IX 



PESTS 



155 



open, with some good insecticide. Syringing, even 

 with plain water, will undoubtedly keep off the thrips, 

 and if continued as long as it is safe without injuring 

 the petals from damp, the pest will not in most seasons 

 be found in much strength. Constant damping of the 

 soil under the blooms would probably be useful. 



A species of upholsterer bee (Megachile) lines its 

 nests with pieces cut out of the leaves of Rose-trees. 

 These pieces are taken so evenly, neatly, and cleanly 

 away from the sides of the leaf, generally in a semi- 

 circular form, that the work of this insect is readily 

 distinguished from the depredations of caterpillars. It 

 is not very common or occurring in large numbers, and 

 usually attacks Roses of free and strong growth. Still, 

 it has the habit of continually coming back to the same 

 plant for its supply of upholstery, and may be found a 

 pest in certain places. The bee may be easily caught 

 in a butterfly net, or when laden can be traced to its 

 nest which can then be destroyed. 



" Scale " insects (Aspidiotus) may often be found on the 

 shoots of neglected wall-Roses. Finger and thumb or a 

 solution of soft soap will soon remove them. Red 

 spider (Accents) is not likely to be found anywhere but 

 under glass, and the remedy for this is a moister 

 atmosphere. There are other insects which occasion- 

 ally do damage to Roses, especially chance visitations 

 of caterpillars which naturally prey upon other plants, 

 but these cannot fairly be included among the pests 

 of the Rose. 



Protective Insects. — There are a few flies and grubs 

 which actually do good by preying upon well-known 

 pests, and thus acting as allies and friends of the 

 Rose grower. It is important that these should be 

 known, for it is well that we should be able to recognise 



