THE SILVER-FISH INSECT AND FROTH FLY. 13 



have also been plentiful, and frequently sent in as wire- 

 worms. In addition I have received examples of lulus 

 pilosus, Newport, Atractosoma polydesmoides, Leach, and Brachy- 

 desmus superus, Latzel. 



In all cases reported the specimens have occurred in gardens 

 and shrubberies, and not much difficulty has been experienced 

 in materially reducing their numbers. Pieces of mangold or 

 potato dipped in a strong solution of Paris green (Blunders), and 

 covered over night with a cabbage leaf, proved very effective. 



INSECTA. 



THE SILVER-FISH INSECT. 



Lepisma saccharina, Linn. 



Specimens of this primitive insect were reported as occurring 

 in a dwelling house at Digbeth, Birmingham, where they were 

 present in such large numbers as to become a serious pest. 

 Nearly every proprietary insecticide had been tried, but with 

 little effect. Fumigation with bisulphide of carbon was recom- 

 mended. (See p. 62.) 



Although more or less common in the kitchens of most houses, 

 it is seldom that these insects are so numerous as to become a 

 pest. This is the first case I have heard of in this country where 

 ordinary measures have failed. 



Pyrethrum powder may be used wherever practicable, to 

 which the insects readily succumb. 



THE FROTH FLY (CUCKOO SPIT). 



Tetiigonia spumaria, Linn. 



The larvae of this fly have done considerable damage to 

 numerous garden plants. It is many years since it was so plen- 

 tiful as in the past year. Amcngst the plants sent in or inspected, 

 infected by this insect were Sunflowers, Roses, Hollyhocks, 

 Stocks, Asters, Fuchsias, Pinks, Wallflowers, Pelargoniums, 

 Daffodils, Dahlias, Canterbury Bells, and Carnations. 



Sunflowers and Carnations particularly, and Roses in a few 

 cases, were very badly attacked. The first specimens of Sun- 

 flowers were received early in May, the leaves were much curled or 

 ' cockled " and generally the plants, which were about a foot 

 in height, looked sickly. Five to ten larvae were found on diffe- 

 rent leaves. Early in June plants from the same garden were 

 examined, and as many as a hundred larvae were taken off a single 

 plant, now measuring about two feet high. At the end of July 

 these plants in former years have been about five feet high, 

 whereas the majority now were about three and a half feet, and 

 many not more than eighteen inches high, while a few had died 

 down. 



Carnations suffered severely, and thousands of flower-buds 

 never fully expanded. 



OF THE 



UNIVERSITY 



OF 



