200 DISEASES AND INSECT ENEMIES. 



mum. We first observed the insect three or four 

 years ago on some plants obtained from Massachu- 

 setts. Soon after this we saw it in other localities, 

 and now it seems to be pretty generally distri- 

 buted throughout the violet growing regions of 

 the East. This aphis seems to be a new form at 

 least no record can be found of anything like it 

 attacking violets in this or other countries. Be 

 this as it may, the effects of the insect are serious. 

 In fact it is a more formidable foe than the green 

 one. Instead of attacking the older and more 

 resistant leaves, the brown aphis as a rule will be 

 found on the most tender growth just as it unfolds 

 from the crown. In consequence of this habit of 

 the insect the plants are severely crippled. The 

 young leaves are attacked as fast as they appear, 

 and the plants in consequence are so thoroughly 

 checked and stunted that little or no growth takes 

 place. It will be found at all seasons of the year, 

 but is particularly active through the growing 

 season, that is, from about the middle of May 

 until the middle of October. It seems to be more 

 troublesome in houses than in the open air or in 

 frames, but this may be accounted for perhaps by 

 the fact that the insect is less liable to the attacks 

 of natural enemies under glass and has a better 

 opportunity, therefore, of propagating itself. 

 Like the green aphis, it also attacks the flowers, 

 but seems to prefer the foliage, and as a rule is 

 confined to it. Both the green and the brown 



