Reports to various Correspondents. 49 



The Vine Scale. 



{Pidvinaria citis.) 



Some insects sent by Mr. J. Westlake, of Ptedhill, Surrey, proved 

 to be the Cottony Cushion Scale of the Vine {Pidvinaria vitis). The 

 red masses mixed np with the white wool are nests of eggs of this 

 scale insect. They have nothing to do, as is often thought by 

 growers, with the lied Spider. 



The eggs very soon hatch into little active six-legged larva?, 

 which crawl about, and sooner or later settle down and produce a 

 fresh scale, beneath which the larva gradually grows into a female, 

 and then another red mass of eggs will be the result. 



It is therefore very important that this pest should be cleared off 

 young vines at once. 



When the plants are small, the best way is to take the egg masses 

 and wool off with a small brush, which should be constantly kept 

 wet with methylated spirit, care being taken to destroy all those 

 removed from the tree ; the surface under each scale should be 

 painted with the methylated spirit. 



In winter, if any traces remain, the house should be fumigated 

 with hydrocyanic acid gas; but, as a rule, hand-picking ought to do 

 away with the scale. 



Insecticides. 



Aesenites. 



Various enquiries have been sent regarding insecticides, and some 

 interesting notes concerning Paris green sent by correspondents are 

 reproduced. There seems to be in many quarters failure with this 

 insecticide and in others considerable doubt as to the benefit derived 

 from its use. That it does kill mandibulate insects if used at the 

 proper time and that much benefit has accrued from its use both in 

 this country and America is well known. Its disadvantages are 

 firstly, that it has, as mentioned by Messrs. Ellis, a ])urning effect 

 upon the leaves under certain conditions e^cn when properly 

 mixed and properly applied, and secondly, it only kills some of the 

 enemies, whilst, thirdly, its effects are not lasting. It is very liable 

 to be washed at once by rain off the leaves, and thus all the good is 

 destroyed. In the case of washing for Codling maggot this is most 

 important. 



Arsenate of Lead we find in many ways is much su]ierior when 

 we consider the above objections given against I'aris green. For 



