XOTES OX THE INSECTS OF THE YEAR. 



F. L. Harvey. 



Woodlouse or Sow Bug. a crustacean belonging to the 

 genus Oniscus, was reported as doing damage in mushroom 

 cellars by eating the fungi. They can be killed by putting 

 pieces of potato poisoned by a solution of arsenic in the beds. 



Crotox Bugs were received from Monmouth. Me. These 

 no doubt were introduced in packing materials. This insect is 

 quite abundant in some towns in the State. It is an importa- 

 tion from Europe. They frequent houses especially about 

 water pipes. Free use of insect powder scattered where they 

 frequent is said to destroy them. 



The Oyster-shell Bark-louse is exceedingly abundant 

 and is increasing rapidly. As it saps the vitality of trees with- 

 out attracting much attention, it is overlooked. It seems to 

 thrive better in the North, being worse in Maine than farther 

 south. It does more injury to young trees. We have received 

 information this season of orchards of young bearing trees so 

 badly infested that the twigs of all the trees were literally cov- 

 ered with the scales. The life history of this scale is given in 

 the Report of this Station for 1888. p. 157,. but we wish to 

 add the following regarding treatment. The usual way is to 

 apply a dilute alkaline wash to the trees in the spring after the 

 young lice hatch. These scales could be treated in the winter 

 at any time by applying thoroughly to the trees and small 

 branches with a brush a strong alkaline wash, made by dissolv- 

 ing two pounds of whale oil soap in one gallon of water. The 

 cost of the material would be more for the strong wash, but there 

 is more leisure in winter to do the work. The strong wash 

 should not be applied after the leaves start. 



