HANDBOOK

6F THE

1CTIVE INSECTS

") R i A .

PART ill

Price 2/6.

THE LIBRARY

OF

THE UNIVERSITY

OF CALIFORNIA

DAVIS

GIFT OF

Edward 0. Essig

*;^nr> •-*

g

A HANDBOOK

DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS

VICTORIA,

WITH NOTES ON THE METHODS TO BE ADOPTED TO CHECK
AND EXTIRPATE THEM.

Prepared by Order of the Victorian Department of Agriculture

BY

C. FRENCH, F.L.S., F.R.H.S.,

Government Entomologist.

III.

BY AUTHORITY : ROBT. S. BRAIN, GOVERNMENT PRINTER.
1900.

Price %s. 6d. .*:

CHAPTER PAGE

Preface to Part III. - 5

Victorian Vegetation Diseases Act, with the Board's

Report on the working of same - - 7

XLIII. The Common Victorian Locust - - 27

XLIV. The Wheat Aphis - 41

XLV. Apricot Beetles - 45

XL VI. Tomato Moth - 49

XL VII. The Blue-Gum Moth 55

XLVIII. The Vine Curculio - - 59

XLIX. The Plum Aphis - 63

L. The Banksia Borer - 67

LI. The Phytomyza Leaf Tunneller - 71

LII. Cut-Worm Moths - 75

LIII. The San Jose Scale - 85

LIV^. The Painted Apple Moth - - 95

LV. The Caper Butterfly 101

LVI. The Wattle Goat Moth - 107

LVII. The Gum Emperor Moth - 113

LVIII. The Gum Saw Fly - 117

LIX. The Banksia Moth 121

LX. The Acacia Borer - 125

LXI. The Wheat Moth - 129

LXII. The Triangular-marked Banksia Beetle 135

LXIII. The White-eyebrowed Wood Swallow 139

LXIV. The White-rumped Wood Swallow 141

LXV. The Narrow-billed Bronze Cuckoo 143

LXVI. The Pallid Cuckoo 145

LXVII. The Restless Flycatcher - 149

LXVIII. The White-shafted Fantail 151

LXIX. The Brown Tree Creeper - 155

LXX. The White-throated Tree Creeper - 157

LXXI. Tabulated List of Materials in general use for the
destruction of Noxious Insects, with additions and

personal observations - - 159

APPENDICES.

Illustrations of Spraying Apparatus and other Machines used in
the destruction of Insects, &c., &c.

A 2

173

ERRATA.

At pages 48, 49, 75, and 79, for Heliothris read Heliothis.

At pages 58 and 59, for Orthorrhinus Kluggi read Orthorrhinus Klugi.

At page 142, for Grallira read Grallina.

At page 140, for largest responsible read largely responsible.

At page 156, for Sitella read Sittella.

PKEFACE TO PAET III.

THE Third Part of " The Handbook of the Destructive
Insects of Victoria " has been prepared on similar lines
to those indicated in the preface to Parts I. and II.

As the work of publishing a complete account of the
many pests to which our plants are subjected progressed,
it was found almost impossible to adhere strictly to the
former plan of bringing the insects attacking various
fruit trees together, as new pests are continually making
their appearance, which necessitates the more important
kinds being dealt with first.

The large demand for the two previous parts points to
the conclusion that the " work " is welcomed by those
engaged in rural pursuits, in whose interest it has been
prepared, and, by permission of the Victorian Department
of Agriculture, Part IV., the plates for which are nearly
ready, will be published as soon as possible, and as the
work is not written for scientific entomologists, analysis
of the parts of the various insects figured has not been
given.

In the present Part, plates and descriptions of many of
the most valuable of our insect- destroy ing birds are
given, and it is hoped that these will be appreciated by
those interested, and these will be added to in Part IV.

6 PREFACE.

The engravings of new designs in spraying apparatus
and other appliances necessary for well-regulated orchard
work, also those of other subjects, are placed, for con-
venience sake, at the end of the book, and have been
selected from the best and most up-to-date authorities,
and upon these lines the " work " will be continued until
completed.

C. FRENCH.

Melbourne, 1900.

VICTORIA.

ANNO QUINQtTAGESIMO NONO

VICTORIA

No. 1432.

An Act relating to Disease affecting Vegetation.

["2nd March, 1896.]

BE it enacted by the Queen's Most Excellent
Majesty by and with the advice and consent of the
Legislative Council and the Legislative Assembly of
Victoria in this present Parliament assembled and
by the authority of the same as follows (that is to
say) :—

1. This Act may be cited as the Vegetation short title
Disease* Act 1896.

2, In this Act unless inconsistent with the subject- interpreta-

tion.

matter or context —

"Act" includes regulations made under this
Act.

DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA:

"Disease" means any disease affecting trees
plants or vegetables and which the
Governor in Council may from time to
time by proclamation in the Government
Gazette declare to be a disease within the
meaning of this Act and whether or not
caused by or consisting of the presence of
insects or fungus :

" Diseased " means affected with " disease " :

" Fungus " means any fungus or vegetable
parasite whatever which the Governor in
Council may from time to time by procla-
mation in the Government Gazette declare
to be a fungus within the meaning of this
Act :

" Insect " means any insect whatever which the
Governor in Council may from time to
time by proclamation in the Government
Gazette declare to be an insect within the
meaning of this Act, and includes any such
insect in whatever stage of existence the
same may be :

" Owner or occupier " includes the agent of any
owner or occupier, and also any joint owner
or joint occupier :

" Owner " includes any person holding any land
under any lease or licence from the Crown,
or any person deriving title from under or
through such person :

" Regulations " means regulations made pur-
suant to the provisions of this Act :

" Tree " " plant " and " vegetable " shall respec-
tively include the fruit or other product of
any tree plant or vegetable and every part
of any tree plant or vegetable (as the case
may be) and the fruit or product thereof.

VEGETATION DISEASES ACT 1896. 9

3. (i) The Governor in Council by proclama- importation
tion in the Government Gazette may either abso- ££"£
lately or subject to any regulations prohibit the S^eTc.
importation introduction or bringing into Vic- prohibited.
toria or any portion of Victoria specified in such
proclamation of any tree plant or vegetable which is
in the opinion of the Governor in Council likely to
introduce any disease or insect into Victoria or any
portion of Victoria, and may at any time alter or
revoke any such proclamation.

( 2 ) The Governor in Council by proclamation in Transfer
the Government Gazette may either absolutely or po°rTio°n of
subject to any regulations prohibit the bringing into anotSerma
any portion of Victoria from any other portion of prohibited
Victoria specified in such proclamation of any tree
plant or vegetable which is in the opinion of the
Governor in Council likely to spread any disease or
insect in Victoria, and may at any time alter or
revoke any such proclamation.

(3) Any person who imports introduces or brings
or causes or knowingly permits to be imported
introduced or brought into Victoria or into any
specified portion of Victoria any tree plant or
vegetable contrary to any prohibition contained in0
any proclamation shall be guilty of an offence against
this Act.

4. (i) No person shall import introduce bring or
cause or knowingly permit to be imported intro- f^.ubs.ted
duced or brought into Victoria any insect or fungus pr
except for scientific purposes only and with the
consent of the Minister.

(2) Any insect or fungus or any tree plant or insects
vegetable 'imported introduced or brought into Vic- packages &c.
toria contrary to this Act or any diseased tree plant sei/ed.
or vegetable imported introduced or brought into
Victoria and any package or case containing or

10 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA:

suspected to contain any such insect fungus tree
plant or vegetable may forthwith be seized by any
person so authorized in writing by the Minister
either generally or specifically and shall be destroyed
or otherwise dealt with as the Minister may direct.

D0efSdSeased 5. If in the opinion of the Minister the destruction
&cebylants °f anj diseased tree plant or vegetable whether the
same was or was n°t imported introduced or
brought into Victoria is a matter of necessity and
extreme urgency he may make an order in writing
directing the destruction of such diseased tree plant
or vegetable by any inspector or person referred to
in such order.

Fc^mpiyto 6. The Minister may, at any time, make an order

Sofcn o1irec" i*1 writing directing any person who is occupier or

Sicafeto owner of any land or in charge or command of any

disease, g^jp or vessel upon or in which there is any diseased

tree plant or vegetable, to take the measures and do

the acts mentioned in such order for the eradication

of any disease or the destruction of any insect or

fungus. If within fourteen days after the service of

such order upon such person he does not take such

measures or do such acts as are directed therein he

shall be guilty of an offence against this Act.

persons 7. If proof be given to the satisfaction of the

by Minister Minister that any trees plants or vegetables suspected

may enter . • " «. *i ^ • 111

upon land to be diseased are growing or are upon any land he

to search , -, . . ° . . . ° »

for disease, may authorize in writing any person to enter upon
such land at any time with or without any assistants
to search for diseased trees plants or vegetables and
to remain thereon so long as may be reasonable for
such purpose.

8. When any person authorized as aforesaid finds
diseased trees plants or vegetables upon any land
° such authorized person may by notice signed by him
insects or require the occupier or owner of such land to

VEGETATION DISEASES ACT 1896. 11

eradicate all disease from and destroy all insects or
fungi on all trees plants or vegetables then growing
upon such land ; and such authorized person may at
any time enter upon such land to ascertain if such
notice has been complied with.

insects or

9. (i) At the expiration of twenty-one days _.

, , , \ ' p . | f« . . PI , • i occupier or

the date of the service or giving of such notice such '
authorized person may if he think fit summon the
occupier or owner of the land to whom such notice
was directed to appear before a court of petty
sessions.

(2) If in the opinion of the court the occupier or
owner has failed or neglected to eradicate all disease
and destroy all insects or fungi as directed in such
notice, the court may make an order in writing
authorizing such person or any other person to enter
upon such land at any time with or without
assistants and to eradicate all disease and to destroy
all insects or fungi on all trees plants or vegetables
then growing or upon such land.

(3) Every such person shall in any court of com-
petent jurisdiction or in a court of petty sessions be
entitled to recover from such occupier or owner the
expenses of such eradication and destruction together
with costs.

10. (i) If there is no occupier of any land or the
occupier or owner is unknown to the Minister or
absent from Victoria and the Minister cannot ascer- j»j£j»
tain that such occupier or owner has any agent in
Victoria, then any notice or order under this Act
shall be affixed in some conspicuous place upon such
land and a copy thereof shall also be published in
some newspaper circulating in the neighbourhood
thereof. Every such notice or order so affixed and
published shalf be deemed and taken to be a sufficient
notice or order to the occupier or owner of such land
from the time of its being so affixed and published.

12 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA:

(2) It shall not be necessary for any such notice
or order to specify the name of any person as
occupier or owner of the land therein referred to in
such notice or order.

proceedings 11. No proceedings shall he taken against any
owner of land for failing to comply with any notice
or order to eradicate all disease from or destroy
insects or fungi on trees plants or vegetables upon
any land until the provisions of this Act have been
enforced against any occupier of such land upon
which such insects or fungi are found.

12. (i) The Governor in Council may by
proclamation in the Government Gazette order that
lcl1' certain trees plants or vegetables specified in such
order shall not be removed from or out of any
nursery orchard or place the boundaries whereof
shall be defined in such order ; and may at any time
alter or revoke any such proclamation.

Removing (2) No person shall remove or carry away or

con"Xrtcto order cause or knowingly permit to be removed or

Kr0°nclar " carried away from or out of any such nursery

proh: teci Qrchard or place any tree plant or vegetable contrary

to the terms of such proclamation.

Regulations. 13. (i) The Governor in Council may make
regulations for all or any of the following purposes,
viz. : —

(a) for prescribing the form of notices and
orders to be given under this Act and the
time when and manner in which such
notices or orders are to be given :
(£) for securing the effectual treatment of
diseased trees plants or vegetables and
the effectual eradication of disease. and
destruction of any insect or fungus :

VEGETATION DISEASES ACT 1896. 13

(c) for prohibiting or regulating the importa-

tion introduction or bringing into Victoria
or any specified portion of Victoria or the
transfer or removal within Victoria of
any particular kind of tree plant or
vegetable likely in the opinion of the
Governor in Council to spread any disease
or insect :

(d) for prescribing penalties for the breach of

any regulation not exceeding for a first
offence One pound and not exceeding for
any subsequent offence Ten pounds :

(e) for denning the boundaries of any portions

of Victoria to be called fruit-growing
districts and for providing for the elec-
tion by the fruit-growers of each such
district of a local board of advice and
for providing for the calling of meetings
of and the conduct of the proceedings of
such board and also for the appointment
by the Governor in Council of a central
board of advice, such boards to consist
of not less than three and not more than
seven members ; and for prescribing the
respective duties of such boards and the
tenure of office of the members thereof:
(/) for prescribing the duties of inspectors
appointed under this Act: and

(g) generally for carrying into effect the pro-
visions of this Act.

(2) All such regulations upon being published in TO be laid

\ ' ill! i • i • 1 •£ before Par-

the Government Gazette shall be valid in Jaw as it
the same were enacted in this Act and shall be
judicially noticed ; and all such regulations shall be
laid before both Houses of Parliament within
fourteen days after the making thereof if Parliament

14 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA :

be then sitting and if Parliament be not sitting then
within fourteen days after the commencement of the
next session of Parliament.

offences. 14. (i ) Every person shall be guilty of an offence
against this Act —

°exse3onr (a) w^° m ^^Y manner obstructs or impedes or

offetctan attempts to obstruct or impede any

person acting under the authority direc-
tion or order of the Minister or of a
court of petty sessions in the execution
of such person's powers under such
authority direction or order under this
Act, or

Disobeying (#) who disobeys or fails to comply with any

orders &c. v / /? j.1 • • /? , 1 • I J

of the provisions of this Act or any
direction or order given pursuant to
such provisions.

penalty. (2) If any person is guilty of an offence against
this Act for which no penalty is specially provided
he shall for every such offence be liable on convic-
tion to a penalty not exceeding Twenty pounds.

Limitation 15. No action shall be brought against any person

of actions . , ,, , . «. - J. *

&c. acting in the execution of this Act for anything done
thereunder unless the same be commenced within
four months next after the act complained of has been
committed.

Noautho- 16. (i) No person acting under the authority

wmuable" direction or order of the Minister or or a court of

u°nie8a8mage petty sessions in the execution of this Act shall be

deemed to be a trespasser by reason of any entry or

removal or destruction under this Act, or be liable

for any damage occasioned in carrying- out such

authority direction or order under the provisions of

this Act unless the damage was occasioned by

sucn person wilfully and without necessity.

VEGETATION DISEASES ACT 1896. 15

(2) No person shall be entitled to receive any NO

v ' , • L -i • f. J sation

compensation whatsoever in consequence of any allowed for
measures taken for the eradication of any disease or SSSSied
the destruction of any insect or fungus or of any oJtXS1118
prohibited or diseased trees plants or vegetables, or w5fuinles
in respect of any damage that may result to him
therefrom either directly or indirectly unless the
same was occasioned wilfully and without necessity.

17. The Governor in Council may appoint subject Appoint-
to the Public Service Acts as many inspectors as inspectors.
may seem necessary for carrying into effect the pro-
visions of this Act and may remove any such in-
spectors.

18. This Act shall continue in force until the Duration of
first day of January One thousand eight hundred

and ninety-nine and thence until the end of the next
ensuing session of Parliament.

EEPORT ON THE WORKING OF THE VEGE-
TATION DISEASES ACT 1896.

OBJECTS FOR WHICH THE ACT WAS FRAMED AND PASSED
BY PARLIAMENT.

The Vegetation Diseases Act which came into force on
2nd March, 1896, was passed at the instigation and in
the interests of the fruit-growers of the colony with the
object principally of advising orchardists, nurserymen,
and others as to the best and most economical methods
of keeping their places free from insect and fungous
diseases ; also to enable them to place their produce on
the market in the best condition possible. It was also
felt that whilst many persons exercised great care, and
went to much expense in keeping their places clean,
there were many who did not take this trouble, conse-
quently rendering the efforts of those people inoperative ;
in which case the Act enables the Department to take
action and compel these persons to keep their orchards,
&c., free from disease.

APPOINTMENT OF A CENTRAL BOARD OF ADVICE.

The Governor in Council, under section 13, sub-section
(e) of the Act, appointed a Central Board of Advice on
the 15th May, 1896, consisting of Messrs. J. Harris,
M.L.A. (Chairman), the Hon. W. Anderson, G. Neilspn,
C. French (Government Entomologist), and D. Me Alpine
(Government Pathologist). Regulations under the Act
were framed by this Board and approved of by the
Governor in Council. The first meeting of the Board
was held on 14th May, 1896, and meetings have been

11597. B

18 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA :

held regularly ever since. The Board felt the loss of
Mr. Neilson's services by death in January, 1898. His
services were of great value, and the vacancy caused
by his decease has not yet been filled.

REGULATIONS.

The regulations provide for the steps to be taken by
growers and importers in dealing with disease ; the
duties to be performed by inspectors ; the manner of
appointment and election of local boards of advice with
their duties ; instructions to persons dealing with the
scheduled diseases ; dividing the colony into fruit-growing
districts ; and for the inclusion of insect and fungous
diseases under the Act.

So as not to make the working of the Act too cum-
brous at the start, only as few diseases as it was found
actually necessary at the time to proclaim were gazetted,
viz., five (5) insect diseases and three (3) fungous dis-
eases. As occasion arose more were added, and approved
by the Governor in Council, viz., five (5) additional in-
sect and two (2) additional fungous diseases ; the total
at the present being ten (10) insect and five (5) fungous-
diseases. Others will be added as circumstances arise.

LOCAL BOARDS OF ADVICE.

The regulations provide for the appointment of a
local board of advice for each fruit-growing district by
the fruit-growers, who are at liberty to register their
names with the returning officer for each district. This
course has not so far proved a success owing to want of
interest pn the part of the growers themselves, except
in five instances. Out of ten districts only five complete
boards were elected by the growers, notwithstanding
the fact that each board was to consist of seven members
only.

We think that this difficulty might be met by the
local boards of advice being made nominee boards,.

REPORT ON WORKING OF VEGETATION DISEASES ACT. 19

appointed by the Governor in Council, and would
recommend that the Act be so amended as to provide
for this. We would further recommend that an amend-
ment be also made in the direction of compelling every
fruit-grower in the colony to register his name with
the returning officer for the district in which such fruit-
grower resides. This step would facilitate the work of
the inspectors in making their examinations of orchards
as thorough as possible.

APPOINTMENT OF INSPECTORS.

The colony having been divided into ten (10) fruit-
growing districts, it was thought necessary by the Board
to appoint one inspector to each district ; and to make
the system of inspection as thorough as possible a staff
of at least twelve (12) inspectors would be required.
This course was recommended to the Minister of Agri-
culture. As a commencement two (2) were appointed,
the date of the first appointment being 19th February,
1898. Since then the staff has been added to from time
to time until at the present time the number has been
increased to seven (7) fully qualified inspectors, with two
(2) temporary junior assistants for city work. The whole
of these, with the exception of the two juniors, were
appointed from other Departments of the Civil Service,
all being required to pass a competitive examination in
practical entomology and mycology, &c.,&c., the examiners
being Messrs. French and McAlpine The inspectoral
staff has been attached to the Entomological Branch of
the Department of Agriculture, with Mr. C. French as
Chief Inspector.

INSPECTIONS.
Orchards, Nurseries, and Gardens.

Upon examination, many of the orchards, &c., of the
colony were found to be in a more unsatisfactory state,
as far as diseases were concerned, than was expected.

20 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA :

Up to date, 3,800 places have been visited by the inspec-
tors, who have given the necessary instructions. In
addition, a number of these have been revisited, to see if
their instructions have been carried out. In four cases it
has been found necessary to institute proceedings against
occupiers for non-compliance with regulations, in each of
which cases the prosecution was successful. Further,
some orchardists at first showed an unwillingness to
comply with instructions ; but, after serving them with
notices to clean, satisfactory results were obtained.

Nurseries.

The system inaugurated of inspecting nurseries, and of
issuing certificates to clean, has been found to work well ;
47 nurseries have been examined and granted "clean
certificates," which hold good for six months. The other
colonies accept our certificates of cleanliness accom-
panying trees sent. This not only facilitates the work
of the inspectors, but the improved condition of our
nurseries is noticeable in a marked degree. The number
of certificates issued by the Government Entomologist
on nursery stock exported from the colony is 1,600, being
an average of about 1,000 per annum. There are also
a number of nurseries that only grow cut flowers for
market, and, although they are generally clean, it has not
been found necessary to issue them " clean certificates."

ABANDONED ORCHARDS.

Some three years since, at the suggestion of the
Government Entomologist, an estimate was made of the
number of acres of abandoned orchards within a 10-mile
radius of Melbourne, and it was found that there were
something like 700 acres, at a low estimate. These
orchards consist of land on the outskirts of the suburbs,
purchased by land syndicates in the boom time, with the
object of their being cut up into building allotments for
sale. These are now being dealt with. Great difficulty

REPORT ON WORKING OF VEGETATION DISEASES ACT. 21

exists in dealing with them and in finding the owners of
the places, many of which are unoccupied and still owned
by syndicates. They are a menace to genuine orchardists,
being veritable breeding-grounds and nurseries for noxious
insects and fungi. One inspector is occupying the whole
of his time in examining these. We hope that before
long these abandoned orchards will cease to exist, the
Act giving the inspectors power to destroy all trees
which are past redemption, after serving notices on the
occupiers or owners.

FRUIT IMPORTATION.

Whilst compelling all fruit-growers to eradicate disease,
the Board found that there was great danger of their
efforts in this direction to some extent being nullified,
unless strict supervision were exercised in the examin-
ation of fruit and fruit trees imported. As showing the
nature of this work of inspection at the wharfs and rail
stations, the whole time of one inspector and two assistants
is devoted to this work. In Queensland and New South
Wales great damage is done to fruit by two species of
fruit flies — the Queensland and European. Great appre-
hension exists amongst our fruit-growers for fear of the
introduction of one or both of these pests. Up to the
present time, owing mainly to the strict supervision
exercised by our inspectoral staff, neither of these pests
has made its appearance. The magnitude of this work
will be realized when it is stated that during the fruit
season 468,154 bunches of bananas were imported by
sea into the colony ; 13,775 bunches and 911 loads of
refuse having been condemned and destroyed up to date
on account of disease. Of citrus fruits alone 334,260
cases have been imported up to date, of which 11,832
cases have been condemned and allowed to be transhipped
elsewhere.

In the case of citrus fruits imported from the other
colonies, certificates as to the same having been treated

22 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA :

with hydrocyanic gas under Government supervision
must accompany such fruit before it can be admitted, we
reserving to ourselves the right of inspection, even if the
fruits are so accompanied. In the case of bananas and
other soft fruits, which could not be so treated, each con-
signment must bear a certificate to the effect that it has
left the port of shipment in a clean condition. The
general improvement in the fruit imported (except in the
case of citrus fruits from New South Wales) is very
marked, especially with citrus fruits from the continent.
In view of the danger which exists of introducing on
trees new diseases into the colony, a cyanide chamber has
been erected at the Horticultural Gardens, Burnley, to
which all imported trees are sent, and there treated for
one hour. Owing to the distance of this chamber from
Melbourne, it is found that the importer has to put up with
much inconvenience by having to send his trees there to
be treated. The Board is of opinion that a disinfecting
plant erected at some place more convenient to the port
of landing would be more advisable. This treatment of
trees has been found by experience to be very fatal to
all insect life, especially, and if properly managed, without
injury to the plants. In the retail fruit trade there is yet
much to be done. We think that a systematic inspection
of fruit shops and markets should be made. A large
amount of inferior fruit is offered to the public in these
places ; and, although such fruit is not necessarily
diseased, it is much below the standard of what should
be expected in Victoria.

The use of old and second-hand cases is much to be
deprecated, and, as these are undoubtedly the means of
disseminating disease, the importance of this matter
cannot be overrated. All cases before being used a
second time should be thoroughly disinfected, and cases
not disinfected should be destroyed. Each grower should
possess the necessary means of dipping his cases, accord-
ing to clauses 7 and 9 of the regulations.

EEPORT ON WORKING OF VEGETATION DISEASES ACT. 23

EXPORT OF FRUIT.

The export trade in fruit to the other colonies has
l>een very large, and demands constant attention by the
inspectors. The Governments of other colonies insist
on fruit received from Victoria being accompanied by
a certificate from our inspectors that it is free from dis-
ease when shipped. This entails a great deal of work on
our staff. So as not to put the exporter to inconvenience
much of this inspection has to be done outside office
hours, at all times during daylight.

GENERAL REMARKS.

On the whole we find that the Vegetation Diseases Act
has been of great benefit to the colony. Monthly reports
from inspectors to the Board show that growers are fully
alive to the importance of producing nothing but sound
and clean fruits. They are always willing to adopt sug-
gestions made by the inspectors, and show great appreci-
ation of the trouble taken to afford them instruction, not
only in the orchard, but also by means of lantern lectures.
It is only fair to the inspectors to say that they have
shown much aptitude for their work. The scope of our
inspection is much more advanced than that of the other
colonies, Tasmania and South Australia with Victoria
being the only ones which make orchard inspection a
feature of their work.

It has been found that there are many plants growing
in our public parks, gardens, and reserves diseased ;
and a thorough inspection of these has been made, the
attention of the curators in each instance being directed
to the urgent necessity of eradication of all disease.
There are also many private gardens in the colony,
both large and small, in which occur a few fruit trees.
Many of these cases, which are amongst the worst, are
being dealt with, but owing to their being numerous and
so scattered, the matter of dealing with them is necessarily
difficult, and they will take some time to be effectively
dealt with.

24 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA.

To make the Act more effective it is necessary that
the staff of inspectors be increased to the number origi-
nally recommended by the Board, viz., twelve. There
are now only seven (7), and they have to spend a large
amount of their time in Melbourne, inspecting both
exported and imported fruit. The export of fruit is
increasing year by year, and there is every probability
that it will reach very large dimensions.

So far there has been very little friction in working
the Act ; and as we are looking forward to a large
expansion of our fruit-growing industry, we are of
opinion that, seeing there is a permanent measure in each
of the other colonies for dealing with diseases in fruits,
the continuance of this Act is fully justified, and that it
should be made a permanent measure.

On behalf of the Board,

JOSEPH HARRIS,

10th August, 1899. Chairman.

PLATE XXXVII.

"COMMON VICTORIAN LOCUST " (PACHYTELUS AUSTRALIS, BR.).

Fig.

1. Eggs of Locust. Natural size, from nature.

2. Newly-hatched Insects. Natural size, from nature.

3. First moult. Natural size, from nature.

4. Second moult. Natural size, from nature.

5. Male Locust. Natural size, from nature.

6. Female Locust. Natural size, from nature.

7. Ovipositor of Female. Slightly magnified, from nature.

8. Ventral view. Slightly magnified, from nature.

9. Braconid Fly. Natural size, from nature.

10. Braconid Fly. Natural size, from nature.

11. Perfect Insect, side view. Natural size, from nature.

12. Portion of perfect Insect with Trombid Mite attacking same.

Magnified, from nature.

12A. Mouth of Locust. Magnified.

13. Trombid Mite. Magnified.

14. Trombid Mite. Natural size, from nature.

15. Skin of Locust after moult. Natural size, from nature.
16,. Fly which attacks Locusts. Natural size, from nature.

17. Portion of wing of same. Magnified, from nature.

18. Head of Fly attacking Locusts. Magnified, from nature.

19. Head of young Locust. Natural size, from nature.

20. Locust attacked by Ichneumon Fly. Natural size, from nature.

21. Portion of Locust. Magnified, from nature.

22. Mouth of Locust. Magnified, from nature.

23. Egg deposits with newly -hatched insects. Natural size, from

nature.

Plate iXXXYIL

1

-

Plate feXXXVIlA.

DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA,

CHAPTER XLIII.

THE COMMON VICTORIAN LOCUST.

(Pachytelus australis, Br.)

Order : Orthoptera. Family : Acrididce.

This terrible scourge, which when fairly on the wing,
carries desolation to all living herbage, is not by any
means confined to Victoria, where there are several other
so-called locusts, the above-named insect, as it is strictly
migratory, being the most destructive of all, and in a
report by Mr. R. Helms, then connected with the New
South Wales Agricultural Department, who went afield
specially for the purpose of studying the habits of these
insects, he makes the following remarks, which will apply
to the conditions obtaining in Victoria : —

" It seems that the locust is most destructive before
maturity or the winged stage is reached. When the
time arrives food becomes the secondary and pairing the
primary object of the two sexes, the numbers of which
are about equally divided. Immediately after pairing,
the females bore holes into the hard ground, with great
dexterity and rapidity, to a depth of 1^ to 2 inches, by
about \ inch in diameter. This is done by means of a
double horny process (see Plate XXXVII., Fig. VII.)
attached to the last segment of the body, assisted by the
secretion of a white frothy substance, and by the muscular

28 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA I

contractions and expansions of the body, which, in
many cases, becomes almost transparent. The females
now begin to lay regularly and closely in a quadruple
row (see Fig. XXIIL), placed diagonally to the direction
of the bore. The number laid by each female varying
from 50 to 80, or more, and these are compacted into a
tube about an inch long, and appear to be protected from
the heat by a white frothy secretion. About six hours
are occupied in this operation, during which time the
female cannot readily escape, and frequently succumbs to
the attacks of ants, &c., the eggs, whilst in the female,
are yellow, with a bright greenish tinge ; when deposited
they assume a dirty flesh colour, and in a few days be-
come a dirty yellow. After the eggs are deposited they
expand to sometimes twice their size, whilst the shells
gradually harden. My observations suggest the proba-
bility that there are two broods in a year. The eggs
deposited about October or November will, on account of
the summer heat, be hatched within a month : whilst
those deposited in March will hybernate during the winter
and be hatched about September. The favorite places
for depositing the eggs are gentle slopes, free, or almost
so, from vegetation ; also cattle and sheep tracts, road-
ways, plains, &c., and 1 noticed in one place that they had
deposited in a recently planted vineyard, probably because
the surrounding country was covered with vegetation.
These breeding grounds are readily recognisable, for the
ground is broken into small clumps of earth, ^ to nearly
^ an inch in diameter, which often lie about indiscrimi-
nately as if the land had been scarified by a pronged hoe.
The nests are so close together that there are about 150
to 200 to the square foot, and the females when laying
frequently overlap each other. The young come out of
these nests in a mass, and remove themselves out of the
eggs by means of their hind legs. They are at first of a
very pale flesh colour, with markings about the legs and
body, at first very faint, but which in less than 48 hours,
become very distinct, whilst the ground colour changes

THE COMMON VICTORIAN LOCUST. 29

into a bright fleshy pink. These colours remain until
maturity is reached, which is about three months from the
time when they are hatched."

This, then, is a fair description of the insect in the
open air, but in confinement I have reared the insect from
the eggs to the perfect insect in a little over two months
from the time of confinement in the breeding cage.

Prevention and Remedies.

In Australia but little has been done in the way of
combatting these pests, the principal breeding grounds
being in the drier parts of New South Wales, and from
whence the immense swarms which we sometimes see
are reared and distributed, the Murray and other rivers
affording but slight obstacles to the insects when once on
the wing. In our own colony we have numerous
breeding grounds, especially in the north-west districts,
for these destructive pests, and unless much more interest
is shown by growers in the matter it is feared that we
will have, of our own breeding, quite sufficient of these
home-reared locusts to stock at least the whole of the
northern parts of Victoria. In Algeria and Cyprus, also
in America and other locust-infested countries, various
devices, some of which are illustrated here, are in use for
the purpose of checking the advance of these pests, the
best of which is the so-called locust-screen (see Appen-
dices), which is prepared as follows : — Strips of cotton
texture of different lengths, and about 2ft. Gin. wide,
with an upper edge of oilcloth, or American glazed
leather, about 6 inches broad, are stretched in a given
direction by means of wooden pegs and ropes, and lead
to a trench 3 feet broad and 3 feet deep. The young
locusts are driven in the direction of these screens ;
they cannot climb over the glazed surface above, and
they are then led by sheer pressure from behind to the
trench, which is often, where the soil is too light for the
sides to remain perpendicular, lined with sheet-iron or
has a horizontal projecting sheet on each side, forming a

30 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA :

sort of cave, which prevents the escape of the insects.
The locusts are now despatched in the trenches by means
of glowing embers in places where wood is abundant, or
by means of chemicals, such as bisulphide of carbon,
creosote oil, or other gas refuse. When these trenches
are filled by locusts the first screen is let down, by
unfastening the ropes, and the swarm proceeds to
encounter a few yards beyond a second series of screens
and trenches, or more, according to requirements ;
care must, however, be taken not to have the line of
screens outflanked by the swarm in motion. This will
be done by a little care and practice. The advantage of
the screen system over all others being its thorough
efficacy, and also its cheapness. Two or three farmers
can combine for the purchase of 1,000 or 1,200 yards of
screen to cope with small swarms. According to Mr,
Roberts, of West Beaufort, in Cape Colony, the cost is
about £2 per 100 yards, but doubtless screens made of
hessian would be cheaper. (This information is supplied
by Mr. Peringuey, of Cape Colony, a gentleman who has
had a large experience in fighting the locusts in South
Africa.) In Algeria and in Cyprus, where labour is
cheap — and in the former country black labour is largely
available — the screen system is no doubt an admirable
one, as is also the system of collecting the eggs, both
being preventives, so that the young locusts cannot
assume the winged stage, when it is almost impossible to
deal effectually with them. Various other measures have
been tried with success, one of the best being the cultiva-
tion of the castor oil plant (Ricinus communis), also lark-
spur, in belts, across farms, grazing, and orchard areas,
as whenever locusts eat these leaves, which they will
readily do, the result is always fatal to them. Brush-
harrows, chain-harrows, beating, smoking, and other
plans have been tried ; but, judging from the best and most
reliable accounts, these have mostly been abandoned in
favour of the Cyprus apparatus, viz., the screen system.
Poisoning the food, too, is an excellent plan, which has

THE COMMON VICTORIAN LOCUST. 31

been tried with the best results at Mildura and elsewhere.
The food is prepared by mixing together 35 Ibs. of
pollard, 25 Ibs. bran, 25 Ibs. arsenic, 2 gallons of water,
and 6 Ibs. of treacle. This must be thoroughly mixed,
so that every particle of pollard and bran receives a por-
tion of the arsenic. The mixture is applied by placing
(boys can do this) a tablespoonful at the foot of each
vine, supposing a vineyard has to be protected against
an invasion, and the locusts, before reaching the leaves,
will be attracted by the smell of the mixture and will
always eat it in preference to the leaves. This mixture
can also be scattered broadcast.

