SCALES IN MINNESOTA. | 465 
The Eccentric Scale of the Elm, (Aspidiotus ancylus, PUT.) 
Some of our silver maples and elms reveal the presence of a small 
gray scale, which so closely resembles the color and texture of the 
bark to which it is fastened that it would be still more difficult to 
see itifit were not raised above the smooth surface of its resting 
place. Such scales, about one-sixteenth of aninch in diameter, are 
somewhat circular or oval, are usually found together in groups of 
of all sizes from three or four to one hun- 
dred or more. It frequently happens that ‘o 
the scales overlap each other, and some of 
them are thus pushed upon the backs of 
their fellows, so that they do not touch the 
bark atall. The advantage ofalong thread- 
like beak as a mouth is now apparent, for 
with it the insect can draw its supply of 
food from the plant between the scales and 
underneath. The scale of the female has 
two small excuvie, the smaller of which 
“constitutes a yellow or orange dot placed 
eccentrically at one side of the center of the 
scale; hence, the name, “eccentric scale.” 
This species does not occur in sufficient numbers to cause much 
damage, but as it may be mistaken for the true San José scale it is 
here described. Figure six shows both sexes of this scale. 
The Gloomy Scale. (Aspidiotus tenebricosus. ComstT.). In the 
south it is a dangerous scale, which, although it spreads rather 
slowly, in course of time covers the branches of the largest maples, 
often causing their death. With us this scale is rather uncommon, 
but itis perfectly able to withstand the rigors of our winters. The 
scale is dark gray, roundish and larger than the dreaded San José 
scale, the female having a diameter of one-fourteenth of an inch. 
The Oyster-shell Bark louse. (Mytilaspis pomorum. BOUCHE.). 
This is one of the best known scales, having been described over, 
eighty years ago. It attacks the apple and many other orchard 
trees; most deciduous trees do not escape, however, if the scale be- 
comes at all numerous: The female dies early in the fall, and her 
shriveled body may be found during winter underneath the scales 
Behind her are the numerous eggs, forty to ninety, which pass the 
winter in these well protected shelters. The scale has been reported 
as being found in our state, though the writer has as yet not seen 
any specimens. It can cause considerable trouble and damage, but 
seems to thrive best in a more southern climate. 
The Scurfy Scale*(Chionaspis purpurus. FITCH.) is also found 
upon the apple tree. 
The San José scale has been treated upon in an earlier issue of 
the Horticulturist. 
Fic 6.—Eccentric Scale of 
the Elm. 
KEROSENE FOR CATERPILLARS—Last year there were more than a 
thousand nests of caterpillars onmy trees. When they first hatched 
I took a pail of kerosene and a swab on the end of along pole. I 
dipped the swab into the kerosene and rubbed it over the nests and 
the caterpillars. This destroyed them so thatI saw no more of them 
last year. 
