I ily distributed throughout the United States, notwithstanding the 
le powers of locomotion possessed by the mite. From the blis- 
or galls of the leaf the mites pass in early autumn to the buds, 
mg the scales of which they find the needful protection for the 
|;er, and it is mostly in this condition that distribution is accom- 
jjhed by the affected stocks, cions or trees sent out from the nur- 
,|3S. However, some of the mites do not escape from the leaves 
>re they fall, and in this case may be scattered in an orchard 
die wind. Their injurious operations are begun in April upon 
undeveloped leaves in the bud. Here, as in other cases, they 
vv through the epidermis of the under side of the leaf and infest 
pulpy tissues within, depositing their eggs and multiplying by 
ins or scores in the discolored area. 
is not hazardous to say that the only remedy within practical 
di is the total destruction of the mites by pruning and hand- 
fifing. Before the number becomes very great upon a tree the 
hfful gathering and burning of the affected leaves can be accom- 
Ihed without serious difficulty, and by following up the process 
S a few weeks a perfect cure may be relied upon. If, however, 
or nearly all the leaves are invaded, a severe pruning in winter 
Spring (burning the twigs) should precede the attempt to free the 
I of the pest by the summer work upon'the leaves. 
THE VERBENA MITE.* 
he cultivated verbenas are subject to two diseases which cause 
I " di annoyance to the propagators and growers of these beau- 
l flowering plants. On^is known as mildew, the other as black 
, These two maladies are entirely distinct in origin as well as 
appearance, yet they have been, unfortunately, much mixed in 
literature upon the subject, as well as in the popular use of the 
‘as by florists. The first appears as a white, mealy powdering of 
leaves, though the latter, after a time, die in spots or altgether, 
\ then become dark colored. It is this latter condition that has 
sed many to misuse the name more correctly applied to the 
•ind disease, This mildew is a mold-like fungus growing upon the 
face of the leaves and stems, and absorbing by contact the 
pecimens of this mite were sent me for examination bv Prof. Burrill, and proveto 
i ig to the peculiar genus Dendroptus, Kramer, and to the family Tarsonemida of Con- 
ni and Panzago. They seem to represent a new species, and will be described in a 
jj paper. Other species were discovered by me, several years ago, on the soft maple 
.* dasycarpum,) and arbor vitse {Thuja occidentalis). and they would thus appear to have 
le range of plant food. Those I have noticed have always been very rare. Professor 
(ill’s observations show that they may become very abundant, and that we have in 
'.a third group ot plant-mites which may commit as serious depredations as the 
thing mites and Phytopti. Dr. Kramer is reported as stating that galls may be pro- 
-d by species of Dendroptus which are not distinguishable from those of Phytopti. I 
found Dendroptus in growths which were undoubtedly produced by a Phytoptus, 
j; am not satisfied that the former ever cause growths of their own. In order that the 
fs may be recognized where injuring plants, I subjoin a brief description : 
: -y small, almost invisible to the naked eye. Body flattened, oval in outline when viewed 
' above; anterior part separated from the posterior part by a distinct groove. Legs 
p two anterior pairs widp.lv separated from the two posterior pairs. Three anterior 
• of legs, essentially alike in both sexes, the last article having two divergent claws 
i a disc, or plantula between them. Fourth pair of legs in the female almost rudiment- 
consisting of but two articles and terminating in two long hairs. Fourth pair of legs in 
aale consisting of four articles, the second of which is very large and expanded, and 
med within; the fourth article is a simple, strong claw. There are a few scattered 
> on the body, and Dr. Kramer describes the integument as made up of imbricated 
•i, but these are so indistinct that they will not ordinarily be seen.—H. G. 
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