OF THE FARM AND GARDEN. 235 



chrysalis state. The chrysalis is formed in. a trivial 

 cocoon, constructed almost entirely of the caterpillar's 

 hairs, which, though held in position by a few very 

 fine silken threads, are fastened together mainly by 

 the interlocking of their minute barbs, and the manner 

 in which the caterpillar interweaves them. 



The best time to destroy these worms is soon after 

 they hatch from their little round yellow eggs, which 

 are deposited in clusters; for, as already intimated, they 

 then feed together. 



THE GRAPE-VINE PLUME. 

 (Pterophorus periscelidactylus, Fitch.) 



Just about the time that the third bunch of grapes, on 

 a given shoot, is developing, many of the leaves, and es- 

 pecially those at the extremity of the shoot, are found 

 fastened together more or less closely, but generally so as 

 to form a hollow ball. These leaves are fastened by a 

 fine white silk, and upon opening the mass and separat- 

 ing the leaves, one or two caterpillars will generally be 

 found in the retreat. We say one or two, because the 

 retreat made by the smallest of the Blue-caterpillars 

 of the Vine, namely, the larva of the Pearl Wood 

 Nymph, so closely resembles that of the Grape-vine 

 Plume under consideration, that until the leaves are 

 separated it is almost impossible to tell which larva 

 will be found. Both occur at the same time of year. 

 In an ordinary season they do not draw together the tips 

 of the shoots until after the third bunch of grapes is 

 formed, and in devouring the terminal bud and leaves, 

 they do little more than assist the vineyardist in the 

 pruning which he would soon have to give. They act, 

 indeed, as Nature's pruning-knives. But the severe 

 frost which generally kills the first buds, so retards the 



