158 GARDEN FOES. 



Beet or Mangrold Fly (Aiithoiriyia lx"ta>).— This is 

 the parent of small vcllowii-^h-white or greenish maggots 

 which feed on the pulp or inner tiissues of the leaves of 

 beet and mangold. The leaves, in consequence, shrivel, 

 and the growth of the plant becomes severely checked. 

 The i\y lays its white eggs on the under sidets of the leaves. 

 In due coulee maggots are hatched, which pour tlirough 

 the outer skin, and devour the pulp. When fully grown 

 the maggots escape, bury themselves in the soil, and 

 eventually develop into flies. 



Remedies. — The best remedy ii.> a preventive one, 

 namely, to encourage the plants to grow sufficiently vigo- 

 rous to resist the attack of the maggots. Keeping the soil 

 well stirred disturbs the flies, and prevents them laying 

 their eggs. A dressing of one of the above soil fumigants 

 before sowing will prevent a future attack of this pest. 



Blue Cabbag-e Flea (Haltica consobrina).— This is 

 a tiny violet-coloured beetle, the parent of a small six- 

 legged maggot which forms tunnels in the tissues of cab- 

 bage and turnip leaves. The maggots feed on the soft 

 tissues, and do much injury to the leaves when young. 



Remedies. — The main point to observe is to encourage 

 the crops to grow freel}^ in their earlier stages, by using 

 artificial or liquid manures. Liberal liming in February and 

 using the hoe freely in summer will help to reduce these 

 pests. Pick ofi the worst infested leaves and burn them. 



Cabbagre Aphis (Aphis brassicae).— This ])i'st is a 

 relative of the Common Greenfly, and attacks tlic under 

 sides and folds of the leaves of cabbage, kale, l^russels 

 sprouts — in fact, all members of the cabbage tribe. It 

 injures the foliage by sucking the sap, and in due course 

 causing it to become deformed and sickly. The aphides 

 are the mcst prevalent in summer, and particularly so in 

 dry seasons. The insects are of a yellowish colour when 

 young. Later the females assume a greenish tint, and 

 are covered with meal. 



