ASPABAGUS BEETLE. 



17 



obviously be very hurtful to search amongst them for the Sawfly 

 cocoons. But where the operation can be safely performed, it would 

 appear, both from recorded experience and what might be expected to 

 happen, that such treatment, or removal, or replacements of surface 

 soil, as would destroy, or remove, or bury down the cocoons, is a good 

 measure of prevention. 



Observations from various quarters in the last year have shown 

 that, where the Apple blossoms are in reach, it is very practicable, and 

 also very serviceable, to destroy by hand the Sawflies in the act of 

 seeking a place for egg deposit on the blooms. If to these preventive 

 measures is added that of keeping watch on the young fruit, and 

 destroying all that shows the mark of infestation mentioned at p. 13, 

 also gathering up what may be fallen, and destroying it on the chance 

 of the caterpillar being within, it will probably be found that little 

 more is needed in order to keep the attack in check. 



ASPARAGUS. 



Asparagus Beetle. Crioceris asparagi, Linn. 



Cbioceris asparagi. 



Asparagus Beetle, larva, and eggs ; all magnified. 



given by the lines. 



Nat. length of egg and beetle 



The Asparagus Beetle, or " Cross-bearer " (as it is sometimes called, 

 from the peculiar cross-like marking on its wing-cases), is an infestation 

 of which the history has been well known here for more than forty 

 years, and its existence as an occasional trouble to Asparagus growers, 

 both here and on the Continent of Europe, has been recorded for a 

 much longer period. At a comparatively recent date, this species has 

 made its appearance in America, and at the present time is noted as 