The so-called locust fungus (Mucor racemosus) which
the Entomological Branch of the Agricultural Depart-
ment has introduced from South Africa, is now being
tried here. (See condensed reports on experiments and
preparation of material. ) In Victoria we have several
insects which attack the locusts, some of which are shown
on our plate, also by a uTrombid Mite," which (see Figs.
XIII.-XI V. ) cluster on the thighs of the insects, causing
at least a much impeded locomotion. In New South
Wales two dipterous flies — Masicera pachytilis, Sk., and
Tachina cedipodce, Oil. — are reported to be great de-
stroyers of locusts, and, according to a late valued corre-
spondent (Mr. Buggy, of Corowa, JS.S.W.), a Braconid
fly had attacked from 60 to 70 per cent, of the locusts,
many of which were found dead on the ground. Where
valuable plants have to be saved, a weak kerosene emul-
sion (1 in 30), or Paris Green (1 Ib. Paris Green, 6 Ibs.
lime, and 6 Ibs. treacle, diluted with 160 to 180 gallons of
water) will be found most beneficial. It must be remem-
bered however that co-operation in this, as in most cases
of the kind, is absolutely necessary, and as Mr. Peringuey
has said — u Locusts are no more a visitation of Heaven
than the phylloxera, the plague, or the murrain. That
they can be successfully coped with is now beyond doubt,
but not without the most perfect and unselfish co-
operation."

32 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA I

A few words on the value of birds, as fowls, turkeys,
£c., in the destruction of locusts may not be uninter-
esting. The common turkey is probably one of the best
known and most valuable of insect destroyers, and turkeys
about a third grown will soon fatten upon either locusts
or grasshoppers, so that, in addition to keeping down the
pest, they may also be turned into a source of profit. It
may be well to remind growers that very young chicks
should not be fed on either locusts or other insects.
Many of the native birds, as the wild turkey, magpie,
crow, heron, Nankeen kestrel, &c., are most valuable as
locust or grasshopper destroyers, and it is no uncommon
occurrence to see a swarm of crows so filled with grass-
hoppers as to be hardly able to fly. The common barn fowl
is largely used in South Africa, where the locust plague
is a most serious matter. Mr. Peringuey says — u If a few
days before ploughing you put your fowls in a receptacle
fixed on wheels which can be brought into the field, and
whence the fowls will be let out in the morning, they will
soon learn to go back to their perch in the evening, after
having during the day eaten all insects or eggs that youi
plough will have turned up. Move them, fowl-house ana
all, in the night to where ploughing will be proceeded
with the following morning, so that they may have their
resting-place near."

The plan of trampling the young locusts by means of
mobs of cattle, horses, or sheep, is an admirable one, and
has been tried with great success, and, referring again to
the egg collecting, it is stated that in the years 1881-2 as
many as 1,330 tons of eggs are said to have been collected
in Cyprus alone. Mr. Olliff further remarks that one of
the easiest ways of collecting the eggs when they are
found in large numbers is to take off about an inch of the
soil with the spade, then to cart the earth and eggs to
some sheltered place where it will have a chance of
drying, and then to separate the egg masses by means of
a sieve on the same principle as that used for gravel
sifting, but the mesh, of course, must be finer. In

THE COMMON VICTORIAN LOCUST. 33

America Professor Riley has tried several plans by which
the young locusts may be prevented from ascending trees,
viz., by placing a strip of bright tin, 4 or 5 inches wide,
tacked round a smooth tree, and in the case of trees with
rough trunks a very simple and effective plan is recom-
mended by the same scientist — " Take a piece of rope
and tack it round the tree with the tin fastened on to it so
as to leave a portion both above and below, any passages
or holes that may be between the tin and rope, or rope
and tree, being stopped up by filling the space between
tin and tree with earth above."

The late Professor Riley. whose work in locust cam-
paigns is so well known, warmly recommends the destruc-
tion of eggs which are, as previously stated, deposited in
hard ground such as roads, open fields, &c., and we give
his own words as quoted by the late Mr. UllifF, of Sydney
— " As each female lays from 50 to 80 eggs or more, in
a mass about half-an-inch below the surface of the ground,
generally in bare and exposed places, and these egg
masses or pods are placed so close together that 150 or
200 may often be found to the square foot, it is obvious
that it is no very difficult matter to collect vast numbers
of the eggs when the breeding grounds have been dis-
covered. In Algeria, during the recent visitation of
locusts, enormous quantities of eggs were collected by
the Arabs, who were paid for their labour at so much
per gallon.

The means of destroying the eggs which have been
employed with more or less success have been described
by Professor Riley under the following heads : — 1. Har-
rowing. 2. Ploughing. 3. Irrigation. 4. Trampling.
5. Collecting. First with regard to harrowing. In the
autumn, or during dry mild weather in early winter, this
method will prove one of the most effectual means of
destroying the eggs and preventing future injury. A
revolving harrow or a cultivator will do excellent service
in this way not only in the field, but along roadways and
other bare and uncultivated places. The object should

11597. c

34 DESTKUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTOKIA I

be not to stir too deeply, but to scarify and pulverize the
soil to about the depth of 1^ inches.

The locust plague is a terrible one, as the insects are
most voracious, and will tackle almost anything in the
shape of vegetation, also other things when hard pressed
for food, and no one who has suffered from their depre-
dations, or has seen the locusts either at work or in flight,
is ever likely to forget it. On the vast plains of
Biverina, extirpation would be next to an impossibility r
but where the breeding grounds are in our midst, con-
certed and energetic action might do a great deal towards
a mitigation of the evil. Seasons such as we are now
experiencing are favorable to the development of the
young insects, but where the newly -hatched locusts have
to depend upon dried up herbage for their food great
mortality is the result.

Summary of Experiments with the Locust Fungus
Disease at Rochester, 1899,/rom Field Observations
by Inspector Cock.

Experiments in the field started on the 12th of October.
For three weeks prior to this I had been traversing the
northern infested areas, studying the swarms of locusts,
and forwarding quantities to Melbourne for indoor ex-
periments. Results were unsatisfactory, consequently
Mr. French, the Government Entomologist, decided on
the field experiments; these I strove to carry out under
conditions as near to practical every-day working methods
as possible, and infections were made on the 15th and
16th, after a fall of 38 points of rain preceded by an
unusually dry spell, and followed immediately afterwards
by strong dry winds, hot days, and no night dews.
Between this and the 23rd three more infections were
carried out in the swarms on the open plains, no results
showing. On the 23rd, I fenced in 25 square yards on the

THE COMMON VICTORIAN LOCUST. 35

edge of the swamp at Restdown with hessian, and inside
carried out the experiments on thousands of locusts in
the hopping stages with both bread and water fungus,
keeping the grass damp by watering every evening. The
result in six days' time was really splendid, proving at
once the efficacy of the fungus under moist conditions ;
outside the fungus would not spread. Dry conditions
continued until the 4th of November, rain fell copiously
for three or four days after that, with a close muggy
atmosphere. I infected with water fungus in three flying
swarms during this time, and on the 1 1th I first obtained
my success, since then locusts are to be found dying
daily in hundreds in all stages, and all through the in-
fected paddocks in a south-westerly direction dead locusts
are to be found. I raised the fungus from the dead
locusts in three days in moisture, thus proving the
fungus was the cause of death ; and examination proved
that the intestines were fully eaten up with the fungus,
under unfavorable conditions, the mean sun temperature
from the 12th October to the 4th November was 108*5°,
shade 68 '6°, rainfall 38 points ; under favorable con-
ditions, from the 4th November to the 25th inst., the
rainfall was over 1^- inches, mean shade register 74'4°,
sun 102°. From this we require that moist weather con-
ditions are essential to the success of infection. In the
nymph or hopping stages bread fungus can be easily and
readily applied, grass and water are then plentiful, and
dews at night will keep the fungus growing, and provide
infected food for the locusts in that stage. At the end of
October water fungus is undoubtedly the best and surest
means of infection, and I recommend it in all its stages.
It is easily grown at a temperature of anything from 65°
to 100°, the warmer the better, but at 70° after three days
from preparation it is quite ready for use, and the direc-
tions given are quite explicit. All that is necessary for
infecting is a hoop-net, made of netting (mosquito), 2 feet
in diameter, for the purpose of catching the locusts;
after capture dip them into the glass, then take them out

C 2

36 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA :

and let them go, and so on repeat until the glass is
emptied of its fungus contents. The water must be cooled
and boiled, also the corks. A tube of the fungus culture
will make a copious growth on a basin of bread fungus
in three days, and the fungus thus raised will make quite
a quantity of water or other bread fungus. The bread
is best for use when about four days old. Farmers can
rely on this fungus disease as their friend, and should
everywhere take up the work of extermination, which is
not only useful but pleasurable.

NOTES ON THE PREPARATION OF THE LOCUST FUNGUS, AND USE
OF SAME IN INFECTING LOCUSTS, THE FOLLOWING BEING
THE METHODS AS SUCCESSFULLY ADOPTED IN OUR EXPERI-
MENTS.

Preparation of Water Fungus.

1st. Place two teaspoonfuls of sugar in a tumbler,
open a tube, and remove the fungus contents entire, place
this in the sugar, and rub the whole together with a spoon
until the material is thoroughly broken up and mixed
wath the sugar. Then dissolve this thoroughly with
three-quarters of a tumblerful of water which has pre-
viously been boiled and allowed to cool ; float in this three
or four pieces of cork which have been previously
boiled and allowed to cool, then cover the tumbler with a
piece of paper, and place it in a warm corner of the
house, until the fungus is seen to be growing around the
pieces of cork. A temperature of anything from 70 per
cent, upwards will cause the fungus to develop in two or
three days, the fungus is then ready for use.

To Distribute.

2nd. Make a hoop-net about 2 feet in diameter, of any
gauze-like material, about 2 feet deep, with a handle
attached. In this capture the locusts, and dip them into

THE COMMON VICTORIAN LOCUST. 37

the fungus contents of the tumbler, after a thorough im-
mersion take them out, and liberate them ; repeat with
more locusts, and so on until the glass or vessel has been
emptied of its contents. Infect towards evening, and if
possible when there has been, or there are indications of
rain. Next, smear patches of grass where the locusts are
feeding with the fungus, also capture quantities of locusts,
and confine them in a box along with some of their
favourite food which has previously been smeared with
the fungus. Water fungus is not so effective in confine-
ment as bread fungus. The bread fungus is more easily
smeared over their food. Keep the box under conditions
as near to the natural as possible, as locusts will die if
too closely confined. In two or three days liberate the
lot among a swarm, and repeat again.

To make Bread Fungus.

3rd. Take about one pound of white bread which is
fairly stale, and then grate it into a coarse powder. Place
a cupful into a basin, and add enough water to make a
watery paste (water must be previously boiled and cooled),

_ JJ j.~ xU*~ xl j 4-~ ^f ^,^^ 4-,,~U.rY /-w-F -fii vi rfit o -<-l-irk»»rvTi<VhlTr

ERRATUM.

At page 36, line 28, instead of " A temperature of anything
from 70 per cent.," read "A temperature of anything from

*7A /I r\rrT*r\r\cs "

70 degrees."

infected patches every evening until the fungus food has
disappeared. Catch young locusts in net, and bring them
to feed on the infected patches.

36 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA :

and let them go, and so on repeat until the glass is
emptied of its fungus contents. The water must be cooled
and boiled, also the corks. A tube of the fungus culture
will make a copious growth on a basin of bread fungus
in three days, and the fungus thus raised will make quite
a quantity of water or other bread fungus. The bread
is best for use when about four days old. Farmers can
rely on this fungus disease as their friend, and should
everywhere take up the work of extermination, which is
not only useful but pleasurable.

NOTES ON THE PREPARATION OF THE LOCUST FUNGUS, AND USE
OF SAME IN INFECTING LOCUSTS, THE FOLLOWING BEING
THE METHODS AS SUCCESSFULLY ADOPTED IN OUR EXPERI-
MENTS.

Preparation of Water Fungus.

1st. Place two teaspoonfuls of sugar in a tumbler,

open a tube, and remove the fungus contents entire, place

— A w,i^ +1^ Tx/hnlA tncrpther with a spoon

2nd. Make a hoop-net about 2 feet in diameter, of any
gauze-like material, about 2 feet deep, with a handle
attached. In this capture the locusts, and dip them into

THE COMMON VICTOKIAN LOCUST. 37

the fungus contents of the tumbler, after a thorough im-
mersion take them out, and liberate them ; repeat with
more locusts, and so on until the glass or vessel has been
emptied of its contents. Infect towards evening, and if
possible when there has been, or there are indications of
rain. Next, smear patches of grass where the locusts are
feeding with the fungus, also capture quantities of locusts,
and confine them in a box along with some of their
favourite food which has previously been smeared with
the fungus. Water fungus is not so effective in confine-
ment as bread fungus. The bread fungus is more easily
smeared over their food. Keep the box under conditions
as near to the natural as possible, as locusts will die if
too closely confined. In two or three days liberate the
lot among a swarm, and repeat again.

To make Bread Fungus.

3rd. Take about one pound of white bread which is
fairly stale, and then grate it into a coarse powder. Place
a cupful into a basin, and add enough water to make a
watery paste (water must be previously boiled and cooled),
add to this the contents of one tube of fungus, thoroughly
mix with the paste (no sugar is required), place a coyer-
ing over the basin if flies are numerous, and keep it in a
warm place, same as fqr water fungus, and in two or three
days the fungus will be seen growing over the surface of
the paste ; it is now ready for use.

To Distribute.

4th. This is best used on locusts in the early or hop-
ping stages, and distributed by placing small portions
where the young locusts are feeding, and smearing the
patches. If rain or heavy dews are prevalent the
moisture thus received will keep the fungus growing until
all has been eaten, if weather is dry carefully water the
infected patches every evening until the fungus food has
disappeared. Catch young locusts in net, and bring them
to feed on the infected patches.

38 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA.

Remarks.

A tube of fungus will make a basin of bread fungus,
and the fungus growth on the bread will make many
glasses of water fungus, or basins of bread fungus. If
the weather is moist at time of infection results should
ensue in at least a week, if dry it may take three or even
four weeks. For locusts in the flying or full-grown
stages the water fungus is the proper treatment, and is
also splendidly adapted to the hopping stage as well.
Locusts die some distance away from place of infection,
generally in a south-east direction. They turn a liver-
colour when dead, and will be found along ditches, in
grass, and depressions of the ground, in clusters and
singly, depending whether swarms are large or small.
The best results can be obtained by frequent infections
in various places, as the insects are easily destroyed in the
early stages.

40 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA :

PLATE XXXVIII.

THE " WHEAT APHIS " (SIPHONOPHORA SP.).

Jig.

1. Wheat stalks and ear, showing blight. Natural size. From

nature.

IA. Wheat stalks, full ear, showing blight. Natural size. From
nature.

2. Winged viviparous female of Aphis. Magnified. From nature.

3. Pupa of above. Magnified. From nature.

4. ,Pupa of Aphis. Magnified. From nature.

C. French, Hirextt.

Plate IXXV111

THE WHEAT APHIS. 41

CHAPTER XLIY.

THE WHEAT APHIS.

(Sip/ionop/wra sp.)

Order : Hemiptera. Sub-order : Homoptera. Family : Aphididce.

This pest of the farmer is one, perhaps, that gives more
trouble than many of his other insect enemies. In appear-
ance the fully grown insect is about the tenth of an inch
long, with the body flattened and widest behind. (See
Fig. II.) Each bears a pair of slender feelers (antennae),
a jointed rostrum or beak, which is folded close against
the under side of the body when not in use, three pairs of
jointed legs, and towards the hind end of the abdomen
are two short tubes (cornicles), the use of which are
described in Part II., with open extremities. Colour,
pale green, varying to brown and often black. A series
of small spots, as shown in our figure, are ranged along
each side of the abdomen. Regarding the life history of
this pest but little is known here. It is. however, well
known that the insects are particularly severe on cereals,
as wheat, oats, barley, grass, &c., but is especially bad on
wheat. According to the best authorities, this Aphid
lives through the winter on the old roots in the ground,
as do many of the insects of the same group. Professor
Garman and others state that the common Wheat Aphis,
£. Avenae, which is closely related if not identical with
our own kind, lives on the roots and down in the ground
on the stems of winter wheat, and that it also occurs
through late summer and early fall on volunteer grain,
these facts having been fully ascertained by American
investigators ; but Mr. Bruner states that just where the
true sexes, male and female, are matured, and where the

42 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA :

e.irgs are deposited that carry the insect through critical
periods, is still a mystery. Wherever and in whatever
manner the insect passes through winter, in spring it soon
reappears upon the plants, where it develops quite rapidly
by many generations, and spreads over the fields, the
winged individuals establishing new colonies in distant
localities. In America there are several parasitic enemies
of the Corn Aphis, especially amongst the small Hymen-
optera, and these creatures, two of the best of which
being Ceraphron triticum and Syrphus torvus, the latter
genus being seen in Victoria hovering about flowers,
and often mistaken for bees. Professor Smith says it
hovers about the wheat in the bright sunshine, and the
female lays its long, oval, pure-white egg wherever she
spies a colony of Aphids large enough to support the
young larvae when hatched. In Victoria the above para-
sites are not known to exist, but we have others, as the
so-called u lace- wings," which are described in a former
number of this book, also many minute Hymenoptera,
both of which, no doubt, assist in keeping down the
increase of this tiny pest.

Prevention and Remedies.

To practical farmers, the difficulties in the way of
dealing with this pest where on large areas will be at
once apparent, still something must be done, as a good
crop where attacked by Aphids will soon be ruined, or
next door to it, and it is no uncommon thing to find the
crop badly infested, and all within a very short period,
often in a few hours. (In a previous number of the book
the cause of the extraordinary increases of the Aphidae
has been fully explained, so that it need not be repeated
here.) As a preventive the use of certain artificial
manures such as sulphate of iron, nitrate of soda, kainit,
lime, &c., would appear to have a good effect. An analysis
of the soil to be treated should be made, especially in the
case of lime, so as to ascertain in what respect the soil is

THE WHEAT APHIS. 43

deficient Frequent fallowing, burning off stubble, scari-
fying, and generally " knocking the land about," being
about the best means to be adopted by growers. When
the insects have made their appearance, the crop should
be sprayed with either the " Strawsonizer " or some such
machine, in which case kerosene emulsion as a spray
would probably be the cheapest and best, the mixture
to be made as follow: — Kerosene 2 gallons, soap Jib.
Boil the soap, and whilst boiling add the kerosene, churn
violently for, say, ten minutes, then allow to cool, and to
this add 30 gallons of water, which is strong enough for
Aphids on corn. On large areas this treatment would, of
course, be too costly, but on small holdings, where the
crop was heavy, it would pay ; and as this plan is adopted
in Europe and elsewhere it should also answer here.
In using the " Strawsonizer " or Pearson's sprayer (see
Part II.) it would, of course, be necessary to lay out the
land in such a manner that these large machines could
pass along without damaging the standing crop. As a
deterrent, tar-impregnated water, which is both cheap
and effectual, on small areas, would no doubt produce
excellent results. Professor Bruner states that there are
ten other Aphids which attack corn, but, fortunately for
our growers, these have not been observed in Victoria.
Plate XXXVIII. shows the insects clustering around the
stem and ears of wheat plants, also the insects highly
magnified.

44 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA :

PLATE XXXIX.

APRICOT BEETLES (BELUS, FIVE SPECIES).
Fig.

1. Branch of Apricot showing damage done. Natural size. From

nature.

2. Perfect Beetle (Belus bidentatus). Natural size. From nature.

3. Larva of Beetle. Natural size. From nature.

4. Pupa of Beetle. Natural size. From nature.

5. Perfect Insect (Belus suturalis). Natural size. From nature.

6. „ „ (Belus sp.\ Natural size. From nature.

7. ,, „ (Belus irroratus). Natural size. From nature.

3

8. „ ,, (Belus centralis). Natural size. From nature.

C. French.. Direxit.

Plate :XXSX

THE "APRICOT BEETLE." 45

CHAPTER XLV.

THE "APRICOT BEETLE."

(Belus bidentatus, Donovan.)

Order : Coleoptera. Family : Curculionidce.

We have now to deal with a most destructive pest,
which, as shown in the plate, does great damage to apri-
cot trees by boring and tunnelling into the wood, and thus
killing the trees.

The genus Belus, five species of which are here figured,
in their native state are usually found on young wattles
(Acacia dealbata), and are easily shaken off into an ex-
panded umbrella, the latter article being in constant use
by the insect collector. These insects, the natural size
and colours of which are given on our plate, first bores a
hole with her snout, then deposits an egg into this hole,
and finally pushes the egg to the bottom. In this genus
it will be seen by the plate that the snout is much ex-
tended, and is highly favorable for the purpose of boring.
The larvae are soft, yellowish-white grubs without feet,
and upon hatching from the egg at once commence to
bore and tunnel, as shown on Figure I. In splitting off a
portion of an infested stem or branch the insects may be
found in nearly all stages of development, from the newly-
hatched grub to the pupae (see Fig. IV.) to the perfect
insect, the pupa bearing a striking resemblance to the
perfect beetle which is to follow. This is another illus-
tration of our insects having forsaken their natural food
for our introduced trees ; why we cannot say, unless it
be that the latter plants are more to their liking. In this
large family, which comprises many thousands of known

46 'DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA I

kinds, we have some of the very worst of our insect
enemies, as the apple-root borer, plum-weevil, grain-
weevil, and a host of others, and in tropical countries the
large palm weevils (Calandra, &c.), do enormous damage
to the native, also to the introduced vegetation. The
genus Belus, at least so far as the Victorian species are
concerned, are all timber feeders, and many of them
assist materially in the destruction of many of our euca-
lypti or gum trees, and doubtless other trees as well.
The beetles as given on our plate being absolutely life-
like, so that there need be no difficulty in detecting them
when seen, and as they are easily destroyed by crushing
or immersion in scalding water it behoves all growers to
be on the look-out, and to endeavour to destroy as many
of the perfect insects as possible. It may be as well to
explain that four of the figures as shown in the plate are
included, so that orchardists and others may know that
the whole genus are more or less destructive, and should
always be destroyed when seen.

Prevention and Remedies.

In this case, as in most others of a similar kind, pre-
ventive measures are unboubtedly the best, as once the
eggs are deposited, it becomes a matter of extreme
difficulty to deal successfully with the trouble. There
are many things, such as painting the trees with lime and
sulphur mixed, spraying with kerosene emulsion and like
materials, which may act as a deterrent to the female when
about to deposit her eggs. A piece of old blanket spread
under the trees (when in fruit) will, if the stem be tapped
sharply with a cloth-enclosed mallet, be found most useful,
as this will dislodge, not only these insects, but others of
a destructive nature, the object of using the blanket being
to enable those catching the beetles, say in bright sunny
weather, as on calico or like material the insects can
easily crawl out of the traps, whilst if flannel the small
hook-like tarsi, or claws, become entangled, and their
means of locomotion greatly retarded.

THE "APRICOT BEETLE." 47

Should it so happen that in spite of the above precau-
tions the female has succeeded in depositing her eggs, and
the larva} working in the wood, the best plan is to examine
the trees carefully, and this is best accomplished by
" running " a lens (a woolclasser's lens will do) over the
tree, and when the affected limb is found cut it off and
burn it at once. Do not deposit such on the wood-heap,
as the larvae will hatch out all the same, and the perfect
insects will again be ready to carry on their depredations.
The resin compound comes in handy in such cases as
these, as by spraying with this material, the preparation
of which is given in former numbers of the book, a "skin"
is formed by which the holes are temporarily filled up,
and this resin mixture is much disliked by insects
generally. Too much care cannot be exercised in
watching pests, especially of this kind, as once the eggs
are deposited the difficulty of successfully dealing with
them becomes more pronounced. Unfortunately for the
grower, the attacks of such insects as these are most
insidious, so it frequently happens that the mischief is
partly done before the real cause of same is detected,
constant vigilance being the price of success.

48 DESTKUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA :

PLATE XL.

THE " TOMATO MOTH " (HELIOTHRIS ARMTGERA. HUBN)
Fig.

1. Tomato branch with larva in fruit. Natural size. From nature.

2. Perfect insect. Natural size. From nature.

3. Larva of same, dorsal view. Natural size. From nature.

4. Pupa, side view. Natural size. From nature.

5. Pupa, ventral view. Natural size. From nature.

C French, Dir&xit.

Plate XL.

THE TOMATO MOTH. 49

CHAPTER XL VI.

THE TOMATO MOTH.

{Heliotftris armigera, Hubn.)

Order : Lepidoptera. Family : Noctuidve.

This moth, which is also known in America as the
" Boll-worm," belongs to a group which for real destruc-
tiveness can hardly be surpassed.

The moth itself is the size of the one shown in Fig. II.,
but it varies also in colour, the larvae, or caterpillar,
especially so. The larva is either a greenish white or a
dirty brown, with markings as hereafter described, and is
widely distributed, being found nearly over the whole of
Australia, also throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, and
America. The eggs of this moth are deposited by the
female in the spring, October and November in Victoria
being the months in which the moths appear most plen-
tiful upon the stalks and leaves of plants, also upon
stubble, in haystacks, and elsewhere, and when hatched
the larvae commence to feed upon the surrounding plants.
In the case of the tomato, it has been noticed that the
eggs are deposited also on the. leaves and stem, the young
larvae crawling up the stem and at once eating their way
into the fruit (see Fig. I.), which they speedily destroy.
When full grown, the larvae descend into the soil, and
just below the surface assume the pupa stage, from which
they emerge as a perfect moth, the females of which at
once commence to perpetuate their species, the egg-
laying, to the number of from 40 to 60, and even more,
being deposited in a very short time. There is scarcely
any limit to the number of plants which this pest will

11597. D

50 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA I

attack, as cereals, maize (especially), vines, garden plants,
&c., are attacked in turn ; and in America the losses sus-
tained by growers through the ravages of these cater-
pillars are enormous. In Victoria, as well as in other
countries, we have numerous other genera and species of
Noctuidae, many of which are pests of the worst kind.
In New South Wales, the late Mr. Olliff tells us, there
are usually three or four broods, which will account for
these caterpillars being so frequently with us. Whole
volumes have been published on this pest. As these
moths are known here to produce more than one brood
in a season, it will be hardly necessary to point to the
advantage of dealing quickly and effectually with the
early broods, as if these can be kept in check it would
have a very desirable effect on subsequent hatchings.
To those contemplating a search for the eggs and pupae,
it may be said that the former are a dirty yellowish white
in colour, and in warm weather take but a few days to
hatch out. The pupa (see Figs. III. and IV.) is of a rich
brownish colour, and the size of those in the plate. Mr.
Olliff says that the typical form is, perhaps, that in which
the larvse is longitudinally striped with white and dusky
grey. In this form the following markings are commonly
seen : — On each side of the body a broad lateral whitish
stripe, extending from the head to the anal joint ; above
this a narrow dusky stripe, including a fine white line,
and bordered on either side with four or five very delicate
whitish lines. Each abdominal segment has eight dark
spots or tubercles (see Fig. III. and on plant) ; many of
the caterpillars are almost without markings. Frequently
the fore wings exhibit no markings whatever, whilst many
individuals have the typical markings (see Fig. II.)
greatly exaggerated. These moths are also day flyers,
and on a recent visit to the Fernshawe district of Victoria
thousands of these moths were seen in a raspberry
garden flying about in the strong sunlight, now and then
alighting upon the leaves of the plants, but no egg-laying
could be detected. In the economy and life history of

THE TOMATO MOTH. 51

these moths there is yet much to be learned, but this
would of course necessitate a close study of their habits
in the field, our best teacher, and in this connexion I
would be grateful for a record of any observations bearing
on this important subject from persons living in the
country, as by this means much valuable information
might be obtained, which would be useful in assisting to
combat this and other pests. As a rule, the Noctuidse
are either dusk or night flyers, and in such cases the eggs
are likely deposited during these times. According to
Professor Comstock, in his splendid book " The Study of
Insects," there are more than 1,800 species of this group
in North America, north of Mexico.

Prevention and Remedies.

As these caterpillars when in cornfields usually
travel in the one direction, the trench with perpendicular
sides will be found an admirable means of destroying
immense numbers of this pest in caterpillar form, as they
fall into the trenches and cannot crawl out again, and a
man or boy, with a pair of wooden clogs or stout-soled
boots, can in a very short time kill millions of them.
When adopting the trench system, supposing the grubs
are already in the crop, it must be so arranged that the
trenches are placed as near together as possible, as the
closer they are the better will be the results.

When these caterpillars are in orchards or gardens,
spraying their food with Paris green — 1 Ib. Paris green,
6 Ibs. lime, diluted with 160 to 180 gallons of water—is
certain destruction to every caterpillar eating the leaves
of plants so sprayed.

The excellent "plan of laying poisoned baits has been
tried here with the most perfect success, lar^e areas of
young vines having been saved by this means. Direc-
tions :— Take 50 Ibs. of bran or pollard, 12 Ibs. arsenic,
8 Ibs. of molasses or treacle, mix well together, and lay
pieces here and there throughout the crop. On lar^e cereal

D 2

52 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA.

areas this plan would of course be well nigh impossible,
but on small areas, and where valuable plants had to be
protected, the system is perfect. In laying these pieces
amongst the crop care should be taken so that children
and domestic animals cannot have access to it, but where
the poison is used as a spray only there cannot be, as I
have previously shown in Part II., the slightest danger
attached to its use. In the case of tomatoes and like tender
plants spraying should be carried out with extra care, one
of the largest growers of these plants in Victoria having
on two occasions saved the whole of his plants and crop
by adopting the so-called " bran and arsenic " plan as
here described.

Birds, again, are most valuable helps to the grower, and
although small birds, cuckoos excepted, will seldom tackle
these caterpillars, turkeys, fowls, &c., will destroy immense
numbers of them.

Catching the moths in nets made for the purpose is a
good pastime for children, and by this means the number
of egg-producing moths may be greatly lessened, thereby
minimizing the evil for the coming season.

54 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA:'

PLATE XL1.

THE u BLUE GUM MOTH" (MNESAMPELA PRIVATA, GN.)
Fig.

1. Branch of Blue Gum showing insect at work, various stages.

Natural size. From nature.

2. Perfect Insects. Natural size. From nature.

3. Perfect Insects. Natural size. From nature.

4. Pupae, side and dorsal view. Natural size. From nature.

5. Cocoon and fly which attacks lava. Natural size. From nature

6. Side view of above fly. Natural size. From nature.

C.French, Direxit?

Plate XL1.

Troedel &C° Z,it?i.

THE BLUE GUM MOTH. 55

CHAPTER XLVII.

THE BLUE GUM MOTH.

(Mnesampela privata, On.)

Order : Lepidoptera. Family : Selidosemidce.

A brown moth, size and colour as per Figs. II. and III.,
the larvae of which do great damage in our gum forests,
more especially to young trees, the epidermis or surface
of the leaves often being entirely skeletonized (see Fig. I.)
which causes the leaves to die and fall off, and also
destroys the shoots. In the vast forests which are here
preserved by the State for economic purposes, the de-
struction caused by these grubs is enormous, as many as
50 having often been seen at work on one small branch:
Upon referring to Fig I., it will be seen that these cater-
pillars have a singular habit of clustering together in a
bunch, more especially when recently hatched from the
eggs, and over which cluster a sort of film is placed, and
under which the grubs are. As a rule, this moth is not
very common, owing, it is supposed, to the grubs being
attacked by some flies, either Ichneumon or allied genera,
which destroys the caterpillars in great numbers. Many
years ago it was almost impossible to find a gum sapling,
especially those of eucalyptus globulus (blue gum), that
were free from these pests, and as so many of our native
insects have left their natural food in favour of the im-
ported article, it was thought necessary to figure the
insect under notice, so that should it make its appearance
in our orchards, growers would not only be able to recog-
nise it by the plate, but would also be the bet er prepared

56 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA.

to attack the pest from the outset. On the upper part of
the gum branch in plate, the young larvae may be seen
in the act of feeding upon the leaves, and below, crawling
up the stern, are the matured specimens.

Prevention and Remedies.

