140 Second Report on Economic Zoology. 
avoid doing so. The beetles have no wings, so cannot travel far, and, 
although carnivorous, they would probably be checked increasing, as 
wurzel undoubtedly now form one of their favourite foods. 
When young plants are attacked frequent side- and horse-hoeing 
would disturb them and so do some good. The best plan to adopt 
is to trap the beetles in the fields. This, I fancy, would be best done 
by putting down here and there sheepskins, beneath which they will 
shelter during the day and can then be collected. Sacking or other 
material would also answer the purpose. I do not think any dressings 
would affect this pest. 
FRUIT PESTS. 
Some Notes and Communications on Big-bud 
in Currants. 
I. Currant Bushes free from Black Currant Mite. 
The following information has been sent to the Board : — 
Regarding this subject it is well-known that this pest is still 
absent in many districts of Great Britain. It is almost unknown in 
the greater part of the North of Ireland. I have been unable to find 
it in districts in North Wales ; it does not appear to occur in 
Northumberland. Mr. A. T. Gillanders has been unable to find it 
in the latter district. Mr. Wheler tells me it does not occur around 
Alnwick. A few years ago it was scarcely known in Devon (I do 
not know if it has been carried there now). I am also told it is 
comparatively rare in Hampshire. 
Certain varieties, like the Baldwin, are infested all over the 
country, but others are not. Mr. Bear informs me he has eight acres 
of Lea’s Prolific obtained from Preston that were quite free — and so 
on with innumerable cases to show there is plenty of clean stock. I 
do not think, however, there is much clean Baldwin stock, if any. 
[For other information on this subject, vide p. 29.] 
II. Currant Bud Mite. 
Many growers state that they have found that repeated hand- 
picking does good and also hard pruning. 
But as stated in Leaflet No. 1, it seems that little good can be 
done in regard to remedies. 
Numerous other enquiries have been received, but do not call for 
any special comment. 
