172 



SKETCHES OF RURAL AFFAIRS. 



the wonderful power of multiplication possessed by 

 grain-bearing plants, this insect would soon effect the 

 destruction of the crops. But such is the vigour and 

 activity of the root, that it often sends up a dozen 



WUEAT-STEM-FLY. 



stems and ears to repair the mischief ; thus the appa; 

 rent enemy becomes a friend, in promoting what is 

 called the tillering of the wheat. The fly itself is black 

 on the \ipper parts of the body, and pale yellow beneath ; 



the maggot is small and white. 