This pest being a leaf feeder is fortunately amenable to
any treatment that will poison the food on which the
larvae feed, and for this purpose nothing is better than
paris-green, prepared according to the directions given in
our former chapter. In large forest areas, the spraying
could not of course be carried out without great trouble
and expense, but in avenues or in plantations every tree
could either be rendered partly secure from the attacks
of this grub, and supposing the caterpillars to be already
at work, an occasional spraying with the above would
promptly settle the matter. In addition to the poison,
and as a preventive, the kerosene emulsion, or, better still,
kerosene sprayed on by means of the " patent kerosene
attachment," could be used with good effect. It may be
said by some that the height of the trees would be against
the success on large trees so treated, but on the continent ;
also in America, avenue trees of the height of 50 or 60
feet have been successfully treated by means of the
powerful spraying machines (see appendices) in these
countries. The necessity for the preservation and ex-
tension of our forests must be patent to all thinking
persons, but once allow the growth of our young trees to
be checked, either by insect attack or from other causes,
forests of stunted timber will be the probable result.
Figs. Y. and VI. represent one of the flies which attacks
the grubs of this moth with pupa of same.

58 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA:

PLATE XLII.

THE "VINE CTJRCULIO" (ORTHORRHINUS KLUGGI, Sen.)
Fig.

1. Branch of vine showing holes. Natural size. From nature.

2. Ditto ditto tunnels caused by larvae. Natural size.

From nature.

3. Perfect insect. Magnified. From nature.

4. Ditto ditto. Natural size. From nature.

5. Ditto ditto, side view. Magnified. From nature.

6. Larva of same. Magnified. From nature.

7. Larva and pupa of same. Natural size. From nature.

C. French, Dirv.it

Plate XIJI.

THE VINE CURCULIO. 59

CHAPTER XL VIII.

THE VINE CURCULIO.

( Orthorrhinus Kluggi, Schon).

Order : Coleoptera. Family : Curculionidce.

A couple of years ago cuttings of some insect-infested
vines were sent to me by Mr. Molineaux, Secretary of
the Agricultural Bureau, Adelaide, for examination and
identification, and, after splitting open the cutting, as
shown on Fig. II., I found the cutting to contain two
white grubs as here shown, which had utterly destroyed
the wood of the vine in question. Having placed the
cuttings in the breeding cage, 1 was somewhat surprised
to find, about twelve months after having placed them in
the box, the perfect beetles emerging from the wood, and
at once recognised them as the above-named beetle. It
would appear that this pest is much more plentiful in
New^ South Wales than in Victoria, as Mr. Froggatt
mentions having received many complaints regarding tlie
ravages of the same insects, and he further remarks that
this beetle was fully described in a note read by the late
Sir William McLeay, before the Linneau Society of New
South Wales, as far back as 1883, giving an account of
them having attacked vines in the Parramatta district ;
also by the late Mr S. Olliff in 1894.

This small but pretty little beetle is slightly less than
that shown in our Fig. IV., and is about 3^ lines in
length, of a reddish-brown colour with light markings
(see Figs. III. and V.), which are of course highly mag-
nified, the markings beins; somewhat fainter than is shown

/ O O

on our plate.

60 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA I

The larvae is of a dirty whitish-brown colour, lightly
covered with hairs, which we were unable to reproduce
in the plate, and is about the size of those shown in
cutting of vine, the one (see Fig. VI.) being magnified
for the purpose of showing the mouth organs and
segments of the body.

The pupa is of a very pale-brown colour, often nearly
white (see Fig. VII. , left-hand side), and, as will be
noticed on the plate, partly assumes the form of the
perfect insect.

Fig. I. illustrates the manner in which the grubs enter
the vines, which seems always, or nearly always, to be
below a joint in the wood. (We have not gone more fully
into a description of the insect, as the plate shows this.)

In its native state this beetle feeds in the wattles, often
on dead and dying wood, although it has frequently been
cut out of wood which was perfectly green and healthy.
Mr. Froggatt, however, has found that in Xew South
Wales it prefers the timber when either dead or dying,
and has fully described its habits and life history in the
proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales,
1894, Vol. IX., from specimens bred from the branches
collected near Carlingford, New South Wales. According
to Mr. Froggatt, who has had many opportunities of
observing the habits of this pest, the beetles emerge early
in summer and deposit their eggs upon the vines and
orchard trees. After escaping from the egg the little
grub eats its way down the cane or cutting, gnawing out
the pith, as shown in Fig. II., and pupating at the end of
its burrow, the perfect beetle emerging (in New South
Wales) late in October.

Prevention and Remedies.

Here we have another of the but too numerous ex-
amples of an insect having forsaken its natural food for
orchard and vineyard work. We have to deal with a
pest which cannot be reached by poison or by contact,
the larvae being snugly ensconced in the wood of the tree

THE VINE CURCULIO. 61

quite secure from the operations of spray pumps and
other machines, save, perhaps, the gas tents, which might
well be tried for the purpose. We have seen, too, that the
grubs will remain for twelve months or more in the wood,
which fact enables us to form some idea of the damage
done during the twelve months of their larval existence.
We have also to face the possibility of the larv<e tunnelling
down the branches into the stem, and from thence into
the roots, which would, of course, kill the plant attacked.
So far, I have not heard of any stem or root attack, still
the group are — many of them — most persistent borers,
and thus we must be on our guard.

When in an orchard or vineyard the presence of this
beetle is suspected the plants, where possible, should be
shaken over an expanded umbrella. This would not,
however, do when the fruit was present, as it would
require a short and sharp shake or tap, as before de-
scribed, to dislodge any beetles which were present for the
purpose of laying. Fortunately, the holes being fairly
large, the presence of these grubs, especially on vines,
may be easily detected, and if found the affected parts
should be removed and at once burned (not stacked), as
the grubs, as I have before mentioned, will remain in the
dead wood, and will come to perfection, only to again re-
sume the work of egg laying. An occasional spraying with
kerosene emulsion will frequently prevent the females of
many insects depositing their eggs. It is to be hoped
that this pest will not make much headway here, still we
must be on the watch, as in the early stages of attack,
much good may be done towards a mitigation of the
trouble.

This little beetle has a wide range, having been found
in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and South
Australia. There is another species (Orthorrhinus
cylindrostris) which as a borer and general destroyer is
far more to be dreaded than the smaller one under notice,
and this species we hope to figure and describe in Part
I Y. of the present work.

62 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA:

PLATE XLIII.

THE "PLUM APHIS " (Mrzus SP.)
Fig.

1. Branch of Plum tree showing showing aphis on leaves and stem.

Natural size. From nature.

2. Larva of aphis. Magnified. From nature.

3. Winged female. Magnified. From nature.

4. Winged male. Magnified. From nature.

5. Larva. Magnified. From nature.

6. Larva. Magnified. From nature.

C.French, Direx.it.

XLIH.

THE PLUM APHIS. 63

CHAPTER XLIX.

THE PLUM APHIS.

(Myzus sp.)

Order: Hemiptera. Sub-order: Homoptera. Family : Aphididce.

This destructive little pest, which is well known to
most orchardists as doing great injury to the tender
shoots of plums of all kinds by sucking out the juices of
the tree, thus causing the wood to turn black as if
burned, is closely allied to the Peach Aphis, and
near Melbourne usually makes its appearance about
November.

In the plate we have endeavoured to convey to
growers the almost exact colours and shape of the
insects themselves, those on the twig of plum being
slightly larger than the natural size, and on Fig. I. these
pests are to be seen at work on the tree. On the plate
(Fig. II.) is shown the larva of this aphid, and on
Figs. III. and VI. are illustrated other larval forms, all
of which drawings have been taken from the insects
themselves.

The Plum Aphis then is one which should be dealt
with promptly, as being in such vast numbers they soon
cause great damage to the trees, and should be at once
attended to, the young fruit growing on the portions of
trees attacked frequently prematurely falling to the
ground, and is therefore useless for the market. In the
warmer parts of the colony this pest becomes most
troublesome, but should a few hot winds set in the in-
sects are killed, and disappear like magic. This remark
will also apply to the Peach Aphis and many kindred
insects.

64 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA.

Prevention and Remedies.

In early spring, and just before the buds commence to
swell, lay bare the roots of the trees and spray the same
with either kerosene emulsion, Bordeaux mixture, or
both, adding a little spent gas lime as a covering (this
should not be placed in direct contact with the roots).
At pruning time thin out and burn as much wood as
possible, then give the trees a couple of thorough spray-
ings with either kerosene (by means of the " attachment"),
resin compound, or other materials before mentioned.

Should the aphis in spite of these precautions make
their appearance, wait till the foliage has fairly hardened,
then use the above, but in a more diluted form. Tobacco
and soap is one of the good old remedies, and is especially
useful when the foliage is tender — too tender, perhaps,
to be able to use the more penetrating kerosene with
safety. There are one or two other matters which are
of importance, viz., the advisability of keeping your trees
in vigorous health, i.e., by first grafting your trees on
the proper stocks. If you want to combat the pests keep
the trees growing, keep the orchard clean, and see that
it is properly cultivated. In Queensland the plum is
also attacked by the " Fruit Fly," although according to
Mr. Tryon this fly is not very partial to this fruit, but
in Victoria, with the exception of the aphis and some
small native weevils, it is comparatively free from insect
attack.

11597.

66 DESTEUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA I

PLATE XLIV.

THE "BANKSIA BORER" (CYRIA IMPERIALIS, DONOV.)
Fig.

1. Branch of Native Honeysuckle (Banksia) showing larva, tunnels

and perfect beetles emerging. Natural size. From nature.

2. Perfect insect, male. Natural size. From nature.

3. Perfect insect, female. Natural size. From nature.

4. Perfect male, in flight. Natural size. From nature.

Plate XLIV

THE BANKSIA BORER. - 67

CHAPTER L.

THE BANKSIA BORER.

(Cyria imperialis, Donov.)

Order : Coleoptera. Family : Buprestida.

This fine, but very destructive, beetle is chiefly to be
found on and in the vicinity of our sea shores, the eggs
being deposited by the female in the wood of the Banksia
integrifolia or native honeysuckle, which trees form a
broad belt of shelter along our coast lines. When hatched,
the larvae (see Fig. I.) commence to feed upon the wood
of the tree, and tunnel into the tree (see Fig. L), often
destroying it altogether. The male (see Fig. IV.) is
smaller than the female, but with the same bright, glossy,
yellow and black colour, which renders this beetle very
conspicuous, even at some distance. The female (see
Figs. II. and III.) are, as a rule, rather more sluggish in
their movements than are the males, both sexes being
very wary, and take to flight quickly. The perfect beetle
when emerging from the wood (see Fig. L) is somewhat
soft in texture, but a very slight exposure to the warm
sunlight hardens the wing-cases and other parts of the
insect, so that in a very short time they are able to fly with
tolerable ease. In tunnelling the tree, the larvae, which,
together with the perfect insects are here given in their
natural sizes, frequently bore down to a distance of from
8 to 10 inches below the surface of the soil, one having
been found by the writer in the tap-root of a Banksia of
small size. The larvae of Buprestis beetles are most
singular in appearance, the head part being wider and
more flattened (see Fig. I.) than is the rest of the body,
and tapers down as far as the anal segment as shown in

68 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA:

our plate. In New South Wales, and also on the coast,
there occurs a black variety of this beetle, which how-
ever may prove to be a distinct species, as I learn from
many good observers who have collected both kinds that
the two always keep apart from each other and do not
copulate as does the typical species. There are three
other species known to entomologists, but these do not
occur in Victoria. When the insect emerges from the
wood in which the larvae has been feeding (we do not
know how long) it commences, as soon as possible, to fly on
to the young Banksias, where on a very hot and still day
these beetles may be seen perched upon the top points of
the shoots with antennae extended, the beetles being now
very much on the alert, and the hotter the day the more
difficult they are to capture.

Prevention and Remedies.

This insect, which with other kinds yet to be described
in this book, bids fair to destroy the greater part of the
Banksia trees, which together with the so-called " Tea
tree " (Leptospermum Icevigatum) line the sea shores from
Brighton to the furthest end of the Victorian coastal line
and on into New South Wales, and which trees are so
valuable in assisting to protect the banks from sea en-
croachments, has, so far as we know, not yet attacked our
introduced trees ; but as many orchards are now being
planted along and near the coast it will be well to be on
.the alert, as we never know when, as in many other in-
stances, the insects will transfer their attentions to our
orchards and gardens. The destruction, by any means
whatever, of the fringe or belts of trees which line our
sea shores is of very grave moment, and has not had the
attention which such a serious matter deserves. If it be
doubted whether such extensive inroads have actually
taken, or are taking place, let any one walk from Brighton
Beach to Mentone, and he will see for himself ample
evidences of the vast inroads which during the last 30 or
40 years the sea has made. We must preserve these

THE BANKSIA BORER. 69

natural belts of vegetation, and prevent, if possible, the
destruction of the Tea tree, Banksias, Acacias, and other
coastal plants, as in many ways few matters are of greater
importance. Should this beetle be found in an orchard,
capture it at once, as it may be there for the purpose of
egg-laying ; and as the holes made by them are fairly
large, a wire, dipped in carbolic acid, creosote, or bi-
sulphide of carbon, and pushed down to the bottom of the
hole, or as far down it as possible, stopping the hole up
at once, will usually kill any living thing which may be
feeding inside. Another good plan is to obtain a small
and pointed syringe, and with this inject carbolic acid, or,
better still, carbon -bisulphide, closing up the hole with a
piece of wet clay or any other close material which may
be handy immediately, as this may be done effectually,
and without the least injury to the tree so treated.

So far as we know, this beetle has but few natural
enemies, excepting perhaps a few of the larger birds, the
"Vocconia" spider, which will tackle insects of most
kinds, and also some of the larger Asilidce, a family of
large dipterous or two- winged flies, which are veritable
savages, subsisting almost entirely upon other insects, and
even those of their own kind. This group, Asilidce, are
great destroyers of bees, and being furnished with a
formidable trident-like proboscis, or beak, they can trans-
fix their prey in the most secure manner. In the museum
attached to the Entomologist's office is a specimen of a
fully-developed Cyria beetle, with the Asilus fly fastened
on to it by means of its proboscis, with which it had
pinned the body of the beetle just in front of the scutel-
lum, and when captured was trying in vain to fly away
with its prey which it had already killed. It has also been
noticed that many of these coastal beetles on hot days fly
out to sea, and with a change of wind are blown into the
water and drowned, their bodies being commonly found
on the sand near or above high-water mark.

70 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA:

PLATE XLV.

THE "PHYTOMYZA LEAF TUNNELLER" (PHYTOMYZA AFFINIS).
Fig.

1. Leaf showing tunnels made by larvae, with larvae and pupae.

Natural size. From nature.

2. Perfect insect, various positions. Magnified. From nature.
2A. Perfect insect. Natural size. From nature.

3. Larvae of same. Magnified. From nature. .

4. Pupa. Magnified. From nature.

5. Larva in section of leaf stem. Magnified. From nature.

6. Hymenopterous fly which attacks larva. Magnified. From

nature.

6A. Hymenopterous fly which attacks larva. Natural size. From
nature.

C.C.Brittlelank,D&l.

1. French, Uirexit.

Plate XLV.

THE PHYTOMYZA LEAF TUNNELLER. 71

CHAPTER LI.

THE PHYTOMYZA LEAF TUNNELLER.

(Phytomyza affinis.)

Order : Diptera. Family : Muscidce.

An almost black minute two-winged fly (see Fig. HA.),
which does immense damage to vegetation, especially if of
a succulent nature, by tunnelling or blistering the under-
side of the leaves of many plants as cabbage, turnips,
cinerarias, and a host of other plants, especially those
belonging to the Order Compositae, many of which, as
milk thistles (Sonchus), being veritable breeding grounds
for swarms of this pest. The eggs are deposited on the
leaves of the plant, and when hatched at once commence
to make irregular galleries into the leaves, the larvae, also
the pupae, being safely concealed under a kind of film or
web, and from which the perfect insect may easily be reared
by any one desirous of trying the experiment. In our
plate is shown the blister-like tunnels on the underside of
the leaf, also the larvae and pupa3 in their natural sizes,
and on Fig. V. a section of the " blister " laid open, and
showing a larva enclosed therein. Fig. II. shows the
perfecHnsect, highly magnified, and in various positions.
Figs. VI. and V!A. represent a singular Hymenopterous
(four-winged) fly, which works great havoc on this pest
when in the larval and pupae state, the specimens from
which the illustrations have been taken having been
reared from lettuce leaves gathered for the occasion.

72 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA I

Prevention and Remedies.

This pest is one of the most difficult of all insects to
cope with, it being widely spread over the whole colony,
but how it came from Europe is a subject about which,
so far, very little is known. As a deterrent, however,
spraying choice plants, from September to December,
with weak kerosene emulsion or tobacco water, or in fact
anything which would likely prove obnoxious to the
insects and prevent them from settling on the plants for
the purpose of egg-laying, would be advantageous. In
spraying and otherwise treating for this pest (if the
plants be in pots, dipping would be the easiest and best)
be sure that the underside of the leaves are thoroughly
treated, and weak solutions, on tender plants, especially
those growing under glass, should always be used. This
pest is a perfect terror to the gardener, as it not only
renders his best plants unsightly, but not infrequently
kills them outright. If, after all the precautions men-
tioned, the fly should attack the plants, which is not at
all unlikely, all badly-affected leaves should be cut off
and at once burned, and not fed to domestic animals as is
often done. Smoking with tobacco is an excellent plan,
also the use of the cyanide gas in an air-tight room, but
with tender plants, at any rate, this latter should be used
with great care, otherwise the remedy may prove as bad,
or even worse, than the disease. In the present instance
we have a pest which, although it may possibly be kept
in check, cannot be totally eradicated, at least by artificial
means, as, go where you will, it may be seen attacking
thistles and many other kinds of soft-leaved weeds
throughout nearly the whole of the colony, these weeds
being simply breeding grounds for the pest, and from
whence it is disseminated over the whole face of the
country. To those who have plants affected by this fly,
I may say, keep your places as clean of thistle, scape-
weed, and other tender-leaved composites as possible.
Pull up and destroy such plants of gazania, cornflower,

THE PHYTOMYZA LEAF TUNNELLEK. 73

&c., as are affected, as the pest spreads rapidly when not
carefully watched, which, when the plants are growing
out-of-doors, is a most difficult task to perform.

To those who have plants growing under glass my
advice is keep the tobacco smoke going as frequently as
possible, and if one or two plants show signs of having
been attacked by this little fly remove or destroy them
if not valuable, then dipping must be resorted to, as the
larva, being safely enclosed in the blister-like covering,
is beyond the reach of poison, .or even the ordinary
preparations in use for leaf-feeding insects generally.

74 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA:

PLATE XLVI.

" CUT-WORM MOTHS" (Mamestra Ewingi, and Agrotis sp.).

rig.

1. Portion of barley stem and ear with larva. Natural size. From

nature.

IA. Portion of stem and ears of oats with larvae attacking same.
Natural size. From nature.

2. Agrotis sp. Natural size. From nature.

2A. Mamestra Ewingi. Natural size. From nature.

3. Larva of same beneath the soil. Natural size. From nature.
4,°Perfect beetle, Calosoma Schayeri. Natural size. From nature.

Pupa of Fig. II. Natural size. From nature.

C.C.Brittlela.nk,Del.

Plate XLVI.

CUT- WORM MOTHS. 75

CHAPTER LII.

CUT-WORM MOTHS.

(Mamestra Ewingi, and Agrotis sp.).

Order : Lepidoptera. Family : Noctuidce.

The so-called " Cut- worm " moths are closely allied to
Heliothris armigera, the one described in former pages
of this book, the economy of all also being very similar,
inasmuch as they are amongst the worst of all the
farmer's insect enemies, coming as they do in such
enormous numbers that crops of most kinds are simply
ruined before there is time to gather the harvest in even
for safety. Jn our plate, two kinds of these moths are
shown, both having been drawn by Mr. Brittlebank from
specimens which he found concealed in hundreds beneath
an old haystack. Fig. II. is meant to represent a well-
known and most destructive kind, Mamestra Ewingii, but
in both figures the printing of the moths themselves is
not so good as the original drawings were. Many of the
Noctuidae are very difficult to distinguish one from
another, hence our difficulty on this occasion, the larvae
being almost alike, and the moths different, both having
been found in the position as described.

When the caterpillars of these pests enter a field of
crop, no matter whether it be wheat, barley, oats, or any
other cereals, they attack it in such vast numbers that, if
not checked, at least partial ruin speedily follows. These
moths are diurnal as well as nocturnal flyers, and some-
times hide during the day amongst stones, rubbish, under

76 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA:

haystacks, and in many other places. When disturbed
they do not fly far, but seem anxious to hide themselves
from any strong sunlight. In speaking of some of the
noctuid moths, Mr. Tryon says — " That in Queensland
they usually select spots where the herbage is rank in
which to deposit their eggs. We have found these on
the introduced grass, Bromus unioloides. The eggs are
placed between the two sides of the upper leaves of the
plant before these are opened out, and are covered by,
what is when fresh, a sticky substance secreted by the
female insect. They are also laid in other situations both
in concealment on the grass and about rubbish. In about
a fortnight, probably less, when the weather is warm,
the young caterpillars hatch out, and commence feeding
immediately on the spot where they were born. They
feed nearly always at night except when the weather is
overcast or when they occur in swarms. When disturbed
they immediately drop from where they were previously
feeding, the young by a thread, the older ones without
any. Having fallen, they quickly roll themselves up
with the head inwards and remain motionless. After a
minute or two they bestir themselves and soon crawl
away. Should the plants on which they feed be isolated
or offer little concealment they spend the day concealed
in the nearest hiding place they can find, as under a
stone or piece of wood. The caterpillar lives from two
to three weeks, the duration of the moth in this stage
being dependent upon the condition of the weather and
the supply of food. This is the extent of its life during
the summer months, but in the latitude of Brisbane many
pass the winter without changing, hybernating under
stones, &c. When about to transform into the chrysalis
state the caterpillar burrows an inch or two into the
ground, or crawls beneath a log or stone where it barely
covers itself with earth, and in such a situation under-
goes its metamorphosis. In three or four weeks after
this, the moth emerges from the chrysalis. The number
of generations during the summer months has not been

CUT- WORM MOTHS. 77

observed, but there are probably several. It has been
noticed in America that, in the case of an allied insect, a
species, too, of Leucania, each female moth lays from 500
to 700 eggs. It was noticed in the Brisbane district, in
1887, the caterpillars, the progeny of those grubs which
had hybernated, were feeding early in September, and
that the fully-grown insects were depositing their eggs
from the 25th of September onwards. Caterpillars of these
moths may be found in pastures throughout the year,
but it is only when the winter has been mild, and has
been succeeded by a spring favorable to vegetation,
that the pests increase to such a numerical extent as to
become noticeable. It is then, too, that they change
their habits, and in quest of the larger supply of food
which they then require, migrate, and, in order to get
their share of it, feed by day as well as by night." Re-
ferring to one pest (Agrotis spina) or the so-called
" Bugong Moth," so named from its having been found in
countless numbers on some of the highest peaks of the
Australian Alps.

In Vol. I., 1890, of the Agricultural Gazette of New
South Wales, the late Mr. Olliff gives a most interesting
account of the uses which these moths are put to by the
natives of the Upper Tumut, JSew South Wales, and
quoting Mr. Sharp, who was an eye witness to this
singular aboriginal custom. Mr. Sharp says — " I made a
trip in, I think, the summer of 1865, in company with
Robert Vyner and two blackfellows, to the summit of one
of the highest peaks of the Bugong Mountain (not Mount
Kosciusko, but one of the same range of mountains),
called by the native darkies ' Numbeyadang ' ; the peak
adjoining it on the south is called ' Coonoondhrain,' and
the one to the north ' Burrut-bind-yahlany.' These
moths reside in the great fissures in the granite
rocks, right on top of the peaks, and their numbers are
as the sands on the sea shore. The moth is a dark
yellowish-brown or brownish-yellow, about an inch long,
and very plump and fat in the body, and when properly

78 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA I

cooked are very palatable and highly nutritious, judging
from the condition of the birds that feed on them. The
mode of cooking adopted by the blacks is primitive, but
effective. Our two niggers provided themselves with
bags, which were filled with bugongs by simply opening
the bag and sweeping thousands of moths into it with
their hands. These bags well filled were brought down to
our camp at the foot of the mountain, a fire was made, and
kept up with sticks which burn to a clear white ash, and,
when a good heap of white ashes was prepared, a hole was
raked in the heap with a stick, the moths tumbled in out
of the bag, and the ashes heaped round them, and stirred
about with the sticks for several minutes, and when the
experienced cook reckoned the cooking was complete the
mixture of the ashes and moths was well scattered about
to cool and stop further cooking ; when cool enough to
handle, the moths' bodies — wings and legs pretty well
singed off — were gathered up, ashes and all, and cleaned
by simply pouring from one hand to another, and blowing
on the falling mixture, by which means the moths' bodies
were almost cleaned of ashes, and a little further delicate
manipulation by gently rubbing the moths on the leg of
the trousers completed the cleaning process, when the
delicious moths were eagerly eaten."

With regard to the identity of the bugong with the
species which has visited the coast district in immense
numbers, Mr. Olliff says that he is in a position to state
definitely that there is not a doubt on the subject.
Specimens obtained at Mount Kosciusko agree in every
respect with the moth which appeared in such vast num-
bers in Sydney and elsewhere in October, 1889, and with
specimens obtained in 1867 during a similar visitation.

Prevention and Remedies.

In devising means for preventing the grubs of most of
these common noctuid moths, the economy of which, as
I have previously remarked, are often identical, from
attacking plants, it must be remembered that the first step

CUT-WORM MOTHS. 79

to be taken is to render, if possible, the food obnoxious to
the moths, this to prevent the egg-laying, and this can best
be accomplished by the use of kerosene or other material,
the nature of which, by reason of its oily substance and
strong smell, would assist in keeping the moths away at
least for a time. On small areas, this, by means of the
powerful spray pumps now in use, would be a compara-
tively easy matter, the materials being both cheap, safe,
and effectual. On large areas, such as corn-fields, &c.,
the trench system would appear to be the best. In Dr.
C. V. Riley's able article on Heliothris, he says — " In
those localities where the temperature falls low enough
every winter to freeze the ground to the depth of 6
inches, late fall (autumn) ploughing will undoubtedly
destroy most of the hybernating chrysalids. In our
third report on the insects of Missouri we expressed the
opinion that corn planted very late, and very early, and
moderately late, the early crop being infested by the
first brood, and the late by the second brood, in a bad
worm year our rule would undoubtedly hold good; but in
an ordinary season, if the corn is planted early and
forced to early maturity, the ears will become hard
before the second brood has made its appearance, the
first brood not being sufficiently numerous to do any
marked damage." (This advice, however, may not be
altogether applicable here, at least, in the hotter and
drier districts of the colony, as, in comparison, our
climate is a semi-perpetual summer.) If the grass be
not too dry, and there be no great daDger of bush fires,
lighting fires at night in the vicinity of the crop is a plan
frequently adopted, as the moths, both sexes, are readily
attracted by a strong light or blaze when they will fall
into the fire, and in this manner enormous numbers may
be destroyed (we have but to place a lamp near an open
window to test this), always remembering that every
female killed is probably the means of preventing an
enormous egg-laying, and, under favorable circumstances,
an increase of the pest. To prevent such caterpillars as

80 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA :

have not been reared within the cultivated area from
entering the crop, the open trenches which should encircle
the paddock should be about 18 inches wide by about the
same depth, with perpendicular sides as before described.
If found necessary to dig these trenches for the purpose
of keeping the pest as much as possible in hand, the land
should be so laid out as to admit of main trenches, with
reticulations, throughout the field, which would have the
effect of affording the means for the destruction of the
greater number of the caterpillars which were in the crop.
On grass lands where it is tolerably clear of trees, stumps,
or stones, the brush-harrow will work wonders, as these
are cheaply and easily made by bolting four pieces of
strong hardwood quartering together so as to form a
square, with a few saplings crossways across the frame,
and into which rough branches, as mallee boughs, hakea,
bull-oak, &c., &c., could be twisted, and with a fairly
fast horse it is wonderful what can be done with these
harrows in a day. During the past year, 1899, it was
noticed by Mr. 0. C. Brittlebank, who first brought the
matter under notice, that the caterpillars in the Bacchus
Marsh district were attacked by some disease which prac-
tically exterminated the caterpillars of these noctuid
moths in this district, which is a large and important one,
and where serious damage to the crops had previously
occurred. Being desirous of obtaining some of the
fungus-infected caterpillars, I sent my assistant, Mr.
C. French, jun., to collect some specimens, and he reports
as follows : — " Caterpillars attacked by the fungus were
noticed on the slopes of the hills leading down to the
Werribee River, at Myrniong, near Bacchus Marsh. The
damage done by these caterpillars to the valuable native
grasses, such as the l Wallaby Grass ' (Danthonia) and
the 'Kangaroo Grass' (Themeda), &c., was very striking,
large patches of ground appearing as if a mob of sheep
had been camped thereon for some time, and having eaten
all the grass and trampled stalks down it thus presented
a very barren appearance. A few yards nearer the river

CUT-WORM MOTHS. 81

on a damp piece of ground were growing small clumps
of a species of Juncus, the plants being from 1 to about
2 feet high, and on the tops of the stems the dead and
dying caterpillars could be seen in thousands. They
appear to crawl to the top of the stems of this plant,
fasten themselves tightly on, and as the fungus starts

fenerally (in some instances it might commence from the
ead) from the lower part of the body it gradually rots
the caterpillar away, and, in numerous instances, pieces
may be seen dropping off. Frequently I noticed the
lower half of the caterpillar having fallen away, and the
remaining part still alive. The caterpillar gradually rots
away, the head and forelegs only remaining fastened to
the plant. The caterpillars when attacked by the fungus
have a sickly appearance, assuming a light-greyish colour
outside, but the fluid in the body of the grubs from the
effect of the fungus is of a dark greyish-green colour.
This fungus must destroy the caterpillars rapidly, for on
my visit to the spot where they were observed the first
day, I collected fully 200 of them (more or less affected
with the fungus), but on visiting the same locality the
following morning for fresh specimens, the ones I had
left on the previous day (probably about 150) were all
dead, and their remains hanging to the tops of the plants.
I examined the crops in the immediate vicinity, but could
find no traces whatever of damage done to them by these
'Cut-worms,' the native grasses, as far as I could see,
being the only plants affected. In the mallee, near Lake
Albacutya, on one of the sheep stations a splendid patch
(about a mile long by half-a-mile wide) of native pasture
grasses was found in the same condition as at Myrniong,
the caterpillars having practically destroyed every blade
of grass, and on the dried stems countless numbers of the
remains of dead caterpillars were observed."

We have here a pest which has hitherto caused an
immense amount of damage to the farming, grazing, and
dairying industry in Victoria and elsewhere, and although
the study of such pests must necessarily be done in the

11597. F

82 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA :

field, it behoves those interested to make all the observa-
tions possible, as only by a close study of the life history
of these pests can we hope to successfully combat them.
In a most interesting publication written and kindly sent
to me by my good friend, Professor F. M. Webster (whom
I had the pleasure of meeting when he was here), entitled
Vegetal Parasitism among Insects, he gives a most lucid
and exhaustive account of the success which, in America,
has been achieved by the use of many of these parasitic
fungi, which are designated as Entomogenous Fungi ; but,
as these are not within my province, I must merely draw
your attention to the wrork which is from the Journal of
the Columbus Horticultural Society, April 1894, as being
well worth much thoughtful study, showing as it does the
great possibilities which may accrue by the introduction
and practical uses of these fungi against our insect enemies.
On Fig. IV. of our plate is shown a beetle ( Catosoma
Schayeri) which both in the larval and perfect stages is
very destructive to grubs of many kinds, especially those
which crawl on the ground. This beetle is commonly
known as the " Saffron Beetle," owing to a fluid which it
emits and which has a most pronounced saffron odour.
It is a nocturnal insect, and on hot summer nights is
attracted by the strong incandescent lights in the city
and suburbs. In Europe, and in America also, there are
several species of this genus which prey almost solely
upon other insects, it being most voracious, Calosoma
sycophanta being one of the largest as well as one of the
most beautiful of the genus. Several wasps, Ichneumons,
and other hymenopterous insects also destroy immense
numbers of caterpillars, and it is an interesting sight to
watch females of the larger Ichneumons probing with
their ovipositors about the bark of trees in search of
grubs in which they can deposit their eggs. As this is
being written, a curious occurrence has attracted my
notice, viz., in the dead body of a locust, which had been
killed by the fungus introduced for the purpose of ex-
periment and before alluded to, was found a caterpillar of

CUT- WORM MOTHS.

83

some noctuid moth which had partly buried itself in the
body of the locust, and upon examination it was found
that the inside of the latter had been nearly eaten out.
Poisoned food appears to be a great remedy for these
caterpillars when on small areas, as this work can be per-
formed by boys and is both cheap and absolutely effica-
cious, but on large areas of course it would be well
nigh impossible to make use of the poisoned food as
before described.

T Z

84 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA:

PLATE XL VII.

THE " SAN JOSE SCALE " (ASPIDIOTUS PERNJCIOSUS, COMSTOCK\
Fig.

