248 NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



Pests-Virginia creeper. (Country gentleman. June 23, 1898. 6^: 490, 

 col. 2 — 9 cm) 



Apple-tree aphis, Aphis viali Fabr., is identified, the remedy given and the state- 

 ment made that the species will probably not cause farther injury the present season. 

 The plum curculio is identified by its work. The Virginia creeper is thought to be 

 of but little injury to old trees. 



Maples defoliated. (Country gentleman. June 23, 1898. ^t^'. 491,001. 

 2,—'^ cm) 



Hundreds of silver maples were defoliated by a species of ?Nadata {^Xylina anteji- 

 nata Walker] in Schenectady. The outbreak is probably due to a dearth of parasites 

 or favorable climatic conditions, and illustrates the destructive powers of many 

 insects if unchecked. 



[See pages 207-13, 235, 236 of this report] 



Elm-leaf beetle. (Country gentleman. June 30, 1898. 63:513,001.3, 

 4—49 cm) 



A brief general account of Galerucella hiteoia Miiller. giving ravages in Albany 

 and Troy, its description, life history, habits and best methods of controlling the pest. 



Harlequin cabbage bug. (Country gentleman. June 30, 1898. 63:514, 



col. I, 2 — 33 cm) 



This insect, Murgantia histrionica Hahn,, received from Mason county, W. Va., 

 is figured, described, its distribution given and the additional territory it may be 

 expected to invade indicated. The destructiveness of the insect is mentioned, and the 

 use of rows of radishes or mustard as lures, where the bugs may be destroyed, is 

 recommended. Its two egg parasites, Trissolcus jiuirgantiae and T. podisi are men- 

 tioned. 



Gall on white oak. (Country gentleman. June 30, 1898. d-^^ : 514, col. 2 

 — 18 cm) 



Galls on white oak, from Columbia county, N. Y., are identified as those of 

 Andricus seminator Harris and briefly described. The general characters of galls 

 produced by insects are given and some interesting facts noted about the Cynipidae 

 or gall flies. 



Pear-leaf blister-mite. (Country gentleman. July 7, 1898. 63:526,527, 

 col. 4, I — 14 cm) 



The work of Phytoptus pyri Scheuten is identified, described, and the importance 

 of fumigating nursery stock in order to prevent the distribution of such pests empha 

 sized. Destroying the infested leaves or spraying in winter with kerosene emulsion 

 diluted with five to seven parts of water is recommended. 



Fleas and how to kill them. (Country gentleman. July 7, 1898. 63:537, 

 col. 2 — 17 cm) 



Though the cat and dog flea, Ceratopsylbis scrraticcps, is usually termed the flea, 

 there are 47 species known to occur on animals. The life history of the dog flea is 

 briefly given. Benzine, pyrethrum, sticky fly paper and cleanliness are the mean 

 recommended for controlling these pests. 



