THE ORANGE. 635 



INSECTS. 



Few trees are more liable to attacks of insects than mem- 

 bers of the citrus tribe, but an inherent vigor makes them 

 generally proof against lasting injury from this source. In 

 a congenial soil, with favorable climatic conditions, the skil- 

 ful cultivator feels little concern, knowing that where the 

 parasitic enemies of any insect exist an undue increase of 

 the latter is attended by a corresponding multiplication of the 

 former, and thus is the balance of nature preserved. The use 

 of insecticides is but a partial remedy, and without the aid of 

 friendly parasites would, in many cases, prove inadequate. 

 It is wise to apply the ounce of preventive and maintain a 

 strict quarantine against the introduction of these insidious 

 foes, and the wisdom of this is now being recognized by 

 stringent laws imposing penalties against the admission of 

 infected or infested plants. 



One of the most widely distributed insects affecting the 

 citrus in Florida is the Rust-Mite (Phytops). Almost too mi- 

 nute to be seen with the naked eye, it swarms in incredible 

 numbers over the trees, and, attaching its beak to the fruit, 

 sucks the juices of the peel, leaving it blackened and dry. 

 Such fruit, commercially undesirable from a disfigured ap-' 

 pearance, also loses much of the delightful aroma, but carries 

 and keeps better, and the juices evaporate more slowly. On 

 the other hand it is more readily injured by frost, which 

 causes it to drop and decay, before any effects are shown upon 

 the bright. So that, although some claim preference for a 

 rusty orange, the presence of this mite is objectionable, as de- 

 preciating the market value of the fruit, as well as more or 

 less affecting the health of the tree by a draft upon its 

 strength. It is combated by spraying with a solution of sul- 

 phur and lime, or any other good insecticide, in May or June, 

 before its migration to the fruit, and occasionally thereafter, 

 to make " assurance double sure." Lime or sulphur dusted 

 over the foliage while wet with dew or rain is also help- 

 ful. 



The Red Spider, Tetryancus sex maculatus, or spotted mite, 

 and several other similar mites, formerly inhabiting other 

 growths, but of late emigrating to citrus-trees as the latter 

 became common, do much harm by sucking the leaves, and 



