904.] 



Scale Insect on Plum Trees. 



557- 



plants in the piggery or on the manure heap does not destroy 

 sclerotia, which pass through the digestive tract of an animal 

 without injury ; in fact, they really benefit by the process. 



Collecting and burning all infested stems, leaves, and bulbs is 

 the only certain means of destroying the fungus. 



Accumulations of decaying vegetable matter act as nurseries 

 for the growth and dissemination of Botrytis, and should not be 

 allowed in a garden. 



Gas-lime or quicklime should be applied to land where the 

 disease has existed. 



The Brown Currant Scale (Lecaniuni persicce) is found on 

 plum trees, and a variety on currants. The bodies of the female 



under suitable weather conditions and swarm all over the plant. 

 The infested tree should be treated with caustic alkali wash pre- 

 pared as follows: — First dissolve I lb. of commercial caustic soda 

 in water, then I lb. of crude potash (or " potashes " or pearl ash) 

 in water. When both have been dissolved, mix the two well 

 together, then add f lb. of soft soap or agricultural treacle, stir 

 well and add sufficient water to make up to ten gallons. 



As the wash has a burning effect on the hands, care must be 

 taken in employing it. Rubber gloves are sometimes used to 

 protect the hands, but these, unless close fitting, allow the wash 

 to run under the rubber, and more harm is done than usual. 

 With ordinary care the sprayers need suffer little inconvenience. 



When the spring comes round, very careful observation 

 should be kept for signs of fresh infestation, and then a wash 

 of weak paraffin emulsion should be applied, made by dis- 

 solving 2 lb. of soft soap in boiling water, adding two gallons 

 of kerosene or paraffin oil, and churning the mixture with a 

 force-pump until it is of the consistency of cream. Forty 

 gallons of water must be added to this. 



The application of the caustic alkali wash to fruit trees in 



Scale Insect 

 on Plum Trees. 



insects after their eggs have been laid, wither 

 and. form a protecting shield or covering. 

 The larvae leave the protection of the shield 



