ROOT CROPS. 



35 



engine, with a long hose attached to it, or with the 

 Strawsonizer." 



The Beet Carrion Beetle {Silpha opaca, Tig. 13) 

 is found during the spring on putrefying animal matter 

 (hence the name "carrion"), the roots of trees, etc. The 

 beetles are of a dark-brown colour. On opening the wing 

 cases, the posterior end of the abdomen is of a dull-red 

 colour. The female lays the eggs in decomposing matter, 



Fig. 13. — Beet " Caekion " Beetle (Silpha opaca). 



A. The beetle (about the size of nature). 



B. Larvae (nat. size) leediag oa'leaves of beetroot. 



and these give rise to larvae, which attack and seriously 

 injure the young leaves of beet plants. In appearance 

 the black larvse are somewhat like the ordinary wood-lice, 

 only smaller (Fig. 13 B). They turn to the pupal stage 

 in the ground. 



Prevention. — (1) Liberal manuring in the early stages 

 of growth is a means of preventing the attacks of this 

 pest. (2) The farmyard manure used for this crop should 

 be thoroughly fermented. 