1. Pear branch showing scale at work. Natural size. From nature.

2. Female scale. Magnified. New Jersey Board of Agriculture.

3. Scale, ventral view. Magnified. New Jersey Board of Agriculture.

4. Female and young. Magnified. New Jersey Board of Agriculture.

5. Larva. Magnified. New Jersey Board of Agriculture.

6. Perfect insect, male. Magnified. American publication.

3

7. Pear, showing scale. Natural size. American publication.

\ /

C.French,£irexit
Plate XL\TI

!cO° Lit/l

THE SAN JOSE SCALE. g5

CHAPTER LIII.

THE SAN JOSE SCALE.

[ ( Aspidiotus perniciosus^ Comstock. )

Order : Hemiptera. Section : Homoptera. Family : Coccidce.

This terribly destructive insect, which has recently been
added to the proclaimed list of noxious insects under the
provision of the Vegetation Diseases Act of Victoria,
is, undoubtedly, one of the worst insect enemies with
which our fruit-growers have to contend, and Professor
Comstock, of the Entomological Department of the United
States of America, has deservedly given it the name of
the Perniciosus Scale.

In common with all the armoured scales, the life round
of this insect, with the exception of a few hours of active
larval existence, and an equally brief- winged existence in
the case of the mature male, is passed under the pro-
tection of a waxy scale.

This scale covering conceals the real insect beneath,
and prevents any easy observation or study of its life
history. The winter in America is passed by the nearly
full-grown insects under the protection of the scale.
Early in April, in this latitude, America, the hybernating
males emerge, and by the middle of May the overwintered
females mature, and begin to give birth to a new genera-
tion, continuing to produce young and perish, the adult
female giving birth to living young, differing in this
respect from many other scale insects. Ordinarily, eggs
are deposited beneath the scale, which, in the course of
a longer or shorter time, hatch, and the young larvae
make their escape and migrate to different parts of the
plant.

86 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA:

Iii the case of some scale insects the female fills its
scale with eggs in the fall and perishes, the eggs winter-
ing over and hatching the following spring. After being
expelled the larvae remain motionless for a little while,
with antennae and legs folded beneath the body. It
soon hardens enough to run about, and, forcing its way
out from beneath the protecting scale of the mother,
scurries over the plant to find a suitable place to settle.

The newly-born larva (see Fig. V.) is an almost
microscopic insect of pale-orange colour (our Fig. III.
gives this as nearly as possible), with the customary six
legs and two feelers, the long thread-like proboscis with
which the juices of the plant are sucked up is doubled on
itself, and lies in a part of the body wall, the tip only
projecting.

The male and female scales are similar in size, colour,
and shape until after the first moult, which occurs twelve
days after the emergence of the larva. The mature male
(see Fig. VI.) appears as a delicate two- winged fly-like
insect, with long feelers and a single anal style projecting
from the end of the body, orange in colour, with a faint
dusky shade on the prothorax. In Washington four
successive generations were regularly developed, with the
possibility of a partial fifth generation.

In Australia, then, we have a large field for useful
observation, as upon a careful study of the life history of
these pests under changed conditions much depends as to
whether we may be able to successfully cope with it or
not, and in Part IV. any local observations will be care-
fully noted, and therein published for the information of
growers, and any notes or observations bearing on the
subject from those living in affected spots will be thank-
fully received and promptly acknowledged by the Ento-
mological Branch of the Department of Agriculture. It
may be remarked that as much of the above valuable
information has been taken from the best and most up-to-
date American publications the information contained is
absolutely reliable.

THE SAN JOSE SCALE. 87

In a most interesting and complete account of this
insect Professor Howard, Chief Entomologist for the
United States, in describing its importance from an
economic point of view, says— "There is perhaps no
insect capable of causing greater damage to fruit interests
in the United States, or perhaps in the world, than the
•San Jose, or Perniciosus Scale. It is not striking in
appearance, and might often remain unrecognised, or at
least misunderstood, and yet so steadily and relentlessly
does it spread over practically all deciduous fruit trees —
trunk, limbs, foliage, and fruit — that it is only a question
of two or three years before the death of the plant
attacked is brought about, and the possibility of injury,
which from experience with other scale insects of deciduous
plants might be easily ignored, or thought insignificant,
is soon amply demonstrated. Its importance from an
economic stand-point is vastly increased by the ease with
which it is distributed through the agency of nursery
stock, and the marketing of fruit, and the extreme diffi-
culty of exterminating it when once introduced, present-
ing as it does, in the last regard, difficulties not found
with any other scale insect. The Los Angeles Commis-
sion reported, in 1890, that if this pest be not speedily
destroyed it will utterly ruin the deciduous fruits of the
Pacific coast We are, therefore, justified in the assertion
that no more serious menace to the deciduous fruit
interests of the country has ever been known. There is
no intention here to arouse unnecessary alarm, but
merely to emphasize the importance of taking the utmost
precautions to prevent its introduction into new localities,
and to point out the extreme necessity of earnest effort to
stamp it out where it has already gained a foothold."

This pest is, as far as we know, but a comparatively
recent arrival in this colony, although it was reported on
by the late Mr. Olliff as being in New South Wales as far
back as 1892, as having been found upon pear trees in
Maitland ; and it has been proved beyond a doubt that the
trees in the Wangaratta district, where the first outbreak

88 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA:

of this pest in Victoria occurred, came from an old and
well-known firm of Sydney nurserymen, but from the
long and honorable way in which their business has been
conducted we are sure without their knowledge. When
the first specimens of this pest were discovered in the
Wangaratta district, I felt convinced that it was the
dreaded San Jose Scale that was amongst us, so without
loss of time I proceeded to that place and gave the
necessary instructions for its suppression, and I am glad
to say that my wishes have been responded to in a most
intelligent manner.

It was thus hoped that the pest, which was not widely
spread, had been stamped out, but in this we were mis-
taken, as recently another and a more serious outbreak
has been reported from the same district, where every
effort is being made for its eradication, and from personal
inspection, coupled with reports received by the inspec-
tors, this would appear to be in a fair way of being
accomplished.

When this pest comes along, it comes, as our American
friends say, to stay, and thus measures even if considered
too severe must be promptly taken, it being better to
sacrifice a few trees now than probably many in the
future. When this scale attacks the fruit — pears, for
example — a faint reddish spot, very minute, appears on the
rind of the fruit ; this gradually increases in size and
intensity of colour, and with a glass the young scale
may be 'distinctly seen fixed in nearly the centre of the
diseased spot. This is an easy and certain method of
detecting its presence on the fruit, and should always be
remembered by growers.

From the Entomologist of New South Wales, and just
as this is going to press, comes a very interesting and
useful article on the subject of the San Jose Scale, and
it is hoped that, with the well-known energy of the writer^
Mr. Froggatt, this pest will be carefully watched in New
South Wales, and no pains spared for its permanent
eradication.

THE SAN JOSE SCALE. 89

Prevention and Remedies.

As we in Australia have, fortunately perhaps, had so
few opportunities of studying the life history of and
dealing with such a formidable scale, we must be guided
in a great measure by American experience, especially
that of California, many parts of which closely resemble
our own colony, and with a climate in many parts almost
identical.

When the presence of this scale is ascertained, no time
is to be lost, the badly-affected trees, if past redemption,
must be grubbed out and carefully burned on the spot, or
as near to it as possible, and the ground around where
the trees grew thoroughly disinfected with bi-sulphide of
carbon ; this in the event of any of the scale having
become detached from the tree during the operation of
grubbing, as in operations of this kind one cannot be too
particular. The old and slovenly method of cutting off
diseased branches and stacking the same for firewood,
and probable dissemination over the whole orchard
cannot be too strongly condemned, as owing to the above-
mentioned practice many such pests as mussel scale, &c.,
have been distributed over what before was probably a
clean orchard.

Having made a careful search, in which a good lens
will play an important part, cut away, if the season be
at all favorable, as much of the branches as possible,
ordinary pruning time being the best for the operation ;
then, with the aid of a good spray pump with kerosene
attachment, continue the treatment at intervals until
all traces of the insects have vanished, always remember-
ing that when the tree is without its leaves the material
used can be of a greater strength, the waste will be
lessened, and the work done more cheaply and
effectually.

The following are the principal methods of spraying
as carried out by the American authorities, and may
be safely relied upon ; and although many things are

DO DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA:

recommended by excellent authorities, I am quite in
accord with the opinion of our greatest authority, the late
Professor Riley, when he states that kerosene, if properly
handled and administered, is the best of all insect
destroyers. Of late years, however, the cyanide gas
treatment has found great favour in America and else-
where, where it is of great use, especially in nurseries
and on trees of the citrus family. (I must refer you to
Part I. for lengthy descriptions and illustrations of the
tents used for this purpose.) But, so far as our own
experience goes, we have found that kerosene will, if
carefully used, do all which is necessary for the eradica-
tion of this or any other insects of a similar nature.

Mr. Froggatt has enumerated the before-mentioned
American remedies, which are here reproduced from his
articles : —

Winter Spraying. — (1) Kerosene Emulsion.

Kerosene, 2 gallons.
Whale-oil soap, ^ Ib.
Water, 1 gallon.

Dissolve the soap in boiling water, add the oil and mix
thoroughly, using, if handy, a garden syringe for the
purpose ; then add 3 gallons of water to each one of
the emulsion, making 12 gallons of spraying mixture.
Apply warm. Trees sprayed should be treated twice at
least, as the young insects rapidly commence the work of
reproduction.

Winter Spraying. — (2) Lime, Salt, and Sulphur
Mixture.

Lime, 40 Ibs., unslaked.
Sulphur, 20 Ibs.
Coarse salt, 15 Ibs.
Water, 40 gallons.

Take 10 Ibs. of lime, 20 Ibs. of sulphur, and boil until
dissolved. Take the remainder of the lime and salt, slake,

THE SAN JOSE SCALE. 91

and mix with the boiling mixture. (It would be better
that all such preparations be made out-of-doors, or in
some place detached from a dwelling.) Add more water
up to 60 gallons, strain, and apply warm. Use gloves to
keep the wash off the hands, and thoroughly clean and
wash the spray pump after using this mixture. Do not
use a copper vessel in which to boil this mixture.

Soap Wash.

Whale-oil soap and hard soap dissolved in hot water
and applied warm : —

Whale-oil soap, 1^ Ibs.

Ordinary hard soap, ^ Ib.

Water, 1 gallon.

In addition to the above must be mentioned the resin
compound, a most valuable and effectual wash for scale
insects ; also the hydrocyanic gas treatment, as practised
by us at the Burnley Gardens, and before alluded to.

With regard to a fungus (Sphcerostilbe coccophila,
Tul.) which has been introduced from Florida into two
orchards in scale-infested portions of the United States,
Professor Smith, one of our best authorities on the sub-
ject, says — " In one of these two orchards it has become
very well established. If it passes the winter success-
fully it may prove a useful means of reducing the scales
to harmless numbers, and in such cases the disease should
be distributed wherever the insects themselves occur."

In Victoria, as elsewhere, we have probably many
minute flies, also beetles, which will attack this scale, as
they do other kinds, still we who wish to stamp it out as
soon as possible, must not put too much faith in natural
checks but must keep the spray pumps going, and, as
showing what can be done, Professor Smith says — "It has
been proved beyond all doubt that whale or fish oil soap
will kill the pernicious scale if applied at the rate of two
pounds in the one gallon of water at any season, and half
that strength will "kill all that are hit by it in summer.
The larvae succumb to even weaker solutions."

92 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA :

To fight the San Jose Scale successfully, we must
tackle it with a will, at once and continuously, as our
climate, more than many parts of America, being warmer,
is more conducive to the increase of such pests as this
one, because we have a well-nigh perpetual summer, other
conditions here being favorable to the active increase of
insect life, all and sundry.

We hope, therefore, by increased vigilance over both
trees and fruits, to be able to keep this pest within
reasonable limits, if not to stamp it out altogether, which
would, of course, be better. Growers are here reminded
that the increase of this scale is very rapid, and Professor
Howard tells us that in America this scale lives through
the winter in the partly-grown condition, and in May
resumes growth and becomes mature during the last
week of that month, the young, as before remarked,
being produced alive by the female, and at such a rate
that in six weeks there will be between 450 and 500.
In about a month the young are in turn ready to repro-
duce ; so by the time the old female dies the second
generation is well under way, then continues until well
along in December in some cases ; and a single female,
starting in the spring, may become the ancestress before
the end of the season of 1,160,000,000 scales, so we know
with what a formidable foe we have to contend, and must
take the strongest and most prompt measures at our
disposal for its suppression. When this scale is discovered
on the fruit, this should be gathered and at once de-
stroyed by scalding, and not on any consideration must
fruit so affected be allowed to go into circulation.
Wherever the pest is found in a nursery, the latter should
be at once placed in quarantine, there being a far greater
danger in spreading this scale by means of trees than
by fruit, as if the tree be affected you plant it out and
by so doing establish the disease at once.

Growers are specially invited to act promptly, and
should they suspect this pest to have entered their
orchards, by immediately reporting the same, as only by

THE SAN JOSE SCALE. 93

these means can we hope to eradicate such a dangerous
menace to the fruit industry of Victoria.

When closing this • chapter on this pest I have had
brought under my notice the fact of a variety of this
scale, which I have identified as the one named eucalypti,
as having been found on bark of gum trees in the
Wangaratta district. It is not yet known whether this
variety will attack fruit trees, but this will, if possible, be
ascertained, as if it should attack fruit trees the task of
eradication will be rendered much more difficult.

For a further description of the cyanide gas treatment,
see Appendices at end of this part of the book.

94 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA:

PLATE XLVIII.

THE "PAINTED APPLE MOTH" (TEIA ANARTOIDES, WALK.)
Fig.

1. Apple branch, showing larvae in various stages. Natural size.
From nature.

2 and 3. Perfect insect, male. Natural size. From nature.
4. Perfect insect, female. Magnified. From nature.

o. Cocoon, eggs, and perfect insect, female. Natural size. From
nature.

6. Perfect insect, female, dorsal view. Natural size. From nature.

7, 8, and 9. Pupa of male. Natural size. From nature.

C.C.Brittlel

ch, Direx.it.

Plate XLVDI.

THE PAINTED APPLE MOTH. 95

CHAPTER LIV.

THE PAINTED APPLE MOTH.

( Teia auartoides, Walk.)

Order : Lepidoptera. Family : Liparidce.

This pretty little moth, which of late years has been
doing great damage to many of our fruit trees, apples
especially, by eating the epidermis, or surface of the
• leaves, is a native of the colony, and is another example
of an insect having forsaken its natural food for the pur-
pose of attacking our introduced fruit trees.

In a very able article written by Mr. Froggatt, in the
Agricultural Gazette of New South Wales, November
1896, Part II., and bearing the title " Forest Moths that
have become Orchard and Garden Pests," this moth and
its depredations are treated in a very clear and exhaustive
manner, and as the views and experiences of the writer
agree exactly with those which have come under my own
observation, I have given the greater portion of his re-
marks, as follows : — " The caterpillar of this handsome
moth is one of the most destructive creatures to be found
about Sydney, and is common all over New South Wales
and Victoria. In its native state it feeds upon the foliage
of many kinds of wattles, especially the Black Wattle
(Acacia decurrens), but is now almost omnivorous in its
habits. I have received specimens from Armidale, where
the caterpillars have completely stripped cherry trees
of their leaves in several orchards. In gardens around
Sydney it has attacked the foliage of roses and pelar-
goniums. From Mr. H. G. Smith, of Tempe, I have
received several branches of the Golden Wattle (Acacia
pycnantlid) swarming with these hairy little caterpillars,
which had eaten off the upper part of the leaves, and

96 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA:

caused them to curl up and wither. In this instance the
pests Avere fortunately attacked by a small parasitic wasp,
a dainty little fellow, with long and slender black
antennae, slender-stalked body, fine gauzy wings, and
bright yellow legs, belonging to the small ichneumon
flies of the family Braconidce.

It was evident that the wasps deposited their eggs
upon the back of the caterpillars when the latter were
very young, as before they were half-grown, the wasp
larvae had eaten up its host, and spun a stout silken
cocoon covered with the skin of the caterpillar, and
attached to the nearest twig.

Upon emerging from the egg the caterpillar is nearly
black (see on stem of Fig. I. of our plate, which has been
drawn from specimens reared in the office museum), but
by the time they have grown a quarter of an inch in
length they begin to assume a brownish tint, chiefly from
a number of grey tubercles or warts appearing along the
sides of the body.

They are now thickly clothed with long hairs, with
two singular reddish-coloured appendages projecting from
the back near the tail. (See Fig. I., on leaves of apple
tree.) When full grown, the caterpillar measures about
If inches in length, and is rather slender in shape, with
the legs and claspers reddish yellow. The head is dull
reddish brown, lightly covered with long greyish hairs,
with a slender tuft projecting from each shoulder beyond
the head, the tip of each of these long hairs forming a
swollen lance-shaped point. Along the centre of the
back from the centre of the first four abdominal seg-
ments there is a thick brush-like bunch of greyish brown
hairs, the thoracic segments in front of these tufts being
marked with yellow, and the whole of the upper surface
of the caterpillar is covered with long brownish hairs,
with patches of shorter grey hairs along the sides, a large
projecting plume being formed on either side towards
the tip of the abdomen. All these hairs are very finely
feathered, which gives the caterpillar a downy appearance.

THE PAINTED APPLE MOTH. 97

When full grown they crawl into any corner and spin
a loose light-brown silken cocoon of a very flimsy
character (see Plate XLVIIL), through which the pupae
can be plainly seen (see Fig. V.) ; and it will be noticed
that more than half of them are fully twice the size of the
others, the larger being the females. (See Fig. IV., which
is magnified.)

In the summer time they do not remain in the pupal
state longer than a fortnight, but in the winter broods not
only do the larvae feed much longer, but the pupal stage
lasts until the summer months come round. The male
moth (see Figs. II. and III.) measures about an inch (often
less) across the outspread wings, of which the fore pair
are dark brown (somewhat darker than those on our
plate) marked with yellow and grey markings, with a
black transverse band across the tip, and a patch of the
same colour at the base of the wings. The hind wings
are orange yellow in the centre, with a broad black band
encircling them, fringed along the outer edge with yellow.
The body is rather pointed towards the tip, whilst the
thorax is stout, the antennae short, broad, and beautifully
feathered. When the moth is at rest it clings to the
branch or wall with the wings pressed down on either
side, forming an angle broadest at the base.

The female moth is a short rounded creature destitute
of wings, with the antennas and legs rudimentary, but
thickly clothed all over with short brown down. Their
life-work is very limited, as they simply crawl out of their
shelter, lay their eggs (see plate) on top of it, and die.

The eggs are dull white, made brownish on our plate
to suit the paper, hemispherical in s'hape, and showing
fascetted structure under the lens. They are rather large
for the size of the moth, and are generally matted together
with the down from the moth's body.

Each female moth lays on an average about 700 eggs,
so it is easily seen how rapidly a family of these moths can
increase, especially as there are several broods in a year.
(Figs. VII., VIII., IX. are intended to represent the

11597. G

98 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA :

pupae of these moths.) As this is such a singular insect,
and the printing in our plate is in a few instances hardly
correct in the colouring, it was thought necessary to give
a fuller description of the insects than we have usually
done.

Prevention and Remedies.

This pest, although it appears in such vast numbers as
often to strip every leaf from a tree, and this in a very
short time, may usually be prevented from laying its
eggs by means of an occasional spraying with kerosene
emulsion, or, better still, kerosene, used by means of the
u attachment," as previously mentioned, and as the
females especially are easily seen, these can be collected
by hand and destroyed. In some countries, viz., in
America, the larvae of the Gypsey moth, which some-
what resemble the ones under notice, are trapped by
placing a bandage known as the u Burlap," which some-
what resembles the bands commonly used in trapping the
grubs of the codlin moth, but differing from the latter
bands in being tied rather loosely round the middle, with
the upper part partly folded down over the tie, and thus
forming a more roomy trap than is required for the larvae
of the codlin moth. In Victoria, at least where the pest
is, unfortunately, but too common, we can easily keep the
caterpillars under control, the use of arsenites being all
that is required, as in this case it is better to poison the
grubs outright than to use measures for preventing the
moths from depositing the eggs. The following, if done
occasionally and properly, will kill any larvae which feed
upon the leaves. One pound Paris Green (paste form is
the easiest to mix), 6 Ibs. lime, slake, strain, and use the
" milk," diluted with from 160 to 180 gallons of water,
according to the nature of the trees to be treated. It
must be borne in mind that the hairy nature of the grubs
would probably prevent kerosene, or other materials
which usually kill by contact, destroying these cater-
pillars, as it would not penetrate to the body of the insect,

THE PAINTED APPLE MOTH. 99

and therefore poisoning the food is the most effectual
method of dealing with these, no matter how great the
numbers which are attacking the trees ; and for the benefit
of any person wishing to prepare this class of poison for
the sake of cheapness, I give the formula as recommended
by my colleague, Mr. A. N. Pearson, Government Agri-
cultural Chemist for Victoria.

" In an earthenware jar dissolve 2^ Ibs. of sulphate
of copper (bluestone) in 1 gallon of water. In another
vessel dissolve 1 Ib. of white arsenic (or 1J Ibs. of crude
arsenic from pyrites works) and 5 Ibs. of common wash-
ing soda in 5 gallons of hot water, stirring occasionally
until all the arsenic is dissolved. Keep the two solutions
separate until required for use, then mix them in the pro-
portion of one of the copper solution to five of the arsenic,
and the resulting mixture, being diluted with from 45 to
60 times its quantity of water, is ready for the spray.
Thus, the 1 gallon of bluestone solution and 5 gallons of
arsenic solution, when mixed together, will produce 6
gallons of Paris Green mixture, which, being diluted, will
produce 276 gallons of strong or 366 gallons of weak
material for the spray."

As a combination mixture for the purpose of spraying,
Mr. McAlpine recommends the following, and says —
" Either of the above forms (alluding to various forms of
the Bordeaux mixture) can be used as a combined in-
secticide and fungicide with Paris Green or London
Purple. The soluble arsenic in these substances is
rendered insoluble by the action of the lime, and thus
is not injurious to the green parts of plants. About 1 Ib.
of Paris Green added to 200 gallons of the Bordeaux
mixture is found to be a safe combination."

We have also other materials at our disposal, as
hellebore, quassia chips, &c., &c., all of which have been
alluded to in Part II., but in the case of the present
insect the use of these is hardly necessary.

100 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA :

PLATE XLIX.

THE " CAPER BUTTERFLY" (PIERIS TEUTONIA, FABR.)
Fig.

1. Branch of Caper plant (Capparis spinosa) on which the larvae of

the butterfly are feeding, also chrysalid. Natural size. From
nature.

2. Larva. Natural size. From nature.

3. Female chrysalid. Natural size. From nature.

4. Male butterfly on wing. Natural size. From nature.

5. Male butterfly in resting position. Natural size. From nature.

6. Female butterfly on wing. Natural size. From nature.

Plate

XLIX.

THE CAPER BUTTERFLY.

CHAPTER LV.

THE CAPER BUTTERFLY.

( Pier is teutonia, Fabr.)

Order : Lepidoptera. Sub-family : Pierincce.

In certain seasons this is one of our commonest butter-
flies, while at other times it is comparatively rare. In
that excellent little work, Victorian Butterflies, by Messrs.
Anderson and Spry, the following description of this
insect is given :— " White, with intensely black markings,
the females (see Fig. VI.) having considerably more mark-
ing than the male, and both sexes in the summer brood
having more black than the spring specimens. Some
forms of the female have secondaries almost black, under-
side of primaries similar to upper surface, underside of
secondaries with the veinings all broadly black, the base
and the white spots in hind margin clouded with orange
to a greater or lesser degree in some specimens quite
suffused. This is the most typical and interesting species
of our Pierince. As stated above, it varies very con-
siderably, and the early collectors had the different forms
in their collections under several names, the Pieris Clytis,
of Donovan, said to occur in Victoria, was probably this
species. Each brood has a wide range of variation, but,
as mentioned, the summer brood is more particularly
inclined to dark forms. It is very widely distributed,
extending from the continent to New Guinea, the New
Hebrides, Fiji, the Friendly Islands, &c., and when its
strong migratory instinct is taken into account this is
only what might be expected. As stated previously, it
possesses this peculiar proclivity to a remarkable degree,
in some years great numbers may be observed steadily

102 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA:

passing one after the other in the same direction, they
never turn back, but fly on and on, urged thereto by that
irresistible impulse which is so interesting and yet so
perplexing to observers.

Although we at times have great flights distributed
all over the colony, they are generally fairly broken up
and scattered, and rarely, if ever, do we see the vast
flights, such as have been observed in Queensland, passing
at a great altitude from east to west.

The eggs are very pretty objects, being a pale-yellow
colour, shaped something like ninepins, finely ribbed, and
deposited upright in patches of 50 or 60 upon the upper
surface of the leaf.

The caterpillars will attack any species of Caper
(Capparis). C. nobilis, C. lasiantha, and C. Mitcheili
have all been given as food plants from New South
Wales and Queensland, but only the latter species is
indigenous to this colony, and that only in the northern
part. By reason of their great numbers these caterpillars
frequently strip the Caper trees (see Fig. I., on which
the full-grown caterpillar and chrysalid is shown), the
tops especially being rendered quite bare, and signifying
the presence of the larvae even from a distance. The full-
grown caterpillar is cylindrical, slightly tapering at each
end ; head black, with scattered hairs and a white V on
face. The dorsal area is dark olive brown, covered with
very small yellow dots, and with a series of larger spots
on each segment ; spiracular lines, yellowish ; ventral
area, yellowish green. Some eggs obtained by the authors
were deposited upon 19th November, and hatched upon
the 29th, the larvae made good progress and were all
changing into the chrysalis state on 29th December, or
exactly one month from date of hatching, the perfect
insects emerged about llth and 12th January.

The chrysalis is pointed in front, and is greyish white,
speckled with black and yellow. (Our figure has been
drawn from a very- dark-coloured specimen, on which pink
was prominent.) The insects mostly emerge between

THE CAPER BUTTERFLY. 1Q3

dusk and dawn, a somewhat unusual time. The butter-
fly is on the wing throughout the summer months, but
the main body appear in xNovember, and again in January
and February." With regard to the flights of these butter-
flies, as above alluded to, it may be mentioned that in
parts of South Queensland clouds which took the whole
day in passing a given point have frequently been noticed,
thus indicating the enormous numbers which at the one
time must be on the wing. In Queensland there are no
less than sixteen species of the genus Capparis, thus it
may be easily surmised that the natural food-plants of
these caterpillars are ample for all purposes.

Prevention and Remedies.

Capparis spinosa, the Caper of commerce, will, if left
alone by the caterpillars, thrive well near Melbourne, and
in many other parts of the colony probably it will do
better. About 25 years since the late Baron von
Mueller, who was always to the fore in his endeavours to
introduce plants of economic value, imported a number of
plants of the common Caper. These plants made ad-
mirable growth, and were thriving splendidly, with the
promise of a fair crop, when one morning 1 discovered
that the plants, every one of them, had been quite stripped
of their leaves, and in many cases of their leaf-stalks and
fruit-stalks too, and, upon examining the plants, I found
swarms of the fully-gorged caterpillars, some still adher-
ing to the plants, whilst others had dropped off, and were
crawling about the ground in the near vicinity of the
plants. The matter was reported to the Barori, who at
this time was Director of the Botanic Gardens, and I will
never forget his chagrin over the partial destruction of
his favorite plants, which he had frequently tended with
his own hands. At this time there were no spray pumps
in Victoria, or, I may say, in Australia, so we had to be
content with using an ordinary garden syringe and a mix-
ture of soapsuds ; Paris Green, London Purple, and the like
being at this time quite unknown here, at least as a material

104 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA.

for spraying. The soapsuds treatment acted fairly well, as
it left a sedimentary deposit upon the leaves which certainly
had not the effect of attracting the female to the plant for
the purpose of egg-laying. The eggs were deposited,
before the remnants of the plants had been treated, in
great numbers, the young larvse when hatched crawling
over the plants and eating voraciously. This butterfly
is easily reared by either feeding the larvae or from the
chrysalis, the latter method of course giving the least
trouble.

It is thought by many entomologists that this insect
does not confine itself altogether to the Capparis for food,
but, so far, we in Victoria, have not heard of a case in
which it has attacked ordinary fruit trees. In Europe the
caterpillar of an allied butterfly (Pontia rapi) commits
great havoc to such plants as cabbage, turnips, &c., and
as it deposits its eggs on the under side of the leaves it
is less amenable to successful treatment than are many
other pests which deposit the eggs on the upper surface
of the leaves or stem. In treating trees for these cater-
pillars the arsenites should be used, although in the old
country, so far back as 1860, Hellebore, as a powder
dusted on and under the leaves, gave good results. When
insects such as these have to be dealt with good work
may be done by means of catching the butterflies in a net
and destroying them, also by bruising the eggs with one's
finger, and by collecting and destroying the chrysalids,
which latter are easily seen, as much of this work could
be done by children. It is probable, too, that this butter-
fly, when in the larval and chrysalid stages, especially in
the latter, are attacked by Ichneumon flies, as I have found
many of these chrysalids which had been punctured by
some insect, which thus assists in keeping down the
numbers of this pest.

1 06 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA :

PLATE L.

THK "WATTLE GOAT MOTH" (ZEUZERA EUCALYPTI, BOISD.)
Fig.

1. Perfect female on wing. Natural size. From nature.

2. Perfect female on wing, side view, resting. Natural size. From

nature.

3. Larva and protruding pupa-case in branch of Wattle Acacia deal-

bata. Natural size. From nature.

4.

5. Pupa. Natural size. From nature.

6. Pupa-case from \vhichthe moth has escaped. Natural size. From

nature.

e L.

THE WATTLE GOAT MOTH.

107

CHAPTER LVI.

THE WATTLE GOAT MOTH.

(Zeuzera Eucalypti, Boisd.)

Order : Lepidoptera. Family : Zcuzeridce.

This large and very handsome moth is, unfortunately
for our timber supply, very common, although perfect
specimens, by reason of their being much torn during
flight, are difficult to obtain. The eggs of this moth are
deposited mostly in crevices of the bark of the thicker
branches of the wattle (Acacia decurrens), and, when
hatched, the young larva? commence to feed, and, head
downwards, work into the interior of the tree attacked,
enlarging the cylindrical tunnel as they grow, and eat
their way downwards, often, as the late Professor McCoy
states, reaching to the roots. When young the larvae
are of a pinkish colour, but as they develop the grub
changes to a more yellowish colour, and so remains until
it is about to assume the pupa state (see Fig. III.)? the
larva is noticeable by the very singular shield-like and
horny plate on the back of the head, as shown in our
plate. The mandibles are short, stout, and of consider-
able strength, which enable the grub to gnaw the wood,
no matter how hard, with great rapidity. When about
to change into the pupa state it forms, as Professor
McCoy also tells us, a slight cylindrical cocoon from
4 inches to a foot long of silk, and sawdust-like grains of
wood as a lining to the end of its burrow. (This process
may easily be seen by any one interested.) When the
burrow terminates in a root, which not unfrequently
happens a few inches below the surface of the ground,
the cocoon is continued from the hole in the wood upwards

108 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA;

as far as close to the surface of the ground ; but when
the burrow is in the surface of the trunk of the tree above
the ground level there is no prolongation of the cocoon.
In either case the pupa works itself forward by means of
the little deflected spines on the rings, pushing for half-
an-inch or so through the end of the cocoon before it
bursts to allow the perfect insect to escape. The ovi-
positor, which is shown on Professor McCoy's beautiful
plate (see Prodromus, page 47), is of great length and
rigidity, equalling half the length of the abdomen when
fully exserted, but capable of being retracted out of sight ;
with this the eggs are deposited deep in the crevices of
the bark of the trees, on the inner timber of which the
larvae feed. The caterpillars of this moth are great
feeders, and when we consider that these frequently
remain in the wood for two or even three years, we are
able to form some idea as to the enormous damage done
by them to some of the most important of our timber
trees.

The perfect insects (see Figs. I. and II. ) are very beautiful,
the male being much smaller than the female, the former
having pectinated feathery antennae, which as our figure
shows does not occur in the female. These moths are
nocturnal in their habits, and in the late afternoons on hot
summer days, January and February, may be seen emerg-
ing from the pupa-case and ascending the trees, where the
wings harden, and in a few hours are able to fly for a short
distance. When kept in confinement they will frequently
deposit an enormous number of eggs, which are small and
pale in colour. It has been often wondered how it happens
that these moths are not more plentiful than they really
are, but in my opinion the problem is by no means diffi-
cult to solve, as in the first place but a small percentage
of the caterpillars come to perfection, and, in the second
place, it so happens that on emerging from the pupa the
moth is not sufficiently strong to ascend the tree, they
then become an easy prey to the numerous ants who are
always on the watch for such an event to happen. It is

THE WATTLE GOAT MOTH. 109

Interesting to watch these tiny creatures attacking a moth
which is incapable of flight ; they commence by biting off
the tarsi or feet, then the antennae and points of the
wings, and when the unfortunate moth is quite disabled
and helpless commence to explore its interior which they
«at out whilst the poor insect is still living. It is unfor-
tunate that this moth should have a most inappropriate
specific name as it does not attack eucalypti or gum
trees, but feeds almost entirely on the wood'of the black
wattle (A. decurrens}, which, as is well known, is one of the
most valuable of our barks for tannin purposes.

