79 



migration back to the elm takes place sometimes in the same 

 autumn, but more commonly in the next spring. It is probable 

 that this insect is more prevalent than is generally supposed 

 and that its presence is associated with a reduction in the 

 growth of the bushes. In the present state of our knowledge 

 it is impossible to speak definitely on the subject, to which, 

 however, attention should be given as it may prove of consider- 

 able importance to currant growers. 



In the present unsatisfactory position as regards soil fumi- 

 gants, little can be said as to methods of control. When a 

 consignment of young stock for planting is found to be 

 infected, dipping the roots in an insecticide should be tried. 



THE BROWN SCALE. 



(Lecanium persicae, Geoff roy.) 



.... . _ . . .__ i 



Photo'] [R. A. Malby. 



FIG. 1. Brown Scale on Peach Twig (slightly magnified). 



This insect or its variety L. ribis Fitch is found in great 

 abundance on the gooseberry, currant, peach and nectarine, 

 and also on a number of other cultivated and wild plants. It 

 has a decided preference for the older branches, the young 

 shoots being attacked only when the insects become over- 

 crowded. As a rule it is much more prolific on plants grown 

 in sheltered spots, especially on wall-trained trees in a fairly 

 sunny aspect, and peaches and nectarines in houses often suffer 

 severely. 



The Brown Scale is very generally distributed throughout 

 England, but is less known in Wales, Scotland and Ireland. 



Description and Nature of Damage. The mature female 

 and old dead females are easily recognised as brown " scales," 

 a little longer than broad, flat beneath and highly^ convex 

 above (Fig. 1). At first these " scales " are dusky yellow 

 with darker transverse bands, but become darker with age 

 until they may be light reddish-brown to dark chestnut- 



