229 



and lind that they cut a rouj^h gash almost completely around the limb, seeming to 

 kill the outer bark as far as they cut. This work is done with the jaws. They seem 

 very lively during the middle of the day, and at that time are mostly on the wing, 

 but as the air grows cooler they fasten to the twigs and begin to eat, seemingly being 

 very clumsy and stupid, starting up quickly when approached, but not flying unless 

 forced to do so, and then only a distance of a few feet, often falling to the ground. 







Fig. i5.—0imbex americana : a, willow leaves allowing egg-bliaters from above and below ; b, Iwig 

 showing girdlings; c, egg; d, newly-hatched larva; e, e, full-grown larviB; /, cocoon; g, cocoon 

 cut open, with pupa; h, pupa, side view; i, female fly; j, her saw detached, side view; k, tip of saw — 

 c, d,j, k, enlarged, the rest natural size. (After Riley.) 



To-day I captured a male and female in the act of pairing, and send them to you 

 for the purpose of learning what they are. I first thought of sending them to Mr. 

 Bruner, an entomologist of high standing residing at West Point, in this Stdte, but 

 decided to send to you on account of " auld lang syne." As you know I have been 

 planting trees all my life, or at least during the last fifty years of it, and I never saw 

 such an insect before. I fear they will damage my grove, but perhaps not. Time 

 will tell. 



15035— Nos. 7 and 8 3 



