96 DAFFODILS — NARCISSUS 



daffodils, and we In America may not long 

 be immune from its attacks. Having had no 

 actual experience with the fly, I quote In sub- 

 stance from European authorities; Dr. J. R. 

 Bos of Holland, and Rev. W. Wllks of Eng- 

 land: 



"The narcissus fly — nearly one half inch 

 long and with wings expanded one Inch across 

 — is not unlike a small 'bumble-bee' though 

 havmg only two wings and no sting. It 

 hovers over the daffodil plants not unlike a 

 humming bird. Its wings moving as swiftly 

 as it poses In one place for a minute or two — 

 then suddenly it darts with lightning speed 

 usually to the right or left, seldom straight 

 ahead — making a sound between a shriek and 

 a whistle, though of course, not so loud — yet 

 great compared with the size of its author. It 

 then settles down among the daffodil leaves 

 and lays its eggs near the top of the bulb. It 

 will probably lay 100 eggs at different times 

 during its season from May to July. The eggs 

 seem to hatch quickly, the little grubs finding 

 their way In to the bulb when their destruc- 

 tive work commences. There they live on 

 the tissues and heart of the bulb until autumn 



