EEL-WORMS AND COCKCHAFER 



233 



he should search forAgrotis larvae, or Melolontha (Cockchafer), 

 grubs, but examining further at the end of one or two 

 tubers, where the skin was still in its natural state, excepting 

 small patches of what was as yet only a slight discoloured 

 roughness, I found a few eel-worms. They were so few 

 that they evaded me when using the higher power, but in 

 one instance I thought I detected a bulb near the head end. 

 I am afraid I may be taking up your time with what is of 

 no importance; still I thought I should like to send you 

 some pieces, and if the attack is one of any interest I would 

 gladly forward more. The eel-worms I have seen are all 

 anguilliform, the largest was about as long or longer than the 

 largest T. devastatrix I have seen, the others were smaller. 

 Mr. Rochford has been carrying on with great care and pre- 

 cision his experiments as to poisoning Heterodera radicicola 

 (root-knott eel- worms, fig. 49). He has tried about forty 



Larva, pupa, and antenna of male $ and female ? . 



FIG. 58. COCKCHAFER, MELOLONTHA VULGARIS, FAB. 



different applications noting the amount given and the effect 

 on the eel-worms and the plants, I certainly hope that a few 

 will show successful results, but he is very careful, and is now 

 going over his series of experiments a second time, that he 

 may be quite certain before coming forward with statements 

 of effects. As soon as I know anything of interest I shall 

 be very glad to be allowed to tell you ; Mr. Rochford 

 has given me permission. I do not know as yet whether 

 he will bring forward his results himself, or leave it to me to 

 do. Pray believe me, with best thanks for all the kind 

 assistance you give me. 



September 7, 1893. 



As I think that you have either returned home, or will 

 soon be returning, I now (with your kind permission) send 



