INJUKIOUS INSECTS. '^5 



CHAPTER XIX. 

 INJURIOUS INSECTS. 



Numerous insects prey upon the apple orchard. In 

 fact, Professor Lintner catalogues one hundred and sev- 

 enty-six such pests. Fortunately, comparatively few of 

 these are yet seriously troublesome, and it is not probable 

 that many more will become pests over any great extent 

 of territory. There are more species of injurious insects 

 apparent now than there were a half century ago. This 

 is due in part to the introduction of insects from the Old 

 World, and in part to the taking on of new habits by 

 native insects. The disagreeable apple maggot, which 

 has attracted so niucli attention of late, was first known 

 as breeding on the wild hawthorns, but it took on a new 

 habit of attacking cultivated apples, and it has thrived 

 upon its new diet. 



In order to combat insect enemies the orchardist must 

 acquaint himself with the general natural history of in- 

 sects, their common habits and tlie best means of destroy- 

 ing them. He must read and study. lie must also bo 

 vigilant. He should seek for preventives in preference 

 to remedies. A clean orchard is necessary. Keep down 

 weeds and remove rubbish and do not allow the fence- 

 rows to grow up with promiscuous vegetation. 



He must destroy the wild food plants of insects. This 

 is a subject which has a very important bearing on fruit 

 growing, and one which, it appears to me, does not re- 

 ceive the attention it deserves. The continued prevalence 

 of injurious insects in some localities where there has 



