58 LEAF-BUGS. 
which extend over the prothorax and the greater part of the 
wing-covers, as shown in Fig. 48; there is also a black dot 
on the cuneus; two dusky bands occur on the femora; and 
traces of the same color are seen beneath the knees. It meas- 
ures somewhat more than one-fourth of an inch in length. This 
bug is becoming very numerous in Minnesota, and is getting 
decidedly injurious to the currant-bushes. It punctures the 
young and tender leaves on both their upper and lower surface, 
thus causing small brown spots not much larger than pin-heads, 
but these are frequently so numerous and placed so closely to- 
gether that the leaves wither completely. Sometimes the leaves 
become twisted, and in this way form most excellent hiding 
places for the culprit. The bugs are very active, and upon ap- 
proaching them they either drop to the ground or fly away. 
Beginning to feed in May and June, they continue for a month 
or two, often doing great injury by disfiguring the bushes and 
retarding their growth. 
Prof. Slingerland has given us a full account of the life- 
history of this insect in one of the excellent bulletins of the 
Entomological Division of the Cornell University Agricultural 
Experiment Station. He found that the eggs are deposited in 
slits cut lengthwise into the stems of the plants (see illustra- 
tion), extending through the bark, wood, and nearly half way 
through the pith. The female is enabled to do so by a peculiar 
Ovipositor, which, when not in use, is hidden in a groove. 
The Four-lined Leaf-bug is not easy to control. Prof. 
Slingerland advises the use of insecticides and mechanical means. 
As an insecticide he recommends the common kerosene emulsion; 
made as follows: 
“To make the emulsion dissolve one-half pound hard or 
soft soap in one gallon boiling water. While this solution is 
still very hot add two gallons of kerosene and quickly begin to 
agitate the whole mass through a syringe or. force-pump, draw- 
ing the liquid into the pump, and forcing it back into the dish. 
Continue this for five minutes, or until the whole mass assumes 
a creamy color, and a consistency which will adhere to the sides 
of the vessel, and not glide off like oil. It may now be readily 
diluted with cold rain water, or the whole mass may be allowed 
to cool when it has a semi-solid form, not unlike loppered milk. 