Prevention and Remedies.

As showing the necessity for endeavouring to keep
this serious pest wdthin reasonable bounds, I cannot do
better than again quote from the Prodromus in. which
Professor McCoy says — " Considering the great impor-
tance attached lately by the Government to the preser-
vation arid cultivation of the wattle or acacia trees, and
the great and increasing annual money value of the bark,
it is important for bark-strippers and the persons employed
by the Government to foster the growth of the wattles
to know the appearance of the insect reproduced on our
plate as the greatest destroyer of these trees, so that
attention may be given to killing the perfect moth ; the
large abdomen of which is distended with millions of eggs,
each of which may produce a voracious grub as thick as
the thumb and 5 or 6 inches long, eating the timber for
years."

The best time to examine these trees when in a planta-
tion is when the tree is young, and if the holes are
detected the larvae may be reached with a piece of wire
dipped in carbolic acid, and thrust as far down the hole as
possible. It is very doubtful whether in this case spray-
ing would be of much use, the best plan I have yet seen
for the destruction of caterpillars in the interior of the
tree is undoubtedly that of hot steam projected with great
force by means of a small portable engine, and this process

110 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA :

might, with advantage, be tried so as to prevent the egg-
laying. I can with confidence recommend the steam
sprayer for grubs in avenue trees, as elms, &c., as
when the steam is applied, the chemicals being ejected in
vapour form, the grubs will very soon be seen tumbling
out of the holes in the tree ; that is when they have suffi-
cient strength to do so, as it often happens that by a direct
application the grubs are killed outright. This large
moth has, so far as 1 am aware, not yet attacked fruit
trees ; that it may do so is quite within the bounds of
possibility, and whilst recognising the fruit industry as
one of the greatest importance, it must not be forgotten
that there are other industries which require information
such as the present we trust will afford, so that allusion
to these timber-feeding insects, following the procedure of
similar .works published in America and elsewhere, are
in my opinion fully justified. When one comes to ex-
amine the wattles grown for bark, and particularly the
older specimens of which there are now unfortunately
very few to be seen near Melbourne, it will be found that
the great majority of these useful trees are hopelessly
damaged, chiefly owing to the ravages of the insects in
question, it being well known to field entomologists that
there are few other trees which contain so many internal
depredators, which when taking into consideration the
bitter and astringent nature of this tree is most extra-
ordinary. The wattle grubs have, as a rule, very few
parasitic enemies, although after having died as often
happens in the wood, the bodies will be found to be en-
veloped in a white leather looking fungus ; but which, so
far as my observations lead me to suppose, occur only
after death. In New South Wales and Queensland are
some huge moths of this genus, one Zi. Macleayi being
nearly ^ inches across the wings ; the beautiful Leto
Staceyi being still larger; both doing immense damage to
the Eucalyptus inside of which they feed. It may be
mentioned that in the early days of the colony, and when
wattles around Melbourne were plentiful, the larvae of

THE WATTLE GOAT MOTH. Ill

these moths were eagerly hunted for and eaten by the
aborigines, also by fishermen who sought them for baits
in fresh -water fishing, and by these and by probably other
means known to the early colonists, these pests were
greatly reduced in numbers.

In concluding this chapter it may be mentioned that
the posing of the figures on our plate have been mostly
adapted from the Prodromus, the colouring being life-
like, the drawings having been made by our artist, whose
name appears in the corner of each plate, from specimens
taken by myself, and which are now in the office collec-
tion.

112 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA:

PLATE LI.

THE " GUM EMPEROR MOTH " (ANTHEREA EUCALYPTI, SCOTT).

Fig.
1 & IA. Perfect insects (males). Natural size. From nature.

2. Perfect insects (female). Natural size. From nature.

3. Larva on gum branch, also eggs. Natural size. From nature.

4. Cocoon. Natural size. From nature.

I

F*

THE GUM EMPEROR MOTH. H3

CHAPTER LVII.

THE GUM EMPEROR MOTH.

( Anther ea eucalypti, Scoff.)

Order: Lepidoptera. Family: Saturnidoe.

This beautiful insect is, with five exceptions, viz.,
Chelepteryx Collesi, Ccequosia triangularis, Antherea
Helena, Zeuzera eucalypti, and Pielus, the largest
moth in Victoria, it being the size and colour of those
figured in our plate. The larva of this moth when just
hatched is nearly black, but as it grows larger it becomes
green, and when fully developed green, each segment
being adorned with tuft-like projections of a beautiful
orange and blue colour, bearing some resemblance, as
Mr. E. Anderson in his valuable paper remarks, to a
sea anemone. The eggs, which are yellowish white
(see those on the leaf in our plate), are laid in rows on
the upper surface of the leaf, and the young caterpillars
at once commence feeding on the leaves of the tree. As
these little creatures increase in size they become very
voracious, and will strip the leaves from a gum sapling
in a very short time. The pupa-case is of a hard
woody nature, and from which the moth cuts its way out
of the cocoon, a process which takes some considerable
time, and may be plainly heard during the operation.
These woody pupa-cases, one of which is shown on the
plate, are firmly attached to small twigs of the branches
of the tree, but sometimes on fences and elsewhere, and
even when detached the perfect insect is easily reared.

The males of this moth have beautiful antennae or
feelers (see Figs. I. and IA.), those of the females
being plain (see Fig. II.), the moth itself being of a

11597. H

114 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA:

delicate reddish -fawn colour, but variable in both size and
colour, often with a pink tint and four eye-like spots or
blotches, two on the upper wings, and two, and much
more beautiful ones, on the lower wings, as shown on
plate. This insect is nocturnal in its habits, and may
often be taken whilst flying around the street lamps by
the light of which it has been attracted, but in such cases
the specimens are mostly battered and otherwise torn.
When the perfect insect emerges from the cocoon, which
by the way is a very singular process, and which Mr.
Anderson has well described, is somewhat crimpled, but
the wings soon harden and become firm, the males, ac-
cording to my observations, and I have reared many of
both sexes, predominating. This is not an uncommon
species, the second Victorian kind, A. Helena, being com-
paratively rare, and is usually found in mountainous
districts or near to them. Fig. I. shows a branch of one
of the eucalypts or gum trees, E. viminalis, stunted spe-
cimens of which are to be found growing in the reserves
around Melbourne, also the caterpillar and pupa on same.

Prevention and Remedies.

This fine insect is included in Part III., as of late
years it has almost forsaken its natural food, and is now
attacking the pepper trees (Sc/tinus molle), which, for
planting in hot dry districts, is one of the most valu-
able for avenues or street decoration, and if allowed to
remain on the tree will speedily ruin it, no matter how
healthy and vigorous the plant may be. Fortunately,
however, it is easily got rid of, and an occasional spraying
with kerosene emulsion will usually prevent the female
depositing her eggs. When trees are attacked, spray
with Paris Green prepared as before mentioned, as when
the food plants are poisoned by this means the cater-
pillars survive but a very short time, and having
partaken of the poison at once cease eating, curl up,
drop from the leaves, and die. It has not yet been

THE GUM EMPEROR MOTH. 115

known, I believe, to have attacked fruit trees, but as it
has left its natural food for that of a pungent-flavoured
tree such as the pepper tree undoubtedly is it is hardly
likely to be particular in its choice of food. On small
trees hand-picking may be carried out with good results,
the caterpillar being, even when only partly grown, both
large and showy, and is thus easily detected. On the
leaves of the pepper tree the eggs are deposited in exactly
the same manner as on gum leaves, with this excep-
tion, that the leaves of the pepper tree being narrower
the eggs are deposited close together. In classifying
the Lepidoptera most people are aware that these are
divided into two sections, viz., Rhopalocera (butterflies)
and Heterocera (moths), so that further allusion on the
chapter page will be unnecessary. It is gratifying, how-
ever, to know that the larva of this moth has many
insect enemies, notably Ichneumons, Braconids, also
minute Hyrnenoptera, specimens of which may be seen
in the Museum of Economic Entomology attached to the
office of the Government Entomologist.

H 2

116

DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA :

Fig.

PLATE LII.
THE '-GUM SAW FLY;' (PERGA DORSALIS, LEACH).

1. Grum branch, showing cluster of larvae. Natural size. From

nature.

2. Cluster of cocoons, side and upper view. Reduced. From nature.

3. Perfect insect. Natural size. From nature.

4. Perfect insect. Natural size. From nature.

5. " Saw " of female. Magnified. From nature.

6 &;7. Larva and pupa of Dipterous fly which attacks cocoons of
this insect. Reduced. From nature.

C. C. 3nttl*ba,n&, Del.

CJt-enci. £>ire*it

Plate LIL

PAJlshisy. Zitk,.

m

THE GUM SAW FLY. H7

CHAPTER LVIII.

THE GUM SAW FLY.

(Perga dorsalis, Leach.)

Order : Hymenoptera. Family : Tenthridinidce.

This insect, which is the largest and most common of
our Victorian saw flies, will no doubt be familiar to all
who either live in or travel in the bush by the singular
larvae which will be found huddled together on leaves of
young gums, which they rapidly destroy. The larvae, as
many as twenty or more, may be found both on the upper
and underside of the leaves, also on the upper part of
stem of the saplings, upon which they feed, arranged for
the most part in regular rows. When disturbed, and
especially if touched, they bend their bodies in the form
of an arch, and emit a greenish fluid from the mouth ;
they also emit so powerful an odour of the leaves as to
scent the room they may have been placed in for obser-
vation. When full grown (see Fig. I., which shows the
grubs at work on the leaves) they are about 2^ inches
in length, of a uniform velvety black, with numerous
short stiff white hairs, and with six large reddish feet,
apparently being destitute of the fleshy pro-legs so com-
mon in the larvge of Tenthridinidae. When feeding they
keep the abdominal portion of their bodies in motion,
rapping their extremities against the leaves. They bury
themselves under the ground, forming brownish cocoons
(see Fig, II., which are reduced in size) of a very strong
texture, and from which the perfect insect emerges.
When newly out of the cocoons the fly is very soft and

118

DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA:

delicate in texture, but soon hardens by exposure to the
light and air, and in a very few hours takes wing, and
flies off to its natural food plants. In Victoria I have
seen them only on gum trees, but in New South Wales
thev are said to feed also on the bottle brush ( Callistemon).
The perfect insect (see Figs. III. and IV.) has a dark
metallic bluish body, with yellowish-orange scutellum,
which is raised, and which imparts a somewhat singular
appearance to the insect. The veins of the wings are
very prominent, the antennas being short and somewhat
club shaped. On Fig. V. is shown the saw-like process
(enlarged) of the female, and with this she makes the
incision in which to deposit her eggs. There are a
number of species of this genus in Australia, so that we
have given the above brief description, although for all
practical purposes the plate will be sufficient.

In Victoria we have but one insect belonging to this
family which attack fruit trees, this being the well-known
u Pear-slug" (Selandria cerasi), this, however, being an
introduction from Europe.

In America and elsewhere saw flies are responsible for
most of the damage done to fruits of many kinds, and
although the large species under notice has so far kept
away from the introduced fruit trees it is a sworn enemy
of the forester, as when once a sapling is defoliated and
otherwise injured by this pest, it seldom if ever makes a
timber tree.

Prevention and Remedies.

In small plantations the foliage may be made obnoxious
to the insect by spraying with kerosene, but on large
timber areas this process would doubtless be both tedious
and costly, and, as these grubs are large and easily seen,
hand-picking would, next to poisoning their food, be the
easiest and best way of dealing with them. One thing is
certain, if eucalypts are to be grown here on a commer-
cial basis, that pests of all kinds must be watched and
kept out of the plantation if at all possible.

THE GUM SAW FLY.

119

In India, where, however, labour is of little value, great
attention is paid to these important matters, and special
publications are constantly being circulated amongst the
people engaged in the Forest Department, which is a large
and highly remunerative one.

Our Figs. VI. and VII. show the larvae and cocoon of
some Dipterous or two-winged ily which has been found
in the cocoons of some specimens from Oakleigh, near
Melbourne. I am not aware of any other insect attacking
the saw fly in any of its stages.

120

DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA :

PLATE LIIL

THE " BANKSIA MOTH " (DANIMA BANKSI^E, LKW.)
Fig.

1. Branch of banksia, showing larva at work. Natural size. From

nature.

2. Pupa of same. Natural size. From nature.

3. Perfect insect (female). Natural size. From nature.

4. Perfect insect (male). Natural size. Fiom nature.

5 & 6. Head and part of body of insects. Natural size. From
nature.

Plate LI 1 1.

THE BANKSIA MOTH. 121

CHAPTER LIX.

THE BANKSIA MOTH.

(Danima banksice, Lew.}.

Order : Lepidoptera. Family : Notodo?itida>.

This moth, the larva of which is most destructive,
especially to the young banksias (native honeysuckle), is
found plentifully in the Oakleigh, Brighton, and other
districts situated within a few miles of Melbourne. The
full-grown larvae (see Fig. 1), which are here represented
as feeding upon the leaves, are of a brown colour, with
singular markings of black and white which are some-
what porcelain-like in appearance, are of the same size as
those on our figure, and, when touched, have a peculiar
habit of jerking their heads back towards the body (see
Fig. Y.) The eggs are deposited on the leaves, often
upon the thin twigs of the food plant, and upon hatching
out the tiny grubs commence feeding upon the leaves ;
they rapidly increase in size, and are destroyers of certain
trees, especially when the latter are growing near the
coast, their favorite food being the leaves of the common
banksia, B. australis, but they will, no doubt, tackle
other trees as well. The mouth of the perfect insect has
a strong pair of almost hidden mandibles, with which the
foliage of the trees are often entirely stripped.

The pupa (see Fig. II.) is chestnut brown in colour, and
is the size of our figure. When the larvae are full fed
they descend to the ground, burying themselves in the
earth, usually sandy soil, and then change to the imago
or perfect insect. The moth (see Figs. III. and IV.) are
very handsome, being of a soft-grey colour, with black
and white markings, the former colour being somewhat

L22 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA:

nore indistinct than the black, the lower wings are of a
Brownish grey, the body being orange black at the tail
md with two prominent white blotches on the sides of
lie thorax and near to the head, the male being smaller
;han the female.

I am not sure as to when the eggs are laid, but the
-oung larvae may be found feeding about September, and
he fully-grown ones in November, that is, in the districts
>reviously mentioned. An allied genus, Hyleora, of
vhich there are three species found in Victoria, if
•ommon, wrould make great havoc amongst our eucalypts.
Chere is but the one species of Danima described, it
laving been taken very close to the city, also at Gisborne,
iealesville, &c. It is a singular fact that the grub
s seldom, if ever, to be found on trees fully grown, but
nostly on very young, and often dwarf, saplings, which
t rapidly destroys.

Fortunately it has not yet been found attacking fruit
rees, but as this may any day occur it is well for growers
o be able to recognise the culprit, so that prompt steps
nay be taken for its destruction.

Prevention and Remedies.

Should this pest unfortunately make its appearance in
>rchards, the plants, both those attacked as well as those
mtouched, should be thoroughly sprayed with Paris
Treen, in the proportions previously recommended,
land-picking and shaking the trees when not in fruit
vould also be useful, as the caterpillars are not difficult
>f dislodgment from the tree. It may be thought by
ome that this moth, although fairly common, will not be
ikely to become a serious pest, but judging from past
experience, and a long one also, such deductions are not
or a moment to be relied upon, as a change of conditions
>r food of an insect often causes a large increase in
lumbers. I recollect that many years ago a collector
night have travelled for days, and although he knew
diere to look for them, would not be likely to find more

THE BANKSIA MOTH. 123

than a half-dozen specimens of the apple-root borer
(Leptops Hopei), but since it has taken to our introduced
fruit trees they have increased at an alarming rate, as in
one orchard near Castlemaine no fewer than 1,600 full-
grown beetles were taken in the one season, and many
similar experiences could, if necessary, be cited.

This caterpillar is occasionally attacked by the larva of
a Dipterous fly, which fly is closely allied to the Mus-
cidae, to which group the common house fly belongs.
The larvae has also been found to have been " stung " by
some Ichneumon fly, but this is of a comparatively rare
occurrence. It is a singular fact that ants seldom, if ever,
attack caterpillars whilst the latter are feeding on the
plants, but only let them fall to the ground, then the
ants, seeming at once to recognise the comparative
helplessness of certain caterpillars, attack them in force,
and if in sufficient numbers the caterpillar is soon torn
to pieces and eaten. Should it happen, however, that
the skin of the grub is tough or hard, the contents of the
body are scooped out leaving the shell or covering re-
maining, this being a common occurrence when large
Coleoptera or beetles are attacked by ants.

24

DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA:

PLATE LIV.

THE " ACACIA BORER" (PIESARTHRIUS MARGINELLUS, HOPE).

•

1. Branch of Acacia, showing larva and damage caused by game.

Natural size. From nature.

2. " Cut-branch," made by beetles. Natural size. From nature.

3. Perfect beetles (males). Natural size. From nature.
4 Perfect beetles (female). Natural size. From nature.
5. Pupa (male). Natural size. From nature.

C.Erenoh, DirexiL .

Plate LIV!

Troe(3eU(?Lith

THE ACACIA BORER. 125

CHAPTER LX.

THE ACACIA BORER.

(Piesarthrius marginellus, Hope.)

Order : Coleoptera. Family : Cerambycidce.

This handsome though very destructive longicorn is
to be found feeding in the wood of the " Coast Acacia "
(Acacia longifolia), a plant which assists in preventing
the washing away of the cliffs, which in many places
line the shores of Port Phillip, but more commonly in the
wattles. Mr. Best, in his interesting series of papers on
the Longicorn Beetles of Victoria, gives a lengthy and
most interesting account of this and other kinds — these
having been made by personal observations in the field.
The larvae, which bore and tunnel into the trees, are
shown on Fig. I. of our plate, as also a portion of the
plant in which the grubs are feeding, and a female insect
crawling up the limb of the tree. The larva, which is of
a yellowish-white colour, is footless, and can move fairly
quickly when touched. The usual plan adopted by
collectors being to first ascertain in which part of the
branch the grub is and then to cut off the section, and
with a piece of stick plug up the holes at each end, and in
this way the beetles are easily reared for the cabinet.
The eggs are deposited by the i'emale beetle in the crevices
of the bark or in the wood, and when hatched the young
larvae commence to bore into the tree, frequently killing
it outright. The pupa (see Fig. V.) has nearly the form
of the imago, only that it is soft in all its parts, with the
legs and antennse tucked closely into the sides of the
abdomen. The males (see Fig. III.), which are smaller
than the females, have the antennae beautifully pectinated,

126 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA:

as shown in the plate, the female having the antennae
comparatively plain, as shown on Fig. IV., both sexes
being able to fly with ease. On Fig. II. is shown the
singular " cut-branch," which has been before alluded to,
and the presence of which assists the collector in forming
an opinion as to what portion of the tree to look for the
larvae — the detection by means of the tiny hole by which
the young larvae had entered the tree being most difficult
for any one but a collector. Jn splitting open the wood it
often happens that the insect has emerged from the pupa
state, and, if sufficiently developed, a very short exposure
to the air and light will enable the perfect insects to take
wing, the same squeaking sound being common to this
species as well as to most others of the same family. It
is a most remarkable fact that the perfect insect is rarely
seen unless artificially reared, and it is supposed that upon
emerging from the wood the insect, when sufficiently
hardened and strong, crawls up to the topmost branches
of the tree, and when darkness sets in, takes flight, a
peculiarity which is common to most longicorn beetles.
In North Queensland the gigantic Batocera, longicorns
the larvae of which feed in the wood of many of the native
figs (Ficus), are known to ascend to the tops of the
branches, they having been watched after emerging from
the wood. This, it is supposed, will account for the
apparent scarcity of some species which are, however,
fairly common.

Prevention and Remedies.

As the grubs of this beetle feed so voraciously as to
destroy the tree, the branches of which, being the most
frequently attacked, are the first to succumb, indications
of their presence being with difficulty ascertained, in
which case the affected branches should be at once sawn
off and burned on the spot. In performing this operation,
however, care must be taken to examine the affected
branches carefully, as it often happens that the larvae
after having destroyed the branches descend into the

THE ACACIA BORER. 127

stem, and as the grubs remain for a long while — probably
a couple of years — in the wood it will readily be seen
how great is the damage that may be done during this
time.

To those of us who are interested in the preservation
of our costal timber belts as we have before stated, and
without which vegetation serious inroads of the sea must
and is being made, and great is the damage which has
been done to the native trees to these and insects of a
kindred nature, where the work of destruction appears to
be going on uninterruptedly. As a rule, and fortunately
for us, the "Coast Tea tree" (JL/eptospermum latvigatuni)
is affected by very few serious diseases, the principal
being caused by the work of one of the Cecidomya, of
which group the celebrated " Hessian Fly " is a member,
and which forms a kind of ifc gall " on the branches ; also
from some of the Psychidce, the case-enclosed larva? of
which feed upon the leaves but do but comparatively
little harm.

The beautiful she-oaks (Casuarina), which, in full
vigour, once lined the sea coasts in the localities men-
tioned, are rapidly dying out, a large and singular scale
insect (Frenclda CasuarincB), which the late Mr. Maskell
has so ably described, having destroyed a large number
of these valuable trees.

This is a matter which the Forest Branch might well
take up, and the co-operation of this branch of the
Agricultural Department would be readily forthcoming.

128 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA:

PLATE LV.

THE " WHEAT MOTH" (TINEA GKANELLA). LINN.
Fig.

1. Perfect insect. Magnified. From nature.

2. Perfect insect Natural size. From nature.
2A. Perfect insect. Natural size. From nature.

3. Growing wheat and grains injured by larvae. Natural size. From

nature.

4. Pupa. Natural size. From nature.

o. Ovipositor of female. Magnified. . From nature.
6. Larva. Natural size. From nature.

THE WHEAT MOTH. 129

CHAPTER LXI.

THE WHEAT MOTH.

( Tinea granella, Linn.)

Order : Lepidoptera. Family : Tineidce.

This moth, when in the larval state, is very destructive
to wheat and barley crops, as it attacks the grain just
when the latter is commencing to swell. The colour of
the moth (see Fig. I., which is magnified) is of a rich
brownish yellow, with larger greenish yellow under wings,
and is the size of those shown (see Figs. II. and HA. ) The
larvae, which are small and active, are of the size of those
figured (see Fig. VI.), the pupa being brown as shown (see
Fig. IY.) When the ears are attacked the caterpillars
bore into the grain (see group), and eating out the
contents, leaving nothing but the husks remaining. Barley
and wheat are attacked in exactly the same manner, and
when the grubs are at work the plants on which they
appear turn a sickly yellow colour, differing somewhat in
appearance to those which are ripe. This moth belongs
to a family of which there are a large number of genera
and species, and by reason of their small size are known
to collectors as Micro-lepidoptera. In most countries,
excepting, of course, those situated in the extreme
northern and southern latitudes, these small moths are
very numerous, numbering at a low estimate many thou-
sands of species, many of these, as the codlin moth,
potato moth, cabbage and clothes moths, being amongst
the most troublesome of known insects. In Victoria we
have a large number of the Micro-lepidoptera new genera
and species constantly turning up. Many of these insects

11597. I

130 DESTEUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA:

are almost microscopic in size, and are not infrequently
mounted on glass slides for microscopic observations. As
a rule the larvae of nearly all the Tineid moths, also their
close allies, feed upon or within the leaves of plants, but
many, as we all know, live within nuts and fruits, dried
as well as fresh. A few feed upon dead animal matter,
as woollens, furs, feathers, and some, as Professor Corn-
stock remarks, are predaceous, destroying the so-called
scale bugs ; and again referring to the probable number of
species of this group, Professor Comstock, in his noble
work, Manual for the Study of Insects, says there are
over one thousand described species in America alone.
In America they have a very- serious pest, " The Apple
Bacculatrix " ( Bacculatrix poniifotella), which as this
pest may some day be introduced here by means of the
American apple cases or in packing I have thought it
better to give some account of as described by Professor
Comstock in the work above alluded to. u This insect
differs in habits in several respects from any of the
Tineids described here. The larva infests the leaves of
the apple, and when full grown it makes a small white
cocoon, which is attached to the lower surface of a
twig. The cocoons sometimes occur in great numbers,
side by side, on the twigs of an infested tree. They are
easily recognised by their shape, being slender and ribbed
lengthwise. It is these cocoons that usually first reveal
the presence of this pest in an orchard. They are very
conspicuous during the winter, when the leaves are off
the trees. At this time each cocoon contains a pupa.
The adult moth emerges in early spring (about Septem-
ber and October in the north-east and north-west part of
Victoria). The eggs are laid on the lower surface of the
leaves. Each larva, when it hatches, bores directly from
the edge to the upper surface of the leaf, where it makes a
brown serpentine mine. When these mines are abundant in
a leaf it turns yellow and dies. When the larva has made
a mine from one-half to three-fourths of an inch long,
which it does in from four to five days, it eats its way out

THE WHEAT MOTH. 131

through the upper surface. Then somewhere on the
upper surface of the leaf it weaves a circular silken
covering about one-twelfth inch in diameter. Stretched
out on this network the larva, which is now about one-
tenth inch long, makes a small hole in it near its edge,
then, as one would turn a somersault, it puts its head into
this hole and disappears beneath the silken covering,
where it undergoes a change of skin. It remains in the
moulting cocoon usually less than twenty-four hours.
After leaving this cocoon it feeds upon the leaves without
making a mine ; and in a few days makes a second moult-
ing cocoon, which differs from the first only in being
about one-eighth inch in diameter. After leaving this it
again feeds for a few days, and then migrates to a twig,
where it makes the long-ribbed cocoon within which the
pupa state is passed. This very interesting life-history
was first worked out by Mr. A. E. Brunn, while a student
in the writer's laboratory at Cornell University. When
it is necessary to combat this pest the smaller twigs
bearing cocoons should be pruned as far as practicable
during the winter and burned, and those cocoons that
remain on the large branches should be washed with
kerosene or kerosene emulsion."

Prevention and Remedies.

We have previously mentioned that nearly the whole
of these insects when in the larval stage are vegetable
feeders, so as to prevent the egg-laying, all the grass and
other herbage growing on headlands, or in the vicinity of
the cultivated paddocks, should be kept down by either
ploughing, burning, or by other means. It is a good plan
to sow strips, or belts, of any succulent plants which
would not be likely to become noxious weeds, such as
castor oil, larkspur, &c., both of which are hardy and of
rapid growth, and have the merit also of being deadly to
caterpillars eating the leaves. If possible, these strips
should be confined by fencing, so that cattle, horses, and

132 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA.

sheep could not get at the plants. When pests of this
kind get into a crop it becomes a matter of great difficulty,
also of expense, to deal with them successfully ; still the
crop, if it is to be saved, something must be attempted,
or straw instead of grain will be forthcoming. I have
already alluded to the Strawsonizer and larger spraying
machines, the former being largely used in England for
crops on areas of considerable size.

134 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA :

PLATE LVL

THE " TRIANGULAR-MARKED BANKSIA BEETLE" (URACANTHUS
TRIANGULAR1S, HOPE.)

Tig.

1. Banksia branch, showing larva, pupa, and perfect insects, and

damage done to tree. Natural size. From nature.

2. Cut-branch made by insects. Natural size. From nature.

3. Perfect beetle (female). Natural size. From nature.

4. Perfect beetle (male). Natural size. From nature.

C.BriLtlebankDei

G. French. Direxat

T.VI.

THE TRIANGULAR-MARKED BANKSIA BEETLE. 135

CHAPTER LXII.

THE TRIANGULAR-MARKED BANKSIA BEETLE.

(Ur 'acanthus triangularis, Hope.)
Order : Coleoptera. Family : Cerambycidcp.

This very handsome longicorn beetle is one of twelve
other species which has been described as being
indigenous to Australia, it having been found in New
South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania, and in Victoria, and
probably occurs also in South and in West Australia.
The eggs of this insect are deposited by the female in the
smaller branches of the trees on which the larvae feed,
our present figure being drawn from a portion of Banksia
branch found at Cheltenham, on the shores of Port
Phillip Bay. When the young grubs emerge from the
eggs they are of course very small, but very soon com-
mence to eat into the wood of the tree, which they bore
and tunnel in a most surprising manner. When full
grown they are the size of that shown on Fig. I. of our
plate, the tree being the so-called " Coast Honeysuckle"
(Banksia integrifolia) which line the coast in many parts
of Victoria. As the larva increases in size, the more
rapidly it works, and when full fed assumes the pupa
stage which, as shown in our figure, is a singular mummy-
like form, and which in course of time develops into the
perfect insect. One singular habit which many beetles
of this family possess is that of cutting to the shape of a
stock about to receive a scion (see Fig. II. ) off the top
of the small branches, and as there is usually a small
portion of sawdust-like matter slightly protruding from
the upper portion of the V-shaped cut this renders the

136 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA:

u cut-branches," as Entomologists term them, much
easier of detection, and even with this advantage it takes
a fairly well-trained eye to find them.

In this family of the Coleoptera, or beetles, the males
are usually much smaller than the females (see Figs. III.
and IV.), the whole group, with but comparatively few
exceptions, being very destructive to timber even of the
hardest kinds, the larvae being furnished with very power-
ful jaws with which they gnaw the wood of the trees
attacked. When the perfect insect emerges from the
wood, which it does by eating its way out, the wing-cases
and other parts soon harden by exposure to the air which
enables the beetles to take wing, being mostly nocturnal
in their flight, in a comparatively short time after seeing
the light. As to how long these grubs, which by the
way are legless, remain in the wood, I cannot say, but
have kept them for over twelve months before the perfect
insect has emerged, so that it will be seen that when
working all this time in a tree great damage must ensue.
When handled the beetles, which are the colour of those
here figured, make a peculiar squeaking noise and will
make an attempt to bore into the closed hand which is
holding them. This species is by no means confined to
Banksia trees, as its larvae are very destructive also to
wattles, boring and tunnelling in all directions. As a
rule the grubs of this beetle feed, as I have before stated,
in the smaller branches of the tree, but in another species
( Uracanthus simulans) they bore right down the stem
into the main tap root underground, a particular kind of
native tree aster being their favorite food. A third
species ( U. bivitta) feeds in several woods including that
of the common European Furze ( Ulex} which it rapidly
destroys. A fourth, a large and fine species, has, during
the last few years been found destroying orange trees on
the Richmond river in New South Wales, and has been
described by the late Mr. S. Olliff as U. cryptophagus.

When trees of any kind are attacked by longicorn
larvae, it is astonishing in what a comparatively short

THE TRIANGULAR-MARKED BANKSIA BEETLE. 137

time they turn sickly and die off, and all along the coast
instances are but too frequent of the damage done by
these insects. It has often been a marvel to others as
well as to myself how it is that, although we find orchards
planted right in the depths of our most dense forests, the
fruit trees contained therein are so rarely attacked by
beetles of this large and important family, of which
family in Australia alone there cannot be less than
1,200 distinct species, in sizes varying from the tiny Vic-
torian species (Allomicrus exiguus} which has recently
been described by Mr. Gahan as a new insect, to the
gigantic Batocera Wallacei, which has been recorded by
myself as having been found in Australia, New Guinea
being formerly its only known habitat, the latter beautiful
species often attaining with antennae and legs stretched
out straight out from the body a length of 10 inches,
and we can easily imagine the vast amount of damage the
grubs of these large beetles are capable of doing.

Prevention and Remedies.

To treat trees for borers of this type the steam sprayer,
by which sulphur or other material, as carbolic acid,
could be forced into the holes in vaporized form and as
hot as possible, appears to be the best yet attempted, but
even this could not, without great trouble and expense,
be carried out in the case of large forest trees, but in fruit
trees or even on avenue trees it can be done when it
resolves itself simply into the question of cost.

In America one of this family of beetles (Saperda
Candida] better known to orchardists as the "Round-
headed Apple Tree Borer" does an immense amount ot
damage to apple trees, and with the exception of the
codlin moth is there considered to be the worst enemy of
the apple with which they have to deal.

In searching the timber for specimens of this beetle it
is no uncommon occurrence to come across larvae and
pupae of a wasp-like insect (Odynerus) in which have

138 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA:

been found no less than ten pupas in the one .small twig,
and thus it happens that this borer beetle is kept within
reasonable bounds. There are several others but smaller
Hymenoptera which attack this beetle when in the larvae
and pupae state, many of the latter having been reared
from the branches collected.

There is a danger, as we in this colony have previously
experienced, of this class of beetle being introduced here
in the larval form by means of timber, as most longicorns,
unlike many of the moths, appear to be perfectly at home
in logs, no matter how dry the wood may be, and it is by
these agencies that the little longicorn beetles which some
time since destroyed the wooden hoops on the kegs of
powder in our powder magazine have been introduced
from the continent of Europe. Let us hope that our fruit
trees will escape attack from this class of insect, but in
any case, to quote an old proverb, to be forewarned is to
be forearmed. In the best-regulated American institu-
tions figures of at least all the worst of the insects known
to be destructive to vegetation are in the splendid publi-
cations which are from time to time issued by the
Americans fully dealt with, these publications being in
great demand everywhere.

INSECT-DESTROYING BIRDS. 139

CHAPTER LXIII.

THE WHITE EYEBROWED WOOD SWALLOW.

(Artamus super ciliosus, Gould.)

