2 REPORT ON INJURIOUS INSECTS FOR 1904. 



It often happens after a series of mild winters and an ab- 

 sence of sharp frosts in the spring, that we have a series of 

 two or three years following, during which insects and other 

 allied animals are exceedingly plentiful. The year 1904 seems 

 to have been the first of such a series, and there are few whose 

 crops have not suffered. 



Amongst the more noticeable features of the year, may be 

 mentioned the great increase and spread of the Apple Sucker, 

 Apple Aphis, Woolly Aphis (American Blight), Mussel Scale, 

 and Pear Midge. 



Early in the year, Mr. H. Dunkin, of Warwick, reported 

 the occurrence of a mite in apple-tree buds at Knowle, War- 

 wickshire, doing considerable damage. Fortunately for apple 

 growers it was cut down and burnt, and no fresh attack has 

 been noticed. 



Fruit trees of almost every description suffered severely 

 from the larvae of the Magpie Moth, which were never more 

 plentiful, while in Staffordshire, Warwickshire, and Worcester- 

 shire, the larvae of the Gooseberry Sawfly were very destructive. 

 Wheat and Barley have suffered considerably from the larvae 

 of a species of Crane Fly. Hedge-rows, with their accompany- 

 ing weeds and coarse grass, offer all that is required for en- 

 couraging such pests. 



In some parts of Shropshire, Wireworms have become a 

 very serious pest. 



In Herefordshire, the Winter Moth and Plum Bark Beetle 

 are certainly on the increase, as also the Apple Blossom Weevil 

 in Worcestershire. 



It is many years since the Hop Aphis did such damage as 

 during 1904, and in spite of the introduction of certain foreign 

 species of Ladybird Beetles. 



The occurrence of the Root-knot Eelworm in Staffordshire 

 has unfortunately to be recorded, but the prompt steps taken 

 have, I believe, stamped it out. 



Voluntary Observers. 



The agricultural interests of the Midland Counties are of a 

 varied nature, and each year great losses are suffered by the depre- 

 dations of insects and other animals. The large area under 

 observation makes it quite impossible for one individual to 

 keep in touch with the various outbreaks, or to learn of such 

 in time to warn agriculturists and others of threatened attacks. 



In order to make my work on Economic Zoology of greater 

 practical value and to bring the same into closer relations 

 with those whom it primarily concerns, I desire to enlist the 

 sympathies and services of a few more voluntary observers in 

 different parts of the Midlands, who would be willing to send in 

 short weekly reports from March to June, and later less fre- 

 quently. Such reports would be of great value collectively, 



