Reports to various Correspondents. 49 
The Vine Scale. 
(. Pidvinaria vitis.) 
Some insects sent by Mr. J. Westlake, of Redliill, Surrey, proved 
to be the Cottony Cushion Scale of the Vine ( Pidvinaria vitis). The 
red masses mixed up with the white wool are nests of eggs of this 
scale insect. They have nothing to do, as is often thought by 
growers, with the Eed Spider. 
The eggs very soon hatch into little active six-legged larvae, 
which crawl about, and sooner or later settle down and produce a 
fresh scale, beneath which the larva gradually grows into a female, 
and then another red mass of eggs will be the result. 
It is therefore very important that this pest should be cleared off 
young vines at once. 
When the plants are small, the best way is to take the egg masses 
and wool off with a small brush, which should be constantly kept 
wet with methylated spirit, care being taken to destroy all those 
removed from the tree ; the surface under each scale should be 
painted with the methylated spirit. 
In winter, if any traces remain, the house should be fumigated 
with hydrocyanic acid gas ; but, as a rule, hand-picking ought to do 
away with the scale. 
Insecticides. 
Arsenites. 
Various enquiries have been sent regarding insecticides, and some 
interesting notes concerning Paris green sent by correspondents are 
reproduced. There seems to be in many quarters failure with this 
insecticide and in others considerable doubt as to the benefit derived 
from its use. That it does kill mandibulate insects if used at the 
proper time and that much benefit has accrued from its use both in 
this country and America is well known. Its disadvantages are 
fiistly, that it has, as mentioned by Messrs. Ellis, a burning effect 
upon the leaves under certain conditions even when properly 
mixed and properly applied, and secondly, it only kills some of the 
enemies, whilst, thirdly, its effects are not lasting. It is very liable 
to be washed at once by rain off the leaves, and thus all the good is 
destroyed. In the case of washing for Codling maggot this is most 
important. 
Arsenate of Lead we find in many ways is much superior when 
we consider the above objections given against Paris green. For 
