156 



sect has been recorded as feeding on plums and cherries^ 

 though it is possible that these latter records are based on 

 mistaken identifications. 



The most successful method of controlling this insect 

 is by promptly gathering and destroying or feeding the in- 

 fested fruit to stock. It may be practical occasionally to 

 pasture the orchard, though it be but for a few hours a day, 

 with sheep or hogs, thus giving the animals an opportunity 

 to devour the infested fruit before the maggots have had a 

 chance to escape. This insect appears to be quite local in 

 habit, and according to the observations of one of our prac- 

 tical orchardists, exhibits a marked preference for sheltered 

 hollows. Advantage can sometimes be taken of this habit by 

 planting in such situations, varieties not particularly subject 

 to attack. It may be advisable, in places where this pest is 

 injurious to winter varieties, to plant in the vicinity, a tre& 

 or two of an early apple such as Garden Royal, in order to 

 attract the flies from the more valuable fruit. It is needless 

 to add that these infested apples should be promptly de- 

 stroyed, otherwise the tree may become the center of trouble 

 instead of a trap to draw the insects away from the more 

 remunerative A'arieties. This could be easily accomplished 

 by setting such a tree in a hogpen, provided its base was 

 well protected. Investigations conducted by the Rhode Is- 

 land Experiment Station several years ago, showed that the 

 sometimes recommended plowing for the destruction of this 

 insect, is probably of little value. There is some'evidence 

 in favor of frequent tillage in early summer. 



The prompt destruction of infested fruit and the pre^- 

 vention of flies escaping from fruit cellars, are two measures 

 which can be recommended at the present time. In addi- 

 tion, there is another which may possibly prove of service in 

 controlling this insect, since it has given excellent results in 

 South Africa with an allied form. It consists of spraying 

 the trees with a mixture of 3 lbs. of sugar (cheap sweeten- 

 ing of any kind Avould probably answer), 4 oz. of arsenate of 

 lead, and 5 gals, of water, applied as rather coarse drops. 

 The idea is to spot the foliage here and there with an at- 

 tractive mixture rather than to give it a uniform coating, 

 as is ordinarily the rule with arsenical sprays. This work 

 can be done rapidly and a small amount of the mixture 

 Avould go a long ways. The application should be made just 

 about the time the flies axe coming out, namely, early July, 



