INSECTS AND DISEASES, 337 



On the Aphis Lavata, American, or White Bug. 



This is one of the most destructive insects 

 which fruit trees are infested with. During 

 winter the insect generally disappears, by 

 creeping into any diseased rugged parts of 

 the tree, or by descending into the ground, 

 where it may be found feeding upon the 

 roots. Early in spring it issues forth, in- 

 creases very rapidly, and will continue its 

 ravages until autumn unless destroyed, when 

 it a^ain removes as before stated. 



This insect may be destroyed by attending 

 to the following directions. When wall trees 

 infested by it are pruned in autumn, all 

 such parts as are cut off must be burned, 

 and the nails and shreds be boiled, &c. (as 

 directed in the Chapter on nailing wall trees.) 

 When the tree is completely loosened from 

 the wall, the wall must be swept and anointed 

 with composition, and afterwards the tree in 

 every part. The composition must be applied 

 by means of a soft brush. The following 

 are the ingredients of which the compo- 

 sition is made. To four gallons of water, 

 add one pound of soft soap, two pounds of 

 common sulphur, half an ounce of black pep- 

 per, and one gill of train oil; let these be mix- 

 ed together and boiled for twenty minutes 

 over a slow fire. It must be laid on in a tepid 

 state, or what is called new milk warm. 



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