INSECTS AFFECTING PARK AM) WOODLAND TRF.ES 32 I 



ducted by Professor Lowe has shown that fairly satisfactory results could 

 be obtained by the use of these compounds. The smooth surface of the 

 willows mars the efhciencN' of this application because the poisoned liipiid 

 has a tendency to roll from the foliaije and collect in drojjs. The habits 

 of the beetles and grubs of feeding on the under surface- to a great extent, 

 makes it difficult to ])ut the poison where they must cat it or go hungry. 

 In all probabilit)', a heavy application of arsenate of lead ver\- earl\- in the 

 season, would gi\'i; the best results. Despite the fact that spraying is 

 cheaper than collecting the beetles, the willow growers have come to 

 depend largely on the latter method of preventing injury. Several 

 ingenious devices for the collection of these insects by hand or horse power, 

 have been constructed. They are known as " bug catchers " to the willow 

 growers, and consist essentially of a wooden trough about 20 inches broad 

 and 4 feet long, on runners and with the sides and ends 8 inches high. 

 Plough or other handles are fastened to the posterior end of the machine, 

 and two divereine arms extend forward and outward at acute angles. 

 These arms are designed to catch the tops of the willows, and bend them 

 over the trough, the bottom of which is water-tight and contains kerosene 

 and water. The arms for bending the willows over can be adjusted to 

 various hights so as to accommodate wnllows at all stages of growth. The 

 splashing of oil and water is prevented by several transverse and longi- 

 tudinal partitions in the bottom of the bug catcher. The hand machine is 

 pushed over the field and the tips of the willows are caught by the diverg- 

 ing arms, bent and the agitation shakes the insect off. The hand device is 

 more efficient than that drawn by a horse, simply because the animal pre- 

 cedes the machine and frightens the insects so that many fall before the 

 bug catcher can be brought under the willows. The former is difficult to 

 operate and is employed only on smaller patches. It would seem possible 

 to construct one considerably lighter than either of the forms described, 

 and in that event the larger and improved apparatus might be operated by 

 hand with comparative ease. 



