham Microscopists' Union. Dec. 6. Some Common Garden Pests and How to Treat Them. Sutton Cold/ielii and Four Oaks Ladies' Gardening Club. INJURIOUS FUNGI. Although primarily concerned with .Viiinial Pests and .Animal Diseases, the Department has received numerou-; inquiries relating to injurious fungi. During 1907, there has been a large increase in tiie number of such inquiries, and it may therefore be of interest to schedule the more important diseases, which will be treated of later. Fruit Trees. Brown Rot {Sclerotinia frucligena, Pers.) Apple Scab or " Black Spot " (Fusictadium dendriticum, Fckl.). Pear Scab (Fiisicladium pirinum. Lib.). INJURIOUS FUNGI. 5 Canker {Nedria ditissima (Tal.) ). Coral Spot [Nedria dnnaharina^ Fr.). Powdery Mildew of the Apple (Podosphaera leiicotricha, E. & E.). Cherry Leaf-Scorch [Gnouionia erythrostoiiia, Auersw.). American Gooseberry Mildew {Sphaerotheca mors-uvae (Schw.), Berk.). Currant Leaf Spot {Seploria ribis, Desm.). Peach Freckle {Cladosporiimi carpophihim (Thiim.) ). Peach Leaf-Curl {Exoasais deformans, Fckl.). Tomato, etc. Sleepy Disease of Tomato {Fiisariuiii lycopersid (Sacc.) ). Cucumber Leaf Blotch {Cercospora meloris (Cookej). Finger and Toe [Plasuwdiophora brassicae (Wor.) ). Heart Rot of Mangolds {Sphaerella tabifica (P. & D.) ). Potato Disease [Phytophora infestans (De Barry) ). Potato Scab {Oospora scabies (Fisch.) ). Yellow Wart Disease {Chrysophlyctis endobiotica, Sch.). Forest Trees. Saddle-Back Fungus [Polyporus squamosus, Huds.). Paving Block Fungus [Lentinus lepideiis, Fr.). Horse Chestnut Stereum (Stereum purpiireuin, Fries.). Honey Fungus of Pine {Agaricus mcUetLS, L.). Miscellaneous. Mint Rust {Pnccinia menthae (Pers.) ). Dry Rot {Merulius lacrymans, Fr.). White Mould in Violets {Raunilaria ladea, Desm.) ). Fig. I.— Fruit Bodies of I'olyf'onis Sqii.viiosus on Klin. (Alter Uiillcr.) EXPERIMENTS WITH INSECTICIDES AND FUNGICIDES. REPORT ON EXPERIMENTS WITH INSECTICIDES AND FUNGICIDES. Since the publication of my last Report much work has been carried out on insecticides and fungicides, both in the laboratory and in the orchard. Experiments with the lime and salt fluid, for killing the eggs of the Apple Sucker and Mussel Scale, have proved once and for all, so far as the writer is concerned, the uselessness of this sprayfluid. The mixture used was as follows : — Best White Lime ... ... ... i68 lbs. Agricultural Salt ... ... ... 30 lbs. Water ... ... ... ... 100 gallons. Very careful observations have been made upon the material in the laboratory and also upon the trees in the open. In the laboratory the highest percentage of eggs of the Apple Sucker destroyed was 42 per cent., and of Mussel Scale, 38 per cent. In the open the percentage must have been considerably less. The results obtained with the Vi and V2 Fluids continue most satisfactory. It is not too much to state that, to use the words of a grower, " they are transforming the orchards of this country." Very important results have been obtained with a mixture of the Vi and V2 Fluids and potassium sulphide, as a cure for the American Gooseberry Mildew. The potassium sulphide has been combined with both for the purposes of winter and summer spraying, the former being known as the Vi K Fluid, and the latter as the V2 K Fluid. I am hoping to have an extensive series of experiments made with these two fluids upon a large number of fungus diseases. Among other matters that have received attention are the better preparation of Bordeaux mixture, and the preparation of an Arsenate of Lead paste or fluid at a considerably less cost than this can at present be obtained, and some experiments designed to provide a more effective sprayfluid for hops. The action of all of these specifics has been carefully noted and a full report will be published at a later date. x S-i c/; 'J E C 5 c Fig. 4. — Branches from sprayed and unsprayed Apple Trees. Note the new wood and large healthy leaves on the sprayed branch on the right. lO REPORT OX INJURIOUS INSECTS FOR I907. REPORT ON EXPERIMENTS WITH THE BLACK-CURRANT GALL-MITE. Eriop/iyes ribis (Nalepa). The experiments on the Black-Currant Gall-Mite, Eriophyes ribis (Nalepa), were commenced by me in the early part of 1899. After a thorough investigation of the life history and habits of the mite'" atten- tion was devoted to providing a remedy. Various experiments were made with different arsenical fluids, bruised hellebore, lime, sulphur and lime, etc., and whilst many considerably reduced the numbers of mites, none were found to be of any practical value. In 1901, some bushes badly infested with the mite were treated twice a week during the migration season \\ ith a sprayfluid consisting of :— Sulphur ... ... ... ... 2 lbs. Soft Soap ... ... ... ... 25 lbs. Water ... ... ... ... 50 gallons. Made as follows : — The sulphur was mixed with water to a gruel ; the soft soap was mixed with 5 gallons of boiling water, and then the two mixtures were added together and well mixed, water being added to make 50 gallons. The results obtained from the use of this mixture were very encouraging, but it was soon evident that it could not be applied by the fruit-grower at a cost which would repay him for the extra labour involved. The two main objections were, firstly, the large number of applications which were given in my experiments, and, secondly, the large quantity of soap used. But these experiments very clearly indicated that the mite could be destroyed to a large extent by the use of sulphur, and it but remained to be demonstrated in what form and proportions it could best be applied, and whether the number of applications could be reduced. In 1905 a further series of experiments were commenced on very badly infected Black Naples, Baldwins, and Boskoop Giants. These were as follows : — Three rows of bushes were dusted with equal parts of ground unslaked lime and Howers of sulphur. Three rows were sprayed with a mixture consisting of i lb. lime, 1 lb. sulphur, and 20 gallons of water ; whilst a single row was sprayed with a mixture consisting of i lb. sulphur, I lb. soft soap, and 20 gallons of water. In the dusting operations one vow was dusted once, one twice, and one three times. (I) Report on Economic Zoology, No. i, 1904. EXPERIMENTS WITH THE BLACK-CURRANT GALL-MITE. II As a result of these experiments it was clearly shown that the mite could be kept in check by the application of Hme and sulphur, and I part of the former, and 2 parts of the latter were recommended to some hundreds of growei-s. In the spring of 1907 a still further series of experiments was tried, the quantities of Hme and sulphur being : — 1st Dressing. — i part of ground unslaked lime, and 4 parts of sulphur. 2nd Dressing (a fortnight later). — i part of lime and 8 parts of sulphur. jrd and 4th Dressing (at intervals of a fortnight). — Sulphur only. This has been, if anything, more successful than the old formula and has the advantage of not burning the leaves or blossoms. In his Report for 1906-7, Mr. F. V. Theobald states in reference to my suggested treatment with lime and sulphur, " Migration of the mites is spread over too wide a period to ever hope that this treatment will do any permanent good. But it is encouraging to know that some success has been obtained." In order that fruit-growers may judge for themselves, I pubhsh the following extracts, from some hundreds of similar letters, received from fruit-growers in all parts of the United Kingdom. I. — " I have dressed about 5,000 Black Currant bushes, 4,000 three times and 1,000 twice, and they are all free from the mite at present." 2. — " Three years ago there were 40 Black Currant bushes of various sizes, all more or less infested with the mite. On the advice of a local gardener I cut down 7, leaving 33, off which we gathered 8 to 10 lbs. of poor currants. A year ago we gathered about the same quantity. During the early spring I saw your remedy. This April, between the ist and 20th, I dusted the bushes with the sulphur and hme as you directed, and the result was 4 stone of reahy good fruit, and to all appearance healthy trees." 3. — " I am pleased to tell you my bushes are practically cleared. I dressed 3 acres of old bushes, very bad, and on inspecting them this morning only found here and there a twig with some buds showing. 9/ioths are quite clear, these I dressed three times. On another 12 acres of younger plants I cannot find any there. Some others I only dressed twice and they are free." 4. — " I appHed the treatment you recommended to a large number of Black Currant bushes with unqualified success. The crop realised over _;^30 when sent to Covent Garden." 5. — " In the spring I cut out from a local paper a copy of your letter re the Black-Currant Gall- Mite. The remedy has been most successful." 12 REPORT ON INJURIOUS INSECTS FOR I907. 6. — " The treatment for eradicating Black Currant Mite recom- mended by you has been very successful, and I am pleased with the results on six acres." 7. — " I treated the bushes this spring and had a crop of fruit, the first for 4 years. The bushes are almost entirely cleared, and I am proposing to repeat the process next year to make a sure clearance. I am pleased I did not resort to the heroic remedy of stubbing up the bushes, as others in this neighbourhood have done, and as I was advised to do. " With many thanks for iinding us so good a remedy." 8. — " I am enclosing shoots of Black Currants which have been dusted three times — once during the last week of March, the third week in April, and the tirst week in May. I followed out your directions as accurately as possible, and as far as I can see it is an effectual remedy, but I wish you to examine the buds microscopically, as I feel it necessary to be qiiilc sure of the actual results of all experiments." Mr. P. Blair Oliphant, the Managing Director of the Ardblair Blairgowrie Fruitgrowers, Ltd., has very kindly furnished the following report : — General Remarks on Previous History of Disease IN these Plantations. '' The ' big bud ' did not make its appearance until the bushes had been planted three or four years. It then began in the low ground of the West plantation and spread rapidly to the surrounding rows. Badly infected bushes were cut out and burned, and on bushes which were only slightly infected, the infected shoots were pruned away. The experiment was tried of cutting down infected bushes to the ground, and allowing them to come away from the root. But, I think I may say, th;it in every single case where this was done the young shoots developed a double share of the disease. This would seem to indicate that the mite comes either from the root of the bush or from the soil itself. It was noticeable, on the other hand, that the young plants which were substituted for the bushes, which were uprooted, did not develop the disease so readily as those that were cut down. Another peculiarity which 1 have noticed is, that some bushes bear nettle-like leaves, and present :i generally unhealthy appearance. There may be a big flourish of blossom on these : but it invariably withers away and comes to nothing. I attribute this to the bushes being weakened by the disease, and being nure susceptible to frost and rime. In the year 1904 the West jilantation bore a heavy crop of fruit, in spite of the fact that 10 per cent, of the bushes failed as described above. The crop amounted to over 3 tons. EXPERIMENTS