THE GREEN PEACH APHIS. 5 



subdividing this family into suitable genera ; although, 

 as Mr. Buckton remarks, that amongst Aphidce caution 

 is necessary lest the not infrequent abnormal characters 

 of nervation should mislead us. This information is in- 

 cluded for the use of any persons who may care to take 

 up the subject, which will amply repay any one having 

 sufficient time to devote to so interesting a matter. 



Prevention and Remedies. 



In our chapter on the Black Peach Aphis some account 

 of the best methods for dealing with these pests will be 

 given; it may, however, be mentioned that the early use 

 of that useful article the " nicotine whale-oil soap " has 

 been tried by many persons with great success. When 

 the first part of this book was offered to the public, it 

 contained a statement that this soap would probably 

 prove very useful to growers for spraying purposes, and 

 these prognostications, I am glad to state, have been 

 amply verified. The chief difficulty which presents 

 itself when dealing with the Green Aphis on the branches 

 is, that the leaves through their being pierced by the 

 aphides have curled up, thus forming a partially secure 

 hiding place, and from whence it is exceedingly difficult 

 to destroy them. It has to be attempted, however, so 

 we must see to our machinery for spraying, and take 

 advantage of any improvement whereby our efforts may 

 be lessened or assisted; Many growers complain, and 

 not without reason, that the spraying often does as 

 much damage to the tree as do the aphides themselves. 

 This statement, however, is only partly true; for if discre- 

 tion is used whilst spraying, the tree, however tender, 

 cannot suffer in any great proportion to the damage done 

 by the aphis pests ; and if done thoroughly and properly, 

 as before explained and recommended, it cannot possibly 

 kill the tree, which, unless prompt measures are resorted 

 to, these pests will eventually do. We may, I think, 

 fairly and safely take up the position, that with ordinary 

 intelligence, and a high state of cultivation, in which is 

 of course included perfect drainage, coupled with such 



