METHODS OF PREVENTION AND REMEDIES. 57 



destructive Aspidiotus awrantii, etc. Care should, 

 therefore, be taken not to place infested fruit near to 

 growing plants ; and the rinds of all infested fruit 

 should be destroyed. 



The encouragement of the various species of tits 

 (Paridae), the tree creeper, and other insectivorous 

 birds in our gardens is also a sure means of checking 

 the increase of certain Coccids, and their presence in 

 our gardens during winter should never be denied. 

 Their services at such times cannot be overrated, and 

 more especially so that of the little blue titmouse. I 

 am fully aware of the injury caused by these birds 

 to apples and pears; but in view of their excellent 

 services give them all the encouragement you can 

 afford. In winter encourage their presence by throw- 

 ing out an occasional handful of maize ; this will 

 attract them, and will generally keep them within the 

 bounds of your garden. When they have finished the 

 food which has been given them, which should not 

 be too plentiful, they will fill in the hours by inces- 

 santly searching for insects, and where " mussel scale " 

 abounds they freely eat it. (See also chapter on 

 Natural Enemies of the Coccidae, pp. 33 41.) 



INSECTICIDES. 



Paraffin and Soap, or " Kerosene Emulsion." This is 

 one of the most effective of insecticides, and may be 

 used as a remedy against various insect pests. Under 

 varying proportions of the ingredients it has been in 

 use for a number of years, and has found much favour 

 among horticulturists. The only difficulty with this 

 preparation is to obtain a perfect emulsion, which for 

 obvious reasons must be made ; and to ensure this use 

 the following proportions : 



Soap . . . . . | Ib. 

 Paraffin . . . . .2 galls. 

 Soft water .... 1 gall. 



