DIAMOND-BACK MOTH, 133 



ruined in this immediate district tb rough the attacks of what I pre- 

 sume is a caterpillar, I forward by same post specimens of the ' worm,' 

 and the results of their handiwork." Specimens of Diamond-back 

 Moth caterpillars were sent accompanying, 



Marden, Whitley, Northumberland, August 12th, From Mr, Fen- 

 wick Wilson, 



Eeplies to inquiries in circular (see p, 110) : — 



(1), " 30 acres of Turnips and Swedes affected to the average 

 amount of £5 per acre. Most damage is done near to hedges ; for a 

 considerable distance no Turnips whatever are left. 



(2). " Only measure taken was heavy dressing with salt sown 

 broadcast, which did not appear to do any good. 



(3), "Caterpillars appeared during very dry weather, which was 

 followed by very heavy rains and thunder showers, but they had no 

 effect on caterpillars, which, in fact, did most harm during and 

 immediately after rains, 



(4), " A, Moderately strong; was deeply ploughed in spring, twice 

 cross-ploughed, and well cultivated, B. Manured with town manure 

 on stubble and ploughed in, and heavily manured with fold manure in 

 drills just before sowing seed (no salt used as manure). 



(5). " Practically no weeds. 



(6), " Affects Charlock about the same as Turnips. 



(7). " Starlings and Lapwings have done much good in clearing 

 caterpillars ; Sparrows and Eooks are occupied with early Oats ; no 

 time to spare for caterpillars." — F. W. 



Cheviot House, Berwick-upon-Tweed, July 28th. From Mr. F. Nor- 

 man. After some observations on the great extent of Turnip land in 

 the district, and the wide spread of the caterpillar scourge on the crop, 

 Mr. Norman observed : — "1 was examining the Turnips last evening 

 in the fields. A pitiable sight. The leaves of acres upon acres quite 

 bleached and frosted in appearance from the light of the declining sun 

 shining through the epidermis, which the caterpillars considerately 

 leave intact, 



" In this district the cocoon-spinning has begun, and is fast pro- 

 ceeding. The terrible idea now forces itself forward, — Will there be 

 another brood of moths, eggs, and caterpillars from these chrysalids 

 this year to attack the present plants which survive, and those of a 

 second sowing where that is ventured upon ? " 



October 6th, The following remark by Mr, Norman accords with 

 that of other observers who notice the great leaf growth following on 

 the rains, — " I am glad to tell you that the Turnips in this district are 

 very good indeed. The truth was that rain came on in the nick of 

 time, and enabled the tops to more than recover themselves from the 

 state of debility to which they had been reduced by the caterpillar." 