This valuable insect-destroying bird, which in the
summer time is to be seen in large numbers in the
country districts of Victoria, in the early days of the
colony was known to all country people as the " summer
bird," a name which, considering it appeared only in the
summer, was not by any means an inappropriate one.

The following is a description of the bird, its nest, and
eggs, by Mr. A. J. North, Ornithologist, of the Australian
Museum, Sydney : — " This bird is strictly migratory,
arriving in Victoria to breed about the end of November,
and departing again at the commencement of March.
Sometimes, however, three, four, and even five years
elapse without seeing a single specimen, and it is remark-
able when they visit us in great numbers, as far south as
Melbourne, that it is during a period of drought in the
interior. It builds a round and almost flat ^scanty nest
of roots and grasses, through which the eggs in some
situations can be seen from below in every possible posi-
tion, both in the indigenous and acclimatised trees of our
public parks and gardens. In Albert Park I have found
no less than ten nests, each containing eggs, in a single
row of Pines (Pinus insignis) of about 50 yards in
length ; the trees at that time being of a uniform height
of 5 feet. At other times the nest is placed in the hori-
zontal fork of the Eucalypti or Acacia, in the broad flat
leaves of the Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria excelsa),
and on two occasions I have found it in the leafy top of
a rose bush. The eggs are three in number, usually of a

140 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA:

buff- white ground colour, blotched and freckled all over
with light-brown and umber-brown markings, particularly
towards the larger end. Occasionally one egg in a set is
found of a dull-white ground colour, with a well-defined
zone of dark umber round the larger end."

This Wood Swallow is well known to colonists as one
of their best bird friends, and, being: in such large num-
bers, they destroy an enormous number of insects of all
kinds. Unfortunately, however, the nests being so ex-
posed rendered these an easy prey to the itinerant sports-
man, also to the egg hunter, the former nuisance being
largest responsible for the wholesale destruction of the
bird life of the colony. When closing this chapter a
report has been received from the inspector who was sent
up to the north-west part of the colony to study the
locust pest, and to conduct experiments with the locust
fungus, to the effect that of all the birds which had been
attacking the locusts the Wood Swallow had done the
best work, the birds being in large flocks, and devoted
themselves entirely to locust destruction.

If ever there was a bird which deserves the protection
of every man, woman, and child in Victoria it is the
Wood Swallow, this useful and pretty harbinger of
summer.

INSECT-DESTROYING BIRDS. 141

CHAPTER LXIV.

THE WHITE-RUMPED WOOD SWALLOW.

(Artamus leucog aster, Val.)

This bird, although one of the best as a destroyer of
insects, is unfortunately somewhat rare in most places of
Victoria, but in some of the Murray districts it is fairly
common. The late Mr. Gould, in his magnificent work
on the birds of Australia, says of this species — " That
on the Rivers Mokai and Namoi, situated to the northward
of Liverpool Plains, New South Wales, he found it
breeding among the large-flooded gum trees bordering
the rivers, and remarks that the breeding season in the
localities commences in September and continues until
January, during which period at least two broods are
reared. In the Christmas week of 1839, at which times
I was on the plains of the interior, in the direction of
Namoi, the young progeny of the second brood were
perched in pairs or threes together on a dead twig near
tKeir nest. They were constantly visited and fed by the
adults, who were hawking about for insects in great
numbers, some performing their evolutions above the
tops and among the branches of the trees, while others
were sweeping over the open plain with great rapidity of
flight, making in their progress through the air the most
rapid and abrupt turns ; at one moment rising to a con-
siderable altitude and the next descending to within a few
feet of the ground, as the insects of which they were in
pursuit arrested their attention. In the branches, the
flight of this bird is more soaring and of a much shorter
duration, particularly when hawking in the open glades,
which frequently teem with insect life. When flying

142 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA :

near the ground the white mark on the rump shows very
conspicuously, and strikingly reminds one of the House
Martin of our own country."

Two nests, taken by Gilbert on a small island in Coral
Bay, near the entrance of the harbor at Port Essington,
were completely formed of dry wiry grass and the fine
plants growing | on the beach, they were placed in the
fork of a slender Mangrove tree, within 15 feet of the
water, in which they were growing ; but like several
other Australian birds, this species often avails itself of
the deserted nests of other birds instead of building one
of its own. Most of those I found breeding on the
Mokai had possessed themselves of the forsaken nest of
the Grallira, wrhich they had rendered warm and of the
proper size by slightlv lining it with grasses, fibrous roots,
and the narrow leaves of the eucalypti.

The colour of this bird, as shown on our plate, is of a
leaden black with bluish bill, and belly white, and in
common with our other bird plates is shown in its natural
size. There are two other beautiful and useful species,
viz., A. sordidus and A. personatus, which we hope to
figure in Part IY. of the book.

INSECT-DESTROYING BIRDS. 143

CHAPTER LXY.

THE NARROW-BILLED BRONZE CUCKOO.

(Lamprococcyx basalis, Hors field.)

This very pretty species is one of the most useful birds
of the group to which it belongs. The Bronze Cuckoo is
to be found in many parts of the colony, and is not un-
common a few miles out of Melbourne.

This bird subsists almost entirely upon insects, which
it destroys and eats with avidity. Grubs of all kinds
would appear to be the favorite food of this bird, and
hardly any of the ordinary-sized larvae are exempt from
its attack, the caterpillars of the vine being specially
selected by this bird for destruction, so that immense
numbers of the grubs are killed.

It is somewhat singular that so very few birds will
tackle the grub of the Vme Moth, so that the Cuckoo
requires our special protection.

Like all Cuckoos, this bird is strictly parasitic, and
deposits its eggs in the nests of most of our small insec-
tivorous birds.

Mr. North says— " The egg of this species is pinky
white, minutely freckled all-over the surface with light
brownish-red or pinkish-red dots and spots ; in some in-
stances these markings are confluent, forming coalesced
patches on the egg, but on no particular portion of it,
sometimes being on one side only, at other times on the
end." The coloring matter of this and the preceding
species is easily rubbed off when moisture is applied to
them.

144 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA I

The colour of the bird, as described by Gould, is —
" Crown of the head and nape bronzy brown ; over the
eye a stripe of dull white ; feathers of the back, wing
coverts, upper tail coverts, and two centre tail feathers
dark shining green, edged with grey ; wings brown,
glossed with green and margined with grey ; outer tail
feathers on each side alternately and broadly barred with
blackish brown and white ; the three rest on each side
rufous chestnut at the base, passing into green towards
the extremity, and ending in blackish brown, specked
with white ; ear coverts and sides of the neck brown ;
under surface buffy white, mottled bars of pale brown on
the throat, and strongly barred on the flanks with
bronzy brown ; under surface of the shoulder similarly
but not so strongly barred."

C. French, Direcat. Sands &M2

PALLID CTJCXOO."

yv7/?7/7/?//c nnl/irfiif: f Lfjffisun*. ]•

INSECT-DESTROYING BIRDS. 145

CHAPTER LXVI.

THE PALLID CUCKOO.

( Cacomantis pallidus, Lath.)

We now come to two birds, which, for their size, are
probably the best insect-destroying birds in Victoria.
The Pallid Cuckoo also the Narrow-billed Bronze Cuckoo
are the only two birds which, in my experience, will eat
the common Vine Caterpillar (Agarista glycine) and larva
of the Cut Worm (Agrofis). In many parts of the colony
this bird is still fairly common, but anywhere near to Mel-
bourne it has been shot or otherwise destroyed, so that it
is much rarer than it was in the early days when there
were no railways to convey shooting parties on their
mission of destruction to bird life, all and sundry. The
cuckoos are most singular in their economy, and Messrs.
North, A. J. Campbell, and Keartland, and others of our
Victorian ornithologists could doubtless relate some
curious experiences with these birds, some of the habits
of which are most interesting. These birds are migrants
in Victoria, usually arriving in the early spring, and
taking their departure in the autumn, passing the winter
in tropical Australia. They are early risers and their oft-
repeated notes may be heard long before daylight, and
frequently as late as nine p.m. They are generally seen
singly or in pairs, but never in flocks. Although they
frequently deposit their eggs in the nests of the smaller
Honeyeaters, the Wattlebird, Mud Lark, Oriole, and
English Linnet also act as foster-parents to this Cuckoo.
The egg of the Pallid Cuckoo (C. pallidus) closely
resembles those of the Yellow-tufted HoDey-eater (Ptilotis
auricomis), they are, however, somewhat larger, and of

11597. K

146 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA :

a much lighter tint, being of a pale-flesh colour, sprinkled
with a few dots of deeper hue, but often without any
markings at all. This species appears to have a wide
distribution as it has been found, according to Dr. Ramsay,
in all the colonies as far north as Derby, in North-west
Australia, the Gulf of Carpentaria, and down to New South
Wales, South Australia, Tasmania, West and South-west
Australia.

Gould, in writing of this bird, says — u The southern
part of Australia generally and the Island of Tasmania
are inhabited by this species of Cuckoo ; to the latter
country, however, it is only a summer visitant, and a
partial migration also takes place in the adjacent portion
of the continent, as is shown by its numbers being much
fewer during winter. It arrives in Tasmania in the
month of September and departs northward in February.
During the vernal season it is an animated and querulous
bird, and may then be seen singly or two or more males
engaged chasing each other from tree to tree. Its sing-
ing-whistling call, which consists of a succession of running
notes, the last and highest of which are several times rapidly
repeated, is often uttered while the bird is at rest among
the branches, and also occasionally while on the wing.
Its food consists of Caterpillars, Phasmidse, Mantidae, and
Coleopterous insects, which are generally procured among
the leafy branches of the trees, and in searching for
which it displays considerable activity and great power
of traversing the smaller limbs. When desirous of repose
after feeding it perches on the topmost dead branches of
the trees, on the posts and rails of the fences, or any
other prominent site whence it can survey all round. Its
flight is straight and rapid, and not unlike that of Cuculus
canerus. In respect to its reproduction it is strictly
parasitic, devolving the task of incubation on the smaller
birds, many species of which are known to be its foster-
parents."

The adult male has the head, neck, and all the under
surface brownish grey, with a streak of dark brown down

INSECT-DESTROYING BIRDS. 147

the sides of the neck ; all the upper surface olive brown,
becoming much darker on the wings and tail ; basal por-
tion of the inner webs of the primaries broadly barred
with white, slightly on the outer and deeply on the inner;
all feathers tipped with white, and with a mark of white
on the stems near the tip, this mark being very small on
the central tail feather and gradually increasing in the
lateral feathers until on the outer it forms a band,
under irides very dark brown, eyelash yellow, gape and
inside of the mouth rich deep orange, feet olive.

The female differs in having the upper surface mottled
with buff and rufous, in having a triangular spot of
reddish buff at the extremity of each of the wing coverts,
and the markings of the tail buff instead of white ; all
whitish markings may in very old birds give place to a
style of coloring similar to the male.

As there are several Cuckoos, it has been thought
better to give the description in full, so that no mistake
can occur in identification, the plates having been pre-
pared by the Messrs. T. and C. C. Brittlebank.

K 2

.,

INSECT-DESTROYING BIRDS. 149

CHAPTER LXVII.

THE RESTLESS FLYCATCHER.

(Seisura inquieta, Latham.)

This valuable insect-destroying bird is fairly common
in many parts of Victoria, and the figure on plate will
enable any one to recognise it at a glance. In describing
the nest and eggs of this bird, Mr. North says — " The
nest of this Flycatcher, like those of most of the family,
is round and cup shaped, 2^ to 3 inches across by 1J
deep, and placed upon a horizontal bough over a fork, or
by the side of an upright twig ; it is chiefly composed of
bark and grass neatly interwoven ; the lining is of grass,
hair, or roots, and the edges often ornamented with lichen
fastened on by cobweb. It is usually placed at a con-
siderable distance from the ground, and often near the
end of a dead bough. The eggs are two or three in
number, from 9 to 10| lines in length by 1\ in breadth,
rather rounded in form, having the ground colour of a
dull white stained with spots and blotches of dull chest-
nut brown and greyish lilac, the latter appearing as if
beneath the surface. In most of the specimens the spots
form only a distinct zone near the larger end, but in some
are sprinkled over the whole surface. The birds are for
the most part found breeding in October, November, and
December, but sometimes earlier or later. They have two
broods in the year."

According to Gould— " This species ranges over the
whole of the southern portion of the Australian con-
tinent (Mr. North records it as far north as Rockingham
Bay, Northern Queensland), and appears to be as
numerous in many parts of Western Australia as it is m
New South Wales, where it maybe said to be universally
distributed, for I observed it in every part I visited, both
among the brushes as well as in the more open parts of

1 50 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA :

the country, in all of which it is apparently a stationary
species. It is a bird possessing many peculiar and very
singular habits. It not only captures its prey after the
usual manner of the other Flycatchers, but it frequently
sallies forth into the open glades of the forest and the
cleared lands, and procures it by posing itself in the air
with a remarkably quick motion of the wings, precisely
after the manner of the English Kestrel (Tinnunculus
alaudarius}, every now and then making perpendicular
descents to the ground to capture any insect that may
attract its notice. It is while performing these singular
movements that it produces the remarkable sound which
has procured for it from the colonists of New South
Wales the appellation of the " Grinder." The singular
habits of this species appear to have attracted the notice
of all who have paid any attention to the natural history
of New South Wales. Mr. Caley observes — " It is very
curious in its actions. In alighting on the stump of a
tree it makes several semicircular motions, spreading out
its tail at the time, and making a loud noise somewhat
like that caused by a razor grinder at work. I have seen
it frequently alight on the ridge of my house and perform
the same evolutions." To this I may add the following
account of the actions and manners of this species as
observed by Gilbert in Western Australia: — " This bird
is found in pairs in every variety of situation. Its general
note is a loud harsh cry, several times repeated ; it also
utters a loud clear whistle; but its most singular note is
that from which it has obtained its colonial name, and
which is only emitted while the bird is in a hovering
position at a few feet from the ground. This noise so
exactly resembles a grinder at work that a person unaware
of its being produced by a bird might easily be misled."

It may here be mentioned that mounted specimens of
the birds shown in our plates, together with the nests
and eggs of same, may be seen in the Museum of
Economic Entomology and Ornithology which is attached
to the office of the Government Entomologist.

INSECT-DESTROYING BIRDS. 151

CHAPTER LXVIII.

THE WHITE-SHAFTED FANTAIL.

(Rhipidura albiscapa, Gould.)

A well-known favorite, commonly to be seen almost
anywhere in the country around Melbourne. It is easily
known by its quick movements and its habit of spreading
put its tail whilst hopping about the twigs in search of
insects, although, as a rule, most of the insects taken by
it are captured whilst on the wing. Of this bird Mr.
North says — " This lively and interesting little bird is
plentifully distributed throughout Queensland, New
South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia, and
although it has nothing to recommend it in the sombre
tints of its plumage the remarkable shape of its nest
attaches to it an interest that renders it one of the most
conspicuous of the smaller birds of the Australian
bush."

A nest of this species now before me is funnel shaped,
or like a wine-glass with the base broken off. It is com-
posed of strips of very fine bark closely interwoven and
securely held together on the outside with spider's web,
which is neatly wound round the exterior portion of the
nest proper, the thin branch on which it is placed and the
upper portion of the stem-like appendage which extends
below the branch from the bottom of the nest. The
lower portion of the stem is ragged at the end, and just
sufficient web is placed around it to hold together the fine
shreds of bark of which it is composed.

The interior of the nest is lined entirely with fine
fibrous roots, and the rim of the nest is very thin; exter-
nal diameter, If inch ; depth, If inch ; length of stem
below the nest, 2 inches ; thickness near the end, £ of an
inch ; internal diameter, If inch ; depth, 1£ inch.

152 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA:

The nest of this bird is placed in a variety of situations,
sometimes on the thin branch of a Melaleuca (Tea-tree),
within a few feet of the ground, but not unfrequently on
one of the topmost branches of an Acacia, or tall gum
sapling, 20 feet from the ground. Eggs, two or three in
number for a sitting, of a dull and, in some instances,
creamy-white ground colour, thickly spotted with brown
markings, intermingled with a few obsolete spots of
bluish-gray towards the larger end, where they become
confluent, and form a well-defined zone. This species
commences to breed in October and continues the two
following months.

" In Tasmania/7 Mr. Gould remarks, " I have seen the
White-shafted Fantail in the depth of winter in the gullies
on the sunny side of Mount Wellington; and it is my
opinion that it only retires at this season to such localities
as are sheltered from the bleak south-westerly winds
which then so generally prevail, and where insects are
still to be found. The bird is also subject to the same
law on the continent of Australia ; but as the temperature
of that country is more equable its effects are not so
decided; and, in support of this opinion, I may adduce
the remark of Caley, who says — ' The species is very
common about Parramatta, and I do not recollect having
missed it at any period of the year. It is generally found
in pairs, but I have occasionally seen as many as four or
five together. It inhabits alike the topmost branches of
the highest trees, those of a more moderate growth, and
the shrouded and gloomy -foliaged dells in the neighbour-
hood of rivulets ; from these retreats it darts out a short
distance to capture insects, and in most instances returns
again to the same branch it had left. While in the air it
often assumes a number of lively and beautiful positions,
at one moment mounting almost perpendicularly, con-
stantly spreading out its tail to the full extent, and fre-
quently tumbling completely over in the descent ; at
another it may be seen flitting through the branches,
and seeking for insects among the flowers and leaves,

INSECT-DESTROYING BIRDS. 153

repeatedly uttering a sweet twittering song. In its dis-
position this little bird is one of the tamest imaginable,
allowing of a near approach without evincing the slightest
timidity, and will even enter the houses of persons resident
in the bush in pursuit of insects. During the breeding
season, however, it exhibits extreme anxiety at the sight
of an intruder in the vicinity of its nest.' '

A. Bnttlet>ank,Be I. C.French, JDirex.it.

Brown Tree -Creeper. "
Climaclens scandens, ( Temminck)

INSECT-DESTROYING BIRDS. 155

CHAPTER LXIX.

THE BROWN TREE CREEPER.

( Climacteris scandens, Temm. )

The Tree Creepers, both Victorian species, are among
the best of our insectivorous birds, as, although small in
size, they are always at the work, and may be seen creep-
ing, or rather hopping, up the trees in search of insects,
which are their sole food. Mr. North says — " This bird
is to be found breeding freely throughout New South
Wales, Victoria, and South Australia ; constructing a
nest of grasses, fur, &c., usually in the hole of some
decayed branch or spout of a Eucalyptus, and occasionally
out of arm's reach. The eggs, two in number for a sitting,
are of a reddish-white ground colour, closely freckled all
over with rich reddish markings towards the larger end,
where in some instances they form a zone. The breeding
season commences in August, and lasts till the end of
December. Gould, in his Handbook to the Birds of
Australia, says — " The Brown Tree Creeper inhabits the
Avhole of the south-eastern portion of the Australian
continent from South Australia to New South Wales.
It gives a decided preference to the open thinly-
timbered forests of Eucalypti, the bark of which, being
mostly rough and uneven, affords numerous retreats for
various tribes of insects. Its food, however, is not only
sought for upon the boles and branches of the trees, but
is obtained by penetrating the decayed and hollow parts,
and it even * dives into the small hollow spouts of the
branches in search of spiders, ants, and other insects.
Although its form would lead to a contrary supposition,
it spends much of its time on the ground, under the

156 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA:

canopy and near the boles of the larger trees, in a similar
pursuit, and also traverses the fallen trunks with a keen
and scrutinizing eye. While on the ground it has a pert
lively action, passing over the surface in a succession of
quick shuffling hops, carrying its head erect with the
feathers puffed out, almost in the form of a crest. Among
the trees it assumes all the actions of a Tree Creeper,
ascending the upright boles, and traversing with the
greatest facility both the upper and lower branches. It
never descends with the head downwards, like the mem-
bers of the genera Sitta and Sitella ; still, I have seen it
descend an upright bole for a short distance by hopping
or shuffling backwards, as it were, generally making a
spiral course.

" It flies with a skimming motion of the wings, during
which the brown marking of the primaries is very con-
spicuous.

" Like many other insectivorous birds in Australia it
seldom, if ever, resorts to the water for the purpose of
drinking. It has a sharp piercing cry, which is frequently
uttered, especially if the tree upon which it is climbing be
approached.

u Little difference is observable either in the colour or
size of the sexes ; the female may, nevertheless, be at
once distinguished from the male by the spots at the base
of the throat being rufous instead of blackish brown, as in
the male."

In Australia there are three other species of these very
useful little birds, but so far we have no record of their
having been found in Victoria.

C.CATA.Brinleian^De7 C.French,£irexit. Tro&del&C"

" White -throated Tree -Creeper "
Clirnacteris leucophloea, (Latham.)

INSECT-DESTROYING BIRDS. 157

CHAPTER LXX.

:THE WHITE-THROATED TREE CREEPER.

(Climacteric leucophcea, Tatham.)

This elegant little bird, which any day may be seen
creeping, often spirally, up the trunks and branches of
trees, is also a most valuable insect-eating bird, the
stomach of one which I dissected being filled with beetles,
grubs, and other insect debris.

Gould says of this bird— " That the range of this
species is widely extended as that of the Climacteris
scandens, being a common bird in New South Wales and
the intervening country, as far as South Australia ; the
precise limit of its habitat northward have not been
ascertained, but it does not form part of the fauna of
Western Australia."

The whole structure of this species is much more
slender and creeper-like than any other member of its
genus, and I observed that its difference of form has a
corresponding influence over its habits, for they are more
strictly arboreal than those of its congeners. It also
differs from C. scandens in the character of country and
kind of trees it inhabits, being rarely seen on the large
Eucalypti of the open forest lands, but resorting to trees
bordering creeks, as well as those on the mountains and
the brushes. I have frequently seen it in the brushes of
Illawarra and Maitland, in which localities the C.
scandens is seldom if ever found. While traversing the
trunks of trees in search of insects, which it does with
great facility, it utters a shrill piping cry ; in this cry,
and, indeed, in the whole of its actions, it strikingly
reminded me of the Common Creeper of Europe ( Certhia
familiaris), particularly in its manner of ascending the

158 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA I

upright trunks of the trees, commencing at the bottom,
and gradually creeping up the bole to the top, generally
in a spiral direction. It is so partial to the Casuarince
that I have seldom seen a group of those trees without
at the same time observing the White-throated Tree
Creeper, their rough bark affording numerous receptacles
for various kinds of insects, which constitute its sole
diet.

The White-throated Tree Creeper is very plentiful in
the neighbourhood of Ringwood, Croydon, Bayswater,
and other parts of Victoria, where it renders valuable
service in destroying many insect pests in the orchards.
I have counted as many as thirteen in one orchard
searching for insects on the fruit trees and amongst the
strawberry plants. They were so intent on their work
as to permit me to approach close enough to see them
extracting small grubs from the crevices in the bark on
the fruit trees.

The breeding season is September and the three fol-
lowing months, during which time they usually rear two
broods. The nest is built of grasses, is warmly lined
with feathers, and is placed in the hollow branch or bole
of a tree. The eggs are two in number, of a dull white,
thinly speckled with fine spots of rich brown and a few
larger blotches of the same colour.

The female is precisely the same in colour, with the
exception of having a small orange-coloured spot just
below the ear coverts, and by which she is at once dis-
tinguished from the male.

FUMIGATION. 159

CHAPTER LXXI.

FUMIGATION.

(Hydrocyanic-gas Treatment. )

" Dr. Coquillet was the first to suggest and use this
gas for the destruction of scale insects. His experiments,
according to Professor Lodemau, began in September,
1886, in the orange grove of J. W. Wolf skill, of Los
Angeles, California. Its use has been followed by such
good results that all other gases have been abandoned in
treating these pests.

" The gas is prepared by using—

Cyanide of Potassium, 60 per cent., 1 ounce.
Commercial Sulphuric Acid, 1 fluid ounce.
Water, 3 fluid ounces.

" Potassium cyanide of 90 per cent, has also given excel-
lent results. The water is first placed in an open glazed
vessel, and then the acid is added. When the parts to be
treated are all covered the diluted acid is placed under
the tent, the cyanide of potassium is dropped in, and the
tent immediately closed. The gas is exceedingly poisonous,
and should not be inhaled. The amount formed with the
above materials is sufficient for a confined space contain-
ing 150 cubic feet. It is safer to use the gas upon dor-
mant trees and during cool weather or at night, since
trees are more easily injured during a high temperature ;
treated parts should remain covered about an hour, and
to work the thing properly several tents should be in
use at once ; this to prevent loss of time on the part of
those engaged in the operation of fumigation. The fol-
lowing table, giving height of trees and the proportions

160

DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA :

of chemicals and water, will be found suitable for districts
in the interior or beyond 10 miles in a direct line from
the sea-coast: —

Height of
Tree.

Diameter through
Foliage.

Water Fluid.

Sulphuric Acid
Fluid.

Cyanide of
Potassium.

Feet.

Feet.

Ounces.

Ounces.

Ounces.

6

4

2

1

1

8

6

4

2

2

10

8

6

3

8

12

10

10

5

5

14

14

16-

8

8

16

16

.18

9

9

18 16

20

10

10

20 16

22

11

11

22 18

24

12

12

24 20

26

13

13

26 20
30 20

27

28

131
14

131
14

" One would suppose that an orange tree having a dense
foliage would fill up the space within the tent, and require
less gas to be effective. But the cold surface of the leaves
condenses the gas, and fumigators find that a slightly
heavier charge of chemicals is necessary for such a tree,
and where the foliage is scant a less amount than is given
in the table will answer. Some orchardists and fumi-
gators consider that the work has not been effective un-
less some of the leaves or tender twigs have been injured.
This is not necessary, for in our early experiments we
have treated trees and killed the scale without even in-
juring the most tender twig or blossom. As the trees
recover very quickly, even when seriously scorched, a
slight burning is no detriment, and is evidence that the
work has been effective, except in the case of c black
scale ' (Lecanium olece), during the early summer, when
the eggs are under the females. The proper time to
fumigate for this scale is during the fall or early winter,
when they are in the larval state.

FUMIGATION. 161

"In order to render the canvas used for fumigation per-
fectly air-tight, to prevent the gas escaping, the tents
have been treated with a light coat of linseed oil. The
great objection to the oil has been that it had a tendency
to stiffen the canvas and add considerably to its weight,
so a cheaper and more flexible preparation was sought.
The following mixture, used by Commissioner Scott, of
Los Angeles country, California, during the past season,
made the tents gas-tight, and left the canvas soft and
pliable. The chief essential ingredient is a supply of
common c Prickly Pear Cactus ' ( Opuntia Engelmanni),
that grows in abundance in the southern countries of the
state. It is a flat-leaf species, and parties living in sec-
tions to which it is not indigenous could have it sent in
boxes. To make the cactus extract, chop up enough
cactus to fill a barrel two -thirds full ; then fill up with a
barrel of cold water. It should stand for 24 hours, when
it will be ready for use. Do not prepare more than is
required for immediate use, otherwise it will become sour
and worthless. Stir well, then strain ten gallons of the
liquid into another tub or barrel ; dissolve 2 Ibs. of
common glue, and add to the cactus extract, with suffi-
cient yellow ochre or Yenetiati red to give it a good body.
After thoroughly mixing the ingredients it is ready for
use. Both sides of the canvas should be painted, and the
dressing well rubbed into the fibre with a flat paint brush."
[It is possible that our common 4 Prickly Pear ' ( Opuntia)
might answer the same purpose. At any rate, it would
be worth a trial, as plenty of material could be easily
obtained here. — C.F.]

" If oil is used, the canvas should be spread out and
thoroughly dried before it is rolled up, or it is liable to
be destroyed by spontaneous combustion. When dry
there is no danger in this."

The above has been taken from the Bulletin ot the
Califoruian State Board of Horticulture, the information
having been prepared by Mr. Craw, whose opportunities
for experimenting and general knowledge of the who!

11597. L

162

DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA

matter enables him to speak with authority on the gas
tents, and their practical use for orchard work especially.
Having written to my good friend Mr. C. P. Louns-
bury, Chief Entomologist in the Agricultural Department,
at the Cape of Good Hope, asking for some notes on his
experience re the cyanide treatment, this gentleman has
kindly sent the following, which will be of interest to all
concerned in the fruit-growing industry of Victoria : —

FUMIGATION TREATMENT FOR SCALE INSECTS.

Orchard Fumigation. — The work began two years ago in furthering
the fumigation method for the destruction of scale insects on orchard
trees has been vigorously prosecuted at every opportunity throughout
the period covered by this report. In districts where the growing of
citrus fruits ranks as a commercial industry, the endeavour has been to
get the local fruit-growers' association to operate a fumigation outfit or
to have a few growers unite privately for this purpose. On the con-
ditions that these co-operative fumigation clubs consist of not less than
five members, representing at least a thousand trees requiring treat-
ment, that this number of trees be fumigated within ten months, and
that the facilities be extended to non-members on reasonable terms, the
Government has made each a «rant of £25 towards the purchase of the
initial outfit. Where co-operation has seemed impracticable, private
parties have been urged and encouraged to procure small outfits for the
independent treatment of their orchards.

There are now nine co-operative clubs with outfits at work, and of
these eight started operations during 1898. In the sequence in which
they commenced these are : — Trappes Valley (Bathurst), Paarl, Oudt-
shoorn, Stellenbosch, Cathcart, Kei Road (King William's Town),
Ncera (East London), Graaff-Reinet, and Van Staadens (Uitenhage).
The covers and most of the other special apparatus required for these
co-operative outfits and for fifteen private outfits were made to order
under my direction and supplied to the respective parties practically
ready for use ; this step was of great assistance to all, and without the
promise of it the attempt to form most of the clubs would have been
a vain task. A few private parties have bought cloth and made covers
for themselves as directed in letters to them, and it has been learned
that some have made covers from the instructions published in my " Gas
Treatment " pamphlet. Most of the ftimigators depend on the Depart-
ment of Agriculture for their supplies of cyanide, this being sold to
them at its cost to the Government. Parties resident in the South
African Republic, the Orange Free State, Natal, and Rhodesia, and
such outlying parts of the colony as Namaqualand and the Transkei,
have written to get full particulars regarding the treatment, and in a
few instances have availed themselves of the information given them

FUMIGATION. 163

and the offer of assistance in getting the covers made. Mention of a
large outfit made up for the Natal Government is made elsewhere.

Management of Outfits.— The airangements for the management of
the different co-operative outfits vary widely, a circumstance for which
this office is in large part responsible, for it was considered desirable to
ascertain by experiment which of the various plans that suggest them-
selves prove best in practice. At Paarl and Stellenbosch, the outfits
are owned by the local fruit-growers' associations and are in charge of
managers with whom it is stipulated that orchards be properly treated
at a fixed tariff, and that a fraction — one-third or one-fourth — of the
gross proceeds be given to the association, the remainder being retained
as remuneration and to pay for chemicals and labour ; the charges to
the general public are slightly more than to members of the association.
The Kei-road, Ncera, and Van Staadens outfits are owned by small
clubs, the members of which subscribed the initial costs and, in return,
have free use of the apparatus. Outsiders pay Sixpence a tree treated
for the hire of the outfit, and both members and non-members pay the
cost of the chemicals used and for the services of the manager. The
members of the Cathcart club contribute One shilling for each tree
they desire to treat, to cover outfit expenses, and pay tor the chemicals
at cost. They altogether dispense with management expenses, each
farmer attending to the treatment of his own trees after receiving
instruction in the use of the apparatus from the honorary secretary of
the club, a medical practitioner. This plan has thus far been the least
satisfactory of the several described, a paid manager seemingly being
a necessity. The Trappes Valley people raised the initial fund by a
subscription list. They pay a manager Twelve pounds a mouth, and
treat trees at a charge which covers the cost and allows for a renewal
of the outfit (see appendix). The subscribers had the first use of the
apparatus, but have had no other advantage over outsiders. Oudtshoorn
has the most business-like arrangement. The whole fumigation plant
is the property of the fruit-growers' association, and was paid for by
the membership fees. Members' trees only are treated, but residents
of the district may easily become members. The trees are treated at
tariff rates and, while these are high, there is no cause for complaint,
since any surplus over expenses is association property. The manager
is paid Twelve pounds a month, and is allowed a saddle horse.

All of the clubs depend upon the farmers for the transport of the
apparatus to or from their orchards. The Oudtshoorn association owns
a special waggon, but with this exception the clubs depend on the
farmers for both vehicle and draught animals. Except at Oudtshoorn,
dependence is also placed on the farmers for two or more boys to heip
with the work, and in several cases he is required to board and
the manager without charge.

