258 Report of Farmers' Institutes 



The first eggs observed to be deposited by the beetles were 

 found June 11. These were placed either singly or in clusters in 

 the soil at the base of the tree, although some were observed ad- 

 hering to the bark as if glued by the female. The eggs were lemoi^ 

 yellow in color and measured about .75 nun by .5 mm. The egg- 

 laying period continued until about July 1. In the laboratory 

 eggs hatched in twelve days. In the soil about the bases of the 

 trees, the egg stage averaged between two and three weeks. The 

 larvae resembled those of the grape flea-beetle in size and colora- 

 tions and were observed during the month of July. They found 

 their subsistence on the foliage, especially that of the shoots 

 which sprung from the base of the tree. Pupae were not observed 

 and no observations were made on this stage. There is yet much 

 to be learned as regards the life history and habits of the insect. 

 It appears that the insect hibernates in the adult stage, the beetles 

 coming forth and feeding on the leaves of the wild bird cherry. 

 In the absence of this host they seek cultivated cherries and 

 peaches. 



Experiments conducted under the direction of Mr, Hartzell at 

 the Fredonia laboratory showed that arsenate of lead or arsenate 

 of lime, at the rate of eight pounds of the arsenical to one hun- 

 dred gallons of water, aftorded efiicient protection to the trees if 

 the lower as well as the upper surfaces of the leaves were well 

 sprayed. With cherries the most satisfactory results were ob- 

 tained when the poison was combined with bordeaux mixture. 

 Arsenate of lead produced some defoliation of peaches. Because 

 of these injuries tests were conducted with nicotine solution, 

 which proved entirely safe to the trees and destructive to the 

 beetles that happened to be on the foilage at the time of spraying. 

 This treatment, however, will not prevent reinfestation. 



For small cherries that are infested with large numbers of 

 beetles, jarring the trees is advised. The beetles should be caught 

 in pans containing a small quantity of kerosene. This operation, 

 if repeated several times, will prove very effective and not cost 

 any more than spraying. It possesses one advantage over spray- 

 ing in that it affords immediate protection. As it requires some 

 time for an arsenical to exert its toxic properties many beetles on 

 a small tree may do considerable harm before they succumb to 

 •the poison. 



