January.] HOT-HOUSE — INSECTS, ETC. 137 
Several species and varieties of the same genus, Aphis, can 
be destroyed in the like manner. 
Acaris tellurius, or red spider, is caused by a dry atmo- 
sphere, and its havoc generally is obvious before it is arrested. 
With its proboscis it wounds the fine capillary vessels of the 
leaves. If they progress in their destructive work, the 
leaves will prematurely decay. On this appearance turn up 
the leaf, and you will see them running about with incredi- 
ble swiftness. Their body is of a blood colour, and their feet 
light red. When very numerous, they work thick webs on 
the underside of the leaf, and frequently all over it, forming 
a mass of half-dead plants, decayed leaves, and thousands of 
spiders. The most effectual remedy is a thorough syringing 
with water, and profusely under the foliage. This being 
done every evening, will subdue and eventually banish them. 
Had the house been syringed two or three times per week, 
these intruders would not have appeared. It is said by 
some writers that watering only reduces them to a temporary 
state of inaction, and will not destroy them. Laying aside 
the many prescribed nostrums, we assert that the pure ele- 
ment is the most effectual cure, as well as the most easy to 
be obtained.* 
Tit rips, order H< miptera, are insects so minute as 
scarcely to be perceptible to the naked eye. They generally 
lurk close to the veins of the leaves of plants, and frequently 
attack esculents. When viewed through a glass they are 
seen, when touched, to skip with great agility. The larva is 
. of a high brown or reddish colour. The thrip has four wings, 
and walks with its body turned upward. It frequently attacks 
the extremities of tender shoots or young leaves, which be- 
come shrivelled, brown, and will rub to dust easily between 
the thumb and finger. When any leaves or shoots are per- 
ceived to be so, if you do not observe the green fly, expect 
the thrips. They may be destroyed by a fumigation of 
tobacco, in the same manner as the green fly. By the 
simple and expeditious method of fumigation, these insects 
and several others may be destroyed effectually at any time 
they appear. 
Cocus hesperidus, or mealy bug, has appeared in the hot- 
* Fumes of sulphur is instant death to them ; hut it has to be used 
with great caution and experience. 
12* 
