106 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA : 



the juices of the body are then sucked out. These little 

 wood-bugs are not altogether desirable friends, however, 

 as they smell vilely, more especially whilst in the larval 

 stages, and are not at all particular in their choice of 

 food, more especially when such fruits as strawberries, 

 raspberries, &c., are in season. I am informed, however, 

 by an old Bendigonian, Mr. Carolin, that some of his 

 neighbours are preserving this bug as a means of assist- 

 ance to them in keeping down the ravages of this 

 beautiful but destructive caterpillar. In the first part of my 

 book I mentioned that I was inclined to pin more faith in 

 the judicious use of the various insecticides than to the 

 chance of our natural parasites helping us to clear off 

 pests. I must now confess to the feeling of a greater 

 desire to foster and protect such parasites as can be 

 proved to be destructive to our garden pests, both native 

 and introduced. When we consider what has already 

 been accomplished by my friend and fellow worker, Mr. 

 A. Koebele, in America, through the introduction of the 

 little Ladybird (Novius) for the purpose of destroying 

 the dread cottony cushion scale, Icerya Purchasi, we can- 

 not overlook the fact of the utility of insect parasites if 

 judiciously introduced; but this in our colony would be 

 well-nigh impossible, at least at present, as in such matters 

 it would require a large staff, also field workers, in- 

 spectors, &c., with all the machinery necessary to carry 

 out a large department. I must then partially adhere to 

 my former statement, that well-regulated spraying and 

 other means herein recommended are mostly preferable 

 to any other methods for keeping insect pests in subjec- 

 tion. 



The Vine Moth is one of our oldest enemies. We must 

 pay strict attention to the destruction of the first horde 

 of moths, remembering that by destroying these we 

 largely check the increase at the outset. There are 

 other methods for keeping off this pest, such as enclosing 

 the vines under muslin covers ; this, although a good 

 plan, is of course, unworkable in a vineyard, where time 

 is money. 



