79 
Big Bud Mite and Hover Flies. 
diseased leaves in July, not later, and wash the trees frequently in 
early spring and autumn with liver oi sulphur wash that is paraffin 
emulsion and liver of sulphur. Dr. Nalepa informs me the mites 
winter in the buds. 
The “Big Bud” Mite. 
(Eriophyes ribis , Nalepa.) 
A correspondent from near Tewkesbury wrote as follows : “A 
dealer has offered me 6,000 black currants (Baldwin’s), but they 
contained a lot of swollen buds like the enclosed. I want to know 
if they are infested with Gall Mites, if so whether it would be safe 
to plant them.” The following reply was sent : “ The black currant 
buds you send are badly infested with the Currant Bud Mite 
( Eriophyes (. Phytoptus ) ribis). This mite is perhaps more prevalent 
in the Baldwin currant than in any other variety, but the only kind 
I have never seen attacked is the old cottage-garden one, that is so 
prevalent in Kent, a light cropper, however.” 
“It is most unwise to have any infested plants, however cheap. 
It is really quite useless attempting black currant growing with the 
‘ big bud ’ pest in the plantations, as at present there is no known 
remedy for it. It is most essential to be successful to start on land 
new to black currants and with clean stock.” 
Hover Flies ( Syrplddce : Aphis Feeders). 
A number of enquiries have been made this season (1902) con- 
cerning the leecli-like larvae of the Hover Flies (Syrphidce). The 
following note was sent to Mr. Bear, of Hailsham, in answer to an 
enquiry as to the nature of these larvae : — 
The three larvae you send feeding on the Apple Aphis are those of one 
of the Hover Flies ( Syrphidce ) Catabomba pyrastri , Linn. They are most 
beneficial, being ravenous Aphis feeders attacking all kinds of “ Dolphins.” 
There are a good many species, sufficiently abundant to do a great deal 
in keeping Aphis in check, but unfortunately they come rather late and 
much harm is often done by the Aphides before they make their presence 
felt. Syrphus ribesii, Linn., and S. grossulariae, Meig., seem to be the 
most abundant after the one you send. 
These three species were sent from widely different localities. 
