00 MARYLAND AGKICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 



bodies clusters of white, oval, egg-like cocoons should be left alone, as 

 the cocoons are those of the Microgaster parasite, which should be given 

 every opportunity to multiply. Late fall ploughing results in the de- 

 struction of many of the pupa^', and a large number of the parent moths 

 may be poisoned l\v pouring a little li({uid cobalt into the flowers of the 

 "Jimpson" Aveed {Datura stramonium ) The moths are strongly attracted 

 to the flowers, and readily suck up the poisonous dose. This method 

 has been so effective at the Louisiana Station that a row of Jamestown 

 weeds has been purposely planted around the tobacco field, Avhilea patent 

 has been granted for an imitation of the Jamestown weed flower in por- 

 celain, to be used for the same purpose. 



THK MELON PLANT-LOUSE. 



This insect (Aphis cuciimeris Forbes) Avas observed in great numbers on 

 the undersides of the leaves of the canteloupe vines during the latter part 

 of July. No new observations of any importance were made, but it Avas 

 noticed that, contrary to the ordinary published statements, the' lice re- 

 mained quite numerous beyond the time of ripening of the fruit, a winged 

 brood appearing during the first week in August. L'nder-spraying of the 

 leaves with a dilute kerosene emulsion is i-ecommended for this insect, 

 and the spraying is done by fitting to the hose of a knapsack or bucket 

 pump an upturned Cyclone nozzle, the hose being clamped or wired to a 

 three-foot cane, so that the nozzle may be readily thrust beneath the 

 leaves. This is probably the most convenient method where a large num- 

 ber of vines have to l)e treated. Mr. H. (iarman, of the Kentucky Experi- 

 ment Station, uses bisulphide of carbon in a very effective Avay against, 

 this insect, and his method is advisable for smaller patches. One entire 

 vine is well gathered up into a bunch and a large sized Avash-tub is in- 

 verted OA'er it. A table spoonful of bisulphide of carbon in a saucer is 

 then placed under the tub and the edge of the latter is })ressed doAvn into 

 the earth. The bisulphide evaporates rapidly and its fumes kill the lice 

 Avithout injury to the plant. 



THE ASPARAGUS BEETLE. 



This is a handsome black, yellow and red beetle, known ])y the scien- 

 tific name of Crioccris asparagi, L. It is a well-knoAvn species, passes the 

 Avinter in the lieetle state, and lays small, black, ovoid eggs on the young- 

 asparagus shoots in spring. The larva? hatching from these eggs reach 

 full groAvth in about tAvo Aveeks and descend into the ground to undergo 

 transformation into pupa^ and beetles. The second generation of beetles 

 appear ten days after the descent into the earth, and lay their eggs for a 

 second generation of larvft on the more mature plants. The actual num- 

 ber of generations during the year has not been definitely ascertained and 

 Ave may assume that it Avill vary according to the latitude. There is in 

 Maryland, Avithout much doulit, a third generation of beetles Avhich go 

 into Avinter quarters rather early. The fact that Mr. Lull found eggs, 

 larva? and beetles rather abundant on old asparagus plants as late as 

 August 31, Avould indicate that there may be even four generations in 

 this latitude. 



