162 THE HOT-HOUSE. [FEE. 



draw out the nutricious juices themselves, but also destroy the tubes 

 through which they flow. The upper parts of the leaves being 

 thus deprived of their nourishment, consequently die. But these 

 insects do not attack the roots, as has been frequently asserted. 



3. THE WHITE MEALY CRIMSON-TINGED INSECT. This ittSCCt, 



as well as the former, I have not found to be noticed by naturalists. 



This species also has all the characters of a Coccus, but in all 

 probability belongs to another genus. For whereas the two former 

 species are undoubtedly oviparous, this seems to be viviparous. 

 It is mcKt probable that the young ones remain some time in the 

 mealy down of the mother till they have acquired strength, and 

 are arrived at such a degree of perfection, as to enable them to 

 support themselves. ...when they forsake the parent insect, and dis- 

 perse to different parts of the plant. 



When this species is first perceived on the leaves of the Pine, it 

 appears to be nothing more than small particles of meal or powder, 

 collected together ; but in a few days it assumes the form of a louse 

 or bug, thickly covered with a fine meal or down, of an oval form 

 on its upper, and very flat on its under side, from whence proceed 

 its legs, which are six in number. These, as well as many other 

 particulars in the above, and preceding descriptions, are not to be 

 distinguished without the help of glasses. 



The last described species, is of a more pernicious nature than 

 the former ; it attacks every part of the plant, from the top of its 

 fruit, even to the most extreme parts of its roots. These animals 

 wedge themselves in between the protuberances of the fruit, in a 

 most surprising manner, so as not to be got out without difficulty, 

 which not only makes the fruit appear very unsightly when it 

 becomes ripe, but by robbing it of its nutricious juices, is the 

 cause also of its wanting flavour and being ill tasted. 



But the bad effects of this species on the mots of the plants, are 

 yet of a far worse consequence ; for there, even at the bottom of the 

 pots, they increase with an uncommon degree of rapidity, so as soon 

 to become very numerous, and in the end to destroy the principal 

 roots of the plants. 



There have been various methods used for the extirpation of these 

 insects^ such as shifting the plants and washing their roots ; decoc- 

 tions from tobacco, wormwood, walnut leaves, henbane, and other 

 herbs of a bitter or poisonous quality. Some have added to the 

 above, snuff, sulphur and pepper. These and many other remedies 

 have been tried to very little purpose ; at length Mr. Win. Sjieechly, 

 then Gardener to the Duke of Portland, England, discovered and 

 recommended in his excellent treatise on the culture of the Pine- 

 Apple, the following receipt, which he asserts, " for the destruction 

 of these insects, had never failed him ; its efficacy being conformed 

 by nine years experience." 



THE RECEIPT. 



Take one pound of Quicksilver ; put it into a glazed vessel, and 

 pour upon it one gallon of boiling water, which let stand till it becomes 



