JANUARY.] HOTHOUSE DESTRUCTION OF INSECTS. ] 5 



body turned upwards. It frequently attacks the extremi- 

 ties of tender shoots, or young leaves, which become 

 shrivelled, brown, and will rub to dust easily between 

 the thumb and finger. When any leaves or shoots are 

 perceived to be so, if you do not observe the green fly, 

 expect the thrips. They may be destroyed by a fumi- 

 gation of tobacco, in the same manner as the green fly. 

 By the simple and expeditious method of fumigation, 

 these insects and several others may be destroyed effec- 

 tually at any time they appear. 



Cocus hesperidus, or mealy bug, has appeared in the 

 Hot-houses about Philadelphia within these few years, 

 and, if not instantly destroyed, increases rapidly. It 

 is of a white dusty colour, when broken, of a brownish 

 red, generally covered with down, under which it de- 

 posits its eggs ; and they, in a few months, come forth 

 in great numbers. The cocus generally is of a dor- 

 mant nature, but, in warm weather, they may be seen 

 moving rapidly up the stems of the plants. Fumigat- 

 ing has no observable effect on these insects ; there- 

 fore, as soon as they appear, recourse must be had to 

 other means. The liquid made from the following re- 

 ceipt, is death to any of the Cocus tribe : Take two 

 pounds of strong soap, one pound flour of sulphur, one 

 pound of leaf tobacco, one and a half ounce of nux vo- 

 inica, with a table spoonful of turpentine, which boil in 

 four gallons of river water to three ; then set aside to 

 cool. When boiling, stir it well with a stick, continu- 

 ing to do so until it is reduced as above. In this 

 liquor immerse the whole plant, drawing it to and fro 

 gently, that the liquor may penetrate every where. 