ON THE BLACK-CURRANT GALL-MITE. I3 In 1905 this plantation was well manured, and in May it looked as though it would repeat the crop of the previous year, but a night or two of frost early in June carried it nearly all away, only 29 cwts. being got from it. In the spring of this year (1905), no less than 300 bushes were uprooted and burnt from the two plantations, the ground was given a dose of ground lime, and broad beans were sown between the bushes where they were badly infected. In 1906 the big bud appeared diminished. Only one- hundred bushes were uprooted, and the remainder were carefully hand-picked twice over for big bud. The crop was a very poor one. The West plantation establishing a record of failure by producing only 15 cwts. of fruit, and very little young wood was made. In 1907 — at the time of writing — the disease is far worse than it has ever been before. I was considering whether it would not be better to uproot the whole of the West plantation, when the sulphur and lime treatment was brought to my notice. Report on Black Currant Plantations. Treatment for " Big Bud " in Black Currant Plantations. East Plantation, i^ acres. ) „u^.,4. f 2)5°° plants. West Plantation, 2 acres. | ( 3, 500 plants. The East plantation has been planted four years. The bushes are at full bearing, and, for the most part, well grown, but the centre portion is badly affected with " Big Bud," and the outer rows to a lesser degree. The West plantation, planted about eight years, is very badly affected over the whole of the low-lying portion, and very slightly on the brae, where the bushes are very well grown, and have proved consistently good croppers. East Plantation. — ist appHcation, April 8th and 9th, 1907. All infected bushes dusted with 2 parts flowers of sulphur to i part of ground lime. Coronette Knapsack Sprayer used. Weather conditions. 8th. — Bushes wet with rain in morning, fine afterwards. Dusting continued until 3 p.m., when bushes dried. 9th. — Wet night. Showery during day. Dusting continued until afternoon when wind dried bushes. West Plantation. — ist application, April 9th and loth, 1907. Infected bushes dusted as in East plantation. Weather on loth, showery, with East wind all day. Dusting carried on until 5 p.m. At date of writing (loth April,) none of the swollen buds appear to have burst. Most of the other buds are putting out leaves. 14 REPORT OX INJURIOUS INSECTS FOR I907. East Plaiilation. — 2nd application, April 23rd, 1907. Infected bushes dusted with 2^ parts flowers of sulphur to i part of lime (Two Coronette Sprayers in use.) Wcnllier conditions. Still morning ; bushes wet with dew ; but subsequently dried. Dusting continued all day and plantations hnished, also a few rows of West plantation. Powder from ist application still adhering to some bushes. West Plantation. — April 23rd, 1907. A few rows dusted in after- noon. Bushes rather dry. April 25th, 26th, 27th. Remainder of infected bushes in plantation dusted in mornings from 6.30 to 10 a.m. Weather conditions. Dry and breezy. Dew soon dried on bushes, and dusting was discontinued early. At the date of writing (29th April,) very little powder is visible on bushes. There was some rain on the evening of the 26th and showers since, and a fair amount of wind. Most of the swollen buds appear to have cracked or burst. When examined under microscope on the 25th, buds were seen to contain mites, some alive and some apparently dead. Leaves are coming on slowly, and a certain amount of fruit blossom. Season is backward owing to cold winds and night frosts. East Plantation. — 3rd application. May 9th. Infected bushes dusted with 3 parts flowers of sulphur to i part lime. Weather conditions. Fine morning, bushes wet with dew. Dusting continued until 12 o'clock, when plantation was hnished. Breeze sprang up in afternoon and some showers. West Plantation. — May loth. Infected bushes dusted as in East Plantation. Weather conditions. Bushes wet with clew, and slight showers. Plantation hnished. Powder adhering fairly well to bushes : but not so well as when a greater proportion of lime was used. Total weight of Sulphur used for 3 ajiplications 3^ cwts. „ „ Lime „ „ „ i\ cwts. loth May. Bushes now in full bloom. West Plantation docs not promise well. Report on 3rd Skptemhek, 1907. The Crop fioni both plantations was heavier than in 1906. The West Plantation yielded 25 cwts. and the East 29. A good deal of the fruit was of poor quality, and the leaves withered from many of the bushes before the crop was gathered, young buds are begimiing to show : but it is too early to say whether the gall mite is present in them or not. As a rule. I have noticed that the swt)llen buds begin to show in October or Xo\cmber, but no idea of the extent of the disease can be formed until the spring." EXPERIMENTS ON THE BLACK-CURRANT GALL-MITE. 1 5 The following opinions are extracted from the journal of Horticulture^ of November 7th, 14th, and 28th, 1907 : — " In the early summer I wrote to you about the lime and sulphur remedy for the Black Currant mite . . and expressed a wish that those who tried it would record the results of their experiments in our journal this autumn. As this is a serious pest, I trust others besides myself will respond. . . Although we have some very bad bushes here, the majority are only partly affected, and these are nearly all dusted over with the mixture (two parts sulphur, one part lime) once during the last week of March and the third week in April. After the last application I noticed many of the leaves dropped (these were not the youngest), and some of the flowers were burnt. This was rather discouraging, as there was promise of a splendid crop of fruit, and I did not want to lose it. I therefore only treated a certain number of bushes with the last application in May, the mixture being altered in its proportions to three parts of sulphur and one part lime. Even this seemed too strong, for many more leaves fell off and the fruit bunches were spoilt, which gave the bushes a very sickly appearance. All the bushes have been examined during the last week, and I find that those which received two dustings only are very little better than those which have not been done, but those that received a third dressing are quite free from mite as far as can be seen by the naked eye, and have quite recovered from the check which they received. From these results it would seem that only the third application were necessary, but I should say that it is safer to give at least two, as a late season may make a difference to the exodus of the mites from the old buds. L.F.D." " After reading ' L.F.D. 's ' letter in last week's Journal on the results of his sulphur and lime treatment for the eradication of the above-named pest, I went and examined our bushes here, which were similarly treated, and I am exceedingly pleased to say, I could not detect any sign of the mite. Whether there will be any development later I am not able to say ; but usually at this season of the year it is only too easily seen. Unlike your correspondent, I found no injury to foliage, flower, or fruit after the third treatment, although the currants were in full bloom at the time. The particulars and the prescribed conditions which appeared in the garden papers I could not, at the time, exactly carry out — (i part unslaked lime, ground fine, to 2 of sulphur, was recommended). I had to use air-slaked lime, instead of the quick, to 2 of sulphur. This was applied first, at the end of March ; second, middle of April ; third and last, the first week in May. My immunity from burning I attribute to using air-slaked lime with the sulphur. Our powder was applied with bellows. — J. Easter, Nostell Priory Gardens." l6 REPORT OX INJURIOUS IXSFXTS FOR 1907. " Wanderer," replying' to the above states, " It is gratifying to note in the article of ' L.F.D.,' page 439, that Mr. ColHnge's remedy for the Black Currant mite is proving effectual. According to ' L.F.D.' the main point is never to miss giving the application in May. The earlier dustings in his case do not seem to have done very much good. It should, however, be borne in mind that the season last year was a peculiar one, and it is quite possible that the migrating season of the mite was in consequence delayed. Mr. J. Easter also records his satisfaction at the results obtained by the use of the lime and sulphur remedy, notwithstanding the fact that the lime used in his case had been slaked. If air-slaked lime should prove as effectual as ground lime, it will undoubtedly prove an advantage, because of the lessened danger of burning the foliage. At any rate, growers now seem to have a reliable weapon in their hands. If they fail to use it, they have themselves only to blame." SuMM.\RY : — To any unprejudiced mind I think it will at once be clear that the lime and sulphur treatment is proving effective. In the earlier experiments it is now certain that too much lime was used and this resulted in damage to the leaves and blossoms. Various correspondents have assured me that they have obtained excellent results with the use of air-slaked lime. In conclusion, I should like to express my personal thanks to the many hundreds of growers who have experimented with the lime and sulphur treatment, for I feel it is largely due to them that it has been shown that we can control, if not exterminate, a pest which at one time seriously threatened the cultivation of Black Currants in this country. EXPERIMENTS WITH EELWORMS. 17 REPORT ON EXPERIMENTS WITH EELWORMS. THE FUMIGATION OF THE SOIL. In the winter of 1905 I commenced a series of experiments with a view to finding something that would effectually rid the soil of Eelworms. After various substances were tried the experiments gradually led up to reconsidering the whole subject of the fumigation of the soil, and a long and elaborate series of experiments were planned and carried out. During the past few years very rapid strides have been made in this and other countries, in the methods for combating Insect and other animal pests which are injurious to various plants. Thus, by spraying and fumigation, the farmer, fruit grower, and horticulturist are now able to deal with a large number of pests and to control the same, which means that better crops are obtained and of an increased value. But there are certain pests which it is impossible to control by spraying or by the existing methods of fumigation. The two fumigants at present in general use are carbon bisulphide and hydrocyanic acid gas, both highly dangerous substances except in the hands of skilled people. Further, whilst both of these sub- stances are admirable for fumigating plants under glass, etc., they are scarcely practicable when one has to take into consideration a great acreage of land. As is well-known, the caterpillars or grubs of many insects spend that period of their life in the soil, feeding upon the roots of various plants, that many others spend the pupal or chrysalis stage there, whilst a few remain underground throughout life. Amongst these insects we may mention : Springtails ; the Pea and Corn Thrips ; the Mole Cricket ; the Cockchafer Beetle ; the Green Rose-chafer ; the May Bug ; .the Asparagus Beetle ; the Mustard Beetle ; the Nut, Pea, Vine, Turnip Gall and many other Weevils or Snout Beetles ; the Hop Flea Beetle ; the Turnip Flea Beetle ; the Skipjacks (Wireworms) ; and the Pigmy Mangold Beetle. Also the Turnip Dart Moth ; the Yellow Underwing Moth ; the Antler Moth ; the Ghost or Otter Moth ; the Small Swift Moth ; the Hart and Dart Moth ; the Pea Moth ; the Cabbage Moth ; the Currant or Magpie Moth ; and the Common Rustic Moth. The Woolly Aphis (Root Form) ; the Fruit-Tree Root Louse ; Phylloxera ; the Root Mealy Bug. The Onion Fly ; the Mangel Fly ; the Fever Fly ; the Carrot Fly ; the Celery Fly ; Crane Flies (Leather Jackets) ; the Pear Midge ; the Pea Midge ; the Wheat Midge. Fic. 5.