474 Notes on Insect, Fungus, and other Pests, [sept., 



no expansion in the supply has taken place during the past 

 few years, the imports being either more or less stationary, 

 or, as in the case of flour, maize, and oats, actually less than 

 in earlier years. 



NOTES ON INSECT, FUNGUS, AND OTHER PESTS. 



During the past month three more cases have been re- 

 ported which suggest the presence of the pigmy mangold- 

 beetle (Atomaria linearis). The first was from Aylesbury, 

 where half an acre of mangolds was reported as destroyed. 

 The pest enclosed was the millipede Julus pulchellus, but 

 the appearance of the plant sent suggested an attack by the 

 beetle. The second case occurred near Honiton, and the 

 damage was at first attributed to rooks. The third case came 

 from Copplestone, in N. Devon, the millipede being again 

 suspected. In no case was the beetle itself sent, and the 

 cases rest on suspicion only. 



Early in July a specimen carrot taken from a badly infested 

 bed was forwarded to the Board from Brighton. It was 

 stated that the carrot, on being pulled, appeared to be per- 

 fectly sound, though a little flabby and decayed at the tip. 

 Examination showed it to be infested with aphides, which 

 were present in large numbers, and from which more than a 

 score of hymenopterous parasites have been since bred. The 

 writer stated that the infestation was very common in 

 the neighbourhood of Brighton. 



Specimens of leeks from Hamilton were attacked by an 

 Anthomyid fly, the larvas of which closely resemble those of 

 Phorbia cepetorum (Leaflet 31), and the maggots of that fly 

 were sent up from Bebington, Cheshire. 



Two cases of a remarkable disease of beans, which has com- 

 pletely baffled investigation, have also been submitted to the 

 Board. The first report came from North Bute parish, in the 

 Isle of Bute. The plants were said to look healthy, and 

 promised a good crop until the end of July, when they ceased 

 to grow, and subsequently turned black, and apparently 

 decayed. The second case occurred near Wokingham, where 

 a field of ten acres, well manured, produced excellent flowers 

 but no pods. The soil was medium clay, and the beans 



