DISEASES OF THE COTTON PLANT. 157 
key, or other spirit, and four ounces of aloes, was highly 
recommended in Florida as a certain remedy against the 
attacks of the orange-scale insects; but, with some who 
have tried it, although all the insects appeared to he de- 
stroyed, in a few weeks they reappeared, showing that the 
wash would have to be continually repeated until all the 
eggs under the scales had hatched and the younger broods 
were killed. Perhaps the same mixture might be success- 
fully used for several other kinds of insects. 
But, while so many artificial modes are recom^einded 
to accomplish the destruction of insects, planters *are^ vspry 
apt to overlook the great daily benefits derived from other 
agents which have been kindly provided by Nature t6 
check their undue increase. These agents are the birds, 
which constantly destroy them in any of their varied 
forms— larva, pupa, or perfect insect. Mocking-birds and 
bee-martins catch and destroy the boll-worm moth, and 
many others, even on the wing, when the latter first appear 
upon the plantations, and thus materially diminish their 
numbers. If the fields are ploughed in the fall, maay in- 
sects and chrysalides, which would otherwise come out in 
safety in the spring, are turned to the top of the farrow- 
shce, and either fall a prey to the ever-busy birds, or perish 
from exposure to the wintry frosts. 
The nimble and graceful lizards of the South also act 
beneficially to the planter, as they are constantly on the 
alert, and catching every insect that chances to alight in 
their way. Toads, also, do much good, as they wander 
principally during the morning and evening hours, as well 
as in cloudy weather, and entrap insects by means of their 
viscid tongues. Such benefactors as these should be pre- 
served, and not injured or killed as they often are. One 
pair of wrens or blue-birds, in a Northern garden, or of 
