268 



Il^-JURIOUS INSECTS. 



the Department of Agriculture^ says: "the natural ene- 

 mies of tlie Mealy-bug — D. destructor — is a little chalcis 

 fly (Encyrtus inquisitor, Howard)/' also ^*a small red 

 bug was observed by myself and several of our correspond- 

 ents to prey upon the Mealy-bug. The very curious lar- 

 vae of a lady-bird beetle, known as Scymnus Uoculatus, 

 were found feeding upon the eggs of the Mealy-bug at 

 Orange Lake. These larvae mimic the Mealy-bug so 

 closely they might easily be taken for them." 



The great difficulty in the way of destroying this insect 

 is the floury secretion with which it is covered, most 

 washes having little effect upon it. The best remedies, so 

 far as I know, are given by Professor Comstock in the 

 Keport above mentioned. 



REMEDIES. 



'*^^Sktjff and Sulphur. — Equal parts by bulk of smok- 

 ing tobacco and flowers of sulphur were ground together 

 in a mortar until thoroughly mixed. This compound 

 was perfectly successful when dusted over wet plants; 

 and it adhered to the plant for a long time notwithstand- 

 ing rain. Still this does not seem to me to be a remedy 

 that will admit of successful and economical application 

 on a large scale. It may be useful in conservatories, and 

 upon ornamental plants." 



A decoction of tobacco is also useful in destroying the 

 Mealy-bug. The Mealy-bug upon window plants and 

 upon those in green-houses, if taken in time and perse- 

 veringiy followed, may be kept in check by a modified 

 hand-picking, removing the insects wherever they may 

 be found by means of a small stick, such as a sliver of pine 

 sharpened to a point. An ^^exterminator" is offered, 

 but as its composition is kept secret, ifc can not be intel- 

 ligently commended. 



