ir 



Remedial SffeasnreB. 



This IS another of the species that may be reached most satisfac- 

 torily in winter. Undiluted crude oil may then be used under the 

 restrictions hereinafter mentioned, and will kill all the insects that 

 it touches. As the scale grows only a little during the fall, it is 

 easily penetrated by the oil and good results are generally obtained 

 from the application. As this tree sometimes grows to a great size, 

 and as the scales may occur on all parts of it, the application of 

 insecticides is a consideraWe task; nevertheless, with a proper outfit, 

 it can be accomplished. Theoretically, the best time to make applica- 

 tions is in September, when the young are just setting; they are then 

 less resistant, and even fish oil soap — one pound in four gallons of 

 water— will answer. On the other hand, the foliage then interferes 

 and makes it more difficult to reach the points at which the young 

 are setting. 



THE OYSTER-SHELI. BARK LOUSE. 



Mytilaspis pomorum, Bouchg. 



This insect derives its common name from its shape, which is like 

 that of a long, narrow oyster, and so characteristic as to be easily 

 recognizable. The cast skins are at the narrow end of the scale and 

 form what is apparently its head. The females come to maturity late 

 in August, and egg-laying continues until well along in September, 

 when the space below the scale will be found entirely filled' with from 

 forty to one himdred and ten minute, whitish eggs, the usual number 

 being somewhat less than one hundred. These eggs remain through 

 the winter protected by the scales, and the larvae hatch during the 

 early part of the following June. Growth is slow; there is only one 

 brood, and when not excessively abundant the insect does not do 

 much injury. It does, however, become excessively abundant at 

 times, especially on lilac, apple and pear, which may become so cov- 

 ered that the shoots begin to die. 



Walnut and butternut trees are very susceptible to attack and are 

 sometimes killed, even when of considerable size. So willow and 

 poplar are often infested to an extent sufficient to cause injury. 

 Among fruit trees, apples are most susceptible; but it is rare for 

 them to be so infested as to suffer harm. 



