170 FRUIT CULTURE. 



INSECTS ATTACKING THE CURRANT. 



The Currant Worm. There are two species 

 of this worm, the one imported from Europe 

 (^Nematus ventricosus') being larger and much 

 more destructive than the native, saw-fly larva. 

 When first hatched the European larva is of a 

 whitish color, and about one twelfth of an inch 

 long. It changes in color to plain green, and 

 increases to three quarters of an inch in length, 

 while the native is but half an inch long and al- 

 ways green. Two broods of larvae are hatched 

 in a season, and as they multiply in great num- 

 bers and are enormously voracious, they would 

 ruin a plantation in a single season, unless 

 checked. Fortunately, they are easily destroyed 

 by sprinkling the bushes with hellebore mixed 

 in water, in the proportion of one ounce to a 

 pailful. Strong soap-suds and the kerosene solu- 

 tion are also effectual. Air-slacked lime dusted 

 upon the bushes is a check. Strong tobacco 

 water is an excellent remedy. 



The Currant Span Worm is a larger caterpil- 

 lar, about an inch long, whitish, with yellow 

 stripes and numeroiis black dots, and readily dis- 

 tinguished by its arching loop at every step. It 

 is not so easily destroyed as the worm previously 

 named, and hence the decoctions should be of 



