250 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



The wood of limbs two inches in diameter was distorted and dimpled where the 

 patches of scales were found. The scales are in patclies ( Fip. .3), not covering the 

 tree, and tlie bark is sliglitly discolored (darkened) wherever tlie scales occur. No 

 purple stain is noticeaWe in the cases examined, as often occurs in the case of the San. 

 Jose scale. 



In the case last cited, there was a small peach orchard joining the plum orchard, in 

 fact it was really one orchard containing plums and peaches, and the trees were in 

 close proximity. The peach trees had been set out for four years, yet a careful exami- 

 nation tailed to reveal the presence of the scale. This is all the more surprising when' 

 we consider the close botanical affinity existing between the peach and the plum. 

 In all the specimens received we have never seen a case of the scale on peach trees.. 

 It is hoped that this most luscious of fruits will continue to hold its own against the- 

 scule. 



NATUEAL ENEMIES. 



While examining the soft maple trees referred to, several minute beetles belonging to 

 the Coccinelidae were seen and one was captured. It proves to be Sniilia misella, Lee* 

 Laree patches of the skins of a Coccinelid, almost certainly Chilocorus bivulnerus, were-, 

 noticeable. One of the adult beetles was captured among them and several were seen. 

 Mr. Trine also noticed these patches of cast skins, some of the patches three feet long 

 and extending half way round trees five inches in diameter. 



REMEDIES. 



It appears very plain that this new pest is a dangerous foe, but there are several 

 facts in our favor. It seems to respond readily to treatment and it has not the- 

 destructive qualities and rapidity of spread exhibited by the San Jose scale. Perhaps 

 this is due in part to the fact that it has been recognized and checked before it had an 

 opportunity to become as widely spread as its congener, the San Jose scale. 



The best remedies for this scale will no doubt be the same as those which have proven 

 best against the San Jose scale; winter spraying with whale oil soap or kerosene emul- 

 sion, or perhaps the kerosene and water mechanically mixed. In the mechanical mix- 

 ture the oil should be used at the rate of one part of oil to five of water and the 

 application should iirst be made on a small scale. See page 140. In the emulsion one 

 to six will probably prove efficient. The whale oil soap will be required at the rate 

 of two pounds of the soap to a gallon of water, and the preparation should be applied 

 hot. These strong sprays must be applied in the winter time to do their best work. 

 The soap solution would do a good deal of damage if applied when the leaves were on 

 the tree: it is likely to kill the tree outright. 



All specimens of anything resembling a scale should be sent to the Entomologist or 

 the Experiment Station at the Agricultural College, where it will receive prompt atten- 

 tion and tlie results of the examination reported to the sender as soon as possible^ 

 Many samples of scales not of much importance are received, and the knowledge of what 

 the scale really is must prove a relief to the sender ; on the other hand, if a scale like- 

 the one under discussion is present, the owner wants to know just what it is as soon, 

 as he can, in order to apply a remedy before it is too late. 



DESCRIPTION OF IXSECT. 



(Aspidiotus ostreceformis, Curtis.) 



Female scale irregularly rounded, conforming to the surface of twigs or other scales^ 

 Ashy-grey in color. Exuviae often orange, sometimes brown, in color; covered with a. 

 crust of secretion ; first cast-skin often showing through crust and second invisible 

 unless crust is broken. Crust light in color and translucent. Size 1^2 to 2 mm. 



Male scale darker in color and smaller, 1/2 the size of the female. Cast-skin raised 

 and more or less fiat. Often a slight raised rim around outer edge; central nipple 

 present. The color is black or brown and the rim around the cast-skin and the central 

 nipple are often whitened. 



The characters of the pygidium or terminal segment of the female are as follows: 

 One pair of well developed lobes beside one or two pairs of poorly developed or even 



♦ This beetle was kindly determined for me by Mr. Schwarz through the kindness of Dr. L. O. How- 

 ard, Department of Agriculture, AVashington, D. C. 



