INSECT ENEMIES 37 



INSECT ENEMIES 



1. The pear oyster scale is very injurious, especially 

 on walls, if not checked at an early stage. The cover- 

 ing of the female is like a small oyster scale, hence 

 the name. Scrape off any rough bark in winter, and 

 apply the alkali or one of the other washes as a pre- 

 ventive. In May and June affected parts might be 

 brushed with ] Ib. of soft soap in a gallon of water. 

 Tobacco or lime water might also be applied. Paraffin 

 largely diluted may be used, but is dangerous in excess. 

 Messrs Rivers in "The Miniature Fruit Garden" (p. 

 144) say : " Washing the parts affected with a mixture 

 of soot, lime and sulphur will remove the roughness 

 and restore the tree to health ; the above mixed with 

 skim milk is more enduring." As a believer from 

 experience in soot and lime, I prefer this receipt, if the 

 trees were not washed in winter. 



2. The Blister Moth makes brown blisters on the 

 leaves. It may be kept from laying eggs on the tree by 

 syringing occasionally with soap-suds. Spraying with 

 Paris Green just after the fruit is formed will do good. 

 Half an ounce of best paste to 10 or 12 gallons of water, 

 with some fresh lime added, will suffice for small gardens. 

 Spray only in fine weather just after the petals have 

 fallen. Paris Green is arsenic, and may poison bees if 

 used too soon. The sprayer should avoid breathing over 

 the mixture when making it up, should use gloves, work 

 from windward, and not allow any spray to reach his 

 flesh. A second spraying for this and other insects is 

 often useful. Blundell, Spence & Co. (Ltd.), Hull, 

 supply good paste. Price Ib. is., less for larger 

 quantities. See also No. 3. 



3. The Pear Leaf Mite causes small blisters on the 

 leaves, but not the tunnels or galleries of the Blister 

 Moth. It winters in the bud scales, and emerges in the 



