Mr. C. C. Babington on Haliplus ferrugineus. 175 



on fruit-trees appear to be that, by absorbing the sap the growth 

 of the trees is retarded, the fruit loses both size and flavour, and the 

 crop decreases. 



In consequence of the female Coccus adhering close to the bark 

 it is extremel}^ difficult to eradicate, and I am not aware of any me- 

 thod of getting rid of it in this state short of scraping it off the 

 branches. This mode however would be extremely tedious and at 

 the same time endanger the life of the tree. There are various re- 

 medies in use, such as washing the trees with tobacco water, soft 

 soap and water, and lime water, all destructive of insect life ; but in 

 a matter of this nature economy is of importance. Vege talkie solu- 

 tions are not injurious to vegetable life, but mineral washes are no 

 doubt dangerous. Lime water however is an exception, and com- 

 bines three important qualities. It is perfectly harmless to vegeta- 

 tion, it is cheap, and at the same time destructive to insects. I 

 should recommend two or three applications in the spring, at inter- 

 vals of one or two weeks, of strong lime water with a brush, and a 

 dusting of quicklime before the branches get drj^ ; or a washing of 

 soft soap and water, using also the powdered lime. For plants in 

 the green- and hot-house a solution of bitter aloes is said not only to 

 destroy the insect, but to prevent its future appearance on the plant 

 washed with it. 



I think the causes of failure in getting rid of this pest have arisen 

 from the application of remedies at improper seasons, that is, when 

 the female has become fixed to the plants. I would suggest that 

 the remedies be applied when the young larvae make their appear- 

 ance. In this state they are locomotive and may be easily detected 

 with a pocket magnifier. If therefore at this period any of the 

 above remedies were applied two or three times in the manner be- 

 fore suggested, I have little doubt of a successful result. 



XXXVIII. Observations oti Haliplus ferrugineus of Authors ^ 

 being an attemj^t at its Subdivision into several Species. 

 By Charles C. Babington, 31. A., F.L.S., Sfc. 



[Read May 4, 1835.] 



My attention having been drawn to the different appearance pre- 

 sented by insects placed in our cabinets under the name of Haliplus 

 ferrugineus, I determined upon i^ubjecting them to a careful examina- 



