124 MALXE STATE COLLEGE 



The figure of the fly given shows but four abdominal segment, 

 anterior to the long terminal one while there are really six. The 

 thorax dorsum is not of uniform color as shown, but is faintly double 

 striped down the middle and at the sides by the absence of the whit- 

 ish bloom that covers the upper surface. See Plate Fig. 1. The 

 thorax is too long and the head too narrow and small. 



We find that quite a number of the maggots leave the currants 

 before they drop. This may not be so with gooseberries. For currants 

 we can not recommend gathering the fallen fruit as only a partial 

 remedy. 



Remedies. 



We have had no experience with this insect as it is new to Maine 

 as an injurious species. From a study of its life history we discover 

 only one vulnerable point. The insect spends eleven months of the year 

 in the ground and can not be reached. In the winged stage it cannot 

 be destroyed so far as we know. The eggs are deposited under the 

 skin of the fruit and spraying- would do no good. Part of the infested 

 fruits drop prematurely and the icorms remain in them for some time oe- 



fore they emerge and go into the ground. 



(a) Based upon this last habit Ave would recommend gathering up 



the fallen currants frequently and burning them. 



This remedy cannot be relied upon to destroy all the flies as quite 



a number of maggots leave the fruit before they fall. It can be de- 

 pended upon to destroy fully half if not more and can be employed to 

 keep them in check. 



(b) As these flies are weak and liable to perish if any obstruction 

 is offered to prevent their coming out of the ground,we would recom- 

 mend a mulching of coarse straw or hay, several inches deep, placed 

 under the bushes and out as far as the branches extend, and well 

 packed. 



(c) As the larvae find fine dry dusty substances prejudical to their 

 transformation a heavy dressing of coal ashes placed under the 

 bushes in June would destroy many of the larvae and also prevent 

 the flies from emerging the following spring. Prof. Jordan tried this 

 on his garden without flattering results. 



(d) Our western correspondent Dr. W. A. Thornton thinks that 

 allowing young chickens about the bushes early in the season and 

 large fowls later after the fruit is gathered will keep them in check. 



fe) A radical remedy would be to pick and destroy the crop after 

 the eggs are largely laid and before the currants drop, or pick the en- 

 tire crop while green and before the flies appear. If there are no 

 currants of course no eggs could be laid, and the flies would have 

 to go elsewhere or perish. 



(f) As the pupae are found only about an inch below the surface, 



they could be destroyed with little trouble by removing the soil to 

 that depth from under the bushes and burying it deep or depositing 

 it on a road or some exposed place. 



(g) We have not discovered any parasites to help check the pest. 

 Short bearing years would tend to reduce the numbers. 



