THE PEAR MIDGE. 33 



Some observers have stated that the larvae pupate in the soil, but 

 in both pinks and carnations I have always found the pupae in the 

 stem. 



A weak solution of carbolic and paraffin was sprayed over some 

 carnations growing quite close to a lot affected with this fly, but they 

 remained perfectly free from it. I have recently examined them, and 

 find them perfectly healthy and free from the larvae. 



I am informed that mixing soot with the soil previous to. layering 

 has proved effective, but I have no personal experience of its efficacy. 



THE PEAR MIDGE. 



Diplosis pyrivora, Riley. 



Although the Pear Midge has increased in many orchards, it has 

 been almost entirely destroyed in others by the simple method of bury- 

 ing the surface soil. 



A correspondent, in whose orchards it was not practicable to turn 

 over the surface soil, owing to the large number of surface roots, 

 carted on to the land sufficient soil to make a layer four or five inches 

 deep, and it proved most successful. 



Wherever Kainit has been used, it has proved a waste of time and 

 money ; and once again I would warn fruit-growers of going to the 

 expense of applying this material, which is practically useless. 



Having in previous years written at some length upon this pest, 

 and devoted considerable time to the study of its life-history, it is with 

 no little surprise that I have read the account given by Mr. Cecil War- 

 burton, in the Journal of the Royal Agricultural Society (1906, Vol. 

 LXVII, p. 271). It is there stated that, " It is only thirteen years ago 

 since the Pear Midge was first recorded in England." I would point 

 out that it was referred to by Edward Newman (Entomologist, 1875, 

 VIII, p. 167 and 189), who states that he received affected pears from 

 Henry Reeks, of Thruxton, in the spring of 1874 or 1875. It is also 

 recorded by Meade (Entomologist, 1888, Vol. XXI, p. 123). Miss 

 Ormerod makes mention of it in her Report for 1884, and I myself 

 examined fruitlets with the larvae in taken in Worcestershire in 1894. 

 I have been informed by certain Midland fruit-growers that it was 

 known in the Midlands fully thirty years ago. From available evi- 

 dence this would seem to be about the time that it appeared in this 

 country. 



It is further stated that in the case of infection " it will be cheaply 

 got rid of if every pear on that particular tree is sacrificed." And 

 again, " the practical points are these : that during the month of May 

 the grubs are in the young pears, and are destroyed by picking off and 

 burning the infested fruit." 



