PIGMY MANGOLD BEETLE. 71 



Prevention and Remedies. — In an attack which is so very seldom 

 noticed as this of the " Pigmy " Beetles, it is very unlikely that the 

 cost of preventive measures would be gone to ; but the circumstance 

 oi Atomaria beetles having been recorded as occurring in "vegetable 

 refuse," and also " harbouring in dry dung," may give a clue to localities 

 of hybernation of the autumn or late summer brood, from which they 

 may come out in the following spring, in the same manner as "Turnip 

 Flea" Beetles (Phyllotreta), to attack the young crop. This, however, 

 like various other points of the life-history of the " Pigmy" Mangold 

 Beetles, we need more information about. 



Thick seeding (where attack is considered likely to occur) is a good 

 practice, for thus some part of the plants may survive and give a crop 

 in the case of only moderate infestation. 



Thorough cultivation and liberal manuring such as will push on 

 the plants and support them if attack occurs is treatment that will 

 answer in any circumstances ; but at present we need more detail of 

 life-history of the beetles to enable us to cope with the attack. Also, 

 up to present date, the attack has so rarely been observed in this 

 country that it does not appear of much practical importance beyond 

 pointing out to us to be ready to meet it, if it should occur to a 

 greater extent. 