— Roots attacked by Konl-kiiot liclworm. A.— Roots of Cucumber. H.— Roots of Tomato. EXPERIMENTS WITH EELWORMS. 19 The Pear Slug ; the Gooseberry Sawfly ; the Turnip Sawfly ; etc., also such pests as Eelworms ; Woodlice ; Milhpedes ; Ants ; etc. These pests singly, or in conjunction, are levying a toll upon our crops of from 25 to 75 per cent. The question naturally arises " How shall we proceed to get rid of these pests ? " and our answer is Fumigate the Soil. This can now be done with the minimum outlay of labour and expense. After a long and elaborate series of experiments I have obtained a fumigant which will effectually rid the soil of one and all of the above mentioned pests ; and to this material I have given the name " Apterite." • Apterite is quite distinct from, and a great advance upon, any of the so-called soil insecticides, for the active principle works upwards and downwards. It has been very truly said that by its application a revolution in Agriculture will be brought about. In my opinion it is the only material that has yet been found that will economically rid the soil of these insidious pests known as Eelworms ; and, if for no other reason, it will be welcomed by all agriculturists suffering from such. My first experiment was made in the autumn of 1906 upon soil in which daffodils and hyacinths were being grown, and which was known to be badly infested with Eelworms. In the spring of 1907 I had the opportunity of treating the soil in a large tomato house, which was infested with the Root- Knot Eelworm. Various plots were also treated on which clover, vegetable marrows, etc., were being grown. Finally it was tried on a much larger scale, viz., on oats and clover. The results in each case were practically identical ; but perhaps most strikingly shown on the tomatoes, where there was a complete absence of Root-Knots ; and a fine, healthy crop was obtained. 20 REPORT OX INJURIOUS IXSI-XTS FOR 1907. REPORT UPON INSECT PARASITES OF INSECTS. Ill this tasciiuiting branch of Kconomic Biology much usclul work has been accompHshed. Two species of Ichneumons (both probably new to science) have been bred from the Plum Aphis {Aphis pniiii, Reaumur) and valuable information has been collected as to their economic importance. An attempt was made to breed and distribute examples of Apliiiiiiis sileiics, Marshall, a small Ichneumon which parasitises the Pea Aphis {Siplioiiopliorn pisi\ Kalt.), with most beneiicial results. Various species of Hoverini^ Flies {Syrpliiihic) and Ladybird Beetles {Cocci ucU id at) have been bred and distributed. There is undoubtedly a very important field for work on these lines in the fruit-growing districts of the Midlands, and whilst I do not for one moment think that we are ever likely to reap the results from native parasites as accrue from the introduction of foreign species, yet they undoubtedlv exercise a control upon the numbers of this or that particular pest, which is to the advantage of the fruit-grower. THE GOOSEBERRY GALL-MITE. Eriopliycs grossiilnriiu', Cllge. Earlv in the year an Evesham correspondent forwarded me some Gooscberrv cuttings on which all the present year's buds appeared dry and shrivelled. All the outer leaves were quite dead, and in some cases the bark was peeling off in long shreds. Careful examination for a fungus or some boring insect larva was unrewarded by any success, so as a thial resort I teased a bud, just as one would do to find the Black Currant Gall-Mite, and I was very much surprised to find a mite of the genus Eriopliycs. Further examination showed that practically all tlie remaining buds were infected. Growers noticing buds which appear dead or drying up on the new wood should immediately cut it away, and destroy by burning. THE BULB MITE. Rliizi\iilypliiis ccliiiiopiis, V. is: R. A somewhat serious attack of this mite was reported by a Warwickshire correspondent ; tulips and hyacinths were the bulbs attacked. The life-history is only imperfectly understood. The eggs give rise to six-legged larvae ; which, later on develop into nymphs possess- ing legs. 'I'hese. after undergoing a couple of moults, become the sexually mature adults. What is known as a hypopial stage may occur ; and it is in this stage that the species is spread. Tiie hypopus possesses on its under THE HARVEST BUG. 21 surface fourteen minute suckers, by means of which it is capable of attaching itself to other animals, and thus being carried away, and setting up fresh areas of infection. Preventive and Remedial Measures. All imported bulbs should be fumigated with bisulphide of carbon (see page 56). Once the bulbs have become infected remedial measures are of little avail ; as the mites get between the leaf scales, and sometimes into the interior of the bulbs, where they lay their eggs. It is really the better plan to burn all infested bulbs, and to treat the soil with bisulphide of carbon. Experiments were made on the bulbs by soaking and spraying them with various fluids, such as paraffin and turpentine emulsions, sulphide of potassium, etc., but none gave satisfactory results. No doubt many of the mites were killed, but sufficient numbers remained alive to complete the destruction of the bulb. THE HARVEST BUG. Leptus antiimnalis^ Shaw. Writing from Bewdley in August last a correspondent states that during the whole of August, and part of July and September, this mite takes half the pleasure out of the country in neighbourhoods where it occurs. The irritation set up on human beings when attacked by this tiny acarine is very painful. Fortunately, however, the so-called Harvest Bug is not a mature mite, but only a larval form, so that it does not breed on human beings. In all probability it is the young of a mite known as Troiubidiiini holosericenni^ as first asserted by Megnin in 1876. This species is well-known, and although very plentiful on wild and other grasses, it does not seem to do any damage to plant life. In its larval stage, however, it attacks man and most domesticated animals. THE PEA AND BEAN THRIPS. Thrips pisivora^ Westwood. A Warwickshire correspondent forwarded a number of developing pods of the garden pea, covered with Httle yellow thrips which are referred to this species. As I have treated of the life-history of this pest so recently as in my Third Report,''' it is only necessary to repeat the preventive and remedial measures. Wherever an attack of these insects has been experienced, the haulm and old stocks should be burnt. Neither peas or beans should be grown on or near the same ground the following year. (i) Rpt. on Inj. Insects, etc., for 190S, 1906, p. 12. 22 REPORT OX INJURIOUS INSECTS FOR I907. Liming and deep plonghing have also been recommended ; and the removal of all rough herbage which affords a winter shelter. THE BROWN SCALE. Lccauiiini honisplicricuni^ Targ.-Tozz. On various plants this scale has been received from many corres- pondents during 1907. On a species of palm it was particularly prevalent ; as also on Aspiiliiiin sp. It is a very prolific species and often does serious damage to plants under glass. Fortunately it is sufficiently large to attract notice. In the above-mentioned case, where it was found on palms, it was eradicated by the use of a quarter of a pound of soft soap mixed with a gallon and a half of boiling water, and a gill of paraflin. In other cases I have used the Vi Fluid, diluted i part to 150 parts of water. THE BROWN CURRANT SCALE. Lccaiiiimi pcrsicac (Geoff.) var. coryli (Linn.). Specimens of this Scale have been examined on Gooseberry plants, and both Black and Red Currants. The Gooseberry twigs, which were forwarded by a Worcestershire correspondent, were very badly attacked. The bushes had been neglected for some time past and onlv the diminished crop of fruit served to draw the grower's attention to the fact that something was wrong. In December the buslies were spraved witli the Vi Fhiid, and already the stems are assuming a clean and healthy appearance, free from the pest. l-K,. fi." liiK Common .Mi-.ai.y Wvg. Two females in different staj^es of development. (From a photograph lakcn by Mr. J G. Ulakcy. of Kcdditc'i.) THE FELTED BEECH COCCUS. 23 MEALY BUGS. Dadylopiiis citri (Risso), and longispiniis (Targ.-Tozz.). Both of these Scales have been abundant and most destructive. The first mentioned species was observed in great numbers by the UTiter, in a conservatory, on some rotten woodwork, indeed, far more plentiful in this particular spot than on the various plants it infected ; or than ever I remember seeing it before. Under glass, spraying with the V2 Fluid was found to be effective. THE FELTED BEECH COCCUS. Cryptococctis fagi^ Barensp. The increasing presence of this coccid in the Midlands is a matter that deserves more than passing attention. As I pointed out in last year's Report, p. 13, it is very desirable that, wherever it is noticed, it should at once receive attention. During the past year a case was brought to my notice in Stafford- shire. The Vi Fluid has been appUed, and although it is somewhat early to judge, it seems to have been successful in eradicating the insect. Surrounded as we are in all the seven Midland counties by wooded estates, in which Beech figures conspicuously, I would impress upon all those who have the supervision of the same, not to neglect this pest, or it will assuredly spread over a large area, and treatment wih become expensive and difficult. THE FELTED ASH COCCUS. Aptcrococciis fraxini (Newstead). A Staft'ord correspondent forwarded twigs of Ash taken from an old tree with this Scale on. According to Mr. Newstead,''' our leading authority on the Scale Insects of this country, it appears to be exclusively confined to the Ash {Fraximis excelsior). In reply to this correspondent, I recommended that, if possible, the tree should be spr-ayed with the Vi Fluid, which had been used for the Felted Beech Coccus. THE HOP APHI5. Phorodon Iiuiiiiili^ Schrank. This troublesome and often serioxis insect pest has not been as plentiful in Worcestershire and Hereford as in past years. Personally, I am of opinion that this is, in a large measure, due to the Winter spraying of plum trees. As the practice of Winter spraying becomes more general we shall undoubtedly see a diminution in the numbers of this pest ; at the same time some more effective sprayfluid is necessary for the spraying of hops than is at present known. (I) Monog. Coccidae of the British Isles, 1003, vol. ii., p. 212. 