CANKER-WORM. 247 



are immediately taken to secure them from the ascent 

 of insects this season, many of them will probably be 

 lost next summer. The insects will now soon begin 

 to come out of the ground, so that what is to be done 

 ought to be done immediately. We return our thanks 

 to the anonymous author of this communication, which 

 comes to us under the postmark of Philadelphia, and 

 will forward copies of the paper as he has desired. 



Entomology of the Canker-worm, {Phalmna Ver- 

 nata Geo77iatia, Peck,) with general Remarks 

 upon the various Remedies or Preventives. 

 From numerous remarks that I have heard made in 

 various parts of the country, I was led to believe that 

 the character and habits of the canker-worm were very 

 imperfectly understood. And as its ravages appear 

 likely to destroy a considerable portion of the fruit and 

 ornamental trees, I was induced to study its entomolo- 

 gy ; and, believing it might be useful to those interested 

 in its destruction, I concluded to offer the result of my 

 labors to the public. And I would here suggest to the 

 editors of newspapers, who are fond of fruit, and like 

 to see flourishing trees, to insert the following account 

 for the benefit of their readers. 



The canker-worms begin to hatch in the spring, 

 about the time the red currant is in blossom, and the 

 apple-tree puts forth its tender leaves, which, in Boston, 

 is about the last of April or the first of May. When 

 first hatched, they are about one tenth of an inch long, 

 and as large as a fine horse-hair. Having made their 

 escape from the eggs, they move about with great 

 activity in search of food ; and, having arrived at the 

 extremities of the branches, they begin to feed upon 

 the pulpy part of the leaves. And if a leaf is taken and 

 held against the light, it appears perforated with nu- 

 merous small apertures, like ])in-holes. They acquire 

 their full growth in about four weeks. During this 

 period they cast several skins, each succeeding skin 



