128 DAVET'S PRIMER 



In the latter part of July and all through the 

 month of August you can see what is called the 

 "tent caterpillar." At first it is noticed like a 

 little patch of dew on a few leaves. Then it com- 

 mences enlarging, and, in some cases, covers the whole 

 tree with the " webs." The worms crawl out and 

 feed on the leaves and then return and huddle to- 

 gether in a bunch. In the accompanying photograph, 

 the boys are burning about a pound of them in one 

 nest. This pest is increasing so rapidly that there are 

 hundreds of tons of them in the country. They are 

 particularly fond of the wild cherry, walnut, elm 

 and fruit trees. Every boy should be on the alert 

 for them. Have a fish pole ready ; on the top of 

 this fasten a wire which run out a foot or so and 

 double back like a hairpin. In this place a piece 

 of cloth or an old stocking which soak with coal 

 oil and place under the nest and thus burn them out. 

 Remember, every caterpillar that escapes means a 

 new "nest", for next year. 



In a few years, ivhen ivc have restored our birds, 

 they will look after these worms for us, and un- 

 doubtedly, will be delighted to get a "square meal" 

 when they find the gormandizers. On page 139 you 

 will learn how the cuckoos destroy this pest. 



Not only the children, but all parents are re- 

 quested to make a close study of the habits of the 

 birds which our " Uncle Sam " has kindly permitted 

 to be used. By reinstating the birds, and working 



