MOTHS OF THE LIMBERLOST 



I think people need not fear planting trees on their 

 premises that will be favourites with caterpillars, in the 

 hope of luring exquisite moths to become common with 

 them. I have put out eggs and released caterpillars near 

 the Cabin, literally by the thousand, and never have 

 been able to see the results by a single defoliated branch. 

 Wrens, warblers, flycatchers, every small bird of the trees 

 are exploring bark and scanning upper and under leaf 

 surfaces for eggs and tiny caterpillars, and if they escape 

 these, dozens of larger birds are waiting for the half- 

 grown caterpillars, for in almost all instances these lack 

 enough of the hairy coat of most butterfly larvae to form 

 any protection. Every season I watch my walnut trees 

 to free them from the abominable "tent" caterpillars; 

 with the single exception of Halesidota Caryse, I never 

 have had enough caterpillars of any species attack my 

 foliage to be noticeable, and these in only one instance. 

 If you care for moths you need not fear to encourage 

 them; the birds will keep them within proper limits. If 

 only one person enjoys this book one tenth as much as I 

 have loved the work of making it, then I am fully repaid. 



