CURRANTS ENEMIES. ,67 



Woolly Currant Scale (Pulvinaria ribesire, Signoret). This pest occurs on black, 

 red, and white currant bushes, also on some species of Ribes and Pyrus. It has infested 

 currant bushes for many years, but has not spread to any great extent ; yet it recurs at 

 intervals, and appears to have been acclimatized since 1880. It was introduced from the 

 Continent, and has increased more of late years than formerly through increased com- 

 mercial intercourse. The scale resembles that of the vine, but is smaller, thicker, and 

 more heart-shaped, longer in the embryo state, and with more cottony matter, which 

 is drawn out by the young scales in all directions, extending from branch to branch in 

 web-like order. They appear about midsummer, and are then readily destroyed by 

 spraying with Coates' wash (page 260, Vol. I.), or resin compound. In winter spray 

 the bushes with the above-mentioned caustic solution, or dress them thoroughly with 

 Taylor's composition (page 191, Vol. I.). Trees against walls and in warm situations 

 are the most liable to infestation. 



Red spider and thrips occasionally infest currant bushes, and should be destroyed 

 by the remedies prescribed for each in Vol. I., pages 269 and 274 respectively. Lichen 

 and moss weaken the growths and harbour insect pests. We have only to repeat 

 that a dusting with quicklime in winter whilst the bushes are damp with mist or fog 

 destroys the incrustations, and is a good preventive of birds taking the buds. 



