52 



THE TENT CATERPILLAR 



will survive all vicissitudes and mature into moths that appar- 

 ently are likely to deposit eggs upon the variety of tree that has 

 furnished them food. In this way the insect will be likely soon 

 greatly to extend the limits of its food-supply, and become 

 much more difficult to subdue than it now is. The case is sug- 

 gestive of the famous Gypsy Moth, that has lately been causing 

 such alarm in Massachusetts. The unusual noxiousness of this 



Fig. 8. — Oak Tree partially defoliated by Tent Caterpillars (Original) 



pest arises from the ability of the caterpillars to feed upon 

 leaves of all sorts — hard wood trees, evergreens, shrubs, and 

 herbaceous plants. Therein lies its menace ; and if the tent 

 caterpillar is permitted to continue establishing itself upon new 

 food plants, our descendants may have a somewhat similar 

 pest to contend with. 



