A NEW PEST.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2248, 4 December 1886, Page 2 (Supplement)

A NEW PEST.

The English farmer's cup of trouble and anxiety is full enough, in all conscience, without the appearance of the Hessian fly. That highly obnoxious little beast has been discovered in wheat and barley crops near Hertford, and Miss Ormerod (for the consulting entomologist of the Royal Agricultural Society is a woman) has positively identified it. Worse even than the dreaded Colorado beetle, or " tater bug," for it attacks the moat precious of all crops, the Hessian fly shouli become instantly the object of every farmer's careful search. It has done terrible things in Germany, the United States, and Canada for a long time, and only the greatest care can sare us now it has at last appeared amongst us. The fly may be easily recognised, and all who have wheat or barley crops showing any sign? of rot should immediately examine the plants, and particularly their leaves or blades near the second joint from the ground. If they find sm.ill pup;e chestnut-coloured, like small flax seeds, about ODe-tenth of an mcli in length, it is the Hessian fly. As to remedial measures, beyond cutting the crops above the second joint and burning the stubble or ploughing it deeply in, they may be learned from Miss Ormerod, Dunster Lodge, Islesworth, or from Mr Charles Whitehcap, Chairmin of the Seeds and Plant Diseases Committee of the Royal Agricultural Society, Banning House, Maidstone. — Ashburton Guardian.

School Lnspkctok: "Now, my child, attend to mo ; supposing there are six birds perched on a tree, and a man shoots one of them, how many would remain ?" Sharp little girl: "None, sir; the rest would fly away,"