l8 NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



Remedial measures. Experiments and practical experience have 

 shown that many of these insects can be destroyed with a tobacco 

 preparation, 40 per cent nicotine used at the rate of three-fourths 

 of a pint to 100 gallons of water. This may be applied as a separate 

 spray to which 5 or 6 pounds of soap are added to increase the spread- 

 ing properties, or it may be put into either the usual lime-sulphur, 

 San Jose scale or codling moth sprays. If the latter is done, it is 

 advisable to delay the winter application for San Jose scale as late 

 as possible, in order to catch the young bugs hatching just before 

 the blossoms break from the bud, and then to spray for the codling 

 moth just as soon as practical after the blossoms fall. Last year Mr 

 W. H. Hart added the tobacco to the usual lime-sulphur and 

 arsenate of lead spray, making the application as soon as practical 

 after the dropping of the blossoms. This work was done under our 

 supervision, May 25th, at a time when the young bugs were mostly 

 in the second stage, a few just entering the third. Examinations 

 showed that some of the insects were destroyed by this treatment, 

 though not aU, because living red bugs were found in the orchard 

 later. Mr Hart was of the opinion that great ntmibers of the pests 

 were killed by the nicotine, which is undoubtedly true. Special 

 spraying for this insect is particularly advisable when there is a 

 light crop, since the grower, under such conditions, can not afford 

 to have many apples deformed. In cases of bad infestation, especially 

 in extensive orchards, it will probably be necessary to make a special 

 spraying with nicotine and soap somewhat later than it would be 

 safe to use the lime-sulphur wash at winter strength, and then to 

 supplement this by as early spraying for codling moth with nicotine 

 added as practical. 



WHITE GRUBS AND MAY OR JUNE BEETLES 

 The white grub outbreak in 19 12 was so severe and general i^ 

 Albany, Coltimbia and Rensselaer counties as to arouse much interest 

 in the pest and in practical methods of preventing serious damage. 

 The trouble of that year, as has been explained repeatedly, had its 

 inception in a large flight of May or June beetles in 191 1 and the 

 depositing of their eggs in many of the best mowings. White grubs 

 were consequently so abundant the next season (19 12) as to gnaw 

 off most of the grass roots so that mowing machines and horse rakes 

 frequently tore up large areas of what should have been vigorous 

 and productive grass land. 



The outbreak of 191 2. Aside from the damage caused, it was con- 

 sidered advisable to watch developments for the purpose of securing 

 additional data which might prove of value in practical control 



