CHAP. V.] DESTROYING INSECTS. 109 



brown mark is occasioned by the epidermis 

 drying where the pulp beneath it has been re- 

 moved. The moth is called the red-headed 

 pygmy, and it is so small as not to measure 

 more than two lines and a half broad, when its 

 wings are fully expanded. 



The " worm i' th' bud " of the rose is the 

 maggot, or grub, of one of the kinds of saw- 

 fly ; a beautiful transparent-winded little crea- 

 ture, that no one would suspect of sprinoino- 

 from such a frightful-looking maggot. But of 

 all the insects that infest the rose, the most de- 

 structive are the aphides. These little irreen 

 flies cover the tender leaves and buds of the 

 young shoots in myriads, and are extremely 

 difficult to destroy without spoiling the appear- 

 ance of the shoots that have been attacked by 

 them. Tobacco-water is an excellent remedy, 

 if not too strong. It should be made by steep- 

 ing half a pound of the best tobacco in a gallon 

 of hot water; and, as soon as the infusion has 

 become cold, the young shoots should be dipped 

 in it, and suffered to remain a few seconds, after 

 which they should be immediately washed in 

 clean water before they are suffered to dry. If 

 this be done carefully, the insects will be de- 

 stroyed, and yet the shoots will remain unin- 

 jured ; but if the tobacco-water be too strong 

 or if it be suffered to dry on the plant, the shoot 

 will be blackened, and the youn^ leaves de- 

 stroyed. Lime-water may also be tried, if no 

 more lime be used than the water will hold in 

 solution ; as unless the water be quite clear in 

 appearance when applied, the plant will be very 

 much disfigured with the white stains of the 



