248 NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 
Pests—Virginia creeper. (Country gentleman. June 23,1898. 63: 490, 
col. 2—g9 cm) 
Apple-tree aphis, 47s mal Fabr., is identified, the remedy given and the state- 
ment made that the species will probably not cause farther injury the present season. 
The plum curculio is identified by its work. The Virginia creeper is thought to be 
of but little injury to old trees. 
Maples defoliated. (Country gentleman. June 23,1898. 63: 491, col. 
3—8 cm) 
Hundreds of silver maples were defoliated by a species of ?Madata [Xylina anten- 
nata Walker] in Schenectady. The outbreak is probably due to a dearth of parasites 
or favorable climatic conditions, and illustrates the destructive powers of many 
insects if unchecked. 
[See pages 207-13, 235, 236 of this report] 
Elm-leaf beetle. (Country gentleman. June 30, 1898. 63: 513, col. 3, 
4—49 cm) 
A brief general account of Galerucella luteo/a Miiller, giving ravages in Albany 
and Troy, its description, life history, habits and best methods of controlling the pest. 
Harlequin cabbage bug. (Country gentleman. June 30,1898. 63: 514, 
col. 1, 2—33 cm) 
This insect, WZurgantia histrionica Hahn., received from Mason county, W. Va., 
is figured, described, its distribution given and the additional territory it may be 
expected to invade indicated. The destructiveness of the insect is mentioned, and the 
use of rows of radishes or mustard as lures, where the bugs may be destroyed, is 
recommended. Its two egg parasites, 77issolcus murgantiae and 7. podist are men- 
tioned, 
Gall on white oak. (Country gentleman. June 30,1898. 63:514, col. 2 
— 18 cm) 
Galls on white oak, from Columbia county, N. Y., are identified as those of 
Anidricus seminator Harris and briefly described. The general characters of galls 
produced by insects are given and some interesting facts noted about the Cynipidae 
or gall flies. 
Pear-leaf blister-mite. (Country gentleman. July 7,1898. 63:526, 527, 
coli,4; 1-—— 14cm) 
The work of Phytoptus pyri Scheuten is identified, described, and the importance 
of fumigating nursery stock in order to prevent the distribution of such pests empha: 
sized, Destroying the infested leaves or spraying in winter with kerosene emulsion 
diluted with five to seven parts of water is recommended. 
Fleas and how tokillthem. (Country gentleman. July 7, 1898. 63: 537, 
Colyy2 = 17 cm) 
Though the cat and dog flea, Ceratopsyllus serraticeps, is usually termed the flea, 
there are 47 species known to occur on animals. ‘The life history of the dog flea is 
briefly given. Benzine, pyrethrum, sticky fly paper and cleanliness are the mean 
recommended for controlling these pests. 
