1 



1084 



THE BOOK OF GARDENING. 



which are exuded, and may be found in Httle colonies dis- 

 tributed over the bark, in the crevices of which they feed. The 

 injury done to young trees is very great, but the insect is 

 usually more abundant on old and neglected ones, on which may 

 be found soft, spongy growths caused by the irritation set up 

 by the insect, and not infrequently deep cracks. "Woolly Aphides 



old bark should be removed and burnt, as beneath it may be 

 eggs or perfect insects. Kerosene emulsion should be sprayed 

 on every part affected, taking care that it penetrates the 

 crevices : this is best for old trees and for winter onlv. 



For young and tender-barked trees soluble petroleum, a wine- 

 glassful ; soft soap, lib. ; and w-ater (hot), igal., with a handful 

 of lime thrown in, will be found excellent. In summer soluble" 

 petroleum, i quart : and hot water, 4gals., may be used without 

 injury to the trees. Kerosene emulsion in solution may also 

 be applied to the roots in winter, should they be attacked. 



Ants.- — Industrious but undesirable insects, so far as gardens 

 are concerned. Outdoors they make unsightly heaps in paths 

 and gardens, while they live on intimate terms with some of the 

 w^orst kinds of Aphides (those w^hich secrete honey-dew), and on 

 that account alone they are to be condemned. Indoors they 

 are also very troublesome to many flowering plants, as well as 

 to ripe fruits, especially such soft kinds as Figs. In Peach- 

 houses Ants not infrequently resort, and are responsible for much 

 injury to the flowers, preventing them, in fact, from developing 

 properly. Ants are social insects, and their mouth-parts are 

 adapted for biting. Such parts, how^ever, are peculiar, in that 

 the mandibles are worked without the mouth itself being brought 

 into play while the insects are feeding. 



Outdoors the best method of destruction is by iTieans of 

 carbolic acid, &c., in solution, paraffin, or chloride of lime 

 and water — that is, providing the nests are accessible — making 



are readily transmitted from 

 tree to tree by the agency 

 of wind alone. Intense cold 

 does not appear to interfere 

 with their comfort, and in 

 order to cope with the 

 enemy both summer and 

 winter dressings are neces- 

 sary. The insect is a suck- 

 ing one, and besides being 

 found upon the bark it 

 also occasionally affects the 

 roots. 



Fig. 695. — Glow-AVorm Beetle. 



Winter is the time to 

 cleanse the trees, which 

 should be thorough, and all 



