0'xJ QUINCE CULTURE. 



vated grounds. The work of these interesting insects, 

 however, is confined chiefly to our native woods, and 

 their numbers, consequently, can not easily be reduced. 



CLIMBING CUT-WORMS (Agrotidw). 



CUT-WORMS are the caterpillars of widely-spread species 

 of nocturnal moths. Most of them confine their depreda- 

 tions to young and succulent plants, which they cut off 

 just above or below the surface of the ground. Four 

 species of this numerous family are in the habit of 

 ascending trees at night, and doing serious damage 

 by eating off the growing twigs and foliage. Or- 

 chards in light sandy soil are most liable to their 



Fig. 71. MOTH. 



attacks. While the several species differ in size, in color 

 and markings, both in the larva and imago state, they 

 are much alike. In their general appearance they are 

 smooth and naked larvae of some shade of gray, green, 

 brown, or black, with dusky markings. The female lays 

 about 600 eggs on the twigs of the trees, where they do 

 their mischief. They eat at night, and are, therefore, 

 seldom seen. Having finished their nocturnal meal, they 

 fall to the ground, and hide in the earth. 



5. THE VARIEGATED CUT- WORM (Agrofis saucia,Tlttb- 

 ner). The moth, with wings expanded, measures about 

 an inch and three-quarters across. The fore wings are 

 grayish bro\vn ? marked with brownish black. The hind 



