482 Insects most injurious to Cvltivators : —^ 



In our own country, for several years past, the same fruit 

 trees, but more especially the pear, have been attacked by a 

 species of these Blennocampae. In my father's garden, I have 

 observed them both on the cherry and pear, and have, therefore, 

 had opportunities for studying their habits. Mr. Loudon, also, 

 has received complaints of its attacks from various correspond- 

 ents, from whose letters the following paragraphs are selected. 



Mr. R. Glendinning, under'the date of the 20th of July last, 

 forwarded from Bicton, leaves of the beurre Capiaumont pear, 

 infested by these slimy grubs, which, "at first sight, present an 

 appearance similar to that which has been so destructive to the 

 turnips (described in Vol. XIII. p. 193.); but, on closer inspection, 

 differing very much. It first attacks the epidermis of the upper 

 surface of the leaves, which it lacerates, or almost wholly clears ; 

 although not always entirely so (7^.123. a), as some of the pores, 

 or stomata, appear untouched. The only antidote I have ap- 

 plied to this (to me) new enemy, is hand-picking them. Their 

 ravages are astonishingly rapid, and leave the trees as if scorched 

 with lightning." 



Mr. John Clavier of Compton Gardens, near Sherborne, 

 Dorset, on the 5th of September, forwarded some leaves with the 

 larvae, from a tree in that neighbourhood, on which were some 

 thousands of the latter. Such had been the case for the last 

 ten years, " the tree having a very bad rusty appearance ; and 

 the leaves every season pi'ematurely dropping off. Nothing 

 similar to this has ever come under my notice before." 



Mr. John Fox also forwarded from Little Dalby Hall, Leices- 

 tershire, on the 14th of September, pear leaves with the larvae, 

 " which latter, when they become numerous, soon render the 

 trees leafless. I saw several pear trees in a garden in this neigh- 

 bourhood, which, on the 1st of September, were completely de- 

 foliated. The insects were first observed here about three or 

 four years ago, and since that time their numbers have rapidly 

 increased. I could not ascertain that any remedy had been ap- 

 plied for their destruction ; but, if no means is ol3tained to gain 

 that end, it is very evident that it will soon end in the destruction 

 of the trees. I gathered three leaves with insects upon them, 

 and dusted them liberally with quicklime, which had no other 

 effect than causing them to cast off their outer skin and assume 

 a yellow appearance. In four hours from the operation, they 

 had fixed themselves as firmly to another part of the leaves as 

 if nothing had been done." 



When full grown, these larvae {Jig. 123. a) are nearly 

 half an inch long, with the body somewhat cylindrical, but 

 thicker towards the head ; the anterior or thoracic segments 

 having the power of inflation over the head. Except at the time 

 of casting the skin, the body is covered with a viscid secretion, 



