74 
the outcome of circular No. 1, issued in October, 1884, from Purdue 
University. It was only after testing the stability of this feature in 
various fields, under widely different conditions, that I placed full 
reliance upon its permanency. An illustrated circular of inquiry, No. 2, 
issued by myself from Purdue University during the fall of 1887, 
brought also a great number of replies, from among which I have 
selected the two following, because of their widely separated localities 
and the well-known ability of the writers: 
CLYDE, N. Y., December 9, 1887. 
DEAR SiR: In regard to the appearance of wheat plants infested with Hessian fly, 
and as illustrated and explained by Fig. 3 of circular, I believe that it is correct in the 
main, especially the darker color possessed by infected plants over healthy plants, 
and this is, as yousay, quite different from the information given by Fitch and Pack- 
ard; and you have published this quite constant and true form and condition for the 
first time, I believe. I had noticed this somewhat a year ago, and in bringing up the 
destruction done by the Hessian fly in a Grange meeting, I found that a number of 
farmers reported this very condition, viz: when fields or parts of fields looked extra 
dark colored and healthy, damage from the fly was to be apprehended there. Still, 
the yellow color came after a while, especially with early-sown winter wheat in a 
long autumn or the following spring. I think the spring brood are apt to select 
tillers. 
Truly, 
W. L. DEVEREAUX. 
Prof. F. M. WEBSTER, 
La Fayette, Ind. 
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, 
Berkeley, December 15, 1887. 
Deak Sir: Your favor of November 238, with circular relating to appearance of 
grain infested with Hessian fly, received. The appearances you describe are quite 
characteristic of fly-infested grain here, but it is not seen in the fall, for we do not have 
any grain above ground at that time. The districts in which the fly is found in this 
State are of narrow area comparatively near the coast. In these parts it is not usual 
to sow grain until after the winter rains have wet the ground enough for plowing, 
and sowing can some years be made as late as the last of February, and still do well. 
It is better, however, both for the growth of the grain and baffling of the fly, to sow 
in January if the sgil is in proper condition. For these reasons we do not find the 
flaxseeds until about the first of March, and then it is that the grain assumes the fea- 
ture you describe. It is a very bunchy growth, with very few yellow leaves and ex- 
ceedingly few seed stems thrown out. On some of our plats there will not bea single 
stem, but the grain will remain bunchy and low for weeks, and then will turn yellow 
and die as the dry season comes on. On other plats there will be a seed stem thrown 
out here and there, and a few heads will ripen. 
Such is my recollection of the appearance of past crops. We do not intend to sow 
wheat and barley this year on our fly-infested ground, but the pest may follow our 
sowing on another part of the grounds, and if it will be of interest to you, I will 
watch the plants and send you specimens. 
Yours very truly, 
E. J. WICKSON, 
Prof. F. M. WEBSTER, 
