36 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



freely glean, as I proceed to its consideration — premising this list with the 

 statement that there is no ''the Canker-worm," but that there are two species, 

 the spring Canker-worm, Anisopteryx vernata, Peck, and the fall Canker-worm, 

 Anisopteryx pometaria, Harr. There is a marked resemblance between these, 

 both in appearance and habits, though the former generally appears as a mature 

 insect in the spring (March), while the latter comes forth in the autumn (Oc- 

 tober and November). 



The spring Canker-worm, A. vernata, was first named and described by Prof. 

 W. I). Peck, in a prize essay first published in the Massachusetts Magazine, 

 for September and October, 1795; reprinted in 1796 in the Pules and Regula- 

 tions of the Massachusetts Society for Promoting Agriculture, pp. 34-35, and 

 again appearing in the New England Farmer, July G, 1827. In Harris' most 

 valuable work, Injurious Insects, edition of 1862, pp. 460-472, the fall Canker- 

 worm, Anisopteryx pometaria, is described as a variety of the vernata, with the 

 suggestion that it is possibly a new species, in which case the name pometaria 

 is suggested. And from this uncertainty arose all the doubt, error, and errone- 

 ous advice which has marred our canker-worm literature. Partial investigation, 

 as well as a little learning, is a dangerous thing. Dr. Fitch (see New York 

 Agricultural Report for 1856, pp. 342-343), refers to both species, but changes 

 their names. Dr. Packard does the same in his Guide to the study of Insects, 

 pp. 324-335. Dr. LeBaron, in his second report, pp. 99-116, gives a very full 

 and interesting account of A. vernata, which, with our added light, will need 

 revision. Prof. Eiley, in his second report, pp. 94-103, gives an account of 

 "the Canker-worm," with the current errors, which he corrects in his sixth 

 report, pp. 24-29, seventh report, pp. 80-90, and eighth report, pp. 12-22, 

 wherein may be found the fullest and best exposition extant on this subject. 

 "The Canker-worm" is discussed in the 1st Pteport on Insects of the Province 

 of Ontario, pp. 86-87, and the Canker-worms in the report for 1875, pp. 25-28. 

 Mr. B. P. Mann gives in the proceedings of the Boston Society of Natural 

 History, a full and very interesting expose of the subject, pointing out the errors 

 which had enveloped the question since the days of Harris, yet himself mis- 

 taking the species, calling each by the other's name, which mistake was set 

 right by Mr. H. K. Morrison in the Canadian Entomologist, vol. 6, pp. 29-32. 



Dr. A. S. Packard, in his magnificent monograph on this family, just pub- 

 lished by the Interior Department, unfortunately calls pometaria autnmnaiis, 

 which shows that the confusion which has long characterized this subject has not 

 yet been fully cleared up. 



Having thus referred you to the authorities on this subject, let us next pro- 

 ceed with its history, the natural history of the two species, their habits, and 

 then see what practical suggestions we may deduce that shall help us to retain 

 our proud position ;is the banner apple region of the vholo earth. 



HISTORY OF Till: CANKER WORMS. 



These insects are both natives of our own country, and doubtless fed origi- 

 nally on the linden orbasswood, elm. crab apple, wild plum, and wild cherry, — 

 on all of which they seem to thrive. We find mention of their having been a 

 serious pest in Massachusetts as early as 1789. Prof. Peck states that they 

 were first observed in the Southern States, which he supposed to be the place 

 of their nativity. Since then these pests have not only become general in Mas- 

 sachusetts, but have attracted attention by their serious ravages in New York, 

 Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin, and even Iowa and Missouri. In our State they 



