This matter of the ? Tylenchus devastatrix in the cortex seems to me most perplexingly curious. I cannot venture to form an opinion; I have not the knowledge requisite, but looking at these Tylenchi being smaller than T. devastatrix is customarily known to be, and also their occurring in a locality where devastatrix is not known, the idea just floats in my mind whether they may be ♂ (males) or, alternatively, larval Heterodera schachtii (“Beet-root” eel-worm).
But perhaps I am almost wrong in taking up your time with a mere idea, as you work on definite proof, and though the shape of those I mentioned to you much resembled your larval H. schachtii, I had not sufficiently high powers to be sure of the species. I have been trying to make out whether there is ever a definitely formed opening for the exit of the contents of the ♀(female) schachtii. In examining one specimen I found a circular orifice with what appeared to me a regularly formed edge—not a merely torn one. On putting this in glycerine under a thin cover-glass, and very lightly pressing it, there first came out a number of little eel-worms, without disturbing the condition of the orifice. I was, however, so desirous that my sister should see the interesting sight that I called her, and when I looked again perhaps in a couple of minutes, the regularity was gone; the outer skin—the skin rather of the female—was cracking irregularly from the aperture and giving exit to a mixed collection of eggs and wormlets. I have tried to find another instance but without success. Very many thanks to you for also sparing time to explain to me the meaning of the word “schaŭmerde.”[[80]] Now I quite understand and am very glad to know about it. Thank you also for your kind permission to use some of your figures of schachtii.
I should very much like to have some specimens of the hop-growth called “nettle-headed,” but I have only received a very few leaves, in which I did not see anything amiss.
I received a specimen (though I suppose this is not rare) of the large Coccinella ocellata (Eyed lady-bird). What a pretty creature it is! I had never seen it before.
Also from a North British correspondent I received a number of what I do not think could be other than larvæ of one of the Staphylinidæ, which were doing mischief by feeding in turnips or their flower stems or leafstalks. They looked grey to the unassisted eye; magnified, they were whitish with grey patches along the back, and they much resembled the fig. by Professor Westwood (see p. 167 of vol. i. of his “Classification of Insects”), of which I give a rough tracing of the magnified larva and line showing natural size. Professor Westwood found numbers of these larvæ feeding on turnips, but, unfortunately, he does not give even the generic name. They are obviously very destructive, that is, those sent me.
I have been most carefully studying your observations on schachtii in oats with great pleasure and profit. With kind regards and ever with many thanks, believe me,
Yours very truly,
Eleanor A. Ormerod.
Natural size and magnified.
FIG. 61.—EYED LADY-BIRD, COCCINELLA OCELLATA.