APRIL.] DESTROYING INSECTS. 233 



thumb, when the pump is worked with as much 

 force as possible, will divide the liquor into exceed- 

 ingly small particles, and the smaller the better. 

 Six English pints of the liquor, judiciously applied, 

 will serve for w r atering, once over, six ordinary- 

 sized bushes." 



The red spider makes its appearance in hot, dry 

 weather", and is always found on the under sides of 

 the leaves ; generally on roughish leaves, but not al- 

 ways so. It preys on the apple, cherry, rig, peach, 

 pear, and plum ; seldom on the apricot. It is among 

 the smallest of the acari, and is sometimes not dis- 

 tinguishable without a microscope. If the back of 

 the leaf be viewed through one, it appears full of its 

 webs; and if many abound on it, the leaf appears 

 full of punctures, becomes discoloured and brown 

 on the upper surface, fades, and falls off. 



This insect is more troublesome in dry seasons 

 than in moist ones, and is wonderfully encouraged 

 by heat ; insomuch, that hot-houses of every de- 

 scription are sadly infested with it, Water, and 

 water only, is its bane ; and the syringe, or the 

 force-pump, the engine of its destruction. It ia not 

 a mere sprinkling that will do. It requires a for- 

 cible clashing to and fro, and that often repeated, 

 to be effectual *. 



* Some have recommended waterings with lime water, &c. 

 for the destruction of acari, and have fancied them effectual. 

 I have tried these, and many other kinds of water, on certain 

 trees, and compared the effects of pure water on other trees at 

 the same time ; but could never find any difference in the re- 

 duction of the enemy, though I have on the health and appear- 

 ance of the foliage. 



