3(5 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS 



The Tent-caterpillars, Fall Web-worms, and others which form webs, 

 are gregarious to a certain extent, at least during a portion of this their 

 larval state, and may, if attacked in time, to a great extent be removed 

 by hand ; others may be reached by means of brushes, sweeps, etc., fast- 

 ened to rods, and their numbers at least greatly diminished by this means. 



Thorough knowledge of the habits of the species, and practice will 

 greatly aid in this work. 



Under this head, also, belongs the gathering of the cocoons and 

 chrysalids, which remain on the trees during winter in various forms and 

 conditions ; also, the gathering of the cases of the Basket-worms, etc. 

 This important subdivision of Clean Orchard Culture, in a thorough 

 exposition of horticultural entomology, on the plan proposed, would 

 require a number of specifications. 



Under the general head Dislodging, we may place another important 

 remedial agency, which consists in destroying the eggs. During the 

 winter, while bare of leaves, the trees should be carefully examined, and 

 the twigs and small limbs, on which the eggs are found, should be cut off 

 and burned. 



Some years ago (1862) Dr. Warder, in an address to your Society on 

 the subject of Orchard Culture, stated that "All trimmings of the trees, 

 as well as the leaves that are annually cast off from them, should be 

 allowed to remain upon the surface, even at the expense of being con- 

 sidered slovenly, because these constitute the very best mulching ma- 

 terial, and also manure the orchard." 



I am aware the Doctor is one of our best authorities on this subject, 

 yet I am constrained to believe, if insects had been prominent in his mind 

 at the time, instead of mulching, he would have recommended burning 

 both leaves and trimmings — perhaps neither extreme is correct. 



In order to know when and where to look for eggs, it is necessary to 

 know something of the history and habits of the species which are inju- 

 rious to your trees. This, it is the duty of the entomologist to furnish 

 you, but in order to make this available, you should study thoroughly the 

 characteristics thus given. Especially would I urge this upon our young 

 horticulturists. As you are just entering upon this work, make it a pro- 

 fession, make it a specialty, and thoroughly acquaint yourselves with what 

 has been done and what is known, and then press onward at least one 

 step farther towards perfection. The young orchardist, who learns to 

 distinguish the larvae of the Lady-bird from those of his enemies ; or to 

 know at sight, and when and where to look for the eggs of the Tent- 

 caterpillar, has learned that which is of more advantage to him than a 

 knowledge of the metaphysics of Kant, the pros and co7is of Darwinian- 

 ism, or the wordy battles of the politicians. Each apple saved, each 

 additional peach produced, or pear placed in market, is so much absolute 

 addition to our material wealth as a nation ; and he who learns how to 

 do and does this, does more to directly benefit mankind than did the logic 

 of a Mill or the stories of a Dickens. 



But we must return to our .subject. As an additional means of de- 

 stroying eggs, or preventing their deposition, the trunks of the trees 