24 REPORT ON INJURIOUS INSECTS FOR I907. With this object in mind, various experiments have been made witli a view to providing a Fluid that will confer immunity upon the plants against the attack of these insects for a number of days, without injuring the bine. Whilst I believe the experiments are on the right lines and will ultimatelv prove successful, I have not yet arrived at any satisfactory conclusion. The experiments, however, will be continued during the coming season and duly reported upon. THE WILLOW APHIS. Lachiuis I'iiiiiiialis, Fonsc. In July last I received some willow twigs from a Worcestershire correspondent covered with this aphis. When examined in September the trees were perfectly free from this pest, although the harm it had done was easy to see. I am not aware that the life-history is known, but in the autumn I find that there is a general migration from the willows, probably to some other plant or plants, at present unknown. Sometimes, on appearing on some species of willows, little damage is done ; and the insects will then migrate to other species, which sufl'er considerably. THE WOOLLY APHIS. Schizonciira laiiigcra, Hausni. This insect has been very plentiful during the past year in all the Midland counties. In 1896 Mr. J. M. Stedman"* published a full and interesting account of its life-history, and the present year has afforded me an excellent opportunitv to work through this life-history in England, and compare it with the above admirable account. For this purpose a garden containing some score of badly infested apple trees was selected, and further observations have been made in numerous orchards, as well as in the laboratory. Life- History. Throughout the year there may be found on the trees a somewhat oval shaped aj">hid of a purplish or reddish brown colour. This is the " Queen-mother " which secretes the characteristic woolly material. She gives birth to living young, miiuite, louse-like forms of a greyish- yellow colour. These larvae, at lirst, live beneatli the woolly secretion close to the parent ; but after a time they creep away, form great masses of wool, and produce ;i further generation of living young. This mode of reproduction is continued throughout the summer, when a resting stage is reached, and pupae, or nymphs .appear, which give rise ti) winged forms. (I) AKr'.c. Kxp. Slat. Univ. n( the State uf Missouri, Bull. No. 35. 189(1, pp. 3(H>t. THE WOOLLY APHIS. 2^ Stedman (p. 44) mentions that " towards the latter part of summer, winged agamic females are developed. In the station laboratory breeding cages, these winged forms first appeared on the twenty-sixth of August." Fig. 7. — Apple Shoots attacked by the Woolly Aphis. (From a photograph taken by Mr. J. G. Blakey, of Redditch.) I have not been fortunate in meeting with many of the pupae or nymphs, but I have seen a fair number of the winged females. These latter fly from tree to tree and to other orchards. Here they produce living young, and continue to do so until the end of the autumn. In the case under observation a wingless sexual generation was noticed early in November, fewer males than females, which latter are oviparous. The sexual female is very small, and after depositing a single egg close to the base of the tree she dies, the egg is usually enveloped in the dead skin of the parent. In the spring this egg develops into a larval form, which soon becomes a "Queen-mother" and produces living young. Whilst the above cycle has been taking place on the branches of the tree, a similar one takes place amongst those forms living at the roots of the tree, excepting that no eggs are laid by the root forms. During the winter, many of the branch forms migrate to the roots, and in the spring they return to the branches. Stedman mentions that in Missouri the root form is the only one that does any injury, the branch form " being only occasionally seen ; and when found, occurs only in small, unimportant, isolated colonies." 26 REPORT OX INJURIOUS INSECTS FOR I907. These investigations are sufficiently important to reproduce in his own words, he states " The presence of the aerial form of the woolly- aphis is readily detected by the bluish-white cottony looking substance that is excreted by and covers the greater part of each wingless individual aphis ; and since these insects live in clusters or colonies, the patches of white matter are very conspicuous, and can scarcely escape the notice of even the most casual observer. It has been my experience to find in nature this aerial form in Missouri only in rare cases, and then only in those places where some injury had caused an abrasion of the bark ; or some limb or twig had been cut or broken off ; or where they had been crowded from the ground up to the base of the trunk ; or on the suckers that had been allowed to grow around the tree. They are frequently artificially induced to attack the trunk by mulching, or by using wrappers around the base of the tree as a protection against borers and rabbits. But whatever may be the cause of their presence above the ground, the result is the same, namely ; to cause an abnormal growth of the infested portion, resulting in the formation of a rough and pitted surface, and at times causing the death of the limb at the point infested. However, this injury is so slight in this state that it is insignificant in comparison with that found in the northern and eastern states, and especially in Europe, where apple trees are frequently killed outright by this aerial form. The presence of the root inhabiting form is readily detected by removing the earth from the roots near the trunk of the infested tree. The appearance of a bluish-white cottony or mildew looking substance, or of knotty and distorted roots, will indicate its presence. It is this root or subterranean form that causes so much damage to the apple orchards in the southern half of Missouri, and to apple nursery stock throughout the state. The infested apple tree appears sickly ; it does not grow as it should ; its leaves are less numerous and they have more of a pale green or yellowish color than is natural ; and finally the tree dies outright or is blown over with the first slight wind. Such are the outward indications that a tree is badly infested with this pest. Sometimes the tree blows over with a heavy wind without showing these outward appearances in so marked a degree ; but one soon becomes familiar with the appearance of infested trees, and can readily locate them before they are past recovery. In orchards, it appears that the great bulk of the damage from this pest conies directly from the fact that the trees blow over so easily, the roots breaking off close to the triuik. Of course this is due to the fact that the roots have decayed ; and I am fully convinced from actual observation that ninety-five per cent of the cases of so-called " root-rot " in apple trees in this state is in reality tiie result of the attack of the woolly-aphis. In nursery stock, the damage comes directly from llu THE WOOLLY APHIS. 27 inability to sell badly infested trees, and not from the death of the trees themselves. The woolly-aphis sucking the juices from the roots of the apple tree causes an abnormal growth of the attacked portion of the roots, resulting in the formation of gall-like swellings or excresences. These swellings are usually irregular and knotty in appearance, and sometimes attain considerable size, while that portion of the roots between the excresences is frequently undeveloped. The woolly-aphis will be found in large numbers, and in clusters, over the surface swellings, and especially between them in the numerous crevices that the larger excresences contain. The roots thus attacked, distorted and swollen, soon begin to decompose ; saprophytic fungi and bacteria enter the dead and decaying portions and help to hasten the work, and soon that portion of the root perishes. Sometimes the root seems to be killed outright by the vast number of aphis sucking the sap and causing the abnormal growth ; so that the attacked portion perishes before decomposition has fairly set in. But in either case the aphids perish, or leave the dead root and seek living roots upon which they can feed ; and hence, when one examines a root that has been dead for only a short time even, the aphis may not be found there, and this has led many to attribute the death of the root to other causes, especially to ' root-rot.' As the woolly-aphis attacks in immense numbers the main roots at or near the trunk, and as these roots are usually eventually killed and then rapidly decay, the tree loses its support and falls with the first wind." There is a wide-spread opinion that the root form and that in the branches are two distant species, but there seems little, if any, evidence to support such views. With reference to this, Mr. Stedman carried out the following experiment : — " On the fourteenth of March, seedling and one-year-old apple trees were planted in the root-cages. The plants were first thoroughly cleansed of all insect life, as eggs, etc., and the earth used was specially prepared and free from insects and their eggs. On the sixteenth of March, wingless, agamic female woolly-aphis, just obtained from the roots of an infested apple tree, were placed on the roots of the sound trees in four of these cages. These root-cages are kept isolated in one room of the green-house, two of them in large breeding cages made of glass and very fine wire gauze, so that no insects could escape or others possibly enter. The apple trees soon put forth leaves and grew well. The aphids multiplied rapidly and not only formed colonies where introduced on the roots, but they soon spread in small numbers over the greater portion of the roots, established colonies near the trunk, and crawled up to trunk and on to the branches, where they multiplied rapidly and established flourishing colonies. These colonies can be seen on the branches as well as on the roots of the 28 REPORT OX INJURIOUS IXSFXTS FOR I907. youn^ trees, photographed in ligure 3. The aphids exist in reaUty in small nnmbers on all parts of the young apple trees, but do not appear in the photograph except where they exist in colonies. Some weeks after this photograph was taken, the entire trees, stems, roots, and even the petioles and midribs of the leaves were white with woolly-aphis. The insects appeared to thrive as well in the open air as in the soil, and in these cases both the root and limb forms were derived from the same parent. But in order to determine whether or not the limb form would spread to and infest the roots, some woolly-aphis from the limb of an infested tree in Jackson county were obtained and introduced, June 28th, on the limbs of the young apple trees in the two other root cages. The trees contained no insects except those placed on the limbs. The root- cages were isolated in large breeding cages in the greenhouse. In the course of a week the aphids had established flourishing colonies on the branches, and at the expiration of a month they had spread down the trunk in scattered and isolated places, and in one case had attacked the roots near the trunk. In two weeks more the roots of all the trees had several well established colonies upon them. From these observations and facts it is believed that what little of the aerial or limb form of the apple tree woolly aphis we have in this state is now derived from the root form. Of course it will be understood that I do not imply by this statement that the original form of this aphis was root inhabiting, for I am decidedly of the contrary opinion." Apart from the great damage these pests do to fruit trees, by draining the vitality, the wounds formed by their punctures ultimately expose the trees to fungus attacks. Wherever these punctures occur on young wood, there is an abnormal growth of the tissue, which takes the form of rounded or irregular swellings. Later, these gall-like lumps split (and are often stated to be " canker "), and it is in these splittings that fungi and other pests find lodgment. Pkkvkntivi-: and Kkmedial Mi:.