iNJURIOrS liS'SECTS AND IIoW TO CoiSTTKOL TlIEM. 05 



on apple trees. The full-grown caterpillars wander in search of 

 a place to spin cocoons about the first of June, spinning up about 

 the middle of that month, but some may be found the latter part 

 of June and even in early July, so irregular is their development. 

 The cocoons, as frequently spun in a leaf, are represented at 

 figure 4, plate 2. They may also be found under ledges of houses, 

 in fence corners and almost any convenient shelter. The moths 

 may be taken from the latter part of June into August, being 

 most abundant in early July. Pairing takes place at this timO;, 

 and the eggs are deposited for the next year's generation. As 

 is well known, this species has a special fondness for sugar ma- 

 ples, and has caused much injury to the sugar bush of this and 

 the adjoining State of Vermont. The effect attacks by this in- 

 sect have is shown by the following: Mr. Tremain Bloodgood, of 

 Hensonville, Greene county, found that maples defoliated in 

 1897 and '98 yielded in 1898 and '99 one-half the usual amount 

 of sap, and that more of it was required to make one pound of 

 sugar, though the quality of the latter was not affected. Mr. 

 Jared Tiffany, of East Jewett, found that the largest and best 

 maples suffered most, and that two or three defoliations kill a 

 tree or render it practically worthless, as the flow of sap is very 

 small and the little secured is almost unfit for use. Professor 

 Perkins, entomologist of the Agricultural Experiment Station of 

 Vermont, reports that the crop was not one-half or two-thirds 

 the usual amount in his State, and that the yield was light even 

 in localities where the tent caterpillar was not abundant. In 

 most places it is hardly probable that the pest will be abundant 

 for more than three or four years in succession. 



Value of native birds. — The cause leading to the outbreak of 

 this native species is interesting and worthy of some attention. 

 The pest is undoubtedly controlled to some extent by climatic 

 conditions, and insect parasites are also valuable aids in keeping 

 it in subjection. Unfortunately, we can not control climate, and 

 there is not much that is practicable in the way of encouraging 

 or protecting parasites. It is believed that the native birds are 



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