coccidyE. 237 



add a handful of sulphur, one pint of paraffin, and ahoufc the same 

 quantity of turpentine. Then add about four gallons of soft water 

 to this mixture. Churn well with a syringe, and when cold, store 

 away in a stoppered barrel to prevent evaporation. Apply with a 

 whitewash brush about May, just as the larvae are hatching out, but 

 before application churn well with the syringe, to ensure the mixture 

 of the ingredients. 1 



I did not measure out the ingredients in exact proportions, but 

 took care not to add too much paraffin and turpentine. I have, how- 

 ever, in practice, been fortunate enough to have been associated with 

 healthy beech-trees in Northumberland, and therefore have not had 

 an opportunity of putting this mixture to the test on a large scale, but 

 all those who have tried it maintain that it answers well. In fact, I 

 had several portions of beech bark sent from various parts of the 

 country showing the good effects accruing from the application of 

 this mixture. 



A most interesting remedial measure has been brought under my 

 notice at Blagdon, in Northumberland. With an inch augur bore 

 three holes at about equal distance right into the centre of the trunk, 

 about three feet from the ground, and sloping slightly towards the 

 root of the tree. Into these holes place as much flowers of sulphur 

 as can be conveniently got in, and then cork them firmly up with a 

 plug of soft wood. This should be done in the autumn, and will be 

 found successful. It was first adopted about thirty years ago, and 

 the trees which were then operated on are now in comparatively good 

 condition. 



Though this remedial measure may be adversely criticised by many 

 practical men, nature would seem to suggest some analogous form of 

 treatment by inference from the copper beech being all but immune, 

 and also from the fact that certain species of fruit-trees are immune 

 from American blight and scale-insects. 



From an able and interesting leaflet of the Board of Agriculture the 

 following insecticides for this pest are recommended : 



(1) Paraffin emulsion. Mix equal proportions of soft soap, dis- 

 solved in boiling water, and paraffin, and churn them up by means of 

 a force-pump or syringe. When required for use add twenty times 

 its bulk of water, and again churn. 



1 This has been adopted by the Board of Agriculture. See Leaflet No. 140, 

 Remedy "No. 2." 



