Annual Report for 1894 of the Zoologist. 
775 
from important insect attacks. Hessian fly was reported in one 
instance from Baldock, but the attack was not severe enough to 
attract attention till the barley came to be cut. 
The cockchafer grub is becoming increasingly troublesome in some 
localities, and has received special consideration in the present 
Report. 
The oak tortrix flourished exceedingly last summer, and stripped 
the oaks in Windsor Forest, and in many districts in the South of 
England. 
Various members of the weevil tribe have been the subjects of 
complaint, and one species ( Phyllobius calcaratus ), usually too rare 
to be greatly injurious, did considerable harm to black currants near 
Bewdley. 
Mortality among Ducklings. 
On several occasions serious mortality among ducklings has been 
complained of, and specimens have been sent with inquiries as to 
the cause of death. 
In no case was any organic disease discoverable, and in most 
instances the disaster was referable, with very little doubt, to a 
species of cramp induced by too great exposure to inclement weather. 
The symptoms were very similar in all the cases. The' ducklings 
became unsteady on their legs, twisted their heads back over their 
backs, and very soon died, having been, to all appearance, perfectly 
well a few hours previously. 
From duck -breeders on the large scale it was ascertained that 
such experiences are by no means uncommon, unless extreme care is 
taken with the young birds. Before they have attained their full 
plumage they are quite insufficiently protected from the wet, and if 
allowed to swim, or wander in wet grass too freely, they are never 
properly dry, and cramp frequently ensues. 
If anything of the kind is observed, the ducklings should be kept 
from water entirely for a time, and not allowed to roam at large for 
more than about four hours each day. 
It is, further, important to add to their regular food a quantity 
of chopped cooked meat, or gravy. 
“ Tulip-root ” in Oats. 
Tylenchus devastatrix. 
Specimens of tulip-rooted oat plants were forwarded in J uly from 
a crop near Watford, Herts. The roots contained great numbers of 
the characteristic eelworm, Tylenchus devastatrix, which is also 
believed to be the cause of clover sickness. 
When this pest appears it is clearly advisable to avoid the sowing 
of any crop liable to attack on the infested ground. In the present 
case, unfortunately, the common practice of putting in clover with the 
oats had been adopted, so that the Tylenchus was provided with a 
supply of food exactly to its taste after the removal of the oats. 
