MANGOLD-LEAF OR BEET FLY. 65 



.... " My own crop has been in a fearful state, but the late heavy 

 rains have improved its condition a great deal. Some other farmers 

 near here are still worse afflicted. This disease was first noticed about 

 three weeks ago. 



On the 27th Capt. G. H. Ringrove forwarded from the Estate Office, 

 Whittlebury, Towcester, specimens of Mangold leaves infested by this 

 same maggot, and which, he observed, "appeared to be destroying the 

 crop. We had a splendid show of fifteen acres, but now all the leaves 

 are fast disappearing, and apparently from the ravages of this pest." 



The latest communication which I received as to the presence of 

 the maggot was sent me on the 1st of September, from Scolton, Treff- 

 garne (Pembrokeshire), by Capt. J. Higgon. Blistered leaves and 

 Mangold-leaf maggot were sent accompanying. Capt. Higgon noted 

 that the attack " first appeared under the leaves like a fly-blow, soon 

 grew into the maggot stage, and then destroyed every leaf. They are 

 now dying off, but the Mangolds have been completely checked in 

 growth of course. 



Prevention and Remedies. — It will be seen from the foregoing 

 observations, especially those of Mr. Haydon, that this year's notes 

 quite confirm the reports previously given, of the importance of all 

 treatment and measures of cultivation in preparing ground for Man- 

 golds which are suited for pushing on strong and healthy growth, and 

 thus, though not preventing attack, at least lessening the bad effects. 

 Also, amongst different dressings which are serviceable to keep up the 

 strength of the plant, by helping to replace the destroyed leafage as 

 soon as possible when attack is present, nitrate of soda is again 

 mentioned as one found serviceable. These points have been given in 

 detail before ; therefore it is not worth while to repeat them, more par- 

 ticularly as they are such matters of treatment as are thoroughly well 

 known to all Mangold growers. 



