78 INSECTS, RATS, DISEASES, AND ENEMIES. 



Another destructive insect that attacks the Lotus is Botis neUimbiis 

 this makes its appearance early in the season, and while the first leaves are 

 just floating on the water, it is somewhat of a leaf-roller, as it eats the surface 

 of the leaf near the edge, rolls the edge over, and envelopes itself in a 

 slight web; but later, as the insect matures, it finds its way into the centre of 

 the leaf and enters the stalk, where it remains during the pupa state. The 

 only known remedy is hand picking. Fortunately, this pest is not common, 

 and though known for several years I did not see it until the season of 1896. 

 There is also another very similar insect which made its appearance on the 

 Nymphaeas, but in this case the larva cuts a piece off the edge of the leaf, and 

 uses it for a covering in the early stage; later, as it matures, it uses two 

 pieces, between which the insect is sandwiched. As it is thus hidden and 

 the covering or shield is the same as the leaf, nothing is noticeable but 

 the perforations of the leaves; the best remedy is hand picking, and by keep- 

 ing a constant watch, the colony of young ones may be destroyed by taking 

 off the entire leaf as soon as possible after the insects appear. 



The Nelumbiums have still another enemy and probably the worst to 

 combat, and that is the muskrat. Wherever these are known to exist every 

 means must be employed to eradicate them, they not only do much damage to 

 the banks of the pond, but they eat the tubers of the Nelumbiums in winter or 

 when in a dormant condition, but they do not molest the growing plants. They 

 are also very partial to some Nymphseas, especially N.chromatella. Nelumbiums 

 growing in stiff, clayey soil are better protected against muskrats than are 

 others growing in soft soil in which it is easy for the rats to burrow. Trapping 

 is probably the best means to get rid of them, but they are very wary and 

 scent danger; often a trap set where one was known to have recently passed acts 

 as a danger signal and wards off others. If the muskrats are known to be in the 

 vicinity, hunt them down, never allowing them to make a settlement or colony. 



Mice are destructive to both seed and tubers of tender Nymphasas; these 

 can always be kept at bay, but ceaseless vigilance is necessary, and if you have 

 valuable tubers, watch them. 



Turtles should never be allowed in the ponds, at least in artificial ones, in 

 some natural ones their presence cannot be avoided. They destroy young- 

 growth of both leaves and flowers, and are particularly destructive to the seed 

 crop, even if the seed pods are tied in muslin bags. 



Algae and confervse of various forms are occasionally troublesome, and 

 though not a "disease " are injurious, being of a low order of plant Hfe, some. 



