l66 MAINE) AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. I904. 



The cocoons of the closely related species, the cecropia moth, 

 are frequently sent in, but the fact that they are usually accom- 

 panied by the explanation that "only one was found in the 

 orchard," indicates that they, also, are held in check by natural 

 enemies. 



In concluding the list of orchard pests found in cherry 

 growths in the vicinity of Kittery it may be well to state that the 

 observations made were neither frequent nor exhaustive. Other 

 important caterpillars, for example those of the bud moth,* 

 might easily have grown there undetected, for the vicinity was 

 not visited during the time they are at work. 



The brown-tail moth was not found in the cherry tangle 

 selected in March, but the succeeding generation was found to 

 be established there in August. 



Perhaps in this connection people who have sent orchard 

 insects to the Station may be interested to know that all the 

 living apple-leaf-eating caterpillars, which were received this 

 season, together with what different species were found about 

 Orono, were reared on wild cherry leaves. This was done 

 simply as an illustration of a well known fact, and is significant 

 only where orchards are supplied with pests from neighboring 

 cherry growths. 



Some Birds that Feed on Orchard Pests. 

 When a few particular species of insects become sufficiently 

 numerous to be considered pests and artificial means for control- 

 ling them are required, the question is always suggested : How 

 does it happen that the closely related insects just as prolific, 

 just as ravenous, and with similar habits, do not also overrun 

 the orchards? An answer is found in the fact that there are 

 enough natural enemies (as birds, parasites and disease) to hold 

 in check many insects which would otherwise call forth arsenical 

 sprays or other artificial remedies. The fact is not always 

 appreciated, however, that these co-workers, even where they 

 fail to hold some particular insect in check, lessen the labor of 

 man in his battle of spraying machines and other appliances 

 against even the most troublesome species. The woodpecker 

 for instance, pulls out more borers each year than man is able 

 to destroy with knife and wire, yet this bird is not always wel- 



* Tmetocera Ocellana. 