\sukes. So long as people are allowed to neglect their orchards, or even a few trees, this pest will be with us, and can only be controlled by exercising most drastic treatment. In an orchard adjoining the one mentioned above, the following treatment was followed out in 1907, and although only a few yards from trees worse affected than I have ever seen before, it now remains comparatively clean. In January the trees were spraved with the \'i Fluid. In December the soil around the trees was taken awav, and without actually touching the roots, Apterite was scattered all around. It is proposed to give all the trees a dressing with the V2 Fluid early in the Spring. THE APPLE SUCKER. 29 If this treatment is persisted in I think the pest will be held in check, but it is most important that the roots of the trees should be treated as well as the branches. Spraying in the Autumn is of little, if any, use, for as fast as the trees are cleaned, winged females from trees in other orchards re-infest them. THE FRUIT TREE ROOT LOUSE. Schizoneura fodiens, Buckton. Early in the year a Worcester correspondent forwarded specimens of this insect, from the roots of Red Currants, and later I received it from the same county on the roots of a young apple tree. It has long been confounded with the root form of the Woolly Aphis {Schizoneura lanigera.) In the first case Vaporite was employed and proved fairly successful ; later, in the second case, experiments were made with Apterite which proved most effective. THE APPLE SUCKER. Psylla inali\ Schm. Experiments with the Vi and V2 Fluids have been continued on the eggs and larvae of this insect, and most satisfactory results have been obtained. Fig. 8.— The Apple Sucker {Psylla mali). I. — Larva, natural size. la. — Larva after third moult, much magnified. 2. — Perfect insect, natural size. 2a. — The same, much magnified. 30 REPORT OX INJURIOUS IXSFXTS FOR 1907. A iiuiiiher of demonstrations have been ^iven sliowing the action of the former flnid upon the eggs. A httle of the Vi Fhiid was taken and mixed with one-hundred parts of water, then a few perfect eggs were placed on a glass slide under a low power of the microscope. After making sure that these were in no way damaged, they were wetted with the Fluid by means of a line camel hair brush. Within a few minutes the protoplasm was seen to contract, often spurting through the broad end of the egg, the egg-shell became wrinkled and instead of a smooth, tense membrane, it lay as a crinkled sac with a rough or broken surface. In most cases this action was clearly observable within three-and- a-half minutes after the Fluid was applied, but in no case did it exceed twice that length of time. As I have elsewhere stated (p. 7) the experiments, both in the laboratory and on the actual trees, with the lime and salt spray fluid were most unsatisfactory. THE ASH PSYLLA. Psylhi frnxini. From Staffordshire and Worcestershire correspondents, many inquiries have been received respecting this insect. In one case the attack was extremely bad. Wherever I thought spraying was practicable or likely to be carried out, an application of the V2 Fluid was recommended, and not having heard anvtiiing further of the pest, I presume that it lias j-iroved successful. In nearly all the above cases the cause of the mischief had been allowed to continue year after year without any remedial measure being applied ; and considerable harm must have been done to the trees, most of which were, fortunately, young ones. On numerous estates IIkiI I know of, forest and ornamental trees are badly neglected. It is surely a wise policy on the part of those who have the care of such, as also on the part of the owners, to see that they are kept as free from disease and pests as possible. THE MAY BUG. Phyllopcrtha liorlicold, Linn. A Warwickshire correspondent forwarded specimens of this beetle from a field of swedes, where they were present in great numbers. Fortunately, Kooks and Starlings in Hocks were attracted by the abund- ance of food and soon lessened their numbers. Like the Cockchafer, to which they are related, they can be con- trolled by the application of a soil fumigant. THE PEA BEETLE. 3I THE PEA BEETLE. Bruchiis pisi^ Linn. Two or three correspondents have complained of the damage done to peas by the larva of this beetle. Life- History. The female beetle deposits her eggs on the young pods, and, upon hatching out, the larva bores into a pea, and passes its larval stage, eating a large cavity in the pea. In this it pupates, the beetle emerging in the following spring. Sometimes the beetles make their way out of the peas in the autumn, and pass the winter elsewhere. In other cases they remain within the peas, only issuing after the latter have been sown. A closely allied species B.riifimaniis^ attacks beans in a similar manner. Preventive and Remedial Measures. Peas which are or have been infected should not be used as seed, even when they are kept in closed vessels and the beetles have left them and died, they seldom produce strong plants. Fumigation with bisulphide of carbon is perhaps the best method of killing the beetles. Care should be exercised in purchasing seed, to see that it is free from this pest. THE APPLE BL0550M WEEVIL. Antlionouius ponioniiii^ Linn. Various correspondents have sent in examples of this beetle, or have written complaining of the damage it has done. A full account of the life-history was given in my Second Annual Report, p. 21. An experience of this beetle, now extending over many years, inclines me to the opinion that it is always most plentiful in neglected orchards. Where the trees are not sprayed in the Winter, and the moss and lichens are allowed to grow, there the beetles find a secure place for hibernating in. In a like manner in orchards where dead leaves, long grass, etc., are present, they provide favourable conditions. Winter spraying, quite apart from the numerous eggs that are destroyed, will pay the fruit-grower, if only by reason of keeping the bark clean and free from all mosses and lichens, beneath which this and many other pests of fruit trees hibernate during the Winter months. THE CABBAGE GALL WEEVIL. Ceuthorhynchus sulcicollis^ Gyll. Throughout the Midland counties there has been a distinct increase of this very troublesome insect, and cabbages and turnips have consequently suffered. 32 REPORT OX IXJIRIOUS INSECTS FOR I907. Clean cultivation is all-important in dealing with this pest. In the early part of the year it lives on charlock and other cruciferous weeds, later passing on to cabbage and turnip crops. It is most important that all such weeds should be destroyed. Further, all infected cabbage stalks and turnip peelings should be burnt, and not allowed to rot in heaps on the ground. I have not yet had an opportunity of experimenting with Apterite on this pest, but I think it will be found an effective remedy. THE TURNIP SEED WEEVIL. Cculhorliyiichiis assiiiiilis, Pavk. A Staffordshire correspondent forwarded Turnip seed badly in- fested with the larvae and pupae of this linv beetle. Seed merchants know it as a most destructive pest, for pods which have been attacked, contain few, if any perfect seeds. In a sample of seed sent, the fat, yellowish-white larvae were present ; also cocoons composed of agglutinated seeds, inside each of which I found a pupa. This beetle attacks other cruciferous plants in a similar manner. Seed known to be attacked should be fumigated with bisulphide or carbon (See p. 56). THE PINE WEEVIL. Hvlobiiis iibiclis, Fabr. The insect is one of the commonest, and at the same time, one of the most destructive to pines we have in this country. Personallv, I have no experience of it apart from pine, but it is known to attack other conifers, as well as oak and other trees. Life-History. The beetles swarm from May to June, and breed on to September. The eggs are deposited on the stumps and roots of the pines. Thev hatch out in from fourteen to twenty-one davs, and, until well on in the autumn, form their characteristic burrows ; passing the winter at the end of these burrows. During the first year ♦hev feed upon the bast and sapwood ; so that, so far as the larval stage is concerned, thev do little damage. Pupation takes place late in the following spring, in the roots or stump, and the perfect insect appears from May to September. Those which emerge in the spring gnaw the bark of the young plants, thus allowing the resin to exude. In some cases the trees become almost completely peeled. During the winter, the adults hibernate in hollow slumps, amongst dead leaves, under stacks of wood, etc. the osier weevil. 33 Preventive and Remedial Measures. It has been shown, in this and other countries, that forest clearings are particularly favourable harbouring spots for this beetle. It is therefore most important that all useless material should be burnt, and the felling area moved from time to time. Whatever can afford a breeding place, unless employed as traps, should be cleared away, such, for instance, as waste timber of any description, broken bark, small fragments of wood, pieces of roots left in the ground, dying trees, etc., etc. Log Traps placed in June are useful. Pieces of pine or spruce, 3 or 4 feet long, and 3 or 4 inches thick, should be cut and so buried in the ground that they protrude two or three inches above the surface. Such traps should be placed from 40 to 50 feet apart, and carefully taken up and burnt in September. Feeding sheep in the clearings is recommended, as their droppings are obnoxious to the beetles. THE OSIER WEEVIL. Cryptorhynchus lapathi^ Linn. Both the larvae and adult beetles have been received from different correspondents, with complaints of their injury to osiers and willows. Life- History. The female lays her eggs in small holes which she bites in the rods, a single egg being placed in each hole. In from 18 to 21 days the larvae hatch out as small whitish grubs, and immediately commence and burrow round the rod. In some cases this burrow encircles the rod, in others it extends only part way around ; whilst occasionally it is irregular, passing sHghtly upwards or downwards. In all cases the larva ultimately tunnels inwards to the pith, where it clears a chamber, which usually extends for four or live inches and sometimes even more. This central chamber is connected with the exterior by a less carefully formed tunnel, and through the opening of this latter the bits of gnawed wood, etc., are passed out. When full fed, the larva measures about one third of an inch in length, and early in August it pupates, the beetles hatching out towards the end of that month, or early in September. During the winter the beetles hibernate in the stools, in the chambers formed by the larvae, and amongst rubbish. Remedial Measures. The same as employed for Willow Beetles, which see. WILLOW BEETLES. Three species of beetles, known as common pests to osiers and willows, were forwarded by a Warwickshire correspondent ; these were 34 KEI^OKT 0\ INJl'RIOUS IXSI-XTS FOR I907. the Brassy Willow Beetle, PhyUoilccla rilcllinae, Linn., and its ally P. I'lilgalissiina, Linn., and a species known as Galcnicclla liucoJa. In Hood refuse, heaps of osier peel, or collections of dead leaves, all three species are very common. It is amongst such material that they hibernate during the winter. The fust mentioned species is perhaps the commonest, a short account of its life-history may therefore be useful. Life- History. The life-history here described was worked out upon some material taken in February last from the stump of an old willow. There were large numbers of the beetles present, and early in April the females deposited, on the undersides of the willow leaves, isolated groups of tiny spindle-shaped eggs, each group being covered with an irregular, transparent cover. The larvae hatched out in seven days and were of greyish-yellow colour ; when full fed they became slightly darker in colour and had four conspicuous brown spots on the dorsal side of each segment, with smaller ones laterally, whilst the two most posterior segments were marked with a black square. The hrst three segments were the most prominently marked, and also the largest segments, the posterior ones narrowing. In the laboratory the larvae fed on the undersides of the leaves for some weeks, finallv falling to the ground and pupating in the soil. The beetles hatched out at the end of August, and fed on the leaves so long as we could obtain any, ultimately hibernating in the debris of the willow stump. Prevextivk .