88 



many perished from it in Gloucestershire, that, if 

 some mode of destroying it were not discovered, it 

 was feared the making of cider must be abandoned. 

 {Kirby and Spence's EntomoL i. 199.) 



Blight. — By this name, most indiscriminately ap- 

 plied, common observers intend every ill that invades 

 the blossoms and leaves of the apple. If they are 

 destroyed by an easterly wind — if they are invaded by 

 legions of aphides — or even if caterpillars abound 

 upon them — the convenient name of blight is adapted 

 to the evil. To such a cloak for ignorance we cannot 

 pay regard, but shall strictly confine ourselves to ob- 

 servations upon each insect marauder distinctively. 



Previously to proceeding to the task, we will offer 

 a few observations upon what is usually termed " the 

 blighting influence of the east wind/ 5 In England 

 this wind is proverbially cold and dry, qualities which 

 render it particularly liable to injure tender leaves and 

 blossom, by subjecting them to a rapid ungenial eva- 

 poration and reduction of temperature. When so in- 

 jured, when thus shrivelled and blasted, the term 

 blight may well apply. But when, referring to a very 

 different phenomenon, it is said that " the east wind 

 has brought the aphides, 55 this requires a very im- 

 portant qualification. That such predatory insects 

 are usually most abundant when this wind has been 

 prevalent, does not admit of dispute; but no one, 



