8ft PEAR. 



three-quarters of an inch long ; in some instances the outsides were 

 in large part blackened, in some the patches were grey, and the skin 

 of them roughened, but not yet turned black. 



On June 15th, in a note on some other natural history matters 

 from Mr. Fred. V. Theobald, F.E.S., he incidentally mentioned that 

 the Pear Midge infestation appeared to be very bad, especially in 

 Herefordshire ; and also that he had found that they laid their eggs 

 in the open Pear blossoms, as well as in the unopened blossom-bud, 

 which is the usual method as hitherto recorded. 



The latest date of observation of attack which was sent me was 

 June 16th, when some samples of little Pears affected by the Pear 

 Gnat Midge were forwarded me by Mr. J. Lansdell, from The Gardens, 

 Barkby Hall, near Leicester, with the following remarks : — " I enclose 

 some Pears, which, as you will see, have several little grubs inside 

 them. Our Pear crop is suffering severely from this pest." Inquiries 

 as to the nature and treatment desirable to prevent recurrence of the 

 pest showed that it was a newly observed trouble. 



Summary of the above. — Taking the information contributed above 

 in details of various parts of the attack as given in the accounts of the 

 observers, or shown by their specimens as a zvhole, it will be found to 

 give a correct and clear description of method of damage. 



We have observation of the injury commencing on the unopened 

 bud or blossom, and the young Pear, consequently on the presence of 

 the maggots, which may be found up to as many as over two dozen in 

 one fruit, becoming checked and more or less deformed in growth, 

 which may reach (before it is totally ruined) three-quarters of an inch, 

 or perhaps more than an inch, in length. 



The presence of the mischief that is going on inside is shown 

 outside by black or grey patches of greater or less extent, and some- 

 times by the discoloured skin being injured in texture, as if drying up 

 preliminarily to the opening of deep cracks, which are not uncommon 

 in the maggot-infested Pears. Mention is also made of the damp 

 decay which sometimes accompanies the advanced state of the black 

 blotches. 



Kegarding internal characteristics, we have notes of the maggot- 

 workings, from the early condition of attack of the young Pear when 

 only chambered around the core, up to a great part of the fruit being 

 hollowed out or decayed consequently on the maggot injuries, this 

 decay sometimes spreading all across the little fruit. 



Notice is also taken of the escape of the maggots being from the 

 Pears whilst still hanging on the trees, as well as after it has fallen 

 in consequence of its ruined condition ; also any means of exit may 

 serve the purposes of the maggots, as through the openings afforded 

 by the cracks in the fruit, or by passing out from the infested portions 



