434 
The Progress of the Hessian Fly. 
traces of the insect were noticed. Unless steps are taken to 
destroy it, it is expected that there will be a more widespread 
attack next year in these localities. In some parts of Scotland 
the effect of the Hessian Fly was greater than in England. A 
farmer in Forfarshire reported that his loss was twelve bushels 
per acre, with a corresponding decrease in the quantity and 
value of the straw. Another Scotch farmer estimated that his 
crop had been lessened at least eight bushels per acre bv the 
insect. A calculation was made by a practical man in Forfar- 
shire that over a large district five per cent, of the crops of 
wheat and barley had been destroyed, both in respect of corn 
and straw. 
At the same time, very exaggerated statements of loss were 
made. Reports that appeared in several newspapers of ex- 
tensive injuries and of general attack were proved to be with- 
out foundation. It was declared that the pupa-cases might be 
found almost everywhere in England and Scotland, although 
there is no ground whatever for such an assertion. There is 
good reason to believe that owing to the diffusion of informa- 
tion upon the subject by the Agricultural Department of the 
Privy Council, and the enquiry of the Commissioners appointed 
by the Government, as well as to the action of Miss Ormerod, 
the Consulting Entomologist of the Society, and other workers, 
farmers were well posted up as to the Hessian Fly, and kept a 
good look out for it, so that the presence of the insect was 
detected and reported. 
Doubts have been suggested as to whether the Hessian Fly 
has not been in this country for a long while. It is urged by 
some that it has been here for some years, but was not noticed 
until 1886. If this be the case, the attack of the insect and the 
consequences of its attack must have been inappreciable, or 
thev would have been noticed before. ISow, according to the 
habits and history of the Hessian Fly in other countries, 
its increase and injuries have advanced very rapidly. ' For 
example, in America, where it first appeared in 1779, " each 
succeeding generation regularly enlarged the sphere of its de- 
vastations in every direction." * Again, in Russia no traces of 
the fly were proved to have been seen until 1879, and since 
then it has, according to Dr. Lindeman, spread over nearly 
three parts of the corn-growing districts of that country. f 
Curtis, the careful economic entomologist, would have found 
the Hessian Fly if it had been in England during the period 
of his researches. He alludes to this insect in his admirable 
• Op. cit. 
t ' Die Hessen Flicge in Ruseland.,' Von Dr. K. Lindeman. 
