ABSTRACTS. 



1161 



before dripping begins. Use " Kerowater " pump, which blends water 

 and petroleum at nozzle, thus avoiding necessity of making an emulsion. 



Fungous enemies — Peach-leaf curl, Apple-leaf rust, &c. — can be suc- 

 cessfully treated with Bordeaux mixture. — C. II. C. 



Insect Pests on Market Crops. By F. W. Mally (U.S.A. Exp. 

 Stn. Texas, Bull. 64; 4/02). — After brief notes on insects in general, 

 directions are given as to preparation of beds and management of frames 

 &c, in order to check increase of insects ; notes on the nature and use of 

 insecticides ; outlines on the principal insects troublesome in Texas, and 

 advice o^ the selection of spraying apparatus. — F. J. C. 



Insects in relation to Agriculture. By W. E. Britton (U.S.A. 

 St. Bel. Conn., Rep. 1901). — Of the various families of insects, 116 are 

 injurious, 113 useful, 71 contain but harmful and useful species, or their 

 habits are not known. Dr. Riley estimates loss to agriculturists annually 

 in the United States at #300,000,000 to #400,000,000 from the depreda- 

 tions of insects. 



The introduction of insects has proved beneficial in several instances in 

 the United States. The Ladybird (Novius carclinalis), introduced from 

 Australia, has almost exterminated the cottony scale {leery a purchasi) in 

 California, and it is now hoped that another Ladybird (Chilocorus similis) 

 introduced from China, a natural enemy of the San Jose scale, will have 

 a similar effect on that insect. Notes are given on scale insects (San Jose 

 scale, Oyster scale, Scurfy scale), the Tomato worm (Protoparce celeus), 

 Green Pea louse (XectaropJiora pisi), the Celery caterpillar (Papilio 

 asteris), Codlin moth (Carpocapset pomonellet), Gipsy moth (Porthetrict 

 clispar), Maple borer (Plaqionotus speciosus). 



The Pea louse is a recent introduction from Europe, and did many 

 million dollars' worth of damage to Green Peas used in the canning industry 

 in the Eastern States. The insect passes the winter on Clover, and goes 

 on to Peas at the beginning of June, so that early Peas escape. Spraying 

 is too expensive ; brushing the rows twise a week, so that the insects fall 

 to the ground, then sending a cultivator between the rows so as to crush 

 some and bury others, proved effective. When rows were too close for 

 that, the aphides might be brushed into a long tank of kerosene. 



F. J. C. 



Irises, Dwarf bulbous. By E. J. (Garden, No. 1012, p. 244, 

 11/10/02). — These Irises may be grown in many ways. They are easily 

 managed, and the best are to be obtained cheaply. In pots or pans, 

 window boxes, or ornamental bowls, they can be successfully cultivated. 

 For the latter method soil is not necessary, but a special fibre is now sold 

 by nurserymen. In a cold house or even an ordinary frame these Irises 

 may be grown perfectly, and indeed, where these are not available, there 

 is still scope for their enjoyment.— E. T. C. 



Iris GatesiL By Sir J. D. Hooker (Bot. Mag. tab. 7867).— Nat. ord. 

 Iridece, tribe Morceece. Native of Kurdistan. It has the largest flower 

 of any species, being 5-7 ins. broad, very pale rose-lilac in colour, suffused 

 with yellow towards the base, covered with veins and purple dots. 



G. H. 