\ni) Remedial Measures. All material, such as mentioned above, which is likely to afford suitable quarters for hibernating in, should be burnt or removed. Spraying with Paris green, or Arsenate of lead, will kill the larvae and beetles in the spring. Dusting the stocks with liiuc and soot has also been found efficacious. THE CIGAR BEETLE. Lasioiicniin Ifslacca, Duf. Quite a number of inquiries have been received as to damage to Havana and Cuban cigars bv this beetle. One gentleman assured me that it came into his stock with some Havana cigars about two vears ago, and since had made its way from box to box. Borings in the boxes certainlv supported this view. Hoping to eradicate what was proving a very serious pest, I recommended fumigation with bisulphide of carbon, (see p. 56) and I am pleased to learn that this has proved effective, for no further damage has been noticed. THE WOOD LEOPARD MOTH. 35 THE WOOD LEOPARD MOTH. Zeuzera aesculi^ Linn. A Worcestershire correspondent forwarded the larvae of this moth in August, which were attacking young apple trees. Although not sufficiently common in the Midland counties at present, it might, in a favourable season, become a serious pest to fruit growers. Life-History. The moth appears in June, and the female deposits a large number of oval orange-coloured eggs upon the stems and branches of various trees. Saplings seem particularly liable to attack. The eggs hatch in a few days and the larva bores into the sapwood, remaining in the woody tissues during the first winter. In the follow- ing summer it bores a gallery in the middle of the wood, here it passes its second winter. About May it passes beneath the bark, where it pupates, the moth emerging in June. The larva, when full-fed, is nearly two inches in length, in colour a yellowish-white, with black spots on each segment. The second segment is covered with a dark brown dorsal plate. Amongst the various trees attacked by the larvae of this moth we may mention the apple, pear, plum, ash, aspen, beech, birch, elm, hawthorn, holly, horse-chestnut, oak, poplar, privet, quince, walnut, willow. Preventive and Remedial Measures. Cutting off and burning all infested branches is the only practical treatment. Badly infested trees are best cut down and burnt. Numerous small birds feed upon the eggs. THE GARDEN SWIFT MOTH. Hepialus liipulinus^ Linn. The larvae of this moth have been forwarded by different corres- pondents as damaging strawberry plants, celery, winter beans and various flowering plants. The habits and methods of attack are very similar to those of the Turnip Dart Moth ; and the same remedies hold good. THE LAPPET MOTH. Lasiocampa quercifoUa^ Linn. A Worcestershire correspondent forwarded the larva of this moth in August last, taken on hawthorn. The large size of the caterpillar 36 REPORT ON INJURIOUS INSECTS FOR I907. excited his attention, and the following account of the life-history was forwarded : "The specimen forwarded is the caterpillar of the Lappet Moth, which has previously been found in the locality mentioned. The eggs are laid during July or early in August, on the underside of the leaves of hawthorn, sloe, willow, blackthorn, apple, plum, etc., in groups of twos, threes, and fours, or more. The larvae hatch out in from twelve to fifteen days and feed for a short time. Early in the autumn, however, they make their way down to the lower stems, where they winter. Specimens reared in conhnement, measured about an inch in length at this period. With the return of spring they commence to feed again, and when lull-fed are nearly four inches in length. Pupation takes place from June to August, the dark blackish-brown chrysalis being enclosed in a greyish-brown silky cocoon. In confine- ment I have always observed that the cocoon is large and ill-litting ; but in nature it is said to be a tight-fitting one. The moths appear from June to August. Whilst there are cases on record of the larvae of this moth damaging fruit trees, it is scarcely sufficiently common to constitute a pest." THE CURRANT OR MAGPIE MOTH. Abraxas firossiilariatn, Steph. Verv few cases of a serious nature have been reported during the past season. Some few years ^^^ 51 •^^Y^^ ago this looked like becoming a Ja* • •*• • %^ Jl ^t^iy serious pest to growers of k _tvf^ ^ gooseberries and currants. Atten- tion was repeatedly called to this F.G. 9.-THF. CiRiMNT OK M.AGP.E MoTH. j.^^,^ . .^ -^j ,.^^,j particulars respect- ing preventive and remedial measures were sent out to a large number of growers, urging upon them the importance of taking some action. It is sincerely to be hoped that their efforts will not be relaxed now that it has been lessened in numbers. 1 would also, in this con- nection, draw the attention of owners of private gardens to this pest which usually ilourishes there. It is tjuite possible on small areas to effectually eradicate it by hand-picking. THE WINTER MOTH. Chcinialohia bnmiala, Linn. Judging from the decrease in the number of inquiries respecting this insect it would seem to have been less prevalent than in previous seasons. This is no doubt accounted for by the fact that many growers THE TURNIP DART MOTH. 37 who were becoming alarmed by the rapid increase, decided to spray with the Caustic soda-emulsion early in 1907. Many have written me stating what an excellent effect this had. Owing to the more general adop- tion of winter spraying, growers have abandoned grease banding their trees, at the best only a partially effective remedy. In the Evesham and other districts there should be no difficulty now in keeping this pest under control. Wherever the moth is known to be about, spraying should be deferred until the end of January. I have known cases where the apple trees have been sprayed in December, and left in a beautiful and healthy condition, but have later been visited by the female moths, and the result has been a plague of caterpillars in the following spring, much to the growers surprise. Fig. I. 10. — The Winter Moth {Cheimatobia bniiiiata). -Male moth. 2. — So-called wing- less female. Natural size. THE TURNIP DART MOTH. Agrotis segetuin^ Schiff. I mentioned in last Report (p. 25) what a destructive pest this insect had become in the Midland Counties during 1906, and there has been no falling off in the number of complaints during the past year. I had hoped with the aid of Vaporite to be able to cope with the larvae of this moth, but frequently I found that the material was not put in deep enough, hence the fumes only destroyed those near the surface. A series of experiments made with Apterite gave splendid results. The active principle from this material working both upwards and downwards, made it a most thorough fumigant. Fig. II. — Male and Female Turnip Dart Moths. In one case where oak and ash seedlings were very badly attacked by the larvae of this moth, the Apterite was dibbled in about seven or eight inches deep, between the lines of plants, many of which were rapidly dying. There was an appreciable change noticeable in a few days ; and when, after a week, some of the plants were taken up there was a healthy growth of new rootlets to be seen. 38 REPORT OX INJURIOUS INSECTS FOR I907. In forest nurseries a soil fumigant of this kind must prove of great value. THE HEART AND DART MOTH. Agrolis exclciniatiouis^ Linn. As in the case of the last mentioned species, there has been an appreciable increase in the number of cases reported in which the larvae of this moth have been doing serious damage. The habits and life-history of the Heart and Dart Moth lue very similar to those of the Turnip Dart Moth, described in my Fourth Report (p. 25,) and the treatment also. Various experiments have been made with soot, soot and lime, kainit, gas lime, etc., scattered on the land ; poisoned baits, consisting of bunches of clover, etc., that have been steeped in a solution of Paris green, and then distributed about the lield have given fairly good results, but such a method is risky owing to the possibility of live-stock eating the same. THE GREAT YELLOW UNDERWINQ MOTH. Triphaciia pronuha (Linn.). The larvae of this moth have proved very trouble- some to horticulturists and others during the past season. In private gardens it has been especially numer- ous and has done a large amount of damage. The life-history briefly indicated in my Second Report, (p. 37.) may be usefully repeated. Ki«. 12.— The Gkeat Yellow Un'dkrwing Moth. 'pj^g f<.Muale deposits i.-Larva. 2.-I>i.ra. 3.-Moth. ^^^ ^^^^ j,^ j^,,,^. .^.^^j ^^^,^.^,^j at the roots of different plants, the larvae hatching out in about fourteen days. They are nocturnal feeders, and lie hidden in the surface soil or beneath the roots of their food-plants during the tlay. Through the winter months they seem to lie dormant ; but on the return of spring or mild-weather, they commence to feed again. Most of them become full-fed towards the end of April, or early in May, when they bury themselves and turn intf) pupae, the moths emerging towards the end of June or early in July. Remedial Measures. In gardens, stirring the surface frequently during the winter and spring destroys sonic of the larvae ; and exposes others to the attack TPE APPLE LEAF MINER. 