130 
closely resembles the color and texture of the bark to which it 
is fastened, that it would be still more difficult to see it if it 
were not raised above the smooth surface of its resting place, 
(Fig. 69, Plate 12). The largestscales are about one-sixteenth 
of an inch in diameter, and somewhat circular or oval, although 
sometimes quite irregular in outline. The scales of this spe- 
cies are usually found close together in groups of all sizes, 
from three or four to one hundred or more. It frequently hap- 
pens that the scales overlap each other, and some of them are 
thus pushed upon the backs of their fellows, so that they do 
not touch the bark at all. The advantage of a long thread-like 
beak possessed by scale-lice is now apparent, for with it the 
insect can draw its supply of food from the plant between the 
scales and underneath. Thescale of the female has two small 
exuviz, the smallest of which constitutes a yellow or orange 
dot placed eccentrically at one side of the center of the scale; 
from this the name ‘“The Eccentric Scale” is derived. The 
scale of the male is smaller and has only one exuvie. They 
are often so covered with secretion as to be nearly invisible. 
This species seldom occurs in sufficient numbers to cause 
much damage, but in case it should greatly multiply it can be 
checked with kerosene-emulsion applied inthe same manner as 
in the case of the others. 
The specimens found in Minnesota differ from the typical 
form in lacking the spinnerets and the plate between the third 
and fourth spines, but as Professor Comstock has described a 
variety in which the plates are lacking it seems that it is sim- 
ply a variety. 
MACHINES FOR APPLYING INSECTICIDES. 
As is well known, we can no longer expect rich returns from 
‘our fields and gardens without going to war with numerous 
insects that claim our crops for themselves. The better 
equipped side in this struggle is apt to come off victorious and 
as the insects are well prepared in this contest, it behooves 
farmers and gardeners to prepare equally well it not better. 
Our weapons against injurious insects are poisons of various 
kinds and machines to apply them to the best advantage. 
Although in many cases, and on asmall scale, such poisons 
can be applied by hand in the form of dust or mixed with water, 
