My attention has lately been attracted to several cases where 
the seedlings of the “Para” rubber tree presented a somewhat 
unhealthy appearance, and on more than one occasion I have 
befeii assured that this was there i/atural appearance during, or 
immediately after, a spell of dry wfeather. It is evident, however, 
that all is not as it should be, and if the growing point or the 
very yourW leaves are closely examined, a minute insect will 
generally be observed moving rapidly about, chiefly on the under 
side of the leaf. 
This°is not a true insect, but one of the Mites (. Activities ) 
and allied to the pests that infest and produce the galls and leaf 
blister on plants. One of the best known of these Mites is that 
commonly referred to as “Red Spider" ( Tetr any chits telarius ), 
which is very common in hot houses in Europe, being especially 
abundant on various species j of Acalypha plants of the same 
order as the “ Para ” rubber tree; other Mites are parasitic on 
animals, while the itching Mite is parasitic on man, causing 
the disease known as itch ; tfie sensation which gives the name 
to the disease being due to tilt: Mites burrowing in the skin. 
In the particular case under note, the very young leaves fall 
from the plant before they are developed — in this respect the result 
is much the same as though the' plants had been attacked by 
“Red Spider”- — while thtjjfee leaves which mature, present a 
crinkled appearance and ace generally.,of a yellowish green colour, 
and will be found upon examination to be perforated by numerous 
holes, due to the punctures of the Mites when the leaves were 
young. Saprophytic fungi are also present, but the disease is 
primarily due to the depredations of these impute parasites. 
Being so small, the|e Mites are apt to be overlooked, and the 
cause of the disease attributed to other causes; they can be 
detected by the naked eye by anyone possessed with keen 
eyesight, though a gojd lens or a microscope is indispensable . 
to enable us to obtain a correct idea of their structure. 
The particular Mite causing the disease alluded to above, is 
probably a species offTarsonymus, but I am unable, with the 
literature at my (disposal, to determine the species. This, however, 
is not of much consequence to the planter, as the cause and 
effect is much the same in the various members of this family. 
Mites are produced from eggs, and, as a rule, the young are 
provided with th.reef pairs of legs: they thrive best in a warm dry 
atmosphere. When they occur on plants having smooth leaves, 
they can be kept in check by syringing with clean water, or with 
a solution of soft soap and quassia chips. Dusting the affected 
parts with tobacco dust will also be found very effective and 
perhaps more expedient : this should be done in the evening so as 
to reduce the risk of it being blown off, or washed oft by heavy 
ram. 
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