54 
CORN AND GRASS. 
Isle of Man. 
Abstract, Observations, and Tables. 
Tlie following information regarding Wireworm and means used 
for its prevention in the Isle of Man lias been kindly forwarded by 
residents in the island, in reply to forms arranged and circulated by 
Mr. Philip M. C. Kermode, to whom I am indebted both for his 
assistance in procuring these contributions and also for explanations 
and details which space does not allow insertion of in full. 
For convenience of reference the greater part of the information 
reported is given in tabulated form, the name of the parish in which 
the observations were taken being prefixed in the first column with 
numbers to distinguish the different localities; but in deference to the 
implied wishes of the contributors their names are not given. In the 
following abstract the main points noted in the tables are given in 
connected form, together with a longer report and observations 
from Mr. McWhannel, of Glenduff, which could not conveniently be 
condensed:— 
From these returns it appears that Wireworm attack often occurs 
to a serious amount in various localities in the island, but that the 
damage this year has been less than in previous ones. Three of the 
largest amounts of loss specified are about a quarter of the crop of 
Wheat, or two bolls to the acre; two bolls of Wheat and of Oats per 
acre; and about one boll per acre of Oats. The last mentioned is 
noted as about the same loss as last year, the two previous amounts 
of injury as less “ than usual,” or “ in some previous years.” * 
Another observer notes loss of £1 10s. per acre last year in Wheat. 
Turnips have been injured up to loss of half the crop; of If ton per 
acre ; and in one case to a produce of only six, instead of fifteen tons, 
which was expected per acre. Carrots have suffered loss of half the 
crop in one locality, and in another were last year damaged at the 
rate of £10 per acre. 
In some cases greater or less amount of attack corresponds with 
nature of soil. Taking four of the northern parishes of the island, 
we find no loss on the black soil at two localities noted in Kirk 
Andreas; injury at several places in Leyzayre on light soil, running 
to gravelly loam not on strong earthy soil; at Kirk Bride injury in 
this or preceding years to some extent on light soil. In Jurby attack 
* In the Isle of Man a boll of Barley or of Oats is equal to six bushels, and a boll 
of Wheat to four bushels, weighing 64 lbs. to the bushel. The word “ bruit ” 
signifies the young plant when just appearing above ground, and until grown an 
inch or so in height. 
