REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGIST AXD BOTAyiST. 221 



SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 



worms collect, and feed — =.vhile poultry and other birds are prevented from getting 

 the poisoned brrai — a very important matter. 



' There is no doubt that much of the loss caused by the cutworms could have been 

 prevented by timely use of Paris green, but the plague was so unexpected, much valu- 

 able time was lost before farmers generally woke up to what was going on, and when 

 the fight was fairly started, unfortunately the supply of Paris green was not equal 

 to the demand. 



' The wide circulation given by Mr. Anderson to your letters containing informa- 

 tion as to ways and means of fighting the cutworms was much appreciated, and the 

 methods advised were adopted generally.' 



The following epitome of this remarkable occurrence of a common native species 

 was written by Mr. Anderson at the end of the season, and will be read with interest : 



' Victoria, December 3. — Regarding the cutworm outbreak which occurred in this 

 province last summer it might appropriately be characterized, on account of its 

 suddenness, extent and the myriads of individuals, as a veritable plague. I have not 

 been able to ascertain how far south and east the plague extended, but it may safely 

 be said that the States of Oregon, Washington and Idaho, and the whole of the 

 province of British Columbia, as far north as any reports were obtainable from, were 

 infested. The first report to this department was made by Mr. Tom Wilson, in the 

 middle of July, he stated that the potato tops on Lulu Island were being devoured by 

 some insect, but which, in spite of diligent search, could not be detected. Suspecting 

 the cause, I advised looking for the culprit at night with lanterns, this was done with 

 the expected result. Xot suspecting the infestation to be widespread, I merely recom- 

 mended the treatment usually followed. However, a few days later reports began 

 pouring in from -^M p:iris of the province and bulletins were issued from time to time 

 recommending the remedies you prescribed in your reports. The sweetened bran 

 poisoned with. Pari? green, when it was used in accordance with directions, was found 

 to be most effectual. 



' Unfortunately, the supply of Paris green, not only in this province but in the 

 adjoining states and California, was not equal to the demands, in consequence of 

 which great havoc was wrought before a supply could be received from the East. When 

 at length a supply was obtained, many of the caterpillars had passed into the chrysalis 

 stage. The numbers of the caterpillars were simply incredible ; in places the surface 

 of the ground was described as a moving mass, and where they were poisoned in any 

 numbers the stench was unendurable. On account of their numbers and the consequent 

 scarcity of food, they soon relinquished their natural nocturnal and non-climbing- 

 habits, and myriads could be seen crossing the dusty roads in the heat of the day in 

 search of food ; fruit trees, if not protected, were ascended, and the fruit as well as 

 the leaves consumed. !N"aturally, green succulent food was first consumed, but, as 

 that got scarce, anything and everything was attacked ; after consuming the tops 

 of potatoes, turnips, onions, carrots and such things, the tubers were attacked. Potatoes 

 which were well matured and those which were quite late, escaped with the least loss ; 

 cari'ots and onions suffered very severely. The potato crop was probably reduced one- 

 third, and other root-crops in proportion. The second crop of clover was almost entirely 

 destroyed. Grain was attacked, but no material loss resulted. 



' In August the caterpillars began to enter the chrysalis stage, and their ravages 

 l^egan then to be, of course, much lessened. Altogether, the period of activity lasted 

 about from six weeks to two months. A number of caterpillars which I had in 

 captivity were all in chrysalis by the end of August'or the beginning of September. 

 A number of these emerged as moths in October, but I have not been able to discover 

 any eggs. A large number of the moths were also caught in the grass-cutters used 

 on the lawns ^mToundirg 'he government buildings here. My obseiwations have led 

 me to the following conclusions, viz. : That the cutworms appeared in such abnormal 

 numbers owing to the scarcity or absence of their natural enemies, parasites, birds, 

 &c. • that where fowls were allowed to roam the plague was reduced to a minimum ; 



