36 



has at times disappeared, and it is more than likely that it has been de- 

 stroyed by the Scymnus marginicollis, figured under the head of useful 

 insects. A species of Scymnus is reported by Professor Comstock to destroy 

 them in Florida. Unless checked by natural enemies, the mealy bugs 

 multiply very rapidly, and mass themselves in the corners of the leaves. 

 The plants turn black from the fungus growth growing on the honeydew, 

 and the bush presents the same appearance as a scale-infested plant. 



Remedies. 



The most successful remedies I know of are the rosin solutions recom- 

 mended under the head of the fluted scale. 



CHAPTER II. 



GENERAL REMEDIES FOR SCALE INSECTS. 



Winter washes — Modes of preparing — Condition of trees for spraying — Time of appli- 

 cation — Caustics — Sununer remedies — Proportions of ingredients— Kerosene emulsion. 



WINTER WASHES. 



For Scale Insects on Deciduous Trees. 



The wide difference in the atmospheric conditions in the different parts 

 of the State has proved, as might be expected, that different remedies will 

 be found suitable to different localities. When comparing the efficac}^ of 

 a wash used in one locality, with that of another in another locality, we 

 are apt to be misled. Only by trying the same remedy in different locali- 

 ties can definite conclusions be reached. As a general thing, the caustic 

 remedies have been used with good success in the more cool and moist cli- 

 mates of the coast. When well applied, they must be considered among 

 the best and most efiiicacious we have. On the other hand, they have been 

 generally less successful in the interior of the State, where a dry atmos- 

 phere prevails for a longer time. 



In using caustic washes the following points must be especially taken 

 into consideration: 



1. Condition of trees. 



2. Time of application. 



1. Trees must be dormant; otherwise the fruit buds, especially when 

 advanced, will be damaged. 



2. A humid atmosphere, without being actually so as to cause w^ater to 

 run down the trees, is much more preferable than very dry weather; in 

 fact, as was proved last season, actual damage has been done to trees when 

 wash has been applied during such weather, and the results in killing the 

 scale have also been unsatisfactory under such circumstances. 



While we still believe that the caustic, in the proportions given below, 

 when used under precisely favorable conditions, is as sure and wholesome 

 a remedy as we can apply to apples, pears, and plums, the simple whale 

 oil and sal soda remed}-, especially for peaches and cherries, has proved 

 very efficacious; but great care must be exercised in applying it, as the 

 oil is apt to separate unless well stirred, and the compound kept warm. 



