IX PESTS 171 
inference that, on the approach of winter, the ants 
had carried the aphides underground for safety. 
Ants in themselves are a pest, and should be 
looked on as such. I am doubtful whether they ever 
attack a Rose-bud unless it has been first pierced or 
scratched by another insect or some mischance. But 
they are readily attracted by the exuding sap from 
the smallest wound, and flock to the place in myriads, 
disbudding often offermg them such a spot in an 
undesirable position. When once they have thus 
attacked a bud nothing short of finding and destroy- 
ing the nest with boiling water will prevent their 
devouring the whole of it—even finger and thumb 
fail here because of the immense reserve force be- 
hind—and, as the bud is certainly spoiled, and it 
will take them some time to demolish it, I generally 
leave it for them to keep them out of other mischief. 
It is better though to watch all ants on the Rose 
beds, especially the black variety, to their nests, and 
destroy them there. I have tried a preparation 
called Formacicide, advertised as useful for their 
extermination, without much success. 
Frog-hoppers, commonly known as ‘‘ Cuckoo-spit,”’ 
are very troublesome in May in some places. The 
larva, looking something like an aphis, is to be 
found in the little patch of froth which is generally 
situated in the axil of a leaf. He must be dislodged 
and crushed, for it is plain that all that froth is made 
somehow from stolen sap from the shoot. Be sure 
you have him, for he will dodge about and hide in 
the hollow of the leaf-stalk most cleverly, and will 
be quite satisfied if you wipe away the froth and 
leave him behind. 
Harwigs only do serious harm in certain seasons. 
