6 NEW YORK STATE: MUSEUM 
risk attaches to the application of mineral oils or preparations of 
the same to trees in a dormant condition. 
Fruit tree pests. The experiments of the last three years 
against the codling moth have been continued in the orchard of 
Mr Thomas Albright, New Baltimore, and very satisfactory returns 
obtained. The check or unsprayed tree produced only 38.95 per 
cent of sound fruit, while other trees of the same variety, less 
than 100 feet away, yielded over 97, and in some instances, more 
than 98 per cent of worm-free apples. The results obtained in 
this experiment and those of earlier years were checked by a 
W. H. Hart, Poughkeepsie, and Edward Van Alstyne, Kinderhook. 
These latter were sprayed under strictly commercial conditions 
with no expectation at that time of their being subjected to a 
test later. The results in these commercial orchards were exceed- 
ingly gratifying. The northern spies belonging to Mr Hart pro- 
duced an average of over 98 per cent of sound fruit, while the 
greenings and Baldwins on the Van Alstyne place gave an average 
of over 96 per cent of worm-free apples. The results of the past 
four years’ experiments go far to show that under normal crop 
conditions one thorough and timely spraying for the codling moth 
should result in producing from 95 to 98 per cent of sound fruit. 
These tests are of great practical value to the fruit grower, since 
they afford a reliable basis for correctly estimating the value of 
spray applications. 
The pear thrips, a minute insect which blasted or nearly destroyed 
the pear crop in a few orchards in the Hudson valley, was studied 
with special reference to conditions favoring injury, and the efficacy 
of spraying with a tobacco preparation demonstrated. The insect, 
potentially a very dangerous form, is discussed in this report. The 
work of the pear midge was investigated and a number of extremely 
desirable photographs of the larva and its work secured. 
Gipsy moth. The danger of injury by this notorious pest was 
emphasized by the discovery of a small colony, practically restricted 
to a city block at Geneva. A personal examination of the locality 
showed that the infestation was probably of three or four years’ 
standing. ‘The chances are at least fair that the insect was intro- 
duced in that locality with nursery stock, though no undoubted 
evidence as to the source of the infestation has been adduced. 
We may expect the discovery of similar colonies from time to 
time, and for a period at least, no effort should be spared to 
