AMEKICAN BLIGHT. 5 



At one time there was some doubt whether the Woolly Aphis 

 found on the roots was of the same species as as that affecting 

 the tree, but now it is considered similar ; and it is advised 

 also by Dr. Asa Fitch, where Woolly Aphides are found on the 

 roots, to clear away the soil as much as possible from the in- 

 fested roots, and pour strong soap-suds in sufficient quantity 

 to soak into all the crannies or diseased spots, and either to 

 remove the old soil and replace it with fresh, or to mix ashes 

 with it. 



Another observer recommends partially laying bare the 

 roots, and following this up by the application of night-soil. 

 Drainage from stables is said to cure the evil. As the root 

 aphides in all likelihood pass down from the trunk, it would 

 probably be a great preventive to put a loose rope of hay 

 soaked in tar round the tree at its junction with the ground, 

 placing the band so as to stop passage but not injure tender 

 bark. 



For waslies, or mixtures to be laid on as paint, the follow- 

 ing ai^plications have been found of service ; but it should be 

 observed that in the case of tobacco-water it is desirable to try 

 what strength tender Uafaije will bear without injury : — Take 

 a quarter of a pound of tobacco, infuse it in half a gallon of 

 hot water ; when cool enough dip the infested shoots in it for 

 a few seconds, or wash the infested parts in the liquor. Ee- 

 peat this in a few days, if necessary, after which the plant 

 may be washed with clean water. Then dissolve one pound 

 of soft-soap and one gallon of lime in enough water to make 

 it about the consistency of thick whitewash. Apply this with 

 a painter's brush to the stem and all the branches that can be 

 reached, and sift some lime on the ground. 



An application is also recommended of half a peck of quick- 

 lime, half a pound of flour of sulphur, quarter of a pound of 

 lamp-black, mixed with boiling water so as to form a thick 

 paint ; this to be applied warm. In winter, when the leaves 

 are off, the branches and stems may be painted with this, all 

 loose hark being first removed. It is very desirable to remove 

 the soil from the bottom of the stem, down to the main roots, 

 and paint that part also. 



For special applications to nooks and crannies, anything 

 that is oily, soapy, or greasy will do good, but, as far as killing 

 the insects is concerned, the thicker it is the better, so that 

 it may fairly fill up the crevices in the bark, if possible, and 

 not run off the aphides till it has killed them by choking up 

 their pores ; but at the same time care should be exercised 

 not to oil or grease young bark that may be hurt by the 

 application. A simple lather of yellow soap, laid on with an 

 old shaving-brush, sometimes does all that is needed without 



