APPLE MOTH. 85 



torn-tits, sparrows, bullfinches, and other birds, which, at 

 this time of year more particularly, frequent our orchards 

 and gardens, and which also, at this time of year, are per- 

 secuted with relentless hostility by the farmer and gar- 

 dener, live, during these months, solely on these weevils, 

 and similar little insects, and consequently are the only 

 check on their increase that we possess ; so that, in 

 our investigations of blight, we see how a little prejudice, 

 superstition and ignorance tend to increase the injury they 

 dread. 



A third and still more formidable enemy of the cider or- 

 chard is the APPLE MOTH;* it is a beautiful little creature, 

 its wings are studded with silvery shining specks, as 

 though they were inlaid with precious gems. It is the 

 most beautiful of the beautiful tribe to which it belongs, 

 yet from its habits not being known, it is seldom seen in 

 the moth state, and the apple-grower knows no more than 

 the man in the moon to what cause he is indebted for his 

 basketfuls of worm-eaten windfalls in the stillest weather. 

 To find the moth in the day-time, the trunks of the apple- 

 trees should be carefully looked over ; or if your orchard 

 be surrounded by a wooden fence, the moth may often be 

 found sitting against it, with its pretty wings neatly folded 

 round its body. Towards evening, in fact, at sunset, it be- 

 gins to move, and may then be seen hovering about the 

 little apples, which, by the time the moth leaves the chry- 

 salis, the middle of June, are well knit, and consequently 

 fit for the reception of the eggs, which it lays in the eyes, 

 one only in each, by introducing its long ovipositor 



* Tortrix pomonana of authors : I am inclined to believe that many nearly 

 allied species have very similar habits to those which are here described. 

 E. N. 



