Red spider, (Acarus telarius) is a minute mite of microscopic size, and is first seen with the naked eye as a red moving speck. The genus to which it belongs (Acarus) contains an enormous number of species, mostly parasitic in their habits, either upon plants or animals. The present species mostly begins to attack exotics when they are young and tender. The female red spider deposits its numerous eggs upon the underside of leaves; they are exceedingly small, whitish, and scattered over the leaves. The larvae, as hatched, resemble their parents save in size; when mature they are of a dark brown color and slightly hairy. Like spiders and mites in general, they moult several times before reaching maturity. They spin for themselves silken webs, which shelter them from weather and other influences. - Gardening Illustrated.

Red Spider On Evergreens

Mr. D. H. Watson, Brenham, Texas, says: "In your November issue you mention that little, but great pest, the red spider, and recommend a syringe as a good means of destroying them. We have found this a good remedy as they can't stand moisture; but the most effectual way that we have tried to destroy them is by sprinkling sulphur all over the tree or bush. With us they are sometimes very bad on Retinosporas, and Cupressus pyramidalis and horizontalis, but we have never failed to destroy them by one good application of sulphur".

[To this excellent suggestion, we may add, that the application will probably be the most effectual in a hot or sunny time. - Ed. G. M].

A correspondent near Boston Mass., writes: "There is some disease attacking our Picea pungens, White spruce and Norway spruce. I first noticed it on some White spruce, that came from a pasture in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. The lower leaves become brown and gradually drop off, and at last the whole tree is affected. White pines and Balsam firs are not affected I think you published at one time a remedy for this disease, but do not know where to look for it exactly in your magazine".

[This seems to be trouble from Red spider which loves the Black spruces, Box bushes, and other evergreens. Very large trees are indefensible. Moderate-sized specimens may be dusted with sulphur on a hot day, sprinkling with water first to hold the sulphur. - Ed. G. M].