6j23 [AsSEMBLt 



plant louse is very prevalent this year. It is in countless millionsj 

 and seems to increase in number by propagation as great as the ant. 

 After a little time they have wings, and you may hear the noise of 

 their alighting upon the leaves, like sand thrown upon them. 



I observed both the black and the green plant louse on the same 

 plant, but they did not seem to associate. We ought to clean out 

 these insects at their first appearance. I now believe that this plant 

 louse is the insect which is doing so much mischief to our apple- 

 trees and peach-trees. They attack the tender growth of the grape 

 vine leaves also. 



The best mode to destroy them is, to take pains early, pull off the 

 leaves on which they are, and wash the trees; use a syringe with a 

 solution of whale oil soap in water, or potash. When they have 

 got their wings, you can do nothing with them. 



Mr. Meigs, — How is the egg of this insect preserved over win- 

 ter? 



Mr. Cozzens. — The eggs are deposited in crevices of the bark of 

 trees. This insect is an aphis, and passes through four mutations in 

 the year; at each change it lays eggs, and it cohabits with its male 

 in only one of its conditions. 



Mr. Hamilton. — Their eggs are not always deposited in crevices 

 of bark, for my young seedlings have them on. Some say it is ho- 

 ney. That the ant will carry the aphis up a tree, mix in among 

 them and never disturb them. This year I remarked immense num- 

 bers of the aphis and ants in the apple nursery. I have used tobac- 

 co solution into which I dipped a long-handled brush and with it 

 sprinkled my plants and trees. I have used up two barrels of the 

 solution mixed with soapsuds, and with great benefit. The ants and 

 the aphis have both disappeared together. 



The black aphis prefers the cherry-tree, but it is found on the 

 dock plant. What is called the American Blight appearing on ap- 

 ple-trees, is a white, woolly-looking louse, and is very destructive of 

 young trees. Sulphuric acid mixed, three-quarters of an ounce with 

 seven and a half ounces of water, makes a good sprinkle for them. 

 The white grub is a destroyer of young seedling trees. Tn Europe, 

 it is said that the American blight was imported there; we say here, 

 that it was brought from Europe in young trees. The accusation is 

 mutual. 



