IX • PESTS 171 



inference that, on the approach of winter, the ants 

 had carried the aphides underground for safety. 



Ants in themselves are a pest, and should be 

 looked on as such. I am doubtful whether they ever 

 attack a Bose-bud unless it has been first pierced or 

 scratched by another insect or some mischance. But 

 they are readily attracted by the exuding sap from 

 the smallest wound, and flock to the place in myriads, 

 disbudding often offering them such a spot in an 

 undesirable position. When once they have thus 

 attacked a bud nothing short of finding and destroy- 

 ing the nest with boiling water will prevent their 

 devouring the whole of it — even finger and thumb 

 fail here because of the immense reserve force be- 

 hind — and, as the bud is certainly spoiled, and it 

 will take them some time to demolish it, I generally 

 leave it for them to keep them out of other mischief. 

 It is better though to watch all ants on the Eose 

 beds, especially the black variety, to their nests, and 

 destroy them there. I have tried a preparation 

 called Formacicide, advertised as useful for their 

 extermination, without much success. 



Frog-hoppers, commonly known as " Cuckoo-spit," 

 are very troublesome in May in some places. The 

 larva, looking something like an aphis, is to be 

 found in the little patch of froth which is generally 

 situated in the axil of a leaf. He must be dislodged 

 and crushed, for it is plain that all that froth is made 

 somehow from stolen sap from the shoot. Be sure 

 you have him, for he will dodge about and hide in 

 the hollow of the leaf-stalk most cleverly, and will 

 be quite satisfied if you wipe away the froth and 

 leave him behind. 



Earwigs only do serious harm in certain seasons. 



