HESSIAN FLY. 
103 
carry the ear well up, instead of falling down at an elbow above the 
attacked spot, this is an immense saving. 
In the experimental ground at the College of Agriculture, 
California, it was found that in 1886 of 100 kinds of Wheat grown 
the only kinds that did not suffer were solid-stemmed Wheats. In 
Canada and the United States various kinds of Wheats are considered 
to be more or less “Fly-proof,” and this point is well worth 
consideration. 
In the Barley on exposed land at Eevell’s Hall, which I examined, 
the plant was weak, and it had elbowed down and was seriously 
injured. The heartier plant on cooler ground had suffered less loss ; 
and recently, relatively to the same points, Mr. D. Taylor wrote me 
from Errol that enquiry had been made of him by various farmers 
whether the Fly was likely to do much harm to the crops, as 
they considered that little difference was distinguishable between 
what was and what was not attacked. In the instances of the pieces 
of infested Wheat-straw sent me, this had been firm and strong; and 
though in one ca^e there were three fine “ flax-seeds ” nearly at one 
spot, the straw had not elbowed. Looking at this point in connection 
with it being considered that much damage was not done, and at the 
American and German observation that damage is prevented by using 
Wheat which is strong-stemmed, either by special kind or judicious 
cultivation, it appears well- worth while to consider the matter for 
practical service. In the words of Dr. Balthasar Wagner, of Fulda :— 
‘ ‘ Plants grown into stout stalks on rich soil render such a considerable 
resistance to the attacks of the maggots that most of them will mature 
their ears. The sparsely-nourished stalks of a field are easily bent.” 
The kind of Wheat that will answer of course will vary according to 
climate, soil, &c.; one of the kinds, much grown in the Oarse of 
Gowrie, is a reddish Wheat, known as “square” or “club-head”; 
the other, a white Wheat, of which I have not yet got the name. 
The points mainly to be attended to at present to prevent spread 
of attack, or great damage if it comes, are to destroy all “ flax-seeds ” 
in screenings, and so treat the infested straw as mentioned above, and, 
in the circulars and pamphlet by Mr. Whitehead, that the pest in 
them may be destroyed; likewise by all means possible to procure a 
hearty, sturdy stalk;—and also to bear in mind that as this attack 
only, as far as is known, affects Wheat, Barley, and Eye; that growth 
of Oats amongst the Cereals, or any of the crops included under the 
head of roots, as Turnips, Mangolds, Potatoes, &c.; any pulse crops, 
as Peas, &c., or any crop, such as Cabbage, Mustard, Flax, or ground 
or bush fruits, would be safe from any damage from Hessian Fly, and 
beneficial to the country by giving a total check to possibility of spread 
of this noxious pest on the area so occupied. 
