1 88 NEW ZEALAND GARDENING. 



Diamond Back Turnip Moth (Plutetta Crurifu- 

 arium). This destructive insect has made its appearance in 

 our gardens within the last two years. In 1886 the cater- 

 pillar of this moth destroyed at least ^ of the whole turnip 

 and garden crops (of the cabbage tribe) in Canterbury. The 

 caterpillar, which is green, attacks the underside of the 

 leaves, and soon eats its way through : completely riddling 

 the leaf and destroying the plant. Several remedies have 

 been suggested, such as dusting with lime, soot, and sulphur, 

 but we cannot say that we have much faith in any of the 

 remedies. Small birds are our best allies, especially the 

 native white-eye. 



Mealy Bug ( Dactylopius adonidum). This is a 

 universal pest in hothouses ; it is also found in the gardens 

 and nurseries. A fine mealy substance covers the body, 

 hence the name. This pest is very prolific. Gishurst's 

 compound is one of the best means of getting rid of this 

 troublesome pest ; fumigation, as recommended for aphis, 

 may also be resorted to. Whatever remedies are used, they 

 must be thoroughly carried out, otherwise the bug will soon 

 destroy all before it. Mealy bug also attacks the leaves and 

 bunches of grapes, rendering the fruit almost unfit for use. 

 It harbours under the loose bark of the vine, in the border 

 about the roots, and in walls and crevices in Winter. The 

 only way to get rid of it is to clean all the loose bark off the 

 vines in Winter, wash the rods, and afterwards paint them 

 with a thick smearing, composed of clay, tobacco liquor, soft 

 soap, and sulphur. Wash all the woodwork and walls. The 

 leaves must also be watched, and washed with soap and 

 water. This pest can only be eradicated by constant 

 vigilance. 



Grass Grub ( ' Odontria Zealandia) commonly known 

 as the Grass Grub. The female deposits her eggs in 

 the ground, where in a short time they change into 

 grubs; these, when full fed, are about an inch long. 

 They are soft and white, with a reddish head and 

 strong jaws. In this state the insect remains four years, 

 during which time it commits terrible ravages on the roots 

 of grasses and other plants, such as strawberries, gnawing 

 away at the roots, so that the turf becomes brown. When 



