THE APHIS VASTATOR ON OTHER PLANTS. 89 



(362.) The parsnip is infested by this insect sparingly. 

 In this plant the leaves die from its attack, and lastly the 

 root becomes affected. It is difficult to tell the precise in- 

 fluence the vastator has upon this plant, because another 

 Aphis is also generally found conjoined with it. (Plate 

 vii., fig. 5.) 



(363.) I have found the vastator on the chickweed plant 

 in some instances, but not as yet to such an extent as to 

 cause extensive damage. 



(364.) I have seen young elder trees infested with this 

 Aphis, but I have not noticed much mischief as a conse- 

 quence. 



(365.) The Geranium molle has its leaves and stem, 

 and in fact the whole plant, frequently destroyed by this 

 insect. 



(366.) The common plantain may also be found suffer- 

 ing from the effects of the ravages of the vastator. 



(367.) Of all plants there are few, or perhaps none, 

 so difficult entirely to destroy as the common groundsel. 

 Every one knows that its eradication from the garden is 

 scarcely to be effected ; and yet this little insect can kill 

 it entirely with great certainty. It will attack a very 

 vigorous plant, and shortly the leaves begin to change 

 color and shrivel up, precisely like the potatoe ; the stem 

 becomes distended with water, and presently dies. I could, 

 in one particular field, have procured a large basket-full 

 of specimens of this plant utterly destroyed by the vastator. 



(368.) The shepherd's purse is killed in almost a similar 

 manner, and to a similar extent, although a very hardy 

 plant. 



(369.) The common spurge is liable to be most exten- 



