76 
Tarnip Fly. Haltica ( Phyllotreta) nemorum , Curtis. 
Turnip Flea Beetle, eggs, maggot, and pupa ; nat. size and mag. 
The subject of Turnip Fly was so fully reported on in 1881* that it 
appears as if little could be added for general use to the practical 
methods of treatment then noticed. The two or three following 
observations may, however, be of use in drawing attention again to 
some of the more important points of treatment, as the application of 
dressings when the dew is on, and the Flea Beetle consequently 
cannot use its leaping powers to get out of harm’s way; the use of 
mixing Mustard with Turnip seed to draw the Flea Beetle away from 
the Turnip when the young plant comes up ; the importance of all 
agricultural measures to give such a healthy growth as will run the 
young plant quickly on past the stage for attack ; and likewise the 
benefit from watering, where this can be managed, and the application 
continued during time of drought. 
Mr. D. Byrd, writing from Spurstow Hall, Tarporley, mentions 
“ the Turnip Fly has been less troublesome this year. I believe that 
I have saved the crop many times by dusting a little soot and lime on 
the Turnip leaf in the early morning while the dew is on, leaving the 
Charlock and other weeds untouched between the ridges for the Fly to 
feed upon until the Turnip got its rough leaf/’ 
Mr. Edward Lingwood, writing from Thwaite Stonliam, Suffolk, 
mentions :—“ It is at least twenty years since I had any occasion to 
resow Swedish Turnips, my plan being, after getting the land as level 
and in as good tilth as possible, to plough it into ridges 27 in. apart 
about the end of May. Between these I spread twelve cart-loads an 
acre of farmyard manure that had been previously fermented in a 
heap, on this dressing sowing broadcast 3 cwt. of superphosphate, 
the ploughs following as quickly as possible. As soon as the ridges $ 
* See ‘ Beport on Injurious Insects for 1881/ pp. 47—97. 