Cloth for Fumington Covers.— The covers for the early outfits were
made of eight or ten ounce American cotton duck of the best quality,
and were lightly coated with a mixture of one part turpentine to ioui

164

DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA I

of linseed oil. Sometimes raw oil was used and sometimes boiled ;
there appeared to be no great difference in result, but if more covers
were to be oiled preference would be given to the boiled. Kawt oil
without turpentine was applied to a number of covers ; exposure to
the sun for several weeks was required to dry these, and then the cloth
was found to be not only stiff but very weak, slow combustion
apparently having taken place. The oiling of the covers increased
their weight by two-thirds without, of course, adding anything to the
strength, besides it invariably stiffened the fabric to some extent, thus
making it less easy to handle, and more likely to tear. These objections
to oiling the cloth might not be serious if the covers were always to be
used on well-grown trees, and by experienced hands ; but they proved
decidedly serious where the covers were employed in treating mis-
shapen, long neglected trees by parties with little or no previous
experience. Our need was soon clearly seen to be covers combining
the maximum of strength and pliability with the minimum of weight.
The necessity led me to experiment withunoiled covers of heavier cloth,
and after several weights were tried, what is known as No. 10 Ameri-
can duck was adopted for large covers, and No. 8 for small ones. For
several months, however, the lighter cloth, No. 10, has been used for
both large and small sizes. Different brands of this cloth are sold, but
only the most closely-woven ones are adapted to our purpose. It
weighs between fifteen and sixteen ounces to the square yard, and after
it is well shrunk with water no interstices should be apparent when it
is held between the eye and the sun. The sewing is done by machine
with Singer Company's linen thread, single seam for tent covers and
double for sheets ; a short stitch is advisable, and No. 45, or heavier
thread, should be used for the sheets. It was found difficult to manipu-
late sheet covers of oiled cloth fifty feet in diameter, but even new hands
have had no trouble in managing fifty-seven foot sheets of No. 10 duck
unoiled. In only one respect are the oiled covers superior to the
stronger and more durable unoiled ones, and that is with respect to
their gas-retaining properties. The gas escapes through even the oiled
cloth, but much more rapidly through the unoiled, even though the
latter appears equally tight to the eye. Despite of this effect, however,
covers of the unoiled heavy cloth have given far greater satisfaction
and will probably continue to be used. But observation of the results
obtained by use of the customary dose of one ounce of cyanide to 300
cubic feet of enclosed space (for red scale) has convinced me that
allowance must be made for the loss of gas by diffusion through the
covers. It is observed that the proportion mentioned cannot be relied
on to destroy all the scale on small trees when the unoiled covers are
employed. A larger dose is advisable even under heavily-oiled covers,
while for use with the unoiled, I am of opinion that the proportion
should be gradually increased from one ounce to 300 cubic feet for a
tree sixteen feet in height, to one ounce to 125 cubic feet for a tree six
feet in height. The surface through which the gas escapes increases

FUMIGATION. 165

in proportion to the space enclosed as the dimensions of the tree
decreases ; hence the necessity for giving small trees proportionately
greater doses. There is more than four times as much surface to the
space encompassed by the cover in the case of a 4' x 3' tree than
there is in one 16' x 12'. When trees are dosed with the quantities of
chemicals recommended in the old tables, there is little odour of the gas
under the two smaller sizes of tent-form covers forty minutes after the
reaction has taken place, while under the large sheets it is often dis-
agreeably strong ninety minutes after, thus clearly demonstrating the
error of basing the table of quantities on the cubic contents alone. A
number of covers of a Willesden rot-proof and water-repellant duck of
the same weight and quality as the ordinary No 10. duck have been
tested, and have been found to better retard the permeation of the gas,
though not to a very marked extent. The cloth was less easily sewed
than ordinary duck, and its odour of ammonia when handled in the
making gave much annoyance to the parties who sewed it. The
naturally green colour faded quickly under the action of the cyanide
fumes. It is yet too early to decide definitely whether or not it is pre-
ferable to the ordinary cloth in the long run. The cost in London was
about equal to what is paid for the other in Cape Town. Several
parties are using covers of oiled unbleached calico and express them-
selves well satisfied. Dressing a cover with fat, as waggon sails are
waterproofed, was tried by the manager of the Oudtshoorn outfit and
found inadvisable ; the dressing never dried and soon weighted the
cover with an accumulation of adhering soil and rubbish.

Manipulation of Sheet Covers. — The style of uprights for raising
and lowering the sheet covers described in the ** Gas Treatment "
pamphlet is still employed, but the long poles are now tapered from
2y x 4" at the base to 1 J" x 4" at the top, and are twenty-six feet in
length, and the braces are cut six feet instead of five ; a simpler device
finds a few champions among orchardists working with a single sheet.
The idea is to gather half of the sheet in loops of rope and by means
of poles as levers to raise this gathered half until it is directly above
the tree to be covered, while the loose half hangs to the ground ; then
to slaken the loops and thus permit the suspended folds to open and
fall forward. Two long light poles, pointed at the base and at least
three feet higher than the tallest tree to be covered, two pulley blocks,
and a quantity of rope is all the apparatus required. Two small holes,
about the width of the tiees apart and in line with, and equally distant
from the centre, are cut in the sheet ; the tops of the poles are passed
a few inches through the holes and are bound securely in this position ;
one end of a long rope is then fastened to the projecting top of tt
pole, and the other passed out around the margin of the sheet back to
the pole beneath the hole, and through a pulley block there secured
When these tackle ropes are adjusted to both poles, half of the shee
lies in two loops, and hauling on the free ends of both ropes contracl

166 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA :

the loops and thus draws the half of the sheet into folds. One or two
guy ropes are attached to the tops of the poles to assist in raising and
lowering them. Preparatory to covering a tree, the sheet is spread out
and the half of it toward the tree gathered into folds as described; the
poles are laid parallel, one at each side, with the feet in line with
the trunk and braced in some manner to prevent their slipping. Four
men are required to raise the cover, two for each side ; one lifts the pole
while the other with a guy rope assists him and works to prevent the
pole slipping to one side. To relieve the strain on the cloth, it is cus-
tomary to connect the tops of the poles with a rope a few inches shorter
than the width of cloth between them. When the cover is in a position
over the tree, the poles are, of course, beneath. This manner of
manipulating the cover was first practised by Mr. W. E. Murray, of the
Graaff-Reinet district, and by him explained to me. I found him
covering trees fully eighteen feet high, using dried flower stalks of
American aloe (Agave americana) as his poles.

Generating Dishes. — China pudding-basins are now substituted for
the lead dishes first used as generating vessels. They are much less
costly and are preferable on the score of lightness ; also the smooth and
rounded bottom inside is in their favour, it tending to keep the cyanide
floating in the acid during the reaction and thus rendering its complete
decomposition most probable. The bottoms of lead dishes soon become
battered and flattened ; under this condition lumps of cyanide may
become stranded when the acid is shallow and the dissolution thereby
checked.

Extent of Orchard Fumigation. — The aggregate number of orchard
trees treated during the year by the fumigation process is known to be
above 24,000 and may be as high as 27,000. This is a large number
for the Cape when it is considered how small, scattered, and of uneven
growth our orchards are, and that the treatment is in its infancy with
us. Tho Trappes Valley Club reports that it fumigated 8,678 trees in
fifteen months in 22 orchards ; and the Oudtshoorn Club 4,127 in 110
orchards in ten months. Satisfaction is everywhere expressed with
the results, and some of the unsolicited statements as to the success of
the treatment are more flattering than patent medicine testimonials.
The fear that the scale would soon render the growing of citrus fruits
unprofitable has passed away.

Fumigation of Deciduous Trees. — The employment of fumigation to
destroy scale insects on deciduous trees has not been specially recom-
mended, since these trees may bo sprayed thoroughly during the winter
with efficacious washes at a relatively lower cost. But fumigation may
sometimes be advantageously substituted for spraying in the case of
deciduous trees. If the treatment is performed during the winter, it
may be carried on during cool days under darkened covers without
iujury to the trees, and doses strong enough to destroy all stages of
even egg-laying species safely administered.

FUMIGATION. 167

Nursery Fumigation Chambers.— The example set by the curator of
the Grahamstown Gardens, and by Mr. Henry Meyers, of the Fern wood
nurseries, Newlands, in providing facilities for the fumigation of
nursery stock — to which allusion with illustrations was made in last
year's report— has been followed by Mr. H. E. V. Pickstone, of Groot
Drakenstein, Messrs. Gowie Brothers, of Grahamstown, and by the
curator of the Graaff-Reinet Gardens. The two latter nurserymen
have erected brick vaults very similar to the one at the Grahamstown
Gardens. Other nurserymen have promised to have chambers ready
for use at the commencement of the selling season. All our nursery-
men should be provided with fumigation chambers, not only for the
treatment of stock being despatched to their customers, but that they
may ensure the destruction of any scale insects which might infest stock
received by themselves, either from abroad or from other South
African nurseries, and also for the disinfection of scions and cuttings.
If root cuttings of apple were fumigated before being grafted upon,
many of our nurserymen would be spared much of the annoyance
caused them by the woolly aphis.

Experiments to ascertain amount of Cyanide required. — There is
room for considerable investigation in ascertaining the amount of
cyanide to a given space necessary to generate sufficient gas to destroy
different insects exposed in an air-tight chamber such as nurserymen
would use, and if an opportunity presents itself, a little work along the
suggested line will be conducted during the present year. A few ex-
periments performed last year brought out some interesting facts. In
an approximately air-tight closet, the gas from one ounce of cyanide to
750 cubic feet in two hours failed to appreciably affect adult scale
insects, but destroyed fully 95 per cent, of woolly aphis on stems of
apple. One ounce to 450 cubic feet for one hour appeared to be fatal to
the red scale in all stages and to all but the eggs of the oleander scale
(Aspidiotus nerii), white peach scale (Diaspis amygdali) and greedy
scale (Aspidiotus camellia). The same strength for two hours did
little more. One ounce to 300 cubic feet for one hour proved fatal to
all stages of the species named and to the eggs of an oleander-infesting
mealy bug (Dactylopius sp.), but a few of the adult mealy bugs sur-
vived an hour's exposure in one ounce to 200. When any of the species
used in the experiments was much massed on the infested surface, the
destruction was strikingly less thorough than when the sales occurred
singly. A few adult females of the greedy scale in a mass of their kind
on the fruit of a large-fruited Solanum (Solanum aculeastrum) failed to
succumb when exposed for an hour in one ounce to 300, while not one
among many hundreds of scattered individuals lived through an hour of
of one ounce to 4,50. Similarly some larvae of the oleander scale shel-
tered in the scurf of old scales of its species on American aloe (Agave
Americana) survived one in 300. These observations confirm what has
been suspected with respect to orchard fumigation, that a dose fatal
to every scale insect on moderately-infested trees sometimes proves

168 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA :

insufficient in a very badly-infested case by an occasional scale escaping
through the protection afforded by a covering of other scales. A
diligent search shortly after the treatment has often failed to reveal the
presence of a single survivor among thousands of dead scales, but that
a few had escaped the general destruction would become apparent after
the laps of three or four months. The decreased potency of the gas as
it penetrates masses was prettily illustrated by its action on the eggs of
the Australian bug (Icerya purchasi). This scale insect, be it remem-
bered, deposits a very large number of eggs in a sac-like outgrowth
from the posterior of its body, and the eggs within this ovisac are
embedded in a mass of protective cotton-like filaments. Comparatively
weak gas destroyed the eggs nearest the end of the sac, but had no
effect on those further within. As the doses were increased in succes-
sive tests, larger and larger proportions of the total number succumbed,
but those in the layer immediately against the body survived even one
ounce of cyanide to 200 cubic feet, and a very few in the largest sacs
withstood even a half hour's exposure of one ounce to 150 cubic feet.
A number of young apple trees badly infested with woolly aphis were
exposed to the gas after sousing the roots in water to remove the soil.
One ounce to 450 cubic feet for one hour appeared at the time to be
thoroughly efficacious, but after the lapse of three months the roots of
even those exposed to one to 300 for an hour and of those to one to 200
for a half hour Avere again much infested. The film of water about the
roots or the traces of soil still clinging to them had evidently served to
protect a number of the insects. Altogether, the series of tests, though
incomplete, indicates that in the disinfection of nursery stock care should
be taken to give the gas free play among the trees, and that it is advis-
able to employ much stronger doses than what are known to be fatal
under ordinary circumstances. Dormant deciduous stock is not injured
by exposure to four times the normal orchard proportion for citrus trees
— one ounce to 300 cubic feet. The cost of charging a small chamber
is a mere trifle, and, this being the case, my present recommendation
to nurserymen is to use not less than one ounce to 125 cubic feet of
space when treating deciduous trees. The strength which citrus
trees will stand without being injured has not been determined, but
fully dormant stocks are not injured in the least by one ounce to
250, nor more than the tips of growing trees by one ounce to 300 ;
under favorable conditions at least, the latter portion is fatal to all
stages of the scale insects known to affect citrus stock in the nurseries
of this colony, with the exception of the Australian bug and mealy
bug.

Hydrocyanic Acid Gas for Glasshouse Fumigation. — An officer of the
United States Department of Agriculture has been experimenting off*
and 011 for the last four years with hydrocyanic acid gas as an insec-
ticide for the destruction of various kinds of insect pests which affect
plants in glass houses, and following his lead a number of gardeners
have adopted this fumigant. It is said that it has been found possible
to destroy practically every insect without injuring so much as a leaf or

FUMIGATION. 169

flower. Even mealy bugs and Orthezia insignis are said to be destroyed
without the least injury to so delicate a plant as coleus. A description
of the process, taken from an American source, was published in the
Gardener's Chronicle for 16th July last, and from this I glean the
following particulars :— Three parts of acid to two of boiling water are
used, and the cyanide added while the acid-water mixture is bubbling
with heat ; this secures a very rapid evolution of the gas, and necessi-
tates the use of a large generation vessel to prevent slopping over the
sides. The exposure is a short one, the house being opened as much as
possible from outside as soon as twenty-five minutes have expired. For
each cubic foot of free space enclosed, one and eight-tenths grains of
cyanide are used ; which, if troy grains are intended as seems most
probable, is equivalent to one avoirdupois ounce to 200 cubic feet.
" All damp must be driven out of the house, and the plants should be
quite dry in their foliage before commencing to fumigate them with
the cyanide, because if there is any moisture on the leaves and young
growths, they are liable to get scorched. All being dry and in good
order, the process may be carried out with perfect safety to the plants ;
and houses full of palms, ferns, roses, violets, carnations, and other
tender plants and flowers have been treated as described with the most
successful results, the insects being destroyed and neither a flower nor
a leaf hurt in the least."

To what extent this innovation in glass house fumigation has come
into practice I do not know, but its discussion in several gardeners'
papers has attracted wide attention to it. Opinion concerning its prac-
tical value is diverse, largely on account of the risk both to the operators
and the plants ; but there seems to be no question that when certain
precautions are fully observed the results will be all that is claimed
above. However, I do not refer to the use of the gas in glass houses
here in order to recommend its general adoption in this country. I am
not prepared to do that, not having experimented to satisfy myself just
what precautions are necessary to ensure entire safety to the plants.
But I do suggest that nurserymen and florists who have fumigation
chambers, and gardeners who have closets or rooms they could safely
use as chambers, experiment on pest-ridden plants to which they can
afford to risk injury, and demonstrate to their own satisfaction the
economy of the process. The essential feature to prevent injury to the
plants seems to be the absence of moisture, both in the air and on the
foliage. Our climate is so mild a one that it is unnecessary to have
glass houses here built and kept in such good repair that they are
approximately gas-tight ; and it naturally follows that the proportion of
them which may be closed tight enough to answer as fumigating
chambers is not large. Further, owing to the exceedingly poisonous
character of the gas, its use in conservatories attached to dwellings is
dangerous. For these two reasons it is unlikely that the gas will
become a popular glass house fumigant in the colony. Still, florists,
curators of public gardens, and gardeners on large estates may find i
use, particularly in special chambers, a welcome improvement on their

170

DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA

present methods of dealing with scale insects and aphides on house
plants.

Hydrocyanic Acid Gas for Dwelling Fumigation. — I mention thesubject
principally to condemn this dangerous practice. It has been suggested,
not unnaturally, by the highly successful results obtained in destroying
orchard pests by the gas. Almost needless to state, the chief intent of
house fumigation is to effect the destruction of that unmentionable, but
in this colony by no means uncommon, insect, which is recognised in
scientific circles by the appellation Acanthia lectularia. The gas, when
used at double the strength for orchard treatment, does have a most
beneficent effect on the creatures, but it does not often accomplish a
complete riddance. The construction of most colonial houses is too
faulty for thorough work, currents of air entering crevices and diluting
the gas in them to a degree at which it is not deadly ; by virtue of this,
a few of the vermin or their eggs are tided through the deadly visita-
tion to their mates. Extermination being improbable, there is little
to induce one to give this remedy preference over less dangerous
measures, and I think that parties, other than experts, who know just
what risks are assumed, and what to do in case of an accident, are
wholly unwarranted in employing it. Even experienced hands had
best avoid its use under ordinary circumstances. Hydrocyanic acid gas
is not a poison to trifle with, and as a warning to those whose
enthusiasm over its unrivalled insecticidal properties leads them to
meditate its use in their dwellings, I invite their consideration to the
fact that I have learned of several instances within the last year of
parties having narrowly escaped death when such use was being made
of it. The danger is not in the generation of the gas, but in the sub-
sequent opening of the rooms for ventilation, and in the risk of parties
entering the rooms unawares during the operations or too early after
they are over. The danger attached to orchard fumigation or the use
of the gas in special chambers is infinitesimal in comparison. In con-
nexion with these uses of the gas, I have not heard of a single
accident occurring in this country, and only one, a temporary prostration
due to deliberate disobedience, in America.

In Part I. of our Handbook several pages are taken up
with descriptions of the various kinds of fumigating
apparatus, as also illustrations of same, these having been
taken from American publications. As a ready means of
combating scale on trees, especially those of the citrus
family, large deciduous trees being much more difficult of
treatment by the gas tents, the cyanide treatment has
much to recommend it, the principal objection, according
to the best up-to-date American experts, being the matter
of cost.

FUMIGATION. 171

In Victoria but little has been done in the way of the
cyanide system of fumigation, although at the*Burnley
Gardens a complete plant is working — this only for trees
and plants which are imported from the neighbouring
colonies or from outside.

The Burnley fumigator is a wooden building, lined with
felt and then papered, the cyanide being introduced for
safety's sake from the outside of the building, so that
there is no danger to be apprehended from suffocation,
the effects of inhaling the gas during fumigating opera-
tions. Near the floor of the room is a " turbine fan," this
being worked by water, so that when the time of enclosure
has expired the cap of the tall flue is opened by means of
a lever, the water turned on, and the building in the course
of a few minutes may be opened with safety, and the trees
removed to make room for another lot which require
similar treatment.

Every nursery in the colony which sends out trees for
sale should, in my opinion, be compelled to have a small
fumigator erected on the place, so that all stock to be
packed should be first treated by means of the cyanide
chamber. It need hardly be pointed out to any practical
man that it is from nursery stock far more than from fruit
that the great danger of introducing many diseases lies,
as with fruit the chances of escape from infection are
many, but with trees you plant your orchard and at once
establish the disease, be it fungus or insect, on a perma-
nent basis. With regard to the fumigation of fruits
imported into Victoria, I must admit that I am against
such a course, for the reason that growers who send their
fruits here should be compelled by law to send it free
from disease or not at all. I hold it to be unfair to our
own growers, who are compelled by the terms of our
Vegetable Diseases Act to keep their orchards clean and
free from disease, and to erect fumigators, would, in
my opinion, tend to render our colony a dumping ground
for diseased fruits of other countries.

172 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA :

It has been proved beyond all doubt, in the case of
oranges and lemons which are exported to Victoria from
Messina and other places in Europe, that by rejecting all
diseased and scale-infested fruit we are only doing justice
to our own growers, as each year, owing to careful super-
vision on the part of our inspectors, the fruit so imported
is showing a marked improvement, whereas, were fumiga-
tion at our port permitted, we would have the same tale
to tell of dirty foreign fruit being sent here as before. In
closing these few remarks re the fumigating of trees and
fruit by the cyanide process, it may be mentioned, on the
authority of our Vegetable Pathologist, also upon the
testimony of other gentlemen whose opinions cannot be
doubted, that the fumigation of trees by the above-men-
tioned process has no perceptible effect upon diseases of
fungous origin. In Victoria we have had but little
experience with the cyanide treatment as practised under
canvas, but as all the information regarding the gas-tents,
&c., is well understood, and as the tents can be made here,
there would be little or no difficulty in the way of a
commencement being made on the co-operative system as
practised in America and elsewhere.

APPENDICES.

ILLUSTRATIONS OF SPRAY PUMPS AND OTHER
MACHINES IN USE FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF
INSECTS.

The object of including in Part III. of the Handbook illustrations now
in use either here, Europe, or America is that farmers, fruit-growers,
vignerons and others may be able by aid of figures and descriptions to
select for themselves such articles as appear best suited for their require-
ments ; and as our rural population is in some districts scattered and
so far from the great centres of population, I have thought it advisable
to furnish some particulars as to cost, &c., as also the names and ad-
dresses of firms from whom the machines may be obtained, taking them
in the order in which I have received the particulars from the owners
or their agents ; the author of each article or description being respon-
sible for the statements contained therein.

APPENDIX I.

SPRAY PUMPS, ETC.

THE DONCASTER SPRAY PUMP.

(See Fig. 1.)

These pumps are made in three sizes, viz., 1^-in., 2-in., and
2-in. double action. These sizes are the diameters of the solid gun-
metal plungers, of which material the pumps are constructed, and are
mounted on 50 and 80 gallon vats. They are fitted with large air
chambers, which enables them to keep up a powerful and continuous
spray. For the handle a balance lever is used weighted at one end.
They can be easily worked by a boy. The spray directors consist of
long tubes with wheel valves at the lower end, so that the spray can be
turned off instantaneously without lowering the nozzle. The pumps
are fitted with the Davies Patent Agitator. The object or this
agitator is to provide a device which will effectually agitate the liqun

174 . DESTKUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA:

contained in the spray vat, by the movement of this agitator the [whole
of the contents of the spray vat is maintained in a thorough state of
agitation. This agitator has three blades semi-rotating on a stud arm
on the suction pipe. There are thus formed in the vat a back-wash
and a by-wash, which effectually cause all the ingredients to be assimi-
lated. Williams' Patent Kerosene Attachment is fitted to nearly all
Doncaster Spray Pumps now made, as this improvement is now recog-
nised as the best improvement yet made in connexion with spray pumps ;
it is simplicity in itself. The attachment consists of a brass tube, one
end of which is screwed into a check and wheel valve at the side of the
pump ; the wheel valve is to regulate the s-upply of kerosene. The
other end of the tube is bent round and inserted into a vessel containing
kerosene, which is fixed on the side of the vat. By this means
kerosene and water are pumped up at the same time, and by the action
of the plungers become thoroughly amalgamated under pressure. The
attachment can be detached from the pumps when not required, or may
be used in connexion with other mixtures. We may mention that all
valves, &c., are on the outside of the vats, and can be examined readily.
The kerosene can be regulated to any desired strength. Bucket spray
pumps can be fitted with the patent kerosene attachment also.

Price : £10 ; kerosene attachment 30s. extra.

John Davies and Co., 235 Franklin- street, Melbourne.

PUMP FOR PARKS AND GARDENS.
(See Fig. 2.)

SMALL HANDY PUMP, WITH KEROSENE ATTACHMENT, THROWING A
TRIPLE SPRAY, FITTED WITH PISTON PLUNGER AND GUN-METAL
VALVES.

(See Fig. 3.)

SMALL HANDY PUMP, WITHOUT KEROSENE ATTACHMENT, FITTED
WITH LEVER HANDLE.

(See Fig. 4.)

DAVIES' PATENT AGITATOR.
(See Fig. 5.)

The object of our new agitator is to provide a device which will
effectually agitate the liquid contained in the spray vat. By the move-
ment of our agitator the whole of the contents of the spray vat is

APPENDIX I. 175

maintained in a thorough state of agitation, with the result that all the
ingredients are held in suspension in the mixture, and pass out through
the spray nozzles thoroughly mixed.

The action of our new agitator is as follows :— There always being
at least one or more of the blades in the liquid, the pump lever when
in operation causes the said blades to rotate on the stud arm. There
are thus formed in the vat a back-wash and a by-wash, which effectu-
ally cause all the ingredients to be assimilated.

The agitators can be placed anywhere on the suction pipe simply by
adjusting a set screw. The blades can be either corrugated or plain ;
and also can be set at any angle required.

Price: 12s. 6d.

John Davies and Co., 235 Franklin-street, Melbourne.

THE DANKS " CHEE " PEST SPRAY PUMP.
(See Fig. 6.)l

This is a registered design spray pump, admirably adapted for small
orchards and gardens. The cylinder is brass, and it has gun-metal check
valve, brass air chamber, and iron foot stirrup. It is fitted with 4 feet
of suction hose and brass strainer, along with 3 feet of delivery hose,
director, and single spray. It is capable of working four sprays con-
tinuously, and without doubt is the best small spray pump yet intro-
duced.

Price : £1 12s. 6d.

John Banks and Son Proprietary Limited, 391 Bourke-street.

THE DANKS IMPROVED ACME SPRAY POMP.
(See Fig. 7.)

This engraving represents the Danks Acme Spray Pump, to which we
have given a great deal of attention. This sprayer is suitable for medium-
sized orchards and vineyards ; the carriage is strongly made and the
cask is firmly fixed to it and well placed, the wheels are of large
diameter, and the flanges are wide so as to travel easily over soft or
friable soils. The pump, which is made of gun metal, with valves of
the same material, is on the semi-rotary principle, it is fitted with an
air chamber of good capacity, and is capable of supplying a steady and
continuous spray through two treble sprays. This spray pump is fitted
with two 15-ft. lengths of hose of good quality. The disturbing
arrangement, which is the outcome of many experiments, is simply per-
fect. The movement, the action of which is shown in the accompanying
sectional engraving, is gained from an extension of the pump spindle,
to which is connected the cross arms ; a rod hangs from the extremity

176 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA:

of each of the cross arms to the dasher below, to which it gives a cradle
motion, thus moving the solution throughout at each motion of the
pump handle. The working of the disturber entails a little extra
labour, but it does not at all effect the pressure at the sprays. The
improved strainer is fitted, as shown in sectional view of the
Challenge. It is made of brass gauze, and the mesh is fine so as to
prevent small crystals or foreign matter from entering the pump, and
thus choking the sprays. The spray caps are movable so as to allow
of the easy removal of foreign matter should any possibly find its way
there.

Price-. £H.

John Danks and Son Proprietary Limited, 391 Bourke-street.

THE DANKS CHALLENGE SPRAY PUMP.
(See Fig. 8.)

The Challenge Spray Pump is exactly the same in detail as the
Deluge Spray Pump, but is of smaller size throughout. We have
brought this pump out mainly for orchardists and fruit-growers, for
whom the Deluge Pump is too large, and many of our other pumps too
small. We have spared no effort to make this pump a thorough success,
and the appreciation that it has already been met with is sufficient
proof to us that our efforts have not been in vain. It is fitted with two
lengths of hose, each 15 feet long, with treble sprays. Cocks are pro-
vided on the air chamber, so that either one or both hoses may be used
at the same time. The pump is made of hard gun metal, with gun-
metal valves ; it is of the double-action type, so that the spray is con-
tinuous ; it is fitted with a proper-sized copper air chamber, The suction
pipe is of copper. Our improved cradle agitator is fitted to this pump,
the motion being given by every movement of the handle by means of
rods connected to cross arms firmly fastened to the spindle of the pump.
It is also fitted with a large brass wire gauze strainer for straining the
liquids. The capacity is about 30 gallons.

Price : £10 10s.

John Danks and Son Proprietary Limited, 391 Bourke-street.

KNOWLES' VICTORIA SPRAY POMP.
(See Fig. 9.)

This pump — an improvement on the Excelsior — is now made with
a galvanized wrought-iron lever handle, which greatly increases its
power and ease in working. It will be appreciated by those who have
up to 5 acres of fruit trees under cultivation. It is fitted with a cover,

APPENDIX I. 177

and has a dasher agitator which will thoroughly mix all spraying com-
pounds. A newly-designed metal ring grip of improved construction
has been added, so that the pump can be removed from the pail and
refixed in a few seconds. It is perfect in every respect, and guaranteed
to give satisfaction.

The Victoria is of the best construction and workmanship. Being
manufactured entirely of brass and gun metal, it is not injuriously
affected by corrosive solutions; nevertheless it is advisable that the
bucket be rinsed out, and fresh water passed through the pump after
each day's spraying. It is supplied with 6 feet of the best quality hose,
an 18-in. galvanized-iron delivery pipe, stop cock, agitator, and im-
proved Triumph Spray Nozzle.

Price: Complete as shown, in 5-gallou drum, £2 15s. ; in 10-gallon
drum, £4.

Geo. Knowles, Hardware Chambers, 231 Elizabeth-street, Mel-
bourne.

KNOWLES' OECHARDIST SPRAY PUMP.
(See Fig. 10.)

This old favorite has been much improved for the present season.
It will be found equal to the requirements of those fruit-growers and
vignerons who cultivate from 15 to 30 acres. The outlets have been
so arranged that (by means of a loose cap which is sent with each
pump) it may now be used with a single delivery if so desired, and
if purchased as a single delivery it can at any time be converted into
a, double delivery at a cost of £1 for hose, delivery pipe, stop cock,
nozzle, and union connexion.

As shown in the illustration, the Orchardist is fitted in a strong
oak cask (holding 40 gallons) on a stand, and is furnished with
two 15-ft. lengths of best quality rubber hose, two 36-in. delivery
pipes, with stop cocks and patent Triumph Nozzles (which can be
used either on 18-in. or 36-in. lengths), an. improved ring grip (which
securely fixes the pump in the cask, yet allows of its removal in a
few seconds), a dasher agitator, and a copper strainer measuring
5x5x5. Both valves are accessible, and may easily be removed
if necessary.

Price : Single delivery, without cask, £4 10s. ; double ditto,
£5 10s. ; single delivery, with cask and copper strainer, &c., £6 ;
double ditto, £7.

Geo. Knowles, Hardware Chambers, 231 Elizabeth-street, Mel-
bourne.

11597. *

178 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA:

THE TRIUMPH SPRAT NOZZLE.
(See Fig. 11.)

Numerous spray nozzles have from time to time been brought under
the notice of fruit-growers, all of which have, more or less, defects-
in their construction.

The chief of these is their liability to choke, and the difficulty and
loss of time in removing the obstruction.

The patentee of the Triumph does not claim that he has invented
a nozzle which will pass half a brick without its choking ; but he
guarantees that any obstruction which may find its way into it can.
be more easily and quickly removed than from any other.

Should the centrifugal mechanism inside the nozzles be lost it can be
replaced at a cost of one farthing, and every one using it should carry
a few in his pocket.

The Triumph throws a large amount of fine spray at the smallest
expenditure of solution, and will therefore soon save its cost.

It will convert into spray from 1 to 4 pints of solution per minute,
according to the size of the outlet.

Price: Single, 5s.; double, 7s. 6d. ; revolving (single), 7s. 6d.;.
revolving (double), 10s.

G-eo. Knowles, Hardware Chambers, 231 Elizabeth-street, Mel-
bourne.

THE CHAMPION.
(See Fig. 12.)

The Champion is on the horizontal principle, with piston, and i&
made entirely of brass.

The cylinder is fitted to frame on an axis, which prevents any strain
on the piston rod.

The valves are of brass, and can be removed by unscrewing cap
over each.

It cannot possibly get out of order, and the packing around piston is
kept tight by a regulating screw.

It can be taken to pieces in a few minutes, thus preventing the
necessity of sending for repairs, also avoiding the freight to and from
Melbourne.

Sufficient power to supply two or more hoses fitted with quadruple
sprays is easily obtained by the lever, to which is attached an agitator,,
which keeps the liquid thoroughly mixed.

Price: Fitted with two hoses, each 15 feet long, with 6-ft. directors
and stop taps, and quadruple sprays to cask, £8 15s,; without caskr

APPENDIX I. 179

£8 ; if fitted to 40-gallon vat, wide at bottom, £9 10s.; 60-gallon
ditto, £10. Hoses and directors can be made any length. Hose, 6d.
per extra foot. Director, 2d. per extra foot.

T. McAlpine and Co., 98 Flinders-street, Melbourne.

THE CHALLENGE.
(See Fig. 13.)

The Challenge is specially adapted for small orchards ; is very
strong, powerful, simple, and compact. It is fitted with lever and
worked by one person, and fitted to frame with wheel 2^ inches wide.
It supplies a long-felt want, being easily moved about.

The pump is made entirely of brass, and the valves can be easily
removed; it cannot get out of order, and any person can repack it, thus
saving any cost for repairs. It can be detached and packed in a small
space for transit.

Price: 4 feet best hose with 4-ft. director, stop tap, and quad-
ruple spray — with lever attachment, £4 ; with handle, £3 10s. The
Challenge can be had fixed to cask with lever attachment, 15 feet hose,
4-ft. director, stop tap, and quadruple spray, £5 os. An agitator is
attached to the lever.

T. McAlpine and Co., 98 Flinders street, Melbourne.

UNS WORTH'S PATENT SPRAY PUMP.
(See Fig. 14.)

A new departure in Spray Pumps.— The pump requires no attention
during spraying when once the air chamber is pumped full, and will,
with an ordinary jet, keep up a continuous spray for ten minutes. It
consists of two cylinders, one over the other, the top cylinder being
air-tight, in which the liquid from the bottom cylinder (or tank) n
pumped ; thus, having a large air pressure, an even and continuous spray
is kept up. A boy could manage it.

Made in galvanized iron or copper, with gun-metal valves,

Price : Without sledge, in galvanized iron, £5 ; in copper, with
wood tank, £6 10s. ; holds 15 gallons. Larger sizes to order.

W. Unsworth, 58 Little Latrobe-street.

180 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA I

APPENDIX II.

