284 APPLE. 



the roots from an infested tree, this question does not affect 

 means of prevention. Where Woolly Aphides are found on 

 the roots it is advised by Dr. A.sa Fitch to clear away the soil 

 as much as possible from the infested roots, and pour strong- 

 soap-suds in sufhcient 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. 



Besides the above aj)plications, so many others are mentioned 

 as being used with more or less success, it may be worth while 

 to give the list in some kind of order. It includes tar, kerosine, 

 paraffin, turpentine (diluted), also resin (with an equal 

 quantity of fish-oil, and put on warm) ; oils of various kinds ; 

 soaps of various kinds ; ammoniacal liquor from gas-works, 

 and ammoniacal animal fluid, especially drainings from 

 stables ; tobacco-water ; paints of lime and soap ; lime and 

 sulphur ; whitewash ; oil and soot ; and also plaster of 

 grafting-clay to stop up chinks with the blight enclosed. 



Of this vast collection of means of remedy, ])rohahly the most 

 serviceable are thorough drencldngs of sotne of the soap-tvashes, 

 applied hy means of the garden-engine to the tree directly the 

 attack is noticeable, accompanied by specicd applications of thick 

 mixtures of soap, or of any kind known to be desirable to kill 

 such of the blight insects as may have remained sheltered in 

 crevices of the bark. 



Apple Aphis (Green Fly). Aphis mali, Fabr. 



These Aphides infest the leaves, and are sometimes very 

 injurious. 



The following notes are taken from the excellent account 

 given of the species by Mr. G. B. Buckton, F.K.S., in his 

 'Monograph of British Aphides,' vol. ii., that being the only 

 life-history I am aware of giving information up to the present 

 period, aiid to it I refer the reader for full details : — 



" The black eggs of A. mali may be found deeply buried in 

 the crevices of the bark, and these hatch as soon as the spring 

 sap begins to swell off the buds. The young Aphides puncture 



