INSECTS INJURIOUS TO HOUSE PLANTS, ETC. 499 



These aphides, from their uiimbers and the wide field of their attacks, are 

 often beyond the possibility of destrnction. Besides, they are frequently so 

 small, and so identical in coloration with the foliage preyed upon, that only 

 the closest scrutiny can detect them, while others prey upon the roots, and are 

 quite beyond our reach. 



Remedies. — The sovereign remedy of this aphis evil, is fumigation with 

 tobacco smoke. This, though a never failing exterminator of the lice, is some- 

 times too severe even, for the plants, especially the more tender varieties. The 

 orchids, some of the ferns, and even pelargoniums, when in blossom, will only 

 bear a very mild application of smoke without serious injury. Even pot roses 

 Avill suffer from any but a very slight fumigation. The flowers of the beautiful 

 spiraea japonica, from bud to fullest bloom, are likewise apt to be spoiled by 

 fumigation. So, we see, that caution is requisite, even in fumigating. 



Green-houses are most easily fumigated. We have only to close the house, 

 place a few coals in a shallow dish, place on tobacco stems, etc., and then cover 

 with damp moss so as to prevent blazing. The more dense the smoke the 

 better, as quick work does not so dry off the atmosphere as to cause injury. 

 Drops of water should not stand on affected plants, as they seem to offer pro- 

 tection to the insects. 



This remedy, often too ready at hand, may be used with parlor plants. An 

 easy way to apply it is to take a flour sack, cut out the bottom, and tie a 

 string about the top. Place a single coal, say in a small sauce dish, sprinkle 

 this with the coarse tobacco, so covering with damp moss that it will be sure 

 not to blaze. Place the plant closely along side, and cover all with the sack. 



Having known my wife to ruin several choice plants by this means, I am 

 led to urge great care. Be sure that the heat is not too great. Also gauge 

 the smoke according to the hardiness of the plant. 



An india-rubber ball fastened by a tube and cork to a clay tobacco pipe 

 furnishes a neater method. We have only to fill and light the pipes, adjust 

 the cork, place the stem under the edge of the sack, and then to work our ball. 

 We may thus fumigate with all ease. 



Out-door plants, such as asters, roses, dahlias, and verbenas, all suffer ever 

 and anon by the ravages of this pest. In such cases, as also with pot-plants, 

 sprinkling with tobacco water is effective, and this kills the eggs as well as the 

 lice. And even sprinkling very often with clear water is not without good, 

 and this is even better if a garden syringe is used in the application. Chrys- 

 anthemums and roses in pots may also be treated in this same manner. 



Sprinkling with tobacco water is also good, in case of fruit trees, for many, 

 especially the cherry, are very liable to attack. 



Drenching with soap suds, or a solution of whale oil soap, is also good. 



Bark, or Scale-Lice. — Sub-order Hemiptira, Family Coccidce. — Nearly as 

 common as the aphides, quite as destructive, and more difficult to dispose of, 

 are the scale-lice and mealy bugs. These belong to the family Coccida?, — the 

 same that contains the cochineal and lac insects, as also the com.mon apple tree 

 bark louse. Few plants are exempt from the white and brown scales. Even 

 the English ivy, oleander, and other shrubs, are frequently destroyed by them ; 

 and woe to the fuchsia that becomes the seat of a colony of mealy bugs. 



Both males and females of the scale insects are active for a few days after 

 hatching, both fasten to the tree by their beaks, become covered by a waxy 

 scale, which is the product of a secretion from the general surface of the body. 

 The female never leaves the scale, while the male, as an imago, is possessed of 



