74 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA. 



the merits of cheapness and effectiveness, and is also 

 perfectly safe. The resin compound is also a splendid 

 remedy for both aphides and scale, and should be largely 

 used as occasion requires. 



It is, so far as I am aware, not yet ascertained whether 

 this pest of the orange also attacks the roots, as does the 

 peach aphides, woolly aphides, &c., but I think it is not at 

 all unlikely that it does do so. 



In treating the orange for aphides on the roots, sup- 

 posing them to exist there, we must be very careful, as 

 most members of the citrus family are very susceptible to 

 damage if their roots are disturbed, and on no account 

 must the soil be opened out and the roots bared, as one 

 could safely do with the apple, pear, plum, &c. 



If the roots are found to be attacked the best plan 

 w^ould probably be to adopt the carbon treatment in a 

 similar manner as is practised in Bordeaux and other large 

 French vine-growing centres, a plate of the machine for 

 which, I may again remark, is to be found at the end of 

 the present part of the book. 



The orange aphis is one which, if promptly and per- 

 sistently tackled, should not cause us much alarm. Thin 

 out the branches where possible, burn up all affected ones, 

 and thoroughly spray the rest. Do not wait for the 

 parasites to come around and help you, although they are 

 valuable auxiliaries. Keep the sprayer and scarifier 

 going, and your orchard will repay you for the extra 

 trouble taken. 



