334 AMERICAN POMOLOd Y. 



If our trees have been neglected, we may be alarmed by 

 observing some of the thriftiest shoots and branches quite 

 stripped of their leaves ; and, lying along the stems, or 

 crowded together, we shall see these unpleasant worms, 

 unless they be foraging upon an adjoining, or sometimes 

 upon quite a distant branch ; for, in changing their pas- 

 ture, they descend one twig and pass out upon another, 

 which may diverge considerably from the first. 



In the early stages of their existence, however, the lit- 

 tle worms consume only the upper surface of the leaves, 

 and it is at this period that we may most advantageously 

 attack them. The leaves that have thus had their sub- 

 stance eroded become dry and whitish, and attract our 

 attention. They are generally found upon a single twig 

 or spray, usually a lateral, and it should at once be exam- 

 ined, as we may now easily destroy the whole brood by 

 rolling a single leaf between the thumb and finger. 



NOCTTL2E, OR OWLET-MOTHS, CUT-WORMS. 



The perfect insects are thick-bodied, and of dull colors ; 

 they fly at night. The caterpillars are naked, live in the 

 soil, and feed above ground at night, when they do con- 

 siderable damage. The common Cut-worm, Agrotis, is 

 an illustration. There are several sorts, which have re- 

 ceived different names, but the worms all have very simi- 

 lar habits. * 



The moths are supposed to lay their eggs in July, when 

 they soon hatch and feed during the season ; they attain 

 eiderable size and hybernate in the soil. 



REMEDIES. Fall and winter plowing has been recom- 



