specific Pests 167 



on the older ones are attacked, one or several being loosely 

 or densely rolled and spun together for a retreat. The 

 death of twigs, and even of branches, by drouth is the result. 



The only remedy for these bud pests is at once to prune 

 the infested twigs as soon as the presence of the pest is dis- 

 covered in May or June. Their detection requires close 

 observation. With single valuable conifer species, it is 

 possible to cut out the worm and clean out the burrow, dress- 

 ing the wound with an antiseptic and with tree wax; if this 

 be done in time, the leader may be saved. In the case of 

 the open feeders, early appHcation of insecticides is advised. 



The leaf-miners, which live inside the soft tissues of the 

 leaves, skeletonizing them, are mostly much less injurious, 

 and almost innocuous, except that they mar the appearance 

 of the leaves. When developed excessively, the best rem- 

 edy is to collect and burn the fallen leaves in the fall or 

 spring, since in or among these the worms winter in specially 

 constructed cases. 



Any number of minor pests could be cited in addition to 

 the above. Moreover, from time to time, new pests, hitherto 

 known only to the entomologist, or sometimes totally un- 

 known, become prominent through unusual development. 

 These will have to be combated by applying the principles 

 described in this chapter. 



