On Destroying the Turtle Insect. 447 
several substances of the Turtle Insect, {Coccus lanigera) and they 
kept Increasing daily, both on the new and old wood, harbouring be- 
neath the foliage. We occasionally destroyed them, but they kept 
constantly increasing as the temperature of the house was augmented ; 
until their numbers became very great, and the vines began evidently 
to suffer from the effects of the glutinous honey-dew with which the 
leaves were covered. We used sulphur and water, and every means 
that our imaginations could suggest, but to no purpose; for their num- 
bers increased daily, imtil both fruit and leaves became mostly covered. 
The honey-dew hung in drops at the extremity of the leaves, and the 
fruit appeared as if had been dipped in a glue-pan ; and on being 
touched, it adhered to the hands in the same manner as glue. Al- 
though I washed it off continually, every succeeding morning it had 
again assumed the same appearance. Very few bunches fit for table, 
were gathered that season. 
I should here remark, that the wall, previous to its being white- 
washed in autumn, was almost as black as a coal, from one end to 
the other; and we were obliged to have it new drawn. 
We could scarcely account for the disaster, — we never before had 
perceived anything of the kind ; the Red Spider, [Acdrus teUurius) 
had often been very troublesome. We hardly knew what course to 
take, but resolved to adopt some effectual means either to kill or cure; 
and for this purpose, we made a mixture of — 
Two pounds of sulphur, 
One pound of soft-soap, 
One quart of strong tobacco water, 
One pint of water of quicksilver. 
These we mixed well together, and when we had pruned the vines, we 
dressed both old young wood with it; (having previously brushed them 
well with clear water) this we found a most effectual remedy, not only 
against the Turtle Insect, but also against the Red Spider, or anything 
else. We have anointed our vines with it every year since, and have 
been entirely free from any insects ; and so far from it being injurious 
to the vines, they grow exceedingly luxuriant, and are very prolific. 
It is well known, that vines in vineries are less annoyed by insects, 
than those either in succession or fruiting pineries ; — this may arise 
in some measure, from the air in the vinery being altered as circum- 
stances may require, whilst in the latter, the pines being the chief con- 
sideration, the temperature is regulated so as to be most suitable for 
them. 
Wishing every success to the Horticultural Register, 
I remain, yours, respectfully, 
Prestwold Gardens, W. Brown, Jun. 
Dec. 10, 1831. 
