AMERICAN HOME GARDEN. 283 



foliage, sometimes hanging in clusters upon the denuded 

 branches. 



Like most other insects, they have enemies. The darning- 

 needle, perhaps some birds, and domestic fowls to a limited ex- 

 tent, destroy them. The latter are said to be sometimes in- 

 jured by them ; it may be from irritation of the throat, &c., 

 caused by their rough claws. 



They are generally so numerous, however, that these ene- 

 mies make no perceptible diminution in their ravages, nor has 

 any effectual remedy for them been found. Net coverings are, 

 of course, a perfect defense, and grape-vines may be protected 

 by sowing plaster freely over them in. the morning when the 

 rose bug first comes, repeating the application if washed off by 

 rain. It seems to annoy and stupefy them, perhaps interfering 

 with their respiration. It does not, however, destroy them ; 

 the only process which really effects this is to gather them by. 

 hand into a pan of water every morning, or beat them into 

 sheets spread to catch them, and either crush, or drown, or 

 burn them. 



This process is made easier by being performed at once on 

 their first appearance. They are then found mostly in pairs, 

 and are sluggish and readily caught. 



VARIOUS WASHES TO DESTROY INSECTS. 

 Washes to destroy insect^ life are mostly either saline, cr 

 poisonous, or alkaline, and, unless used with caution and mod- 

 eration, become also dangerous to the health or life of the plant 

 to which they are applied. It is better to use them in the 

 evening or in cloudy weather than in bright sun, and to re- 

 peat the application than to make it only once and too strong. 

 Should this be done by accident, water immediately and freely. 



NO. 1. BRINE WASH. 



This may be made either a saturated solution, as the old 

 brine of meat-barrels, or weakened by adding one third water. 

 In either case, apply it moderately with a swab or brush to the 

 bark of strong trees only. It destroys some insects and much 

 fungous growth. 



