370 MINNESOTA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
apparent to anyone in the habit of observing such things. Moreover, the 
Orchard Tent-caterpillar forms large and rather regular tent-like nests 
upon the branches of a large variety of trees, which is not done by the 
Forest Tent-caterpillar, the nests of these caterpillars being made close 
to the trunk of the tree, nor are they so closely spun and white, and are 
consequently not so reaily detected. 
The life-history of both species is very much alike, nor do the other 
species of this genus of moths found in the United States and Europe differ 
materially. The moths fly in Minnesota early in July. After mating, 
the female selects a suitable twig, and around it deposits a large number 
of eggs, packed so closely and regularly together as to form a more or less 
regular ring. The egg-masses, composed of 350 to 450 eggs, are covered 
with a glistening coat of glue as a protection against moisture. As seen 
Vig. 3. Tent-caterpillar of the Forest: a,egg-mass; b, moth; c, egg from above; 
d, side-view of three eggs. 
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Se 
WANS 
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Fig.4. Full grown caterpillar of **Tent-caterpillar of the Forest.” 
by the illustration the brownish-black egg-masses of the two species of 
tent-caterpillars vary somewhat in their shape. Those of the Forest 
Tent-caterpillar form a more uniform ring, and are squarely docked off 
at the ends. The eggs themselves, also illustrated, are rather pretty 
objects of a creamy white color, with a prominent circular rim and a 
sunken spot in the center. These eggs remain upon the trees until the 
next spring, when they hatch as soon as the first leaves unfold. Now the 
young caterpillars lead a happy and social life, the warm sun of spring 
producing ample food for them. Yet, in comparison to other caterpillars, 
they are modest in their demands upon food, as they do not eat constantly, 
but only twice and at regular intervals. If not engaged in feeding the 
caterpillars huddle closely together, but not exposed to the soft and 
balmy breezes of spring, so often fabled about by poets and so seldom’ 
experienced by Other mortals, since not infrequently snow, rain, frost and 
heat alternate with surprising suddenness and unexpectedness, The young 
caterpillars do not like to expose themselves to such unstable climatic con- 
ditions. As soon as they leave the eggs they spin a silken thread wher- 
ever they move, so that the road followed by them to reach the supply of 
