20 
BEANS. 
quite large enough to be seen by the unassisted eye, are often mistaken 
for the Stem Eelworms. 
Other kinds of true Eelworms, probably all harmless, may be 
present, but with good microscopic powers the T. devastatrix will be seen 
to have in the gullet (oesophagus) a sharp point known as the “ spear” 
set on a bulbous base, which in the Tylenclii is 3-lobed; this is some 
assistance in identification, though the species cannot be thoroughly 
identified without examination of the male Eelworm for the presence 
of a bursa or purse near the caudal extremity. Very few but specialists 
can identify these minute threadworms trustworthily, but in Tulip- 
root, and in the peculiar growths of Clover in “ Stem-sickness,” and 
now in the peculiar deformed growth of Field Beans caused by this 
infestation, we have the plain outward signs of what is the cause of 
mischief within so clearly noticeable that for serviceable practical 
purposes constant microscopic investigation is quite unnecessary. 
These Eelworms propagate by laying eggs, and may be found in the 
infested plants in all conditions, that is, as larvte, and also as males 
and females. 
Pkevention and Bemedies. — As we have only known certainly 
towards the end of the past season of the existence of this infestation 
in Field Bean plants, it is impossible to say yet what treatment will 
succeed ; but it may fairly be supposed that just the same applications 
will do good which have proved thoroughly serviceable in checking the 
same kind of attack in Clover and Oats. 
For Clover a mixture of sulphate of potash 3 cwt. and sulphate of 
ammonia 1 cwt. per acre was found, at Rotliamstead, to act thoroughly 
well. Sulphate of iron, at the rate of 2 cwt. the acre, also answered 
very well; but at the rate of 1 cwt. was not so successful. 
A mixture of sulphate of ammonia 4 parts, sulphate of potash 
1 part, and steamed bones 2 parts, given at the rate of 1^ cwt. per 
acre, followed up by a dressing of 2 cwt. per acre of sulphate of ammonia, 
has been found to act well as a dressing for Tulip-rooted Oats or 
Stem-sick Clover. 
A mixture of sulphate of potash 2 parts, sulphate of ammonia 
3 parts, together with 4 parts of phosphates, has given very good 
results, and a mere top-dressing of sulphate of potash at the rate of 
about 1 cwt. per acre has been reported as checking the Eelworm 
(Tulip-root) attack in Oats, so that an excellent crop was cut. 
Methods of prevention have been fully entered on in detail before,* 
so that it is only necessary just to allude to them. Many of the 
* See ‘Reports on Injurious Insects’ for 1886—1889, and 2nd Edition of 
‘ Manual of Injurious Insects,’ also by E. A. Ormerod, Messrs. Simpkin, Marshall, 
Hamilton, Kent & Co., Stationers’ Hall Court, London, E.C, 
