PROcEi!:i)iN(is, 1!)14. 31 



(iwing to tlie fact tluit the lings are less active at this time of day. will retain the 

 insects within reasonable bouncls. For further efficiency spraying had best be carried 

 on more or less once a weeli. 

 The Greenhouse Thrip. 



It is popularly supposed among florists in Vancouver that this Thrip is a more 

 economic pest than the before-mentioned tarnished plant-bug to bloom in the green- 

 liouse. It is claimed that injury to chrysanthemums is different to the injury caused 

 by the "bug"; that the bud is attacked at an earlier stage by the Thrip, and that 

 the entire bud is destroyed and -thrown blind." We are not in a position to state 

 definitely the actual state of affairs without further study. The main injury by the 

 Thrip is caused to the leaves, which it readily attaclvs, with attendant loss to the 

 plant. The injury to the bloom is questionable as yet, there being a certain eon- 

 fusion in the respective attacks of the " bug " and the Thrip. 



The same control measures as applied for the "bug" will apply to the Thrip. 



The Bulb-mite (Rhixofiliiphiis hyacinthi, Boisd.). 



This mite is considered from many shades of opinion. Some of the most promi- 

 nent entomologists of the I'nited States claim great damage due to the mite, and 

 claim no infected bulbs should reach the planter; others acknowledge the undoubted 

 and primary injury to bulbs by the mites, but their universality and habits prohibit 

 satisfactory quarantine measures, inspection, or control; while others, again, con- 

 sider the mites as secondary in importance and injury. This mite is present in 

 British Columbia to-day. but we can offer no data as to the extent of its actual 

 injury. Specimens of this mite arrive every year from Europe and Japan, and 

 it is doubtful whether any consignment of bulbs can be considered free. The mites 

 so commonly seen in onions and decaying roots, cabbages, or vegetable matter arc 

 probably referable to the same species. There is no doubt that these mites are 

 r.-iimlilc of being the primary injury to sound bulbs, but from their usual association 

 with injuries caused by rots and other insects in roots and bulbs, it is probable that 

 more often their presence is secondary. 



The economic status of this animal is only recent in study ; consequently no 

 control measure can be considered. 



X.iBcissus-FLY (Merodon equestris, F.). 



Mr. Priestly Xorraan, of Victoria, in the Broeeedirgs of this Society for 1911. 

 has published as extensive a paper on the habits and prevalence of this insect 

 in tills I'roviuce as we have for reference. Dr. C. Gordon Hewitt. Dominion 

 lOntomnlogist. in his Annual Keport for 1011, refers to this insect under British 

 Columbia conditions, as follows: "In British Columbia it is now a serious iiest of 

 bulbs, and Mr. A. E. Wallace reported it as attacking narcissus and daffodil bulbs 

 near Victoria. B.C., about oO.OW bulbs having been destro.ved in the year." 



We gather, therefore, that this insect is a most serious one on Vancouver Island. 

 Mr. Xorman believes it was imiiorted into British Columbia about 1904 on bulbs 

 and has been allowed to increase. On tlie Mainland, in and around Vancouver, this 

 insect is most decidedly gaining in imiiortance and prevalence. From reports from 

 owners of gardens in the City of Vancouver and from personal observations, it would 

 appear tliere has been a decided gain in the numliers and injuriousness of this insect 

 witliiii the city. Xo special endeavour has been put forward up to the present to 

 iiistrnit people in regard to this insect, and, as mention of it has been si>ontaneous, 

 we are safe in assuming that the insect is gaining ground and liable to become a 

 serious pest. 



Mr. Norman, in referring to tliis insect, desires it to be known that he has only 

 judged this insect somewhat impersonally, and tliat the following life-history notes 

 are merely ojiiuions gathered from the practical association with bulb-growing. 



The adult is a fl.v resembling a hor.se-f!y, and may be seen from the end of March 

 till September. It is more connnimly observed in May. The point of egg-dejiosition 