39 of birds. Starlings are particularly fond of them. Handpicking the larvae is still more effective. I have entirely cleared them out of my ovi^n garden in this way. Fresh gas lime worked into the land in autumn has been tried with some amount of success. Apterite proved an admirable remedy, destroying this and other ground larvae without in any way damaging the plants. THE APPLE LEAF MINER. Lyonetia clerckella (Linn.). Two cases of serious damage to apple trees by the larvae of this small Tineid moth have been reported on. The leaves on the trees were mined in all directions ; and three or four larvae in each leaf were not at all uncommon. As a result, most of the leaves fell at the end of July and early in August. I know of only one record of this species damaging to any appre- ciable extent the foliage of fruit trees ; that is one mentioned by Mr. Fred. V. Theobald '"' as occurring in Huntingdonshire. The life-history is described by the same author and the following abbreviated account is taken from his description. The female, as a rule, deposits a single egg on each apple or cherry leaf. From this the larva hatches and bores into the leaf, feeds upon the soft tissue, and forms a sinuous tunnel, which gradually enlarges as the larva increases in size. The larva varies in colour from pale to deep apple green. The period of larval life varies ; some were mature in four weeks after the tunnels were first noticed ; others not until five weeks. When full fed, the larvae eat their way out of the tunnel and crawl upon the leaf, forming a cocoon on the upper, or more generally, lower side of the leaf. The pupal stage lasts from ten to twenty days. Three or four broods occur in a year. During the winter months the moths hibernate in crevices, under rubbish, etc. Preventive and Remedial Measures. In the two cases referred to above, hand-picking and burning the leaves proved successful. THE APPLE ERMINE MOTH. Hyponomeuta malinella^ Zell. Thanks to the combined action of numerous fruit growers, and to many correspondents possessing only a few apple trees in their kitchen gardens, this pest has been considerably reduced in the Midland coun- ties. (i.) Second Rpt. Econ. Zool., 1904, p. 37. 40 REPORT ON INJURIOUS INSECTS FOR 1907. In quite a number of cases where this moth was present on apple trees in private gardens, the tents were collected and destroyed, and winter spraying was resorted to, often for the hrst time. The time, trouble, and cost, in no case was serious, but the benefit conferred upon the fruit growing community by this wise and thoughtful action must have been considerable. Fig. 13.— Tknt ok tiu- .Vri'i.i: Kumink Moth, showiii.u mollis just cincriic-d. Private gardens are often a considerable source of danger to the fruit grower ; but a direct and tactful rcpicsentation to the owners I find seldom fails in speedily removing the nuisance. Of course there are cases where a stubborn and indifferent attitude is maintained ; and it is difficult to know how to deal with such thoughtless and selfish people. Fortunately, in the Midlands, they arc few and far between. THE RASPBERRY GALL MIDGE. 4I THE RASPBERRY GALL MIDGE. Lasioptera rubi^ Schrk. Two cases of the occurrence of this Gall Midge have been reported upon. The first was found on brambles, but only very few galls were present. The second case, and the most interesting, was a bad attack on raspberry canes. Here the galls were numerous and large, the largest measuring over an inch across. The grower informed me that he had noticed a few in the previous year, in consequence of which there was little or no fruit during the past season. Life- History. About the end of May, or early in June, the female fly deposits her eggs, eight to fifteen in number, at the base of the buds. These hatch out in from eight to ten days, and the young larvae at once commence to make their way through the epidermis. After a short time, a distinct swelling appears ; the holes formed by the larvae in the epidermis are closed from within ; and the gall, as it is now termed, commences to thicken. Within the gall the larvae feed, becoming full- fed in the following April. The larvae, like those of many Gall-Midges, are a bright orange colour, or orange with a faint tinge of red. Early in May pupation takes place and the flies appear at the end of May, or early in June. Preventive and Remedial Measures. Winter spraying with the Vi Fluid will probably penetrate the galls and kill the larvae. Spraying the canes with soft soap and soot will prevent the flies depositing their eggs. Cutting off the galls and burning the same will of course lessen the pest, but this is a somewhat difficult task on a large area. THE ASH CAULIFLOWER GNAT. Cecidomyia fraxinella^ Meade. This minute fly has been particularly plentiful in the Midland counties during the past year, disfiguring young Ash trees. It is a small brownish-yellow insect, with black head, and covered with minute hairs. Described originally by Dr. Meade '"' as belonging to the genus Diplosis, owing to the characteristic antennae, but resembling Cecidomyia in that the direction of the cubital vein more resembles the condition obtained in this last mentioned genus. This author was of opinion that it was probably the same insect as the one described by Winnertz, under the name of C. minuta, '^' a view, however, from which I must (i.) Entom. Mon. Mag., 1888, vol. 25, p. 77. (2.) Monog. Gallmucken, p. 250. 42 REPORT ON INJURIOUS INSECTS FOR I907. differ. I think there is very httle doubt as to its being specifically distinct from that species. THE WILLOW MIDGE. Cecidomyia rosarin, Li v. The rose-shaped galls formed by the larvae of this tiny midge have been received on various species of willow. It has been particularly prevalent during the past year ; but it can scarcely be described as a pest, as the damage is extremely small. THE PEAR MIDGE. Diplosis pyrlvora, Riley. For the first time for many years I am able to record a diminution of this pest in many orchards where hitherto it has been very plentiful. This improvement has been brought about entirely by burying the surface soil. During the year I have made a number of experiments on the larvae and pupae. In June last Mr. J. Lees sent me, from Kent, some larvae and pupae which were dipped in the Vi Fluid, i in 100, the larvae were killed in about fifteen minutes, and the pupae in about thirty-five. Mr. Lees suggested, as a result of this experiment, that possibly it might be worth while saturating the ground, say about the end of May, beneath affected trees. A second experiment with Apterite points to a more practical remedy, however ; full particulars of which I hope to give in a later Report. THE ONION FLY. PJiorbia cfpaniiit, Bouche. Although I have had only a single case of this pest reported by correspondents during the past year, two of my Voluntary Observers have sent in long accounts of the mischief done in Warwickshire and Staffordshire. Life- History. The female ily deposits her eggs on the young leaves of the Onion, close to the earth. The larvae hatch out in a few days, and make their way into the base of the bulb, where they feed for two or three weeks. Miss Ormerod stum. usinn ii>> blnttiiif; paper. He has also devised and successfully used in conservatories Stc, a scries of fans, cunHistin^ of boards suspended by two cords with a strinj; al c.ich side. The strings to the right and left are worked through a hole In the doors, or other woodwork. APPENDIX. 57 For fumigating stores it is best used in a large air-tight tin, into which the goods are placed, and then pour the bisulphide into a saucer placed upon the goods in the proportion of one pound (i lb.) to every thousand (i,ooo) cubic feet of space. The liquid should be poured out quickly in order not to inhale the fumes — there is no danger in inhaling a small quantity — and the bin closed and kept shut for at least five hours, after which time it should be well ventilated, as also the fumi- gated goods. APPENDIX B. For the benefit of those possessing no special knowledge of Ento- mology, it may be well to point out that, with a few exceptions, all insects are hatched from eggs. From the eggs, the larvae or cater- pillars hatch out, and after a time these change into pupae or chrysa- lides, each ultimately developing into an imago. The Eggs. — These are exceedingly variable in shape, size, and colour. They may be laid singly or in groups. Sometimes they are protected by a gummy secretion, whilst others are fastened by a short thread. The food of the young in nearly all cases determines the place where the eggs are deposited, such, for instance, as on leaves, close to or in roots, in blossom buds, beneath the bark of trees, on cattle, meat, decaying animal or vegetable matter. The number of eggs laid by a single insect may be very few or many thousands ; fifty to a hundred, however, may be taken as an average. The period of hatching, generally speaking, is not of long duration, though there are cases where they remain unhatched for a considerable length of time. The Larva. — In a few cases this is produced alive, but usually it is hatched from an egg. The larvae of Butterflies, Moths, and Sawflies, are commonly spoken of as caterpillars^ those of Beetles as gnibs^ while those of Flies are known as maggots. If a larva possesses legs, the first three segments behind the head each carry a pair, which are jointed and known as thoracic or true legs. Legs may also be present on the posterior segments, but these are never jointed ; they are known as pseiidopods or prolegs. It is often very difficult to say exactly to what particular order a larva belongs, but speaking in general terms, we may say that the larvae of Butterflies and Moths exhibit the following characters : A well-defined head provided with biting jaws, a pair of jointed hmbs on each of the first three segments behind the head, a pair of pseudopods on the sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth segments, making a total of sixteen. The " Looper " caterpillars have pseudopods on the ninth and twelfth segments, making a total of ten. The caterpillars of a few months are footless. 58 REPORT 0\ IXJrKlOrS IN'SECTS FOK TQOy. The larvae of Beetles possess a well-detined head and biting j'^^^'^, and a pair of jointed legs on the first three segments behind the head (Rose Chafer) or legs are entirely absent (Garden Weevil). The larvae of Flies (Diptera) are generally legless and usually the head is merged into the thorax ; some, however, possess pseudo- pods and a head. Those of the Hymenoptera {e.g., sawflies, wood wasps, etc.) have six, eighteen, or twenty-two appendages, and in sawHy larvae the second abdominal segment always has a pair of pseudopods ; in some cases (wood wasps) the limbs are vestigal, while in other cases they are absent. The larval stage is usuallv the one in which the insect does the greatest amount of damage ; they feed voraciously, the daily con- sumption of food often exceeding many times the weight of the larva. With a plentiful supply of food they rapidly increase in size, and, as the chitinous skin is only capable of a limited expansion, it ulti- mately splits, and the larva comes out with a new, and sometimes differently-coloured skin. This process, known as iitoiiltiiiii, usually takes place five times, but the number is variable ; 2. 