IN THE GARDEN. 



vertically downwards. This insect strips 

 the rind off the shoots of the tree, attack- 

 ing- the green petioles and flower-buds and 

 stalks. When numerous, the result of the 

 work of this pest and that of the banded 

 blister thief, for they will be found together 

 on the tree, is that the foliage of the plants 

 becomes scantier and scantier and the 

 flowers, those that are left, open with cut 

 and dishevelled petals, the blooms being 

 an eye-sore on the plant and useless 

 for the table. Collection as employed 

 for the banded oil beetle is the best way 

 to get rid of this unwelcome visitor, 

 which owing to its considerable size 

 half an inch long is easily seen. 



Of Caterpillars in the garden their 

 number is legion, but there is one which 

 is occasionally pre-eminent during its 

 periods of abundance. I allude to a 

 silky black beggar vividly picked out 

 with orange and red and white spots 

 and little stripes. He is a striking object 

 this, and once seen in any numbers, is 



65 



