Insect Exejiies. 97 



permanent and remain for years in the same soil. It is 

 not the beetle, however, which destroys the plant, but 

 its young while in the larva state, by feeding on the 

 roots, and if they have been allowed to multiply undis- 

 turbed they soon become numerous enough to destroy 

 whole benches. See Fig. 25. It is the habit of the 

 female beetle to deposit her eggs around 

 the base of the plant, in crevices of the 

 bark, or just under the soil. One writer 

 recommends placing around the base of 

 Fig. 25. the plants a piece of cloth in which they 

 will seek to hide their eggs. This being removed every 

 two weeks, thoroughly scalded and replaced, will help to 

 exterminate them. So troublesome were these pests in- 

 some localities a few years since, that solid benches were 

 almost entirely given up. Shallow ones were substi- 

 tuted, and new soil and plants being used every year, so 

 prevented their multipljdng we now seldom hear of any 

 one being troubled with them. They are fond of helio- 

 trope, and old plants used for flowering from year to 

 year are liable to become infested with them if they 

 enter the houses. 



When houses are thoroughly cleaned every year, and 

 all soil and plants removed, there is nothing to fear from 

 them, but it is well to be always on the watch where 

 any kinds of plants are retained from year to year, as 

 they have been known to attack other species in the 

 absence of those they like best. 



