22 CLOVER. 



active condition, infest the lower leaves of Clover, fastening them so 

 that the bent edges fit together into a shape like a little pod, within 

 which the maggots feed and change to pupae, from which the little 

 two-winged Gnat Midges, which may be generally described as of 

 some shade of brown, presently develop. The maggots may be very 

 easily recognized by their resemblance to the common Eed Maggot of 

 Wheat. 



In 1889, similar specimens were sent me from diseased Clover at 

 Woburn ; and on April 3rd in that year, Prof. Herbert Little sent me 

 specimens from Clover roots near Wisbech. I had them also from 

 Rothamsted, and also from Chelsing, near Ware, in connection with 

 Stem-sick Clover; but I could not find that in any instance they were 

 doing more tlian sheltering in, or ■possihUj feeding on, the decayed 

 matter of the dead root or bark, I did not in any case find them 

 feeding on living stems, and as in the case of experiments at Rotham- 

 sted the "red maggots" were still to be found at Clover roots after the 

 plants had been thrown into vigorous growth, it did not appear likely 

 they were the cause of damage. 



"No. 3" of Mr. Alsebrook's inquiries referred, on examination of 

 his specimens, to the little knobs or gall-like growths which are so 

 often to be found singly, or in small numbers together, on the roots of 

 Clover, Pea, Bean, or other leguminous plants. Other inquiries as to 

 other presences in the Clover were sent, but do not require special 

 notice. 



On February 25tli I received some very characteristic specimens of 

 winter condition of Stem-sickness in Clover from Mr. M. A. Streatfield, 

 of Chested, Chiddingstone, Edenbridge, Kent, with the following ob- 

 servations, amongst which it will be noticed that the infested field was 

 in Oats in the previous year, which might bear importantly on the 

 matter : — 



" I am sending you some Clover plants from a field where the 

 Clover is rapidly dying in patches. Is it the effect of Stem Eelworms, 

 and do you think the attack is likely to increase ? The plant on the 

 whole is wonderfully strong and healthy. The field was Oats last 

 year, manured with guano, . . . P.S. — I find small white maggots 

 among the roots of every plant, but I do not think they are injurious." 



On February 27th Mr, Streatfield wrote further : — 



"Might I ask if you have any experience as to the action of 

 sulphate of potash, whether it is injurious to the Eelworms, or merely 

 stimulates the weakly plants ? It is rather a big expense to top-drets 

 the whole field, but bad patches might easily be treated. 



" Also whether Oats from a Tulip-rooted crop would be likely to 

 spread the disease if used as seed ? 



" I may add that the Clover field in question is sown with Red 



