508 



Insect, Fungus, and other Pests. [oct., 



Peach leaves attacked by red spiders (Leaflet No. 41) were 

 received from Norwich, and parsley roots apparently bitten 

 by wireworms (Leaflet No. 10) from. Holmes Chapel. Potatoes 

 from Southfields (London). Harwich, Burnham (Somerset), and 

 Honiton, were found to be somewhat scabby. The cause of 

 this surface scabbing has been usually attributed to physical 

 properties of the soil, but more recently it has been thought to 

 be due to the millipede Julus pulchellus (Leaflet No. 94). This 

 pest is often introduced with manure, especially when the latter 

 contains much dry decaying vegetable matter. A dressing of 

 sulphate of potash checks the spread of this and allied 

 millipedes. 



Fungi. — A considerable number of cases of Wart Disease or 

 Black Scab of Potatoes, were brought to the notice of the 

 Board. LTp to 3rd October the disease had been reported in 

 18 counties. (See p. 548) 



Diseased Mint. — Leaves of the peppermint plant from 

 Westerham were affected with Puccinia menthoe, Pers., a 

 well known pest on mint, both wild and cultivated. The 

 'disease is commonly called " snuff," the " snuff " consisting of 

 the spores of the fungus, which are produced on the leaves in 

 immense numbers. Spraying or sulphuring is of no avail even 

 if practicable, and the fungi on the fallen leaves will in all pro- 

 bability renew the disease next season, unless destroyed by burn- 

 ing. In the case of strawberries and certain other crops having 

 infected foliage, just about this season of the year, when the 

 foliage is fading, the infected patches are covered with a sprink- 

 ling of straw or other litter that will burn readily. This is 

 fired, the result being the destruction of diseased leaves, 

 whether attached to the plant or lying on the ground ; spores 

 on the soil are also killed. This mode of treatment does not 

 injure strawberry plants in any way, while at the same time 

 clearing away all infected material. The same method of treat- 

 ment would probably answer in the case of peppermint, after 

 the crop had been cut, or at any other time. 



Fungi among Shrubs, &c. — Specimens of fungi from Ciren- 

 cester were identified as Coprinus comatus, Fr., Such fungi 

 are often introduced with town refuse and are best dug up and 

 removed. The soil should receive a good dressing of lime. 



Diseased Raspberries. — Specimens of raspberries w r ere found 



