Entomological Notes. 275 



vantage of to greatly lessen their numbers; but the easiest and most 

 effectual means that can be used in these circumstances, is the 

 application of poison to the foliage of the tree. Arsenic and Paris 

 green can be used for this purpose, but we prefer the first one 

 named, on account of its being cheaper, more effectual, with less 

 danger of harm to the trees and to those using it. The best way 

 to apply it is in a liquid form, showering the trees through a fine 

 hose, with a small force pump; or if the trees are small, with a 

 garden syringe. If the arsenic is of good quality, an ounce to ten 

 gallons of water will be sufficiently strong. The best way to pre- 

 pare it is to boil the arsenic in a smaller amount of water, using 

 three gallons of water to a pound of arsenic, and then add sufficient 

 water to secure the desired strength. Care should be taken not to 

 inhale the fumes while boiling or in its application to the trees. If 

 the work is thoroughly done, one application will probably be 

 sufficient; but another may be necessary. The effects of the arsenic 

 on the fruit will not be injurious; for the poison will disappear long 

 before the fruit reaches maturity and were this not true, it would 

 be far better to sacrifice one crop to save many, and perhaps the 

 trees themselves. As the arsenic is only partially soluble, it will 

 be necessary to stir it frequently while using and to add water 

 when the preparation gets much reduced. If put on of too great 

 strength, it will injure the foliage and the trees themselves. Care 

 should be taken to thoroughly cleanse the pails, casks, etc., used 

 in preparing and applying the mixture, before using them for any 

 other purpose, and if the trees stand in grass, to keep out all kinds 

 of stock until there has been one or two hard rains to wash off the 

 grass thoroughly. 



The attraction of the light might be used to good advantage to 

 destroy the moths, and thus prevent the laying of the eggs. Noc- 

 turnal moths are all, or nearly all, injurious, and all are fascinated 

 by the light. This fact, if properly improved, would be of great 

 benefit in the destruction of our insect enemies. A small lantern, 

 or, in a still night, a small open flame, placed in a tub of water, 

 would dispose of thousands of these pests, if kept burning through 

 their season; and, taken at this time, before they have fulfilled 

 their mission in the perpetuation of their species, each individ- 

 ual represents a generation. This method is being extensively used 

 in some sections of the country. 



