16 
HOP APHIS. 
presumed, as there are communications amongst them from growers 
in each of the great Hop districts, that if there was any clear belief 
held of Hop-attack coming in any other way than that mainly reported, 
it would have been alluded to. 
The fact of the first appearance being almost invariably noticed as 
Fly on the uppermost parts of the plant shows that this is at present 
the point to which the remedies must be applied. With regard to 'pre¬ 
vention, we want more notes. I speak with great submission to the 
practical knowledge of growers; but, looking at the observations of 
attack of Fly beginning on the outsides of the grounds, it seems to 
me that some treatment of the borders of the Hop-gardens might be 
serviceable, and I beg to suggest whether it is practicable to clear rough 
ground by hedges, of grass and nettles, and other weeds, amongst 
which the pest is very likely sheltering. Ploughing, digging, or 
putting the headland under a killing coat of fresh gas-lime, might do 
much, and any large Hop-grower who would try the experiment and 
risk the necessary outlay would be doing a very useful thing. 
Plums and Sloes appear to foster the evil; but as it comes where 
there are no Plums and Sloes near, I certainly think that a portion of 
the attack is from Aphides sheltering about Nettles or other plants, 
and that a sweeping application (such as caustic gas-lime), which 
would kill everything living on or under the surface of the waste 
ground, might be of great service. 
The matter of the absence of the Aphides in some places is a very 
important one, and so also is the preservation of Ladybirds, as far as 
it can be managed. 
In placing these notes, which I have been favoured with by my 
contributors, before you, I must first beg some of them to excuse me 
in not having given the whole of their communications, as the points 
required here were the mere dr} 7 observations ; and next to note this 
is only a beginning. 
It is only those who understand the matter practically that can 
work the points forward, and I earnestly trust that observation may 
be continued and kindly placed for publication again in my hands; 
and on my part I shall be most happy to give every information that 
lies in my power to any enquirer. 
