16 HOTHOUSE DESTRUCTION OF INSECTS. [JANUARY. 



This done, lay the plant on its side, until it begin to 

 dry, then syringe well with clean water, and put it in 

 its respective station. Where a collection of plants 

 is free from any insects of the kind, every plant that is 

 introduced, ought to be minutely scrutinized, that the 

 unclean may be kept from the clean : the above insect 

 will feed almost on any plant, but indulges on Crdssulas, 

 any of the bristly Cactus, Gardenias, and in fact what- 

 ever is in the way. 



Cocus , or brown scaly insect, is frequently 



found on many plants, but we never could perceive that 

 it does any other material injury, than dirtying them. 

 We have always observed, that it is found in winter to 

 abound most in those situations which are most ex- 

 cluded from air; therefore is of less importance than the 

 other species, which eat and corrode the leaves of ten- 

 der plants. A washing with strong soap suds will de- 

 stroy them, or the above liquid will do it more effec- 

 tually. Tie a piece of sponge on the end of a small 

 stick, and scrub every leaf, stem, and crevice. Fumi- 

 gating destroys the larvae of this species. 



Cocus , or small white scaly insect, which 



generally infests Cycas revoluta and circinalis, the varie- 

 ties of Nerium oleander, Oleas, and several species of 

 Acacias, may be destroyed by washing as above with a 

 sponge, and a strong decoction of tobacco, using the 

 liquid about the warmth of 100. Being thus heated, 

 it irritates the insect, when, by easing itself from its 

 bed, the fluid passes under it, and causes immediate 

 death. If it is not thus irritated, it adheres so closely 

 to the foliage, that it will keep you at defiance. The 



