Fern Enemies. 67 
Caterpillars (Agrotidce), Aphides (Greenfly and 
Black Fly), Snowy Fly, Thrips, Scale, Mealy Bug 
are, however, other marauders that must be guarded 
against. Thanks to the introduction of vaporising 
insecticides, most of these pests may be summarily 
dealt with. Still, care must be exercised, otherwise 
the young fronds will be injured. At the same 
time, these do not avail against Scale, Surface Cater- 
pillars, Crickets, Cockroaches (Fig. 40), Beetles, 
Woodlice, Slugs, and Snails. Cockroaches, Crickets, 
Fig. 40. An American species of CocKroach (Periplaneta 
americana) that is frequently found in our glass=houses, 
and is greatly on the increase. 
and Woodlice may be trapped or poisoned with phos- 
phorus paste or Vall's Beetlecute, Birkenhead's 
Beetle Trap will catch hundreds of Cockroaches. 
Surface Caterpillars must be searched for at night 
by the aid of a light. 
The very destructive Black Vine Weevil must 
also be sought for at night. Being a wily insect, 
the cultivator must proceed with care. Having noted 
the Ferns on which the insects have bestowed their 
attention, mark them off and surround them with 
E 2 
