DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS. 299 



and finally leave their birth-place a few days before 

 the plant reaches maturity, and reside in the earth 

 during- winter, a discovery which belongs to Mr. 

 Gorrie." Mr. Shirr eff in Q. J. Agri. 



The same enlightened agriculturist is of opinion 

 that no effectual check can be given to the depreda- 

 tions of this insect, unless a variety of wheat be 

 obtained whose chaff envelopes the cups so closely as 

 to be impervious to the ovipositor of the insect. This 

 insect is known to exist in all parts of Britain under 

 the name of red-gum ; but its ravages have been par- 

 ticularly severe for several years past in East Lothian 

 where Mr. Shirreff resides, and who calculates that 

 the wheat crop has been damaged to the amount of 

 30 per cent. 



Wire-worms. The larva of the elater castcineus 

 is a tough, yellow, smooth, grub, with a brown head, 

 and about three quarters of an inch in length. They 

 are found in all sorts of soil, particularly fresh loam, 

 and in old leys newly broken up. The root of every 

 plant in their way appears to be preyed on by them ; 

 causing great loss to the florist by destroying his 

 bulbs, as well as to the farmer's crops of oats and 

 wheat. There are several other worm-like animals 

 called by this name, one is the larva of a Styphalmus, 

 and the common one, so destructive to onions, is a 

 minute species of Scolopendra. Dressing the land 

 occasionally with lime is the best defence against 

 such enemies, as well as against all the species of 

 Mollusca so hurtful to all young vegetables. 



