THE FELTED BEECH COCCUS. 23 



MEALY BUGS. 



Dactylopius citri (Risso), and longispinus (Targ.-Tozz.). 

 Both of these Scales have been abundant and most destructive. 

 The first mentioned species was observed in great numbers by the 

 writer, in a conservatory, on some rotten woodwork, indeed, far more 

 plentiful in this particular spot than on the various plants it infected ; or 

 than ever I remember seeing it before. 



Under glass, spraying with the V2 Fluid w r as found to be effective. 



THE FELTED BEECH COCCUS. 

 Cryptococcus fagi, Barensp. 



The increasing presence of this coccid in the Midlands is a matter 

 that deserves more than passing attention. As I pointed out in last 

 year's Report, p. 13, it is very desirable that, wherever it is noticed, it 

 should at once receive attention. 



During the past year a case was brought to my notice in Stafford- 

 shire. The Vi Fluid has been applied, and although it is somewhat 

 early to judge, it seems to have been successful in eradicating the insect. 



Surrounded as we are in all the seven Midland counties by wooded 

 estates, in which Beech figures conspicuously, I would impress upon 

 all those who have the supervision of the same, not to neglect this pest, 

 or it will assuredly spread over a large area, and treatment will become 

 expensive and difficult. 



THE FELTED ASH COCCUS. 



Apterococcus fraxini (Ne wstead). 



A Stafford correspondent forwarded twigs of Ash taken from an 

 old tree with this Scale on. 



According to Mr. X e wstead, '' our leading authority on the Scale 

 Insects of this country, it appears to be exclusively confined to the Ash 

 (F rax in us excelsior). 



In reply to this correspondent, I recommended that, if possible, 

 the tree should be sprayed with the Vi Fluid, which had been used for 

 the Felted Beech Coccus. 



THE HOP APHIS. 



Phorodon ////;//////', Schrank. 



This troublesome and often serious insect pest has not been as 

 plentiful in Worcestershire and Hereford as in past years. Personally, 

 I am of opinion that this is, in a large measure, due to the Winter 

 spraying of plum trees. As the practice of Winter spraying becomes 

 more general we shall undoubtedly see a diminution in the numbers of 

 this pest ; at the same time some more effective sprayfluid is necessary 

 for the spraying of hops than is at present known. 



(i) Monog. Coccidae of the British Isles, 1003, vol. ii., p. 212. 



