10 REPORT ON INJURIOUS INSECTS FOR 1906. 



On inspecting the different houses I decided to treat all of them 

 with Vaporite, and to lay traps, consisting of wet wooden boards, 

 12 by 6 inches, which were left lying on the ground over-night and 

 examined next morning. By this simple and uncostly method of treat- 

 ment all the houses were cleared, and none have been seen for some 

 time past 



THE MUSSEL SCALE. 



Mytilaspis -pomorum, Bouche. 



There has been a considerable increase of this insect, and it has 

 been reported from many orchards which have previously been known 

 to be free from it. 



It is hoped that the good results obtained with the caustic soda- 

 emulsion sprayfluid will induce many growers to apply the same, and 

 clear their trees of this pest. In numerous cases, where I have been 

 able to examine the trees since being sprayed, the efficacy of this spray- 

 fluid is confirmed. 



The following letter, received from a large grower, is only one 

 of many written in similar terms. 



" It may be some pleasure to you to hear of the great benefit your 

 prescription of caustic soda, etc., for killing Mussel Scale has been 

 to me. 



"I started spraying on March nth, and continued to do so as 

 the wind allowed me until all the Apple trees were finished. Some 

 of the trees had a very bad attack indeed, so bad that on many branches 

 not a single piece of bark could be seen, the whole surface being 

 covered. Immediately on being treated with the soda wash the Scale 

 turned white, and it has since shrivelled up, and the trees are left in 

 a better condition than they have been for many years. The bark is 

 clean and bright, and the general appearance immensely improved. 



" No doubt a good many Scale escaped, as I started late in the 

 year, and could only go over the trees once, and of course only one 

 side of the tree can be sprayed according to the direction of the wind, 

 but next winter I shall start in good time, and go over every tree twice, 

 or even more, and I have no doubt that I can so reduce this pest as to 

 be of practically no harm to me. 



" I also dressed my Plum trees with the same wash with very good 

 results. The green and moss have quite disappeared, leaving the bark 

 in fine, clean condition. My neighbour, who made great fun of me 

 over spraying, and absolutely refused to have his trees sprayed, has 

 been so struck by the change in my trees that he has asked me to let 

 my men spray his trees next winter," 



