The well-known and easily recognized lady-bags are also gen- 
erally beneficial, as the larvae feed upon plant lice and scale in- 
sects. The members of one genus belonging to this family, how- 
ever, are vegetarians, and eat the leaves of melons, cucumbers, 
and allied plants. They can easily be controlled by means of one 
of the arsenical sprays. 
The Tachina flies are parasites upon caterpillars of various 
kinds, cut-worms being especially .singled out for attack. Fre- 
quently cut-worms can be found with small white eggs attached 
to their backs near to the head. These are the eggs of the Tachina 
flies, and cut-worms so infested should be allowed to go free. 
Among other beneficial insects are the Calosoma beetles, 
which attack the larvae of the Gypsy moth; Wheel bugs, which 
attack various insects, including the larvae of the elm leaf beetle; 
Ichneumon flies, parasitic upon some borers and the larvae of 
various butterflies; and the digger-wasps, which frequently lay 
their eggs on the bodies of “white grubs.’’ 
Efforts should be made to get acquainted with these beneficial 
insects, so that they may not be killed off with the injurious ones, 
as they assist materially in keeping down our insect enemies. 
Spraying Methods 
When applying contact sprays it is most important to spray 
thoroughly, taking care to wet every insect, if possible. To do this 
properly a spraying machine working under considerable pres- 
sure is desirable. 
The stomach poisons should be applied in the form of a mist- 
like spray, just sufficient to wet the leaves, so that when the 
moisture evaporates a film of poison is left upon the leaf. It is a 
mistake when applying sprays of this kind to put on so much 
liquid that it drips from the leaves— it is a waste of insecticide 
and is not so efficient. 
For medium-sized gardens a compressed air spraj'er, holding 
about three gallons of liquid, is about the best instrument to use. 
If trees have to be sprayed, extension pipes should be obtained 
in order that the top of the tree may be reached. 
In very small gardens the atomizers holding about one quart 
are desirable. 
To distribute powder insecticides, bellows of various kinds 
and prices can be obtained from most florists, or recourse may 
be had to a cheesecloth bag, from which the powder may be shaken 
on to the plant. 
Lead Arsenate 
(Paste) 3 lbs., or 
(Dry) D lbs. 
50 gals, water 
Paris Green 
1 lb. Paris Green 
3 lbs. lime 
100 gals, water 
Nicotine Soletion 
\ pint Nicotine 
50 gals, water 
Spray Formulas 
( Very poisonous. Do not spray fruits 
< or vegetables that are shortly to be 
( eaten. 
If used as a powder it can be diluted 
with about 25 times its bulk of cheap flour. 
Venr poisonous. (See lead arsenate.) 
f Two lbs. of soap should be added to 
< each 50 gals, to assist in spreading the 
I mixture. 
