418 



THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. 



and has been in existence ever since — and seems to be highly 

 appreciated by the public : as many as 7000 people having 

 visited it in a day. In the Library I found a fine collection 

 of books on Botany, Horticulture, and the kindred pursuits, 

 but nothing from America ; and in the Visitor's Register 

 very few American names. 

 Liverpool, August \st, 1855. 



THE MEASURE-WORM. 



BY TUADDEUS WILLIAM HARRIS. 



An insect, which has received the name of the measure- 

 worm, has been repeatedly observed, in considerable numbers, 

 upon various kinds of trees in the city of New York, and 

 has been the subject of several articles in the newspapers of 

 &at city. Upon first hearing of this insect, on the nine- 

 tefenth of June, through Dr. Augustus K. Gardner, I supposed 

 it might be the canker-worm, which was well known, years 

 ago, iii the vicinity of New York, and had been described 

 and figured by the distinguished naturalist, Dr. S. L. Mitch- 

 ell, in, tfee New York Magazine for April, 1795. In subse- 

 quent ,c©iiiimunications. Dr. Gardner stated in what way, in 

 its habits and transformations, this insect differed from the 

 canker-worm. In answer to my inquiries, he also gave me 

 some further observations, and favored me with cocoons and 

 chrysalids from which winged specimens have been obtained. 

 In the following paper, it is my intention to offer a summary 

 of the information communicated to me by my obliging cor- 

 respondent, and't© add thereto a description of the scientific 

 characters of the insects, and some suggestions as to the 

 means for arresting ftheir depredations. 



We are not informed how long the measure-worm has 

 been known in New York, or whether and to what extent it 

 prevails in the .vicinity. Dr. Gardner first saw it in the city 

 ten years ago, since which time it has reappeared in its proper 

 season, every year. It is found chiefly upon the elm, weep- 

 ing willowj.ajid linden; .bi|t attacks also the silver-leaved 



