160 
DESTRUCTION OF THE RED SPIDER. 
In what we call here our winter-house, or late vinery; I generally 
light the first fire for the season on the first of May, and during the 
whole summer, I apply a little fire in the evenings. This, of course, 
is very congenial to the nature of the Red Spider, and were not some 
effectual means used, neither foliage nor fruit could ever he produ¬ 
ced to perfection ; but so well has this method I have detailed, an¬ 
swered, that I now scarcely ever expect to see another instance of 
their appearance. This remedy will not only destroy them, when 
the plants are literally covered, but if applied in time, entirely pre¬ 
vents their appearing at all; I speak from actual experience on the 
subject. The house I have already named, and many others that I 
have had under my care, have given ample proof of the truth of the 
assertion; and I now feel so satisfied upon the subject, that with the 
greatest confidence I can recommend it as a specific to the public. 
I must beg an excuse for entering into so long a detail on the 
subject, hut I was partly led into it by observing that T. A. 
Knight, Esq. the eminent president of the Horticultural Society, 
complains of this insect destroying his Persian Melons. I hope, 
however, the merits of sulphur will he duly appreciated, for I never 
observed any cause of complaint, with regard to its adhering, to 
either the leaf or fruit, or any fear, that in case the plants are 
syringed with clear water, the sulphur will be washed off without an¬ 
swering the end. If it should ever wash off, the expense and trou¬ 
ble is so little, that I should recommend adding more or less of sul¬ 
phur every time I syringed. It certainly in part prevents the dif¬ 
ferent species of Coccus from increasing, they cannot adhere to 
either wood, or leaves, where an application of this sort has been 
made. 
George Stafford. 
Willersley , Feb. \8lh, 1833. 
