Schizoneura lanigera. 



In the illustration opposite is shown the all too familiar 

 ' American blight." The swellings are the result of the con- 

 tinuous punctures of the rostra of the aphides, causing thereby 

 an ever-increasing flow of sap, and producing large warty 

 swellings on every part of the trunk and limbs of apple-trees. 

 In old and neglected orchards, more partidularly in the west of 

 England, trees may often be seen with every branch affected 

 in a similar manner to that shown on the opposite page. 

 Various preventions and remedies are now being resorted to, 

 and apple growers are becoming aware of the fact that it can 

 be checked, as well as prevented from spreading. The presence 

 of the aphides upon a tree in the summer time is unmistakably 

 shown by a quantity of white, downy substance on the trunk, 

 branches, and twigs. This is secreted by the aphides, and with 

 it they surround themselves, and are rendered sufficiently buoyant 

 to be carried a long distance by the wind. The injury done to 

 the tree results from the flow of sap through the wounds made 

 by the aphides. Being drawn away from the young shoots, 

 leaves, and fruit, the sap accumulates into soft, pulpy swellings 

 forced up through the bark. During the autumn and winter 

 these growths dry, and as they do so cracks appear on their 

 surface, producing scabby hypertrophies, many of which attain 

 enormous dimensions. Within the crevices ova are deposited 

 and the imagines hybernate. With the return of spring, and a 

 renewal of attacks, the galls increase in size. 



The illustration is of specimens gathered at Hastings by the 

 author. 



