246 TRANSACTIONS OF ROYAL SCOTTISH ARBORICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
Entomologists are only acquainted with the female of this 
family, which is closely allied to the Aphzde, but further 
investigation may prove that both male and female exist at 
certain seasons of the year, while the larve are yet actively 
engaged looking for new spheres of action. Once the female 
settles down in earnest to egg-laying, the felted appearance 
becomes more and more marked. 
A number of experiments have been tried here with a view to 
finding out the most efficacious method of destroying the pest. 
The three recipes given in the above-mentioned leaflet, being 
more or less difficult to apply, and the caustic alkali wash requir- 
ing repeated applications before being effective, a cheaper and 
simpler wash is necessary where a large number of trees are 
infested. 
A weak wash of creosote (half a gallon of creosote to five 
gallons of water) was tried on the lower limbs of one tree, with 
perhaps the best results as far as the destruction of the insect 
was concerned; but while no apparent damage to the health 
of the tree followed, the stained appearance would disfigure 
specimen trees. 
A simple and effective wash is one composed of 1 Ib. of Life- 
buoy soap to three gallons of water. The soap is first cut up 
and then put into a strong galvanised pail, the necessary water 
added, and the whole gently heated over a fire until the soap is 
dissolved. It is then ready for use, and should be applied with 
an ordinary scrubbing-brush, and well rubbed into the bark to 
break up the colonies. It thickens more or less rapidly, accord- 
ing to the temperature of the air, and should be reheated 
occasionally to make it thin and easy of application. One 
application of this wash has been found to be quite effective in 
destroying both insects and eggs on the smooth bark; but where 
not carefully applied to the fissured and rough bark, a few eggs 
have been found to hatch out during the summer following, and 
a second dressing has been necessary. For cheapness, efficiency, 
and ease of application, this is the best wash that has been tried 
here, and with it a couple of active men can soon get over a 
large number of trees. It may be applied at any season of the 
year, but as it works into a lather and dries on the tree, sticking 
until washed off by rain, when the stems are left clean, dry 
weather should be taken advantage of. GroRGE LEVEN, 
Auchincruive. 
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