352 BLIGHT. 



small tufts of this downy matter, convey the crea- 

 ture with it from tree to tree throughout the whole 

 orchard. In the autumn, when this substance is 

 generally long, the winds and rains of the season 

 effectually disperse these insects, and we observe 

 them endeavouring to secrete themselves in the 

 crannies of any neighbouring substance. Should 

 the savoy cabbage be near the trees whence they 

 have been dislodged, the cavities of the under 

 sides of its leaves are commonly favourite asylums 

 for them. Multitudes perish by these rough re- 

 movals, but numbers yet remain ; and we may find 

 them in the nodes and crevices, on the under sides 

 of the branches, at any period of the year, the long, 

 cottony vesture being removed, but still they are 

 enveloped in a fine, short, downy clothing, to be 

 seen by a magnifier, proceeding apparently from 

 every suture or pore of their bodies, and protecting 

 them in their dormant state from the moisture and 

 frosts of our climate. This aphis, in a natural 

 state, usually awakens and commences its labours 

 very early in the month of March ; and the hoari- 

 ness on its body may be observed increasing daily : 

 but if an affected branch be cut in the winter, and 

 kept in water in a warm room, these aphides will 

 awaken speedily, spin their cottony vests, and feed 

 and discharge as accustomed to do in a genial 

 season. 



It is often very difficult to ascertain the first 

 appearance of many creatures not natives of our 

 climate, though, from the progress of science, and 



