234 Red Spider. 



Though the insect is termed the red spider, scarcely one upon a leaf 

 will be found of that color ; most of them being of a gray, inclining to a 

 reddish-brown, and having whitish heads and legs. The color and size of 

 the insects vary in the case of different plants ; for on some they are much 

 brighter in color and larger than on others. 



The red spider attacks a great variety of plants, but chiefly those which 

 have large glossy leaves, and require a large supply of water ; and yet it 

 does not exclusively confine itself to the smooth-leaved plants, but is as 

 partial to the egg-plant as to the violet or strawberry. It appears to be 

 constant in nothing but in showing the same tokens of its presence ; and in 

 this respect it varies but slightly, if at all. Not being an entomologist, I 

 must leave a full description of the insect to those more qualified for the 

 task. And here I may observe, that a text-book on insects injurious to 

 garden-crops, published at a moderate price, would be a boon to many, 

 who, like myself, are willing to learn, and yet cannot obtain a work on the 

 subject, except at a cost totally disproportionate to their means. 



Of red spider I am only acquainted with two kinds or species. First, 

 The small and very active one that attacks vines, melons, and most culti- 

 vated plants grown under glass or in warm situations out doors. Second, 

 A comparatively large one, which I have found only on the gooseberry and 

 ivy. I have known the latter attack gooseberry-bushes with such severity 

 as to make them look as if they had been scorched. This is xtxy com- 

 monly the case on light, gravelly soils. 



Red spider destroys the vitality of the leaves, checks growth, and, when 

 its attacks are severe, altogether arrests it. It prevents the flowers 

 expanding, or attaining their perfection, as well as the swelling and matura- 

 tion of the fruit ; and impairs the well-doing of the plant. It likewise, by 

 stopping growth, limits the action of the roots, converting a vigorous plant 

 into one which is sickly. 



Predisposing causes innumerable have been assigned for its attacks ; but 

 the principal appear to be a dry atmosphere and a high temperature, with 

 too litde air at night. Some entertain the opinion, that no plant would be 

 attacked by insects if it were healthy ; but I have not yet seen a plant, 

 however healthy to all appearance, that did not become infested with some 

 insect. The green aphis is equally partial to a strong shoot of the rose as 



