l893-J ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 159 



The gypsy moth destroys the foliage of fruit, shade, and forest trees, and 

 of bushes and vines, and feeds upon many vegetables. It is far more des- 

 tructive than the tent caterpillar or canker-worm, as its ravages coverthe en- 

 tire period of the Summer. In Medford it kept fruit trees stripped through- 

 out the season, destroying the fruit crop, and in many cases killing the 

 trees, notwithstanding the efforts of the people to control the pest. We 

 mail you a report of the work done toward the extermination of the gypsy 

 moth in 1892, issued by the secretary of this board. It contains a colored 

 plate of the gypsy moth, and also scenes of its ravages. 'This will be 

 mailed free to any address if application be made to this office. 



Thus far the moth has not been seen outside of the region where it was 

 found in 1891, notwithstanding all reports to the contrary. It possibly 

 may have spread beyond this region, and we ask your assistance in ac- 

 quainting the people with its appearance, habits, and destructiveness. As 

 the appropriation made by the legislature for the extermination of the 

 moth is not sufficient to admit of making a thorough search over all east- 

 ern Massachusetts, all citizens, and especially farmers, fruit growers and 

 horticulturists, are requested to be on the alert for the appearance of the 

 moth and to report to this office any suspected cases. — E. H. Forbush, 

 for the Cotnniittee. 



We have received, in connection with the above, a box with glass cover 

 and hermetically sealed, containing illustrations of the entire life-history 

 of the gypsy moth [Ocneria dispar), prepared by Prof. C. H. Fernald. 

 It contains the two sexes of the insect, both spread and in the position it 

 assumes in life when at rest. The chrysalids of the sexes, the eggs e7i 

 masse on the bark, and also individual eggs, the different stages of the 

 blown larvae are also shown. The whole makes a beautiful and verj' 

 valuable educational exhibit, and Prof. Farnald and those engaged in the 

 work are to be congratulated on the practical value which will undoubt- 

 edly result from their labors. — Ed. 



A Piquant Repast. — The Rev. Edwin Tearle writes from Stockton 

 Rectory, England, under date of Feb. 7, 1893: "I was greatly amused 

 and surprised, one day last Summer, to observe a toad creep up to a 

 fallen apple on which some wasps of the species Vespa vulgaris were 

 feasting. In the most adroit manner the reptile caught seven of the in- 

 sects and swallowed them, one after another, and then leisurely returned 

 to its hiding-place under a tuft of grass, to digest the meal." — Rev. 

 Thomas W. Tvles, South Quebec. 



It has been suggested by several Philadelphia entomologists that bi- 

 monthly excursions should be inaugurated for the coming Summer, to go 

 to various places of interest in the vicinity of Philadelphia in search of in- 

 sects. It is to be hoped that as many as can get away from their ordinary 

 avocations may help make these outings a success, as there seems to be 

 little doubt but what a very enjoyable time can be had, and interesting 

 work done. It is the intention to hold the first one Saturday, June the 3d, 



