INSECT ATTACKS AND REMEDIES 119 



The wood leopard moth is smaller than the 

 goat moth, rarely exceeding 2.\ inches in 

 spread ; the wings are white or grey, with 

 yellowish-brown veins, and there are six dark 

 spots on the thorax ; while the caterpillar is 

 yellowish white, dotted with black spots, and 

 having a black head. The larvae of both moths, 

 which are deposited on the bark of the tree in 

 July or August, tunnel into the wood and do 

 much damage to the timber as well as to the 

 health of the tree. Placing cyanide of potassium 

 in the hole and closing the aperture is the best 

 method of destroying the caterpillar, though 

 we have used gas-tar in a similar way with 

 good results. Carbon bisulphide gives off a 

 gas that is deadly to this and other boring 

 insect pests, and may be used with advantage. 

 Dislodging the caterpillar by means of a bent 

 wire has likewise been successfully carried out. 

 Probably the worst damage by these insects 

 is that occasioned by their attacks on young 

 trees of thorn and pyrus particularly stand- 

 ards. The caterpillar enters the wood, and 

 in boring upwards weakens the stem, so that 

 it readily snaps across in windy weather. The 



