558 



Insect, Fungus and other Pests. [dec, 



have been shown to be injurious and some species possess 

 the power of leaping. Springtails breathe only through the 

 skin, and moistness of the skin is a condition necessary for 

 such respiration. These insects are not, therefore, found in 

 dry conditions, and dressings of lime, or lime and soot, may 

 be resorted to for destroying them. 



Worms. — Large numbers of small worms were reported as 

 being found in an orchard at Cardiff. Examination led to the 

 worms being identified as round worms termed Gordius, of 

 the sub-order Nematomorpha, closely related to the Nematoda, 

 to which eel worms belong. The gordius worms have received 

 their name from the fact that they are often found collected 

 and twisted into knots. They are harmless to plants. 



Fungi, &c. — Ergot of Rye. — An enquiry has been received 

 from Hit chin as to the result of sowing ergot-infested rye. 

 There would be great risk of infecting the resulting crop if 

 ergot were sown along with rye, and the ergot should be 

 thoroughly dressed out before sowing. When ergot is sown 

 with any cereal it produces spores in the spring when lying 

 on the ground. If these spores are conveyed by wind, insects, 

 &c, to the flowers of the cereal the crop becomes infected. 



Diseased Gooseberry Bushes. — Specimens of gooseberry 

 bushes from Warrington were not specifically diseased, but 

 were covered with the green alga Pleurococcus vulgaris, which 

 often attacks unhealthy bushes. This alga may be removed 

 by spraying the bushes during the winter months with full- 

 strength Bordeaux mixture. 



The mould of Botrytis cinerea was present on gooseberry 

 specimens from Potter's Bar. This fungus, however, only 

 causes damage when favoured by an excess of moisture. 

 Bushes infested should be pruned and the prunings burnt. 



Diseased Chrysanthemums. — Chrysanthemum leaves from 

 Limpsfield (Surrey) were found to be attacked by the rust 

 Puccinia Chrysanthemi, Roze. A certain remedy for this 

 disease is not known, but the fungus may be held in check 

 by spraying with potassium sulphide (i oz. being employed 

 to 2 gallons of water) during the growing season and autumn 

 months. The strength of the spraying solution may be 

 gradually increased provided the chrysanthemum leaves are 

 not injured. It is very important to collect, and to destroy 



