174 



AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE BULLETINS. 



The clanger from this practice I have proved to be nothing at all. The 

 microscoj^e and chemical analysis have both shown that all the poison has 

 been removed long before we wish to eat the frnit. The wind no less than 

 the rain helps to effect this removal, as I have shown by putting the poison 

 on plants sheltered from all rains. Of course we should not turn stock into 

 an orchard till a heavy rain lias washed the poison from all herbage under 

 the trees. 



I am entirely positive that a knowledge and practice of this remedy 

 throughout our country will save hiindreds of thousands of dollars to our 

 fruit growers. It will serve to give us the fair, perfect apples knowni to our 

 fathers, but which have become lamentably scarce in our modern orchards. 



THE APPLE TEEE BARK OR SCALE LOUSE. 



In mauy parts of our State the Apple Scale or bark louse is very common 

 and destructive. This is often called the Oyster Shell Bark Louse and is 

 known in science as Mytilasjiis pomorumi Bouclic. 



Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, 7 show^ the scales as they appear from August 

 to June. Under these scales at this time, from late summer 

 till the following June, wall be found scores of small white eggs. 

 (Fig. 3, 1) which resemble white powder, unless magnified. 



Fig. 2 



Fig. 3— Much Magnified. 



Early in June these eggs hatch, and the minute yellowish lice (Fig. 3, n) 

 will be seen scattered about the trunk and branches of the tree. Soon they 

 insert their beaks into the bark, sometimes into the skin of the fruit, and 

 commence to suck the sap or juice. They now grow rapidly, and secrete a 

 waxy, fibrous substance which forms the growing scale, (Fig. 2, 3, 4, s. e) 

 which will be fully developed by August, when the many white eggs will 

 again be laid under the protecting scale, where, unless eaten by some para- 

 site or mite, etc., will remain in safety till the coming June. 



It seems strange that these small, almost microscopic, insects can do so 

 much injury, as they often entirely destroy large, vigorous trees. Yet when 

 we consider their numbers — often millions, which almost cover the bark of 

 the tree (Fig. 2), it does not seem so strange. The scales of the male lice are 

 rarely seen. They are found on both sides of the leaves, and are more sym- 

 metrical than the female scales. The males have two wings. 



REMEDIES. 



Parasites, Mites, and Lady Beetles all prey upon these fell destroyers, but 

 though efficient aids, they are not always enough to exterminate the lice. 



