248 



of crops or method of preparation, would have any material influence 

 on the pest. The best possible preparation of soil to promote vigorous 

 growth, and the following of previous methods are recommended. 



The further spread of Hemerophila pariana, Clerck (apple and thorn 

 skeletoniser) is reported, and it has been found that there are two, 

 if not three, generations of this moth in a year. A common Tachinid 

 parasite, Exorista pyste, Wlk., has been reared from it. Conotrachelus 

 crataegi, Walsh (quince curculio) was reported as injurious to pears. 

 Magdalis barbicornis, Latr., skeletonises the undersides of quince 

 leaves. Against Byturus unicolor, Say (raspberry beetle), the measures 

 recommended are early and heavy applications of 8 lb. paste lead 

 arsenate to 100 U.S. gals, water before the beetles have caused 

 material injury. 



Pests of gardens include Lachnosterna [Phyllophaga) fusca, Frohl., 

 which was not so injurious as usual, probably owing to natural enemies 

 such as the Asilid, Promachiis fitchi, O.S. A judicious rotation of 

 crops, care being taken not to plant maize, potatoes and other 

 susceptible crops on land badly infested by the young grubs, will 

 assist in avoiding injury in subsequent years. The marked three-year 

 periodicity of attacks should also be kept in mind. 



Macrosiphtim solanifolii, Ashm. (potato aphis) was abundant, and is 

 very injurious to tomatos, as a serious infestation results in the bloom 

 dropping without the setting of the fruit. Egg-plants and peppers 

 were also severely damaged. Early and thorough spraying with 

 nicotine soap preparation is the best remedial measure, using f pint 

 (40 per cent, nicotine) to 100 U.S. gals, water, to which should be 

 added 6-8 lb. of any cheap soap. It is essential to spray from 

 below, and several sprayings may be necessary. 



Maize and grass pests include Crambus luteolellus, Clem, (grass 

 webworm) and other species such as C vulgivagellus, Clem., and C. 

 Irisectus, Wlk., which feed upon the lower portion of the leaves and 

 stalk. Frequent crop rotation should be practised, and where the 

 moths are numerous, maize and other susceptible crops should be kept 

 at some distance from grass. Early autumn ploughing in mid-August 

 or early September on badly infested land will destroy many larvae 

 and so prevent injury next season. If this is impracticable, spring 

 ploughing should be delayed as late as possible so as to allow the 

 larvae nearly to complete feeding before the sod is turned under. 

 Oligia [Hadena) fractilinea, Grote (lined corn-borer), in early June, 

 tunnels in the stalks and eats the heart of maize. It appears to be 

 a comparatively rare moth in New York State, and little is known 

 of its life-history and habits. It is probable that the larvae hibernate 

 in the sod like other Noctuids, and when the grass, which is their 

 natural food, is destroyed, they eat whatever is at hand. The adults 

 appear at the end of July or early August. 



Miscellaneous pests include Elaphidion villosum, F. (maple and 

 oak twig-pruner), which tunnels in the twigs and smaller branches. 

 The adults appear in midsummer and deposit eggs during July in 

 the smaller twigs. The most practical method is the collection and 

 burning of infested twigs in the autumn, spring and early summer. 

 Spraying with lead arsenate at the end of July may be effective in 

 destroying the adults before they deposit eggs. The larvae and pupae 

 described in the Report for 1914 as those of Pionea (Phlyctaenia) terrealis, 

 Treits. [R.A.E., A, iv, 76] have now been determined as those of 

 Pyrausta theseusalis, Wlk. A description is given of the larva of 



