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Roses for Amateurs. 



Greenfly (Aphides]. 



Three or four species of Aphis infest Roses, causing 

 alike by their abstraction of sap and by their blocking up 

 the breathing-pores of the leaves wide- 

 spread damage. Being sucking insects, 

 it is useless to attempt to combat them 

 by employing the poisons recommended 

 for chewing insects, like Sawfly larvae. 

 Gardo, Abol, and V2 Fluid may all be 

 effectually used ; while hot water (three 

 gallons) to which is added a small piece 

 of soft soap (the size of a walnut) 

 previously melted in a little water, stirring 

 carefully, will serve to keep the pests at 

 bay until more radical measures can be 

 adopted. The illustration shows one of 

 the commonest of Aphis species found 

 on Roses. It is much magnified, as may 

 be gathered from the line at the side showing the natural 

 length of the insect. 



Hover-Flies. 



Belonging to the family Syrphidce (order Diptera) are 

 certain very familiar Flies from their habit of hovering over 

 flowers and from their Bee- or Wasp-like appearance. The 

 larvae of many of these are extremely useful to the Rose- 

 grower, as they feed entirely upon the Aphides, and their 

 appetite seems well-nigh insatiable. They are maggot-like 

 creatures, having leech-like movements that is, they are able 

 to contract or to lengthen the body at will. The body tapers 

 considerably, the fore-part being pointed. The movements of 

 these larvae may be watched as they stretch out the head to 

 seize, and eventually to suck dry, the unlucky Aphis. All 

 Syrphids found on plants should be carefully preserved. 



Rosae) - 



