CULTURE OF THE (i R A P E. 251 



stump-like wings, and legs folded upon its breast, all 

 enclosed by a thin film. In June, the filmy skin is rent, 

 and the beetle digs to the surface. As before stated, they 

 can be more easily destroyed soon after they appear. The 

 rose-bug is very fond of the blossoms of the ailantus, 

 being attracted by their sickening odor. Fortunately, 

 the ailantus-blossoms are of some service, as they are 

 deadly poison to the bug ; and this may account for their 

 gradual diminution since the ailantus has been culti- 

 vated. 



THE FLEA-BEETLE (Haltica Chalytea). 



This insect is found upon the grape-vine in all parts of 

 the United States, both upon wild and cultivated vines- 

 Generally it is not numerous enough to be very destruc- 

 tive ; though there are cases mentioned, such as Mr. Row- 

 ell's, in " The Horticulturist," vol. v. p. 5 Mr. David 

 Thomas also, in the twenty-sixth volume of Silliman's 

 "Journal of Science," speaks of them as appearing in un- 

 usually great numbers in the vicinity of New Haven, 

 Conn., and doing unexampled injury, in the spring of 

 1831. " Some vines were entirely despoiled of their fruit- 

 buds, so as to be rendered for that season barren." Dr. 



