2 ASPARAGUS. 



The beetles are about a quarter of an inch long, bhie-l)Iack 

 or greenish ; the body behind the head red, with two bhick 

 spots. The wing-cases arc ochreous-yellow, with a Hue down 

 the centre of the back, a branch from each side of it, and also 

 a spot or patch at the base and tip of each wing-case of blue- 

 black. These markings form a kind of cross, whence the 

 name sometimes given of " Cross-bearer." 



The successive broods of Beetles lay their eggs directly 

 after development, and the insect, in all stages, may be found 

 from about the middle of June till the end of September. 



The 12-spotted Asparagus Beetle, which differs from the 

 above in being red, with twelve spots on the wing-cases, is 

 seldom found in England. 



Prevention and Eemedies. — Dipping the infested shoots 

 in a mixture of half a pound of soft-soap, a quarter of a pound 

 of flower of sulphur, and about the same quantity of soot, 

 well mixed together in a pail of warm water, has been found 

 a good remedy. The infested shoots were well dipped, and 

 next day the grubs were found to have all been cleared off. 

 The plants were afterwards syringed, to clean off the dirt left 

 by the dipping, and soon regained their healthy appearance. 

 — (W. D. C.) 



Syringing with water warm enough to make the grubs 

 loosen hold, but yet not of a heat to hurt the leafage, clears 

 them off well. The greater part of the grubs fall as the water 

 touches them, and the rest on a smart tap being given to the 

 shoot. Dry soot plentifully thrown on to them, whilst they 

 are on the ground under the Asparagus and are still wet, 

 appears quite to prevent any return of the grubs to the shoot. 

 If any (either of the beetles or grubs) return, a repetition of 

 the treatment would probably clear them comjjletely. 



A large number of beds may soon be dressed by a man and 

 boy going round together — one syringing, the other striking 

 the shoots and throwing the soot upon the grubs ; and the 

 growth of the Asparagus, after this slight manuring, is good. 

 The water should not be of a heat above what can be well 

 borne by the hand. 



Hand-picking has been recommended, but from the strong 

 hold that the grub has on the shoot this is difficult to manage 

 without hurting the plant ; but a little salt (or any other 

 application disagreeable to the grub) taken in the fingers, 

 instead of working bare-handed, helps to make it loosen its 

 hold. 



Cutting off the shoots that are badly infested with eggs 

 and burning them is of service. 



Shaking the beetles into a wide bason or tray, held below 



