ENTOMOLOGY. 159 



deposits its eggs in clustors in the craclvs of the bark at the base of the 

 tree. Isolated trees, or those along the edge of a woodland or an 

 avenue, are most severely attacked. The complete life cj^cle of this 

 insect extends over about 2 years. Protection against the deposition 

 of the eggs may be afforded by the use of repellant substances painted 

 upon the trunk of the tree. 



The author gives notes on the habits, life history, and appearance of 

 a number of species of the genus Chermes. Experiments were con- 

 ducted on a plantation in Dunbar in the destruction of Chermes. The 

 plantation consisted chiefl}" of larch, spruce, and pine. It was formed 

 in 1893, and thej^oung trees grew well until 1808, when they became 

 badly infested with Chermes. Pure paraffin applied in a fine spray upon 

 bright, clear days gave the following results: On April 1,5, 21 infested 

 trees, chiefly larch and Scots pine, were sprayed with pure paraffin. On 

 ]\Iay 5 it was found that the aphides on the pine had been nearly all 

 killed. The adult Chermes were destroyed, but the eggs were not mvich 

 affected. On June 1.5. the eggs on the larch having already hatched, 

 21 trees were sprayed, and on June 30 it was found that they were 

 effectively cleared of the pests. The young needles of the larch and 

 spruce were slightly scorched by the spra}', but during the season they 

 grew fairly well. On June 9, a quarter of an acre of larch and spruce 

 was sprayed with a solution of soft soap in the proportion of 1 lb. to a gal- 

 lon of water. On June 30 the trees were found to be almost entirely 

 free from insects. Some of the young shoots of the spruce were badly 

 injured, but the larch escaped all damage. 



An experiment with paraffin and sour milk dissolved in water gave 

 results too irregular to be detailed. A paraffin emulsion was made of 

 i lb. of hard soap, 1 gal. of soft water and 2 gals, of paraffin, and this 

 stock material was then diluted with 8, 10, 12, and 15 times its bulk 

 of water. The strongest solution was found most effective. 



Notes are given on the habits and injurious action of Abraxas gross- 

 nlariata. This insect is injurious to the gooseberry, currant, apricot, 

 plum, bramble, and blackthorn. The complete life cycle occupies 1 

 year. As remedies against this insect, the author recommends prun- 

 ing the infested twigs and burning the parts removed as well as leaves 

 and other rubbish upon the ground which might afford shelter for 

 the caterpillars. The caterpillars ma}^ be destroyed by hellebore 

 and paraffin enuilsion. A solution of soft soap and quassia chips is 

 also recommended with the following composition: Soft soap, 6 lbs.; 

 quassia chips, 7 lbs.; and water, loO gal. 



The turnip flea-beetle {PhyUotreta nemorum) is described, and notes 

 are given on its injurious habits. In combating this insect, the author 

 recommends that the plants be well fertilized and that the ground l)e 

 thoroughly cultivated. Cruciferous weeds in the neighborhood of 

 cultivated plants should be destroyed. 

 1710— No. 2 5 



