The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1909-09-16
The Geological Press Bulletin

The Geological Press Bulletin
Of the Division Of Zoology, Penn
sylvania Department Of Agricul-
ture. Timely Topics Of Plants and
Pests Discussed Weekly. BY II. a.
Surface, State Zoologist.
OYSTER SHE'LL SCALE on NAPLES
The oyser shell scale has appear
ed to a greater extent this season
than usual on lilac bushes and
maple trees, although not as pre-
valent on fruit trees as in some
years. Some branches Of a Nor
way maple tree were recently sent
to State Zoologist Surface, Harris
burg, which were badly infested.
In giving information concerning
the same to the person who sent
the specimens the State Zoologist
wrote as follows:
"The maple sprigs which you
sent to US are badly infested with
oyster shell scale. You should
spray at this date. just as soon as
possible. with whale oil soap, one
pound in four gallons of water, or
wait until after the leaves drop,
and then spray with the boiled lime
sulfur wash the same as for San
Jcse Scale. You can either boil
the lime and sulfur in water, and
make the solution yourself, or you
can purchase it as a commercial
preparation ready to dilute with
eight times its bulk in water and
apply it. You can also kill these
pests by making thicE soap soiu-
ton, as thick as house paint, and
washing the infested branches with
paint brush dipped intp this. Do
this at any time Of the year you
desire. Any strong brown or
laundry soap will do for this pur-
pose.
CARE NEEDED N SENDING SAMPLES
Specimens Of insects, and Of
plants attacked by pests and fungus
diseases, that are sent TO State Zoo
logist Surface, Harrisburg, for ex-
animation and report, should be
packed with care, so that the same
will arrive in good condition.
Recently some clover leaves in
tested with plant lice reached the
Professor in bad shape, and the in
structions that he gave to the per-
son who sent them will be useful
for others to observe who contem-
plate sending specimens for the cb-
tanning of information. The letter
follows:
81 have received the leaves OF
young clover and the plant lice
which you sent to us with the in
reresting statement that the bees
ue at present gathering honey dew
rom these. Unfortunately the
material was too much dried and
broken when it arrived to enable us
% determine anything concerning
he species of the Aphids, and
,hould like very much to receive
,ome in better condition. I, there
ore, enclose three two-cent stamp.
md ask If you will kindly mail me
ONE more Of the clover containing
he plant lice; and especiallyif if yol
an find any with wings, these
hould be enclosed. Please pu
hem in something like tin bakins
powder can with a tightly-ftting
id. The specimens will then keel
resh without letting them becrush
ID, and when they reach Us we cat
make a proper study Of them"
ONE CASE IN a THOUSAND.
Indifference Of some city peorl
n regard to insect pests.
A prominent citizen of an interi
r city OF Pennsylvania wrote t.
'rof. H. A. Surface, State Zoolog
st, Harrisburg, in reference to tn,
leglected condition Of trees, shrub
'ery and plants in town yards anc
DTS, and the case which he cites il
lis letter is similar to thousands o
theirs. His letter is, in part, a
;o,lows:
81 have become considerably dis
urbed in regard to the woeful lacl
{ knowledge and attention showl
y the people of our city wit
pecial reference to the San Jos
Gale and kindred pests. Withi