INSECT AND BLIGHT DESTROYERS.

LEWIS AND WHITTT, 339 Flinders-lane, Melbourne.

Resin Wash. — In liquid, 20 times concentrated, for the eradication of
aphis blight, red spider, mussel scale, &c. This liquid is soluble in
cold water.

Kerosene Emulsion. — In liquid, 20 times concentrated ; soluble in
cold water. A perfect blending with this oil and water, dispensing
with separate attachment for spraying.

Benzine Emulsion. — In liquid, 20 times concentrated ; soluble in cold
water ; kills by contact ; benzine evaporating, leaving emulsion in the
shape of resin wash upon the tree.

Benzole Emulsion. — In liquid, 20 times concentrated ; soluble in
cold water ; this also kills by contact ; highly recommended for
Rutherglen bu» ; benzole evaporates, leaving resin wash behind.

Turpentine Emulsion. — In liquid, 20 times concentrated ; kills
every insect it comes in contact with, without injury to the tree ;
soluble in cold water.

Hellebore Mixture. — Fifteen times concentrated ; for pear slug.

Grasshopper Preventative. — Fifteen times concentrated.

WM. ADA.MSON AND Co., Seedsmen, &c., Elizabeth-street,
Melbourne.

Blight Cure.^ A preparation of tobacco destroys all insects, bugs,
slugs, &c., attacking fruit trees, vines, flowers, or vegetables, either on
the leaf or at the roots. Half-pint bottle, to make 5 gallons, Is. 6d. ;
pint, bottle, to mike 10 gallons, 3s.

Fir-tree Oil. — Effectually clears all insects and parasites from the
roots and foliage of trees, vines, and plants. Kills all grubs, flies, &c.
Cures mildew and bliglit, and makes a good winter dressing. In
bottles, 2s. and 3s. each.

Gishurst Compound (patented). — One of the oldest and best insecti-
cides yet introduced for destroying all kinds of insect life. 1-lb. boxes,
Is. 6d.; 3 Ib. boxes, 4s.; 12-lb. boxes, Us.

Hellebore Powder (English). — Very useful for destroying pear and
cherry slugs, worms, caterpillars, slugs, &c. In tins, Is. 6d. Cheaper
in quantity. Directions for use. — In solution — Dissolve 1 oz. in 3 gal-
lons of water, and apply with syringe or pump. Dry application. —
It may be used alone, but it is better mixed with flour or powdered lime
at the rate of 1 Ib. to 4 Ibs., and dusted on with bellows.

APPENDIX II. 181

Lethorion Carbon Cones. — For the purpose of destroying parasitic life
by vapour. 9d., Is., Is. 6d., and 2s. 6d. each, with directions for use.

Nicotine Soap. — An unrivalled preparation for destroying insect life
upon plants without injury to the foliage. In jars, Is. 9d. and 3s. 6d.
each.

Pestide Compound. — A safe and effectual remedy for insect and fun-
goid pests. Snails and slugs are easily destroyed and eradicated by it.
Mixes with cold water, no sediment, and is easily applied. 10-oz.
bottles, making from 3 to 5 gallons, Is. each.

Nikoteen. — A preparation containing about 30 pei cent, of nicotine.
For all kinds of scale, aphis, and codlin moth ; it is very effectual, and
is easy to use. In bottles, making from 5 to 6 gallons of spray, 9d.
each ; 10 to 12 gallons, Is. 6d. ; 20 to 25 gallons, 2s. bd. ; 80 to 100
gallons, 6s.

Paris Green and London Purple. — Poisonous ; insoluble powders,
excellent for destroying codlin moth, caterpillars, and all kinds of insect
life. Is. 6d. per Ib.

Paris Green Paste (Blunders Pure). — Eeady for use. Is. 6d. per Ib.
bottle.

QuibelVs Insect Exterminator. — Is very effectual for injects on cab-
bages and all vegetables, flowers, or plants, red spider, mildew, &c., &c.
In bottles, Is. ; gallon tins, 7s. each.

The Bradbury Insect Exterminating Fluid. — For scale, blight, fungoid
pests, rust, mildew, oidium, aphis, and all insect pests. In tins, Is. 6d.
each.

Tobacco. — For fumigating. Is. per Ib.

Tobacco Juice. — This tobacco juice contains the strength of 42 ozs. of
Virginian leaf tobacco to the gallon. For destroying insects of all
kinds. In jars, Is. 6d. each.

Tobacco Powder.— Kills green and black fly, &c., if dusted or blown
on the foliage while moist. In tins, Is. 6d.

G. KNOWLES, Hardware Chambers, Elizabeth-street, Melbourne.
"Kilemquickr— This is a pure vegetable extract, and is one of the
most deadly insecticides known to science. It will kill all insect pest
which can be destroyed by spraying. It has been thoroughly teste
by hundreds of Victorian fruit-grower* and proved .o be deadly effective
against peach and all other aphides, larva, of codhn moth, mussel
orange, lemon, and all other scales, pear and cherry slug, Kuthergle,
flies Caterpillars, mealy bug, thrip, cabbage-fly, fcc. It is g»««»
to be harmless to the most tender shoots and to all ioliHge,and

to M*e 800 gallons of strong spraying solu-
tion costs 20.. iron drums Is. extra. It read-iy mixes with cold water
needs no preparation, and is available at once when required. A special

182 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA.

item in its favour is that it does not render the pump unworkable by
sticking the valves fast, and it does not choke the spray-nozzles. Pints
Is., ^ gallons 3s., gallons 5s., 5-gallon drums 21s.

J. A. FERGUSON, Batman's Chambers, 489 Flinders-lane, Melbourne.

" Spimo " is the name of a liquid plant wash manufactured by Messrs.
E. A. White Ltd., hop and fruit growers, Paddock Wood, Kent, England,
and used by them for many years on their fruit and hop plantations for
" red spider," for which it is specially adapted. It is certain death to
red spider, and, being non-poisonous, can be used at any time. It has
had most exhaustive trials on the manufacturers' plantations, and has a
very large sale in England. " Spimo " has been used on Mr. S.
Steel's hop plantation, Healesville, Victoria, for two seasons for " red
spider " with the greatest success, and also on the " Struan " hop
plantations at Bairnsdale, and on various hop gardens at Everton and
Briagolong.

Prices : 1-gal. tins, 5s. each ; 5-gal. drums, 22s. 6d. ; 40-gal. casks,
£8 each. One gallon makes 100 gallons wash.

" Spimo Improved" is a complete wash for all insects, and is
specially destructive to aphis or fly, American blight, caterpillars, plant
bugs, jumpers, thrip, cocllin moth, scale, pear and cherry slug, " red
spider," mildew, and all insect pests. This wash is the result of a
long series of experiments and careful trials, carried on during many
years on Messrs. White's extensive hop and fruit plantations, at
Paddock Wood, Kent, England. It is non-poisonous, and is in a per-
fectly liquid form, and mixes instantly with hard or soft cold water.

Prices: 1-gal. tins, 6s. each ; 5-gal. drums, 27s. 6d. each ; 40-gal.
casks, £10. One gallon makes 80 gallons wash. Testimonials and
further particulars can be obtained from the agent.

S. LOWE, Nelson-street, Abbotsford.

Lowe's Patent " Soaperine." — The Destroyer of Insect Pests. — A
sure and speedy remedy, without fear of injury to the most delicate
plant or foliage : —

Lowe's Patent Soaperine Emulsion,

Lowe's Kerosene Emulsion,

Lowe's Nicotine Kmulsion,

Lowe's Carbolic Emulsion,

Lowe's Bi-sulphide of Carbon Emulsion.

It will destroy the following pests : — Rutherglen bug, aphis blight,
caterpillar, red spider, &c.

Directions : — 1 Ib. of Soaperine dissolved in 5 gallons of cold water
sprayed on the affected parts.

Fig. I.-THE DONCASTER SPRAY PUMP.

Fig. 2.— PUMP FOR PARKS AND GARDENS.

, 3.-SMAUU

Fig. 6.-THE DANKS " CHEE "
PEST SPRAY PUMP.

iFig. 5.-DAVIES' PATENT AGITATOR.

Fig. 8.-THE DANKS CHALLENGE SPRAY PUMP,

Fie. 9.-KNOWLES' VICTORIA SPRAY PUMP.

11597.

Fig. lO.-KNOWLES' ORCHARDIST SPRAY PUMP.

N 2

Fig. II.— THE TRIUMPH
SPRAY NOZZLE.

Fig. I2.-THE CHAMPION.

Fig. I3.-THE CHALLENGE.

Fig. I4.-UNSWORTH'S PATENT SPRAY PUMP

203
APPENDIX III.

REMEDIES AND DEVICES FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF
LOCUSTS, FROM U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRI-
CULTURE, DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY, BY THE
LATE PROFESSOR RILEY.

THE RILEY LOCUST-CATCHER.
(See Fig. 15.)

Invented by the late Professor Riley, M.A. Ph.D., of the United
States Entomological Commission. It is intended to do away with all
extra material, like coal oil, which in the long run is expensive, and
to work at all seasons, whether the insects are just hatching or full
grown. It was worked at Manhattan, Kansas, and gave great satis-
faction. The machine operates upon the bagging principle. It is,
briefly, a large canvas bag stretched upon a light but strong frame,
and placed upon runners, which extend with curved tips a little
in front of the mouth. The canvas is stretched upon the inside of the
frame, thus making the bag smooth and even within. This bag has
a mouth (A) 10 feet long and 2 feet high, and converges backward to
a small box or frame, 1 foot square, with a slide cut off (D). This
box forms the mouth to a secondary bag (B), 2^ feet long and 1 foot
in diameter, which ends in a second frame, having two short runners
below it. There is a sliding door (E) of wire gauze in the end frame,
and the secondary bag is strengthened by a couple of strips of leather
connecting the two small frames. The machine is made to " take more
land" by means of two right-angled triangular wings (C) about 6 feet
long, that hinge to the upright ends of the large frame in such manner
that the rectangle joins the upper corner of the frame. From the
lower side of this wing are suspended a number of teeth or beater,
which, swinging loosely, drive the locusts inward. The machine is
handled by means of two ropes hitched to the outer runners or to the
outer and lower side of the mouth of the frame. " On smooth ground
the machine can be easily hauled by two men, but where the grass is
tall and thick it pulls harder. The locusts, on hopping into the machine,
soon reach the small back portion, enter the small bag, and are
attracted to the rear end by the light which enters the gauze door.
When a sufficient number are thus captured the machine is stopped,
the cut-off is slid down in front of the secondary bag, a hole
behind the machine, the bag tipped into it, and the insects buried A
strip of leather closes the slit through which the cut-off slips, ai
main bag is made of dark cloth, while the secondary bag is white, s<
by contrast to attract more thoroughly the locusts.

204 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA:

" The advantages of this machine are that it requires no additional
expense to run it, as for oil, tar, &c. It will catch the winged locust
as well as the young, if operated on cool mornings and evenings, and
is adapted to almost all conditions of growing grain. The machine can
be made for about $10, and perhaps less." In practice we find it best
to draw the machine by hitching to the runners, and to brace the wings
at desired angles, according to the strength of the wind, by means of
two iron rods, as in illustration.

THE FLORT LOCUST MACHINE.

(See Figs. 16 and 17.)

This contrivance, put up by J. S. Florey, of Greeley, Colorado,
is worthy of mention in this connexion ; for, while it may be used
with coal tar, it is essentially a catching and crushing machine.

The main feature of this invention is a revolving platform of heavy
canvas or wire-cloth, which runs between two horizontal rollers. Long
arms reach forward, which support a revolving reel ; from these arms
downward extend sheet-iron sides, over the top a canvas covering ; all
so constructed as to form a large wide mouth, into which the 'hoppers
are driven by the arms of the revolving reel and carried between the
two rollers and crushed. Horizontal strips running along the rollers
serve to keep the rollers and platform clear of the crushed grasshoppers.
The whole machine is supported on two main wheels about the middle
and two smaller ones in front. Extending back is a frame or crossbar,
to which one or two horses may be hitched to push the machine for-
ward, or it may be operated by hand. The front of the platform runs
close to the ground, and by bearing down at the rear by the driver it
can easily be lifted over any obstruction that may be in the way. The
machine can be raised or lowered in front to suit the crop over which it
is run.

This invention will destroy the grasshoppers without the necessity
and expense of using oil or tar. The patent, we understand, also
covers the combinations of a receptacle immediately under the rollers
into which the grasshoppers are carried, and in which, if need be, water
and oil may be kept, and also a long, narrow hopper (just over the
rollers), into which coal tar may be put and allowed to run through on
to the platform, thus making it a self-tarring machine. Either of these
combined methods of destroying the 'hoppers may be used as the farmer
may choose. The machine is so simple in construction that any ordi-
nary workmen can put them up at a comparatively small price. The
machine may be made of any size desired, from a small hand machine
to one a rod or more in width.

APPENDIX III. 205

THE ANDERSON COAL-OIL CONTRIVANCE.
(See Fig. 18.)

This contrivance was constructed by President John A. Andersen
for use on the Agricultural College Farm, at Manhattan, Kansas
It was found to do very good service, killing the young locusts in
considerable numbers. The oil did not evaporate so rapidly as was
anticipated. One thorough saturation was sufficient for fifteen or
twenty minutes, when a little more could be added. If the machine
be hauled against the wind nearly all the locusts which hop will touch
the oiled canvas. They generally take several hops upon the canvas
before leaving it, thus insuring a thorough saturation with the oil.
After hopping from the apron they can take two or three hops upon
the ground, then lose all power in their hind legs, stretching them
straight out behind, and finally, in one or two minutes after being
" oiled " they are dead.

Coal Tar. — This may be used with most of the contrivances just
described for the use of kerosene, and while not equal to the simple
kerosene pan for speed in trapping and destroying, is yet very useful,
especially where the coal-tar can be obtained at nominal cost from gas-
works. It ajso permits the use of the simplest kind of pan. Enough
tar is spread over whatever receptacle may be used to cover well the
bottom, and when this becomes sufficiently matted with the young
locusts so as no longer to destroy the new comers, another coating is
added, and so on until it becomes necessary to remove the whole mass,
when it is shovelled from the pan and burned ; or, what is far prefer-
able, wherever there are wet ditches it may be thrown into these, when
the oil contained in it, spreading over the surface of the water, destroys
such locusts as may jump into or be driven into such ditches. Where
the tar is scarce, as a matter of economy it will pay to melt the accu-
mulated mass in iron vessels. By skimming off" the dead locusts that
rise to the surface, and thinning the residuum with a little coal-oil, it
may be used again.

THE BOBBINS COAL-TAR PAN.

(See Fig. 19.)

A simple pan extensively employed, and which is known as the
Robbins " hopperdozer," is shown, the general plan being that of
the ordinary road-scraper. Its simplicity and durability account
for its general use. It was usually drawn by hand, though several
pans were frequently bound together and drawn by horses ; while, in
some instances, certain improvements in the way of mounting on
wheels, so as to permit its being pushed from behind, were also adopted.
We saw some with a wire screen or cover hinged to the back, so that
the insects might be secured when the pan was not in motion, but the
cover seemed superfluous. We also saw lime and kerosene mixed so as
to form a mortar substituted for the coal-tar.

206 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA0

SIMPLE COAL-OIL PAN.
(See Figs. 20 and 21.)

A good and cheap pan is made of ordinary sheet iron, 8 feet long,
11 inches wide at the bottom, and turned up a foot high at the
back and an inch high at the front. A runner at each end,
extending some distance behind, and a cord attached to each front
corner complete the pan at a cost of about 6s. We have known from
7 to 10 bushels of young locusts caught with one such pan in an after-
noon. It is easily pulled by two boys, and by running several together
in a row, one boy to each outer rope, and one to each contiguous p ir,
the best work is performed with the least labour. Longer pans, to be
drawn by horses, should have transverse partitions (Fig. ) to avoid
spilling the liquid; also more runners. The oil may be used alone so
as to just corer the bottom, or on the surface of water, and the insects
strained through a wire ladle. When the insects are very small, one
may economise in kerosene by lining the pan with saturated cloth, but
this becomes less efficient afterward, and frames of cloth saturated with
oil do not equal the pans. Where oil has been scarce, some persons
have substituted concentrated lye, but when used strong enough to kill
it costs about as much as the oil The oil pans can be used only when
the crops to be protected are small. Small pans for oil, attached to an
obliquing pole or handle, do excellent service in gardens.

THE PRICE OIL PAN.

(See Fig. 22.)

This contrivance was invented by Mr. A. A. Price, of Rutland,
Humboldt County, Iowa ; he sends the Commission the following
description of a coal-oil pan to be drawn on runners, and which was
used with much success in America : —

Take a common board from 12 to 16 feet in length for the foundation
or bed -piece. Make a tin trough 4 inches deep, 6 inches wide, and as
long as required. Divide the trough into partitions by means of strips
of tin, so that each partition is a foot long, thus avoiding the spilling
of oil. Back of this place a strip of tin 16 inches wide and as long as
the trough. The back must be firmly secured by braces running down
to the front edge of the board. Under all this place three wooden
runners 3 feet long, and shod with iron, for the trough to ride on. Fill
the pan half-full of water, and then add a small quantity of kerosene,
sufficient to cover the water. A horse may be hitched to the machine
by fastening a rope to the outside runners. The lightness of the
machine will allow of its being used on any crops.

APPENDIX III. 207

THE KING SUCTION MACHINE.
(See Figs. 23 and 24^.)

This machine was inTented by Mr. J. A. King, of Boulder,
Colorado. It consists of two large tin tubes, about 8 inches in
diameter, with flattened, expanded, and lipped mouthpieces, B,
running near the ground. This horizontal opening or mouth is
about 7 feet long. The tubes connect at the upper extremity with a
chamber, C, in which is a revolving fan, which makes about 1,200
revolutions per minute. The tubes and fan, with the gearing, are
placed in a frame, D, 5 by ll) feet, mounted upon two large driving
wheels. E E plate represents this machine in operation.

The air current made by the revolving fan creates a suction at the
mouth, which draws the insects up the tubes and into the chamber.
They are then thrown by the fan upon a wire screen, and from thence
drop into a kind of hopper, which conducts them to a bag. The
wire screen rapidly chokes up and must be frequently cleaned. Most
of the locusts are crushed and mangled by the rapidly-revolving fan,
so that the screen may be removed entirely and the locusts thrown out
behind. This machine works well on smooth ground or in a wheat
field while the wheat is yet short. The principle of the machine is
a good one, and we see no Reason why some cheaper modification
of it should not be quite generally used early in the season. The
lips might be protected and less liable to bend and get out of order
by moving on runners made to extend some distance in front.

THE PETELER LOCUST-CRUSHING MACHINE.

(See Figs. 25 and 26.)

This apparatus was devised by Mr. F. Peteler, of Minneapolis, Min-
nesota. In a communication from the inventor, dated 8th June, 1877,
the following description is given. The machine is intended
drawn by horses, the drawing representing one to be drawn by
team :— " The frame is mounted upon two wheels.
sheet-iron platform, over which revolves an elevator made of its,
which carry the locusts into boxes, where they pass between rollers,
are crushed, and fall to the ground. The sides and top or back ai
wire screws, the whole forming a scoop 16 feet long (on the , boft
19 feet), 8 feet high, the top of which can be lowered or rai
according to the height of the grain or grass."

A more detailed description follows :-A A, drivifn
guiding-wheel; D, setting-lever; d retaining-pos ;
carrier; Hh, gearing for elevator and crushing-shaft; I

208 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA.

rollers ; L, set-screw to spiral soring ; 1, spiral spring to press rollers
together when necessary ; N, slats on endless chain with sheet-iron
projections to hold the locusts ; M, drag-chain (or strips of light wood)
to stir the locusts.

To use Mr. Peteler's own words : — " This machine is intended for
local or State authorities to use on uncultivated lands adjoining farms
and unsettled prairies, in order to destroy the insects during the entire
season. For that purpose, there should be proper organization, with
camp outfit, &c., to follow up the swarms, loading the machines on
waggons, and battle with the 'hoppers morning and evening, when
they are comparatively sluggish. If they use them only 60 days during
the season, and go over only 40 acres per day, destroying but one-half
bushel per acre (frequently they would destroy 8 to 10 bushels per
acre), they would send 25,000 bushels daily, or 1,500,000 in 60 days,
where bad 'hoppers go."

11597.

pig 16~THE FLORY LOCUST MACHINE.
Front view, in operation.

Fig 17_THE FLORY LOCUST MACHINE.
Side view of frame.

02

Fig. 18— THE ANDERSON COAL-OIL CONTRIVANCE.

Fig. 19.-THE ROBBINS COAL-TAR PAN.

Fig. 20.-SIMPLE COAL-OIL PAN.

Fig. 21.— COAL-OIL PAN.

Fig. 22.— THE PRICE OIL PAN.

F,g. S3.-THE KINQ SUCT,ON MACH
Front view.

Fig, 26.-THE PETELER LOCUST-CRUSHING MACHINE.
Side view.

GENERAL INDEX TO PART III,

A.

Acacia Borer, 125 ; D. Best, notes
on, 125 ; destroying Acacia longifolia,
125.

Acacia dealbata, Belus destructive
to, 45.

Agarista glycine, 145.

Agrotis sp., 75.

Agrotis spina, 77.

Allomicrus exiguus, 137.

Antherea eucalypti, 113.

Antherea helena, 113.

Apple Bacculatrix, 130.

Apple Tree Borer, round-headed,
137.

Apple Trees, Saperda Candida de-
structive to, 137.

Apricot Beetles, 45 j remedies
against, 46.

Artamus leucogaster, 141.

Artamus personatus, 142.

Artamus sordidus, 142.

Artamus superciliosus, 139.

Aspidiotus perniciosus, 85.

B.
Bacculatrix poniifotella, 130.

Banksia Beetle, triangular-marked,
135; destroying Banksia integrifolia,
135.

Banksia Borer, 67 ; bisulphide of
carbon used against, 69 ; carbolic acid,
69 ; creosote, 69 ; destroyed by Asilidse,
69 ; destroying Banksia integrifolia,
67; destroyed by "Vocconia"
spiders, 69.

Banksia Moth, 121; destroying
Banksia, 121.

11597. p

Batocera Wallacei, 137.

Belus, 45.

Benzine Emulsion, 15.

Birds, Insect-destroying, 139.

Bisulphide of Carbon Emulsion,
182.

Bisulphide of Carbon, used against

Banksia Borer, 69; against Locusts,

30.

Blight Cure, 180.
Blue Gum Moth, 55; kerosene

emulsion for, 56.
Bordeaux Mixture, used against

Plum Aphis, 64.
Bugong Moth, 77 ; Mr. Oliff, notes

on, 77.

C.

Cacomantis pallidus, 145.

Coequosia triangularis, 113.

Calandra, 46.

Carbolic Acid, used against Banksia
Borer, 69 ; against Wattle Goat Moth,
109.

Carbolic Emulsion, 182.

Caper Butterfly, 101 ; Capparis de-
stroyed by, 102 ; E. Anderson and F.
Spry, notes by, 101 ; Hellebore used
against, 104.

Casuarina, destroyed by Frenchia
casuarinae, 127.

Ceraphron triticum, parasitic on
Corn Aphis, 42.

Chelepteryx Collesi, 113.

Climacteris leucophoea, 157.

Climacteris scandens, 155.

Corn Aphis, parasitic enemies of, 42 ;
Syrphus torvus and Ceraphron triti-
cum parasitic on, 42.

DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA :

Creosote-oil, used against Banksia
Borer, 69 ; Locusts, 30.

Cuckoo, narrow-billed bronze, 143 ; A.
J. North on, 143 ; habits of, 143.

Cuckoo, pallid, 145 ; destroying Agro-
tis, 145 ; destroying Cutworms, 145 ;
destroying Vine Caterpillar, 145 ; Dr.
Ramsay, on distribution of, 146 ; J.
Gould, notes on, 146.

Cutworms, Calosoma Schayeri attack-
ing, 82 ; Calosoma sycophanta attack-
ing, 82; C. French, jun., notes on
Fungus destroying, 80 ; trench system
for, 79.

Cutworm Moths, 75 ; H. Tryon, ob-
servation on, 76.

Cyria imperialis, 67.

D.

Danima banksiae, 121.
Danthonia, destroyed by Heliothis,
80.

E.

Eucalyptus : Anthersea eucalypti de-
structive to, 114 ; Gum Saw Fly de-
structive to, 117 ; Hyleora destructive
to, 122 ; Mnesampela privata destruc-
tive to, 55.

Eucalyptus viminalis : Gum Em-
peror Moth destructive to, 114.

P.

Fantail, white-shafted, 151 ; Cayley,
notes on, 152 ; A. J. North, notes on,
152 ; J. Gould, notes on, 152.

Fir-tree Oil, 180.

Fish, oil Soap used against San Jose*
scale, 91.

Flycatcher, restless, 149 ; A. J.
North, notes on, 149; Cayley, notes
on, 150 ; J. Gould, notes on, 149.
umigation in Victoria : Burnley
Gardens, 171 ; Dr. Coquillet on, 159 ;
useless against fungous diseases, 172.

G.

Gishurst compound (patented),
180.

Grasshopper preventative, 180.

Gum Emperor Moth, 113 ; Paris
green used against, 114 ; destroying
Schinus molle, 114 ; Eucalyptus vimi-
nalis destroyed by, 114.

Gum Saw Fly, 117; destroying
Callistemon, 118 ; destroying Eucalyp-
tus, 117 ; kerosene emulsion used
against, 118.

H.

Heliothis armigera, 49 ; C. French,

jun., notes on fungus attacking, 80;

fungus attacking, 80 ; Professor C. V.

Riley, notes on, 79 ; trench system for,

79.
Hellebore Mixture, 180; powder

(English), 180.

Hellebore, used against Caper Butter-
fly, 104.

Hydrocyanic acid-gas, for decidu-
ous trees, 166 ; for glasshouse fumiga-
tion, 169 ; for nurseries, 162 ; for
orchards, 162 ; how to prepare, 159 ;
treatment, 159 ; treatment for dwell-
ing fumigation, 170 ; used against
Leaf Tunneller, 72.

Hyleora: Destructive to eucalypts,
122.

I.

Insect-exterminating fluid (Brad-
bury's), 181.

Kangaroo grass, destroyed by
Heliothis, 80.

Kerosene emulsion, 180-2; used
against Blue Gum Moth, 56; Gum
Saw Fly, 118; Leaf Tunneller, 72;
Locusts, 31 ; Plum Aphis, 64 ; San
Jose" Scale, 89 ; Vine Curculio, 61.

Kilemquick, 181.

INDEX.

227

Lamprococcyx basalis, 143.

Leaf Tunneller, 71 ; hydrocyanic
acid-gas used against, 72; kerosene
emulsion, 72 ; Sonchus, breeding
grounds for, 71 ; tobacco smoke used
against, 72 ; tobacco water, 72.

Lethorion Carbon Cones, 181.
Leto Staceyi, 110.

Lime, salt, and sulphur mixture for
San Jose scale, 90.

Locusts : Bisulphide of carbon used
against, 30; castor oil plant, 30;
common Victorian, 27 ; cost of
screens for, 30; creosote-oil used
against, 30; dipterous flies (Masi-
cera pachytilis and Tachina cedipodce)
destroying, 31 ; eggs, Mr. Olliff on
destruction of, 32; egg-laying, favorite
places for, 28 ; fungus, 31 ; fungus,
Inspector Cock's experiments with, 34 ;
fungus, preparation of, 36 ; kerosene
emulsion used against, 31 ; machines,
Anderson coal-oil contrivance, J. A.
Anderson, Kansas, United States, 205 ;
"Florey," J. S. Florey, Colorado,
United States, 204; "King" suction,
J. A. King, Colorado, 207; "Locust
catcher," Prof. Riley, United States,
204; "Peteler" crushing, F. Peteler,
Minnesotta, United States, 207 ; Mr.
Buggy, Corowa, N.S.W., note on
Braconid flies destroying, 31 ; Mr.
Olliff, notes on, 33; Mr. Peringuey,
report on, 80; Paris Green used against,
31 ; preparation for destroying, 31 ;
principal breeding-grounds, 33 ; Prof.
Riley, on destroying eggs of, 33; on
preventing Locusts from ascending
trees, 33 ; remedies and devices for de-
struction, United States Department
of Agriculture, Washington, 203 ; R.
Helms, notes on the habits of, 27;

Robbins' coal-tar pan for, 205 ; screens,
29 ; simple coal-oil pan for, 206 ; Trom-
bid Mite destroying, 31 ; value of
birds for destroying, 31.

London Purple, 181.

M.

Mamestra Ewingi, 75.
Mnesampela privata, 55.
Mucor racemosus, 31.
Myzussp., 63.

McAlpine, D., combination mixture
for spraying, 99.

Nicotine Emulsion, 182 ; soap, 181.
Nikoteen, 181.

O.

Opuntia, common, for rendering canvas
airtight, 161 ; Engelmanni, for render-
ing canvas airtight, 161.

Orthorrhinus cylindrostris, 61,
0. Klugii, 60.

P.

Pachytelus australis, 27.

Painted Apple Moth, 27 ; destroy-
ing Acacia pycnantha, 95 ; Paris Green
used against, 98; W. W. Froggatt,
notes on, 95.

Palm Weevils, 46.

Paris Green, 181; A. N. Pearson,
formula for, 99; (Blundell's) 181;
used against Banksia Moth, 122 ;
Gum Emperor Moth, 114; Locusts,
31 ; Painted Apple Moth, 98 ; Tomato
Moth, 51.

Pepper Tree, Schinus molle, destroyed
by Gum Emperor Moth, 114.

Perga dorsalis, 117.

Pestide Compound, 181.

Phytomyza affinis, 71.

228

DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OP VICTORIA :

Pielus, 113.

Pieris teutonia, 101.

Piesarthrius marginellus, 125.

Plum Aphis, 63 ; Bordeaux Mixture
used against, 64 ; kerosene emulsion
64; resin compound, 64 ; tobacco and
soap, 64.

Pontia rapi, 104.

Q-

Quibell's Insect Exterminator,
181.

R.

Resin Compound, used against

Plum Aphis, 64.
Resin Wash, 180.
Rhipidura albiscapa, 151.
Ricinus communis, 30.

S.

San Jose Scale, 85 ; destroyed by
fungus Sphoarostilbe coccophila, 91;
fish-oil soap used against, 91 ; fumiga-
tion for, 162 ; fungus destroying, 91 ;
hydrocyanic acid-gas used against,
93 ; kerosene emulsion, 89 ; lime, salt,
and sulphur mixture for, 90 : Professor
Howard, notes on, 87; Professor Smith,
notes on fungus destroying, 91 ; soap
wash used against, 91.

Scale Insects, C. P. Lounsbury,
fumigation for, 162.

Seisura inquieta, 149.

Siphonophora sp., 41.

Soaperine Emulsion, 182.

Soaperine (Lowes), 182.

Soap Wash, used against San Jos£
Scale, 91.

Spimo, 182 ; improved, 182.

Spraying Machines, G. Knowles,
176; J. Davies and Son, 173 ; J. Danks
and Son, 175 ; T. McAlpine and Co.,
178 ; W. Un worth, 179.

Spray Pumps, illustrations of, 173.

Syrphus torvus, parasitic on Corn
Aphis, 42.

T.

Tea Tree, destroyed byCecidomya, 127.
Teia anartoides, 95.
Themeda, destroyed by Heliothis, 80.
Tinea granella, 129.
Tineid Moths, Prof. Comstock on,

130.
Tobacco, 181 ; juice, 181 ; powder,

181 ; smoke used against Leaf Tun-

neller, 72 ; water used against Leaf

Tunneller, 72.
Tobacco and Soap used against

Plum Aphis, 64.
Tomato Moth, 49; Mr. Oliff, notes

on, 50 ; Paris Green used against, 51 ;

poisoned baits for, 51.
Tree Creeper, Brown, 155; A. J.

North, notes on, 155 ; J. Gould, notes

on, 155.

Tree Creeper, White-throated,

157 ; J. Gould, notes on, 157.
Turpentine Emulsion, 180.

U.

Uracanthus bivitta, 136 ; U. cryp-
tophaga, 136; U. simulans, 136; U.
triangularis, 1 35 ; Odynerus parasitic
on, 137.

V.
Vegetation Diseases Act, report

on the working of same, 17.

Vegetation Diseases, an Act re-
lating to Disease affecting Vegetation,
7.

Vine Caterpillar, 145.

Vine Curculio, 60.

INDEX.

w.

Wallaby Grass, destroyed by Helio-
this, 80.

Wattle Goat Moth, 107; carbolic
acid used against, 109 ; destroying
Acacia decurrens, 107 ; hot steam
spray for, 109; Prof. McCoy, notes
on, 107.

Wheat Aphis, 41.

Wheat Moth, 129 ; castor oil plants

used against, 131 ; larkspur plants, 182;

strawsonizer for spraying, 132.

Wood Swallow, CommoD, 142;

nesting in Pinus insignia, 142.

Wood Swallow, Masked, 142;
nesting in Araucaria excelsa, 139.

Wood SwaUow, White-eye-
browed, 139 ; A. J. North, notes on,
139.

Wood SwaUow, White-rumped,

141 ; J. Gould, notes on, 141.

z.

Zeuzera eucalypti, 107, 113;
Macleayi, destroying Eucalypts, 110.

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