24 FIRST REPORT ON ECONOMIC BIOLOGY. 



abnormal growth of tissue takes place, having the appearance of 

 rounded or irregular swellings. 



Later, many of these gall-like lumps split (and are often stated 

 to be " Canker "), and it is in these splittings that fungi and other 

 pests find lodgement. On old and neglected trees the growths of 

 fungi are particularly prominent. 



From what has already been said, it will be readily seen that the 

 Woolly Aphis is a most destructive insect, and one that is difficult 

 to eradicate. 



PREVENTIVE AND REMEDIAL MEASURES. 



So long as people are allowed to neglect their orchards, or even 

 a few trees, this pest will be with us, and can only be controlled by 

 exercising most drastic treatment. 



Thorough winter spraying ensuring the complete cleansing of the 

 affected trees, and the fumigation of the roots, followed by the usual 

 spring spraying, is most essential. 



If this treatment is persisted in I think the pest will be held in 

 check, but it is most important that the roots of the trees should be 

 treated as well as the branches. 



Spraying in Autumn is of little, if any, use, for as fast as the 

 trees are cleansed, winged females from trees in other orchards re- 

 infest them. 



Much in the way of prevention can be done by care in smearing 

 over cut branches, and at points of grafting, also in exercising a little 

 care to see that the trees are not bruised. Should this occur, the 

 bruises should be coated over with creosote or some grafting paste. 



THE BLOSSOM BEETLE. 



Meligethes aeneus, Fabr. 



Many Worcestershire growers have forwarded Apple and Pear 

 blossoms supposed to have been attacked by a small beetle, of which 

 large numbers were invariably found in injured blossoms. 



This insect has long been known to me as inhabiting apple and 

 pear blossom, but it does no damage whatever. It has been recorded 

 and reported upon by Miss Ormerod and other writers. 



The damage to the pear blossoms in many cases was due to the 

 Pear Thrips, and that in the apple to Apple Sucker, Winter Moth 

 larvae, etc. 



