THE MONTHLY BULLETIN. 



739 



during' its lai-val or iuiinature stages, possibly traveling a distance of 

 six t'ect during its life. It is ([uite evident that its spread is not the 

 result of its own volition, but trusts entirely upon its inconspicuous- 

 ness, to l>e miM-hanieally and unknowingly- transplanted from one 

 locality to another. 



Accidental means, such as the severe washing of an infested area 

 by rains furnishes a means of transportation, often for considerable 

 distances. Wind has been suggested as a possible factor in dissemina- 



FiG. 39i; — The work of the root-knot nematode on 

 the small rootlets of peach. (Original.) 



tion, but owing to the fact that "the worm is very susceptible to 

 drought, it would be killed before the soil containing worms could be 

 moved. 



Mechanical transportation is undoubtedly more responsible for the 

 distribution than the action of the elements, and this movement may 

 be explained in numerous ways. Man himself unconsciously picks the 

 worm up on his muddy boots, carries it from an infested area to an 

 uninfested field. The same is true of the damp soil or mud containing 

 worms being transported on wagon wheels, horses' hoofs and uncleaned 



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