LARCH APHIS. 223 



the clear liquid, and wash or syringe the infested trees. This 

 was found to clear the tree thoroughly of the Bug and eggs. 

 The trees appeared to he a little sickened for a time, hut all 

 recovered. 



Washing with lime and water was also found to answer 

 both as a remedy and means of prevention, but made the 

 tree unsightly.— (D. F. M'K.) 



The use of quick-lime, in a plantation of Larches from 

 eight to twelve feet high, is noted as " very disagreeable, and 

 only partly successful." Tobacco-liquor is also mentioned as 

 being applied for Aphis-attack to Silver Firs, the solution 

 being rubbed on the tree and branches ; this was more 

 successful than the lime, but more expensive and difficult of 

 application. — (J. M'L.) 



Looking at the good effects both of tobacco and of soft-soap 

 for general use in clearing off Aphides, it is probable that 

 some of the Hop-washes in which these are combined (and 

 which might be easily applied by a garden-engine) would be 

 very serviceable. 



The following recipe from amongst those given under the 

 head " Hops " is simple, and found reliable for regular use in 

 the Hop-gardens : — To thirty-six gallons of water in a copper 

 add sixty pounds of soft-soap, then add either fourteen pounds 

 of bitter aloes or two pounds of tobacco, and boil together. 

 For use add thirty-six gallons of water to every gallon of this 

 liquid.— (J. W.) 



In dealing with the Larch Bug we have advantage from its 

 flocky coat, as washings and dressings, especially those of a 

 sticky nature, clog the down, and thus take good effect. 



The amount of the presence of this Chermes (like that of 

 other Aphides) appears to depend partly on such states of the 

 weather and local atmospheric surroundings of the trees as 

 may be suitable for increase of the insect, partly on the 

 health of the trees, and also on their neighbourhood to such 

 as are infested. 



Late frosts are noted as being injurious to the Larch, and 

 favourable to increase of the " Bug " ; this, presumably, for 

 the same reasons as in other cases of Aphis-attack that late 

 frosts commonly accompany clear skies, with bright sunshine 

 by day, and the sudden alternations of heat and cold are 

 unsuitable for healthy growth, but cause a condition of sap 

 suitable to the Aphides. In 1880, in which year the "Blight" 

 was very prevalent, it was observed in connection with frost in 

 June, and with hard dry winds ; and, looking back to pub- 

 lished records of former years, it is noticed as "most pre- 

 valent when the frosts were very severe late in the season." 



The health of the Larch depends greatly on local condi- 