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, 12, and even 20, 25, and 30 moults are known in different insects. The larva is now said to be full-fed, and it changes to a jiup:i or chrysalis. The cUn'atioii ot the larval peridd is subject to much wiriatiou ; sometimes it is onlv a lew clavs, while in ctlier cases it may last for months or even years. Tin- Pupa. — The full-fed larva generally either buries itself in the ground (Rose Chafer), forming a cell of earthy particles, or spins a silky cocoon (Codling Moth), in which it changes to the pupal con- dition. After a time the pupal case containing the insect cracks or splits, and the perfect insect or iiiingo creeps out. The Imago. — This is the fullv-formed insect, and mav be de- scribed as an animal consisting of thirteen segments, breathing by tracheal tubes, with a single pair of feelers, and having the body divided up into three distinct regions — head, llioiax, and abdt)men — the three segments of the thorax each carrying a pair of jointed legs. On reaching the imago stage, the jxiiring of the sexes is soon effected ; the female then lavs her eggs, and shortly afterwards dies, the generation or life-cycle being thus completed. In some cases the perfect insect only lives a few hours or days, but in others they hiber- nate during the winter, and lav their eggs in the following spring. Before the depredations of anv particular species of insect can be effectively dealt with, it is impfjrt.int that all (he stages and variations of the life-cycle should be clearly ami tlioiDughly understood. INDEA. Abraxas grossttlariata, 36. A gratis exclamation is, 38. Agrotis segctnin, 37. Aiithoiwiniis poinornm, 31. Aphides on apple, 24 ; hops, 23 ; plums, 20 ; willows, 24. Aphiditis silencs, 20. Aphis pruni, 20. Apple attacked by Aphis, 24 ; Apple Sucker, 29 ; Ermine Moth, 39 ; Leat Miner, 39 ; Weevil, 31 ; Wood Leopard Moth, 35. Apple Blossom Weevil, 31. Apple Ermine Moth, 39. Apple Leaf Miner, 39. Apple Sucker, 29. Apterite, 19. Apterococcus fraxiui, 23. Arsenate of Lead, 7 ; 34. Ash attacked by Gall Gnat, 41 ; psylla, 30 ; Scale, 23. Ash Cauliflower Gnat, 41. Ash Psylla, 30. B Barley attacked by Gout Fly. 44 ; Frit Fly, 43- Beech attacked by Scale, 23. Big Bud, 10. Bisulphide of Carbon, instructions for using, 56. Black-Currant Gall-Mite, 10. Brassy Willow Beetle, 34 ; life-history, 34 ; preventive and remedial meas- ures, 34. Brown Currant Scale, 22. Brown Scale, 22. Briichns pisi, 31. Britclius rufimanus, 31. Bulb Mite, 20 ; preventive and remedial measures, 21. C Cabbage Gall Weevil, 31. Carrot Rust Fly, 43. Cattleya mendcli, 45. Cecidoinyia rosaria, 42. Celery attacked by the larvae of the Garden Swift Moth, 35. Ceuthorhynchus assimilis, 32. Centhorhyuchiis sitlcicollis, 31. Chciuiatobia brumata, 36. Clilorops taeuiopiis, 44. Cliorioptes cynotis var. caiiis, 52. Chorioptcs symhioti's var. equi., 52. Chorioptic Scabies, 52. Cigar Beetle, 34. Clover attacked by Eelworms, 19. Cryptococciis fagi, 23. Crypto rhy II ch lis lapatlii, 33. Currant attacked by Currant Moth, 36 ; Gall-Mite, 10. Currant or Magpie Moth, 36. D Dactylopins citri, 23. Dactylopius longispiniis, 23. Demodecic Scabies, 51. Demodcx folliculorum, 52. Diplosis pyrivora, 42. Dogs infected with Tapeworm, 49. E Eelworms, 17. Experiments with the Black-Currant Gall-Mite, 10 ; Eelworms, 17 ; Insecticides and Fungicides, 7. Eriophyes grossulariae, 20. Eriophyes ribis, 10. F Fasciola (Distomtnn) hepatica, 49. Felted Ash Coccus, 23. Felted Beech Coccus, 23. Follicular Mange, 52. Frit Fly, 43. Fruit Pests, 10 ; 20 ; 22 ; 24 ; 29 ; 31 ; 35 ; 36 ; 37 ; 39 ; 41 ; 42 ; 46- Fruit Tree Root Louse, 29. Fumigation of the Soil, 17. Fumigating with bisulphide or carbon, 56. Fumigating with hydrocyanic acid gas, 56. Fungi Injurious, 4. Fungicides, 7. G GalcniccUa liiicola, 34. Gall Midges, 41 ; 42. Garden Swift Moth, 35. " Gid " Parasite, 50 ; life-historj', 50 ; prevention and treatment, 51. Gooseberries attacked by Gall-Mite, 20 ; Scale, 22. Gooseberry Gall-Mite, 20. Gout Fly, 44. Grease Banding of fruit trees, 37. Great Yellow Underwing Moth, 38 ; life-history, 38 ; remedial measures, 38. H Harvest Bug, 21. Heart and Dart Moth, 38. Hepialus lupuliiius, 35. Hop Aphis, 23. Hyacinths attacked by Mites, 20. Hydrocyanic Acid Gas, instructions for using, 56. Hylobiiis abietis, 32. Hypoderma bovis, 52. Hypoderma lincata, 52 ; life-history, 52 ; prevention and treatment, 54. Hypouomcuta inalinclla, 39. Imms, A. D., quoted 53. Injurious Fungi, 4. Insecticides, 7. Insect Parasites of Insects, Introduction, i. Isosoma orchidearum, 45. 20. LacluiHS viminalis, 24. Lambs attacked by " Gid," 50. INDEX. Lappet Moth, 35, lifc-history, 36. Lasiociiiupii ijiicrcifoliii, 35. Liisiodcnua Ustticiii, 34. Lasiopkra nibi, 41. Lccaiiitim luniispluricitiii, 22. Liciiiiiiiiii piisiiiii- var. d'n///, 22. Lccs, J, cited, 42. Lcptiis tiiitiinniiilis, 21. Lime and Salt SpraytUiid, 7. Liver Fluke, 49 ; life-history, 49 ; pre- vention and treatment, 50. Lucilia cmsiir, 54. Lmiliii siihtitii, 54 ; life-history, 54. Lyouctia clcrkillii, 39. M MacDougall, Dr. Stewart, quoted 55. Mange (see Scabies). May Bug, 30. Meade, Dr. cited, 41. Mealy Bugs, 23. N Newstead, Robert, cited, 23. Oats attacked bv EeKvorms, 19 ; Frit Fly, 43- Oliphant, P. Blair, Report on treatment for " Big Bud," 12. Onion Fly, 42 ; life-history, 42 ; pre- ventive and remedial measures, 43. Orchard Inspection, 3. Orchid Midge, 45. Ormerod, Miss E. quoted, 45. Oscinus frit, 43. Osier Weevil, 33 ; life-history, 33 ; remedial measures, 33. P Parasitic Diseases of Animals, 48. Pea Aphis, 20. Pea Beetle, 31 ; life-history, 31 ; pre- ventive and remedial measures, 31. Pea Leaf Miner, 45. Pea Thrips, 21. Peas attacked by Beetles, 31 ; Leaf Miner, 45 ; Thrips, 21. Pear Midge, 42. Pear Sawtly, 46 ; life-history, 46 ; pre- ventive and remedial measures, 47. Phobia ctf'iiniiii, 42. I'lioroiioii liuiiiitii, 23. I'liylUulcclti vitillinuc, 34. I'liyllotlcciti viilf^tilissintit, 34. I'liyllof'irllia horticola, 30. I'hyioDiyzii pisi, 45. Pine Weevil, 20 ; life-history, 20 ; pre- ventive and remedial measures, 21. Plum Avis, 20. Psila tosiic, 43. I'sorof'lis cotitmiinis var. ti/iii, f:,2. I'sylhi fiitxiiii, 30. Psyllii iiiiili, 29. R Raspberry Gall Midge, 41 ; lifc-history, 41 ; preventive and remedial meas- ures, 41. Red Worms, 48 ; life-history, 48 ; pre- ventive and remedial measures, 49. liliizo^lyf'liiis cdiiiiof'iis, 20. Riley, Charles V., quoted, i. Root-Knot Disease, 19. Rye attacked by Gout Fly, 44. S Sanderson, E. Dwight, quoted, 1. Stiiroptfs sctihici var. Ciuiis, 51. Siinoptcs sctihiii var. ii]iii, 51. Sarcoptinic Scabies, 51. Scabies (Mange) in Horses and Dogs, 51. Scale Insects, 22 ; 23. Scliizotiriini focliciis, 29. Scliizoiniini Imiii^irij, 24. ScUivsloiniiiii iiniiiilnni, 48. Sheep Fly, 54. Si/>lioiiopltoni pisi, 20. Sinw iiii^iis, 40. Soil Fumigation, 17. SprayHuids, 7. Stedman, J. M., quoted, 26. Strawson, G. F., cited, 56. Strawberry plants attacked by larvae of Garden Swift Moth, 35. T Taenia caiiinriis, 50. Tiiitlnrdo ccrasi, 46. Theobald, V. V., cited, n ; 39. Tomatoes attacked by Eelworm, 19. Thrips pisi'i'ora, 21. Triphaciia proiiiiba, 38. TroDibitiiuiu holoscricfiiiii, 21. Tulips attacked by Mites, 20. rurnips attacked b\' Dart Moth, 37 ; Weevil, 32. Turnip Dart Moth, 37. Turnip Seed Weevil, 32. V Vi Fluid, 7. Vaporite, 29 ; 37. Vegetable Marrow attacked by Eel- worms, It). W Warble Fly, s^- Wheat attacked by Gout Fly, 44. Willow attacked by Aphis, 24 ; beetles, 33 ; gall-midge, 42. Willow Ajihis, 24. Willow Beetles, 33. Willow Midge, 42. Winter Beans attackeii by larvae of Garden Swift Moth, 35. Winter Moth, 30. Winter Spraying, value of, 2 ; 23 ; 37. Wood Leopard Moth, 35 ; life-history, 35 ; preventive and remedial meas- ures, 35. Woolly Aphis, 24 ; life-history, 24 ; pre- ventive and remedial measures, 28. Y Yellow Wood Wasp, 4<) ; life-history, 4^ ; preventive measures, 46. Z /.ciiziia iitsmli, 35. HORTICULTURAL REQUISITES. "GISHURST COMPOUND" For preventing and destroying Red Spider, Green Fly, &c. Harmless in use. Its soluble sulphur, &c., has for 40 years cured blights and fungus on plants. It is also useful for washing unhealthy dogs. "GISHURSTINE" For the protection of Boots and Shoes from damp, ensuring comfort and health to the wearers. Boots treated with Gishurstine take polish. It is also good for use on harness. SOFT SOAP Specially prepared as an insecticide, including " SOFT SOAP and Quassia." " SOFT SOAP and Paraffin." To be obtained from all dealers in Horticultural Requisites, or Wholesale from PRICE'S PATENT CANDLE COMPANY, Limited, LONDON, LIVERPOOL and MANCHESTER. SPRAYING APPARATUS, SPRAY FLUIDS, Insecticides & Fungicides, A SPECIALITY. I IVFRQinPE Horticultural LIlLllUlllULj Sundrlesman, 41, High Street, EVESHAM. WIREWORMS GRUBS, WOODLICK, LEATHERIACKETS, AXTS, BEETLES. Jl'LUS WORMS, EELWORMS, CEXTIPEDES, MILLIPEDES. PEARMIDGE, and all similar insects in the soil can rtradilv be destroyed bv VAPORITE. The annual loss sustained liy jirowers from the ravages of insects in the soil, if it could be calculated, would form an ama/ini^ total. These insects in the soil can readily be destroyed by VAPORITE — a material which is very inexpensive and very readily applied to almost all crops. The process usually consists of distributing the VAPORITE upon the soil and then digging it well into the ground beneath the insects. The V.AFORITE gas rises and destroys the insects. VAPORITE is a grey powder^ — it is non-poisonous and no special implements are required for its use. Full directions are sent with each consignment. NOT USING VAPORITE. USING VAPORITE. Above photo was taken from the actual crop without any niodldcatlon. SPECIMEN EXTRACTS OP TESTIMONIALS:— TOMATOES. il M K CI.Klli.iiii. Ni I.X111..UII1, uiilro.-"! \\*vc l(Mt fioo planu with Wircwurm. Since u»ini; >-Dur Vaporite have only lu»l one pl.-int." CARROTS. W. K. S \\%vhi»"T, hiirt>>n.<)ii' I rent, jiiit. i*t. I'^o."*. wrilnt . — " I>cciclcd lo i;ivc Va|xirilc a trial, (he result »eeni* exlrai>rdinary Un I d'l nw. and Ihc carrot« arc perfectly clean ami I't tyantifiil culor." PEARHIDOE. K. H 'Thclvelcm Hall. Scnlc, Nurftilk, Ncpl. 10, iqo'i, wtIIc« - " I am pleaaed lo uy II uved niy crop c4 pcariu" CUCUMBERS. J. \V,-Okc>iver Ua^;. .V.lili..iin:c. I>erl>y, UTile* : tplendid Ihini; (or kllllnK Woodltce on cucuniher hed>.' VAPORITE. Price IX'O Per Cwt. carriage paid. «:» IS- Per Ton. ASK FOR NEW BOOKLET No. 14 A. STRAWSONS, (":;') 71a, Queen Victoria St., LONDON, E.G. INSECTICIDES, Etc. (Sec also opposite page.) SODALIN. A concentrated Antiseptic Winter " Wash " for destroying Moss Lichen, Codhng Moth, American Bhght, and all insects which live in the bark of the trees in Winter. Sodalin is a great improvement upon the old-fashioned Winter "Washes." Its effect upon the trees is remarkable. STRAWSONITE. A concentrated Bordeaux mixture, guaranteed 98% pure, containing as much metallic copper as 98% pure Sulphate of copper itself. This Fungicide has been used on a very large scale in England for the last 15 years. It is the original material w^hich popularised Potato spraying in the British Isles. SULPHATE OF COPPER. Guaranteed 98 % pure, immediately soluble. By special process our Sulphate of Copper is rendered immediately soluble on cold water — it is altogether superior to the ordinary finely ground or powdered Sulphates. The Charlock spraying process introduced by Strawsons into England in 1898 has been of great assistance to thousands of farmers troubled with Charlock, or Yellow Weed, in their Corn. As it was found that the ordinary Sulphate of Copper was very inconvenient for this process this special brand was put on the market. OTHER INSECTICIDES, Etc. The HOUSE of STRAWSONS, estabhshed over a quarter of a century, concentrates its attention exclusively upon such products and is the largest of its kind in the World. STRAWSONS, (T) 71a, Queen Victoria St., LONDON, E.G. SPECIAL NOTICE FOR 1908. tF YOU WANT REALLY GOOD BULBS AND SEEDS AT MODERATE PRICES, send to MR. ROBERT SYDENHAM, TENBY STREET. BIRMINGHAM. No one xvlll serve you better. HIS UNIQUE LISTS sent post free on application. 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