206 THE MINIATURE FETJIT GAEDEN 



well syringed with water, which operation also renders 

 them more ' healthy. The best wash for syringing or 

 brushing the infested leaves is made by taking four 

 ounces of sulphuret of lime, and two ounces of soft soap 

 to a gallon of water ; the first two ingredients must be 

 well mixed, and then the water gradually added, the 

 mixture being stirred all the time, when a uniform fluid 

 is obtained. It should be used warm. 



The Currant-gall Mite {Phytoptus ribis). These mi- 

 croscopic mites lodge in large numbers in the leaf buds of 

 the black currant and cause them to swell, giving rise to 

 an abortive growth of the bud, or sometimes destroying it 

 altogether. The mite is long and cylindrical in shape, 

 with the skin transversely wrinkled and with several 

 large bristles : the four legs are placed under the fore 

 part of the body. When it has once established itself 

 it is extremely diflScult to eradicate. Attacked shoots 

 should be cut off and burnt. The bushes should be 

 pruned closely in the autumn and the prunings burnt. 

 In very bad cases the bushes should be rooted up and 

 burnt. 



In conclusion I may say that insectivorous birds, such 

 as the warblers and tits, are of great service in de- 

 stroying these pests, killing them where we should often 

 be unable to reach them, and should be encouraged as 

 much as possible. 



Note.— A receipt for a quassia wash will be found 

 at p. 143. 



