SAIV JOSi. SCALE 97 



In the attempt to get a thoroughly curculio-proof plum, 

 these nurseries, in '84-'87, introduced from California the 

 Kelsey, an improved Japanese variety which they obtained 

 from the San Jos6 district. Beyond all doubt these trees 

 were infected, for it is recorded that they never did well, 

 and probably all died. This, however, was sufficient for 

 the infesting of the nursery and of the east. 



Its first appearance in Connecticut is described in bulle- 

 tin 121 of the Connecticut Station, New Haven, published 

 July, '95, by Dr. Sturgis and Professor Britton. 



Appearance. — On account of its minute size and incon- 

 spicuous colors the San Jos6 scale is not easily distin- 

 guished, and might easily pass unnoticed till the tree itself 

 gave evidence that something was wrong, and then it is 

 generally too late to save the plant. 



In general, the appearance may be said to be that of a 

 grayish, slightly roughened, scurfy deposit. The individ- 

 uals appear rather circular or pear-shaped, with a central 

 blackish nipple, and are of a dirty brown or grayish color. 

 Trees thickly infested lose their characteristic color and ap- 

 pear as if coated with ashes. If this coating be scraped or 

 crushed, the mass will show a yellowish liquid if the insects 

 are alive. When the tree is not badly infested the insects 

 occur singly or in small groups on the twigs, or at the base 

 of the leaves. 



The insect may be seen under the scale, by first lifting 

 the scale with the point of a knife, as a yellowish, jelly-like 

 mass. When found on the fruit the individuals are sur- 

 rounded by a purplish ring, which is also, in some cases, 

 seen on very young twigs. 



Of all the scale insects found in Connecticut, this is the 

 only one having a distinctly circular outline. 



Professor Britton gives the size of the mature scale as 

 about one-eighth of an inch in diameter. This is rather 

 larger than any I have seen, yet it is near enough for 

 practical purposes. 



Life History. — The insect passes the winter in a nearly 

 mature stage, protected by the scale. Early in the spring 

 the winged males appear and a few weeks later (middle of 

 May) the females begin to give birth to living young. 



