39 



to lioiH' that we may tin<l a diptorous larva is also aidin.u- us in proventi vo 

 service. 



1 fear these simple matters may not be worth your attention, but I 

 just mention them as a part of the work to whi(;h oui- fruit growers are 

 {giving- careful attention. 



The field crop insect pests have been very ])revalentthis year, and at 

 this time we have just begun a heavy visitation at three places in the 

 east of England of the larva' of the Plutella cruciferarum Zell (Diamond- 

 back Moth as we call it). But I ought not to venture to intrude on 

 your time more than with just two observations more. 



One, that I find the distorted growth of heads of Tares {Vicia sativa) 

 which T drew attention to in my fourteenth report is originated by the 

 presence of Cecidomyiid larvae. I found them present in large numbers, 

 and have carefully figured the head and caudal extremity and likewise the 

 anchor process, which agrees so minutely with that of Cecidomyia legu- 

 minicoJa Lintner that I am looking forward with impatience to the devel- 

 oi)ment of the imago. My special colleague in observation of this attack 

 (Mr. A. Hamlin, of Chellowes Park, Lingfield) has planned an arrange- 

 ment in the open field by which the imagos when they rise from the 

 soil will (according to all ordinary habits of insect procedure) be safely 

 trapped conveniently for examination. I am sparing no pains also my- 

 self to develop the imagos, though I have not the opportunity to attempt 

 to rear the larv?e in absolutely natural and undisturbed circumstances. 



My other observation is regarding the Eypoderma boris, the War- 

 ble Fly. We are still fighting ignorance and idleness and downright 

 knavery, which are the sui)i)orts of continuance of this attack; but I 

 had the great satisfaction this summer of hearing from Mr. Bailey, the 

 head master of the Aldersey Grammar School, Bunburj', Tarporly, Che- 

 shire, that it was not worth while to give me a detailed report again this 

 year, as for all practical purposes the attack was now stamped out in the 

 district. 



This gratifies me exceedingly. Some six or eight years ago Warbles 

 were described ''as plentiful as blackberries" in the district, and, under 

 the teaching of their admirably intelligent master, the boys, who are 

 mainly sons of farmers and agricultural laborers, set themselves yearly 

 to clear all the cattle they had access to of the maggots. 1 had yearly 

 detailed reports of quantity killed, and now I can point to the district 

 and to the satisfaction of the cattle owners as a proof of what can be 

 done by the simplest hands where head and heart go to the work. 



But now I ought not to add another word, and if there is anything 

 in the foregoing pages which you think worthy of bringing before the 

 distinguished Entomological meeting at Washington it will be a great 

 gratification to me. I should like much to be present myself, with the 

 double pleasure of seeing many whom I know by their letters are 

 kind friends to myself, and also learning much that would be of enor- 

 mous benefit to me. (Torringtou House, St. Albans, England, July 

 20, 1891.) ^ 



