84 
WHEAT. 
perfect condition. They are found in the haulm and ear-spike, and their 
presence in the sheathing-leaves may be known by showing as light 
specks, “ partly through the destruction of the cellular tissue on which 
they feed.” The young wormlets are stated to “ sometimes remain in 
the haulm, as well as in the tops and seeds , and develop later, when they lie 
in the straw in the earth."* 
This point of the wormlets lying in the remains of the plant is a 
very important one relatively to measures of prevention. 
Dr. Bastian mentions various different species of Anguilluliclce ,f 
which are to be found between the lower part of the sheaths of leaves 
of Wheat and Oats in stubble; and the above observations taken all 
together point to the possible origin of a deal of mischief that at 
present is at times merely a cause of perplexity, and likewise to practical 
measures for lessening it. 
Means of Prevention and Remedy. —The statement of Dr. Tasclienberg 
that the wormlets go down before acids or metallic salts at once 
suggests that in this case steeps would be of service, and it is 
mentioned that the well-known steep of sulphate of copper, likewise 
of dilute sulphuric acid, are of use in killing the wormlets in the 
“Cockle” galls, and thus preventing infection being sown with the 
seed. Of course, as in all other cases, care must be taken that the 
steep is not strong enough to injure the growing power of the seed. 
The method of application is to place the corn in a vessel with the 
steep, so that the liquid shall be a little above the surface of the corn ; 
then stir the corn gently, and skim off the galls (“ Cockles ”) that rise 
to the surface. Thus, as Dr. Tasclienberg aptly remarks, “we kill 
two flies with one blow.” 
I have had little opportunity of trying the experiment myself, and 
only with old galls, but certainly about half remained floating, and of 
the rest some constantly rose on being stirred. If as successful as 
seems likely, this treatment would strike at the root of carrying out 
the start of new attack to the field. 
The point of the wormlets being seen in stubble, and buried in it, 
is very important; skimming the surface of the stubble-fields and 
burning the collected trash would get rid of this source of mischief. 
During the past season the distorted, stunted, and massed growths 
of young com similar to those above described have been personally 
brought under my notice, so far as to give reason for thinking that the 
subject needs much attention ; but, as no insect-presence is noticeable, 
the attack is not as much forwarded to me as I could wish. 
* ‘ Praktische Insekten kunde,’ by E. L. Tasclienberg. 
f Notably Plectus tritici, Aphelenchus avence, Cephalobus persegnis, Rhabditis 
ornata. See “ Monograph on the Anguillulidae,” by Dr. Charlton Bastian, ‘ Trans. 
Linn. Soc.,’ vol. xxv. 
