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The beet eelworm has hitherto been mostly observed in 
Germany and France, but recently it has been recorded by 
Professor Percival as attacking the roots of the hop in Kent, 
causing the disease known as "nettled-headed " hops. 
Primitive mature. — When laud is once infested with eel- 
worm the growth of susceptible crops is impossible, and, notwith- 
standing the numerous experiments extending over many years 
made by experts, more especially in Germany, no definite cure is 
as yet known. The most effective means of partially clearing the 
soil of the pests, so that a fairly successful crop may be secured, 
first suggested by Kuhn, a German expert, consists in making use 
of a " trap crop." Summer rape is found most useful on account 
of its quick growth and large spread of root, which is readily 
attacked by the eelworms. Success in this direction depends on 
the prompt removal of the rape when a great number of the 
larval nematodes have entered the roots, and before a new brood 
is produced. Lime and salt have also proved of value in 
ttg the number of parasites. 
Beet and Potato Scab. 
{Oospora scabies, Thaxter.) 
American vegetable pathologists have demonstrated that the 
fungus causing potato scab also attacks beet. As potato scab is by 
no means uncommon in this country, it is very probable that beet 
and mangold may also be attacked. 
The fungus presents a very primitive type of structure, and 
suggests affinity with the bacteria. It forms rough patches or scabs 
on potatoes, which are covered with a very delicate grey mould 
when just dug up, but the mould soon disappears when the 
potatoes become dry on the surface by exposure to the air. The 
fungus is capable of supporting itself in the soil when once 
introduced, consequently a crop becomes diseased if planted in 
infected soil. 
Lime, farmyard manure, ashes, and all substances of an alkaline 
nature favour the development of the fungus, whereas its growth 
is arrested by acids. 
Sulphur has proved to be the most effective preventive against 
scab in the case of potatoes, used at the rate of 300 lbs. per acre 
in the powdered condition, and sown in the drills. 
Preventive measures. — Beet or mangold should never follow 
potatoes, especially if scab is known to have existed. 
Heart Rot. 
(JSphaerella tabifica, Prill. & Del.) 
This disease usually manifests itself in August, when the roots 
have attained to a fairly large size. The first indication of its 
presence is the drooping of the large outside leaves in a manner 
similar to that caused by a very hot, dry day, but it will be 
observed that the leaves have not regained their normal position 
during the night, and, in fact, never do so. Careful 
of such drooping leaves shows that a considerable portion of the 
