108 THE REPORT OF THE No. 1^ 



The outfit for collecting is neither expensive, nor hard to prepare. It 

 consists of (1) An insect net for catching the insects, made by sowing a bag 

 cf cheese-cloth to a stout ring, one foot in diameter, which is fastened to a 

 broom handle; (2) A cyanide bottle (Fig. 55), for killing the insects, pre- 

 pared by pouring some soft plaster-paris over a few lumps of potassium cyan- 

 ide in a wide-mouthed bottle. When the plaster has set and the bottle 

 corked, the whole is ready for use ; (3) -pins (Fig. 56) to mount the specimens ; 

 (4) Spreading-board for butterflies and moths (Figs. 57 and i58) ; (5) a cigar- 

 box, lines with cork, or corrugated paper of the druggist's to hold the speci- 

 mens. (Fig. 59). 



When one considers the large number of injurious insects which attack 

 the various crops, it is not surprising that the yearly losses amount to many 

 millions of dollars. Of recent years, the Hessian Fly, the Pea-Weevil, the 

 Clover-Seed Midge, the Wheat Midge, The San Jose Scale, the Codling Moth, 

 and the Tent Caterpillar have been very active; and, in some sections of On- 

 tario, many crops were complete failures by reason of their ravages. 



Careful estimates of the probable losses have been made at different times 

 bj competent scientific men, and the conclusion was that the annual loss was 

 about one-tenth the total agricultural product of the United States and 

 Canada. 



THE PEAR-TREE PSYLLA AND HOW TO DEAL WITH IT. 

 By George E. iFisher, Burlington. 



Several instances of disastrous and even fatal effects to valuable pear or- 

 chards from being attacked by the Psylla have come under Imy observation, 

 as well as entirely satisfactory results from treating the trees. 



The life-history and habits of injurious insects must be accurately deter- 

 mined before we can know just how to deal with them. A knowledge of the 

 habits of such insects will often enable the farmer to so manage his land and 

 crops that the insects are placed under unfavorable and even destructive con- 

 ditions. 



Fig 60. Fig. 61. 



The Psylla winters in the full-grown or perfect state, a minute 

 brick-red fly, about one-eighth of an inch in length. From the broad head 

 the body tapers to a point at the caudal extremity. There are two pairs of 

 large transparent wings, which when closed cover the body. The thighs are 

 abnormally developed, which enables it to jump a long way; hence the name 

 "Pear-tree Flea-louse." In form this insect is the counterpart of the Dog- 



