88 . 



of which would employ the larva? for several days. In these cases it 

 is questionable whether or not the spray killed the insects. 



In regard to the entrance of the second generation, the larvte may 

 get some of the poison when their jaws are slipping on the fruit in the 

 attempt to make an entrance, but at best the percentage probably 

 killed in entering the fruit can in no way account for the general effi- 

 ciency of spraying. Considering the egg-laying habits and the leaf- 

 feeding habits of the larviB of both generations, the writer is strong]}^ 

 of the opinion that by far the larger number of the larvas killed by 

 spray are killed through eating or nibbling the poisoned leaves before 

 they find fruits. It is to be hoped that future years will develop more 

 definite data on this subject. 



THE BANDING SYSTEM. 



As before indicated, upon leaving the fruit the larva seeks some 

 place in the crevices or loose bark in which to spin its cocoon. This 

 fact was known as early as 1746, but it was not until 1840 that Bur- 

 relle, of Massachusetts, discovered that b}^ winding something around 

 the ti"ee or placing cloth in a crotch man}?^ larvffi would be induced to 

 collect there and could then be destroj'^ed. He recommended destroy- 

 ing them in a hot oven. The banding system was further studied and 

 elaborated by Dr. Trimble, who recommended hay ropes for bands. 

 Very soon this became the most successful njethod used, and up to 

 about 1880, by its use many fruit growers were able to save consider- 

 ably more of their fruit than before. Many other observers have 

 made studies of these bands and proved what was best in the way of 

 material and the manner and time of application, until now it is one 

 of the very best adjunct methods in the control of the codling- moth. 

 Generall}^ speaking, the system of banding is simply furnishing the 

 larva a good place in which to spin its cocoon and killing it after it 

 has done so. (See PL X.) 



The materials used for these bands may be designated as temporary 

 and permanent. The temporary bands are composed of hay, paper, 

 or any other cheap material, and, after the larvae have entered the 

 bands, are burned with the contained larvfe. Permanent bands are 

 usually of cloth; these, after the larva? are killed, are replaced on the 

 tree. The materials for these bands are various, and it has been found 

 that the most efficient is some dark, heav}" material. Bands of thin 

 muslin are quite inefficient. Professor Aldrich recommends brown 

 canton flannel. In orchard practice it is found that fruit growers use 

 almost any material, such as old clothes, burlap, and canvas. 



One of the most essential features of the banding sA'stem is to render 

 all other places on the tree unsuitable for the spinning of the cocoon, 

 thus leaving the l)and the only alternative. Cracks in the tree should 

 be filled, the rough bark scraped away, and all other obstacles removed. 



