370 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



The plum curculio is the worst eneiny of the plum, having become 

 distributed throughout the State. The remedies commonly used — 

 spraying and jarring — are recommended. 



The peach-tree borer is regarded as the most widely distributed 

 insect enemy of the peach in the State. The author believes that the 

 danger to the tree from digging out the larva' makes that remedy 

 impracticable. The best method is thought to be any means of pre- 

 venting the adult insect from depositing its eggs. Hilling up the sod 

 around the trees, or placing tarred paper or even wire netting about the 

 trunks to the height of 2 ft., is suggested. Obnoxious washes which 

 will keep the moths away are noted. 



As remedies against the flat-headed borer, it is. suggested to keep the 

 trees in a healthy condition, to stimulate vigorous growth, which will 

 increase the flow of sap and usually cause the death of the larva?, by 

 drowning, to dig out larva? with a knife, and to use alkaline washes on 

 the trunks of trees. 



A spray calendar, giving directions for the treatment of the most 

 important insect enemies and diseases of a number of plants, the prepa- 

 ration of insecticides, fungicides, etc., is included with the bulletin. 



The gypsy moth in America, L. O. Howard ( U. S. Dept. Agr., 

 Division of Entomology Bui. 11, n. ser., pp. 39, figs. 5, maps 3). — This 

 bulletin gives the results of an investigation of the gypsy moth made 

 in accordance with a clause in the section of the agricultural appro- 

 priation bill making appropriations for the year 1897. A general 

 review of the history of the moth and its introduction into this coun- 

 try, its occurrence in Europe, and the methods of extermination adopted 

 in Massachusetts are given. The only seemingly sound objection to 

 the work, i. e., that large numbers of insectivorous birds and their 

 nests must be destroyed, is answered by the statement that the work 

 of the men is timed where possible so as not to interfere with the nest- 

 ing of useful birds, and that the nests of the English sparrow are 

 always destroyed where met with. 



The value of the burlap method of collecting is brought out, and the 

 fact noted that in 1897 the larva* seemed to have changed their habits 

 somewhat. Instead of hiding under the burlap in large numbers dur- 

 ing the day, as formerly, they were found in the trees. This change 

 seemed to coincide with the general cloudy and damp character of the 

 weather, and was overcome by the greater use of the spraying method 

 and also by jarring the worms from the trees and killing them beneath 

 the burlaps. 



The inefficiency of any single method and the ability of the worms 

 to resist poisons is brought out. 



The San Jose scale in 1896 and 1897, L. O. Howard ( U. 8. Dept. 

 Agr., Division of Entomology Bui. 12, n. ser., pp. 31, fig. 1). — This bulletin 

 is supplementary to Bulletin 3, n. ser., of the Division (E. S. It., 8, p. 

 5UU), and brings together information gained by the economic eutomolo- 



