[54 ] 



XII. On the Aphis Lanigera, or American Blight ; with an 

 Account of various Experiments for the Destruction of this 

 Insect on Apple Trees. By Sir Oswald Mosley, Bart. 

 M.P.F.H.S. $c. 



Read November 4, 1817. 



Amongst the insects, which derive their sustenance 

 from the vegetable world, there are none, perhaps, more 

 prejudicial than the Aphides ; scarcely a plant exists, which 

 is entirely exempt from their ravages, or which is not in- 

 fested by a species peculiar to itself. Whilst the singularity 

 of their habits deserves the strict observation of the entomo- 

 logist, the depredations they so widely commit, demand the 

 most accurate attention of the horticulturist. In selecting 

 one species, out of this extensive genus, as the subject of the 

 present enquiry, I have been urged by a consideration of 

 the alarming encroachments it is annually making on the 

 luxuries, I may even say, on the necessities, of mankind ; 

 and although the few observations I am about to make, can 

 tend but little to arrest its destructive progress, they may, 

 at least, instigate others, better qualified, than myself, for 

 such an undertaking, to investigate and discover the means 

 of effecting that desirable purpose. 



I have designated this species by the term Lanigera, or 

 wool-bearing, which has been previously applied to it, by 



