THE ELM LEAF BEETLE. 13 



and a cluster of nozzles at the upper end. These rods should 

 be of different lengths, from four to twelve or fourteen feet for 

 the different kinds of work. Any of the standard nozzles such 

 as "Vermorel," "Mistry," or "Spraymotor" will be found 

 satisfactory, and if several are used together in a cluster one 

 is able to cover more leaf surface in a given time. 



For getting about in tall trees it will be necessary for the men 

 to be provided with climbing irons and extension ladders. 



SUMMARY. 



The elm leaf beetle was introduced into this country from 

 Europe about seventy years ago, and caused serious injury to 

 trees at Baltimore, Md., in 1838 and 1839. From this point it 

 spread slowly, chiefly to the northward, reaching Connecticut 

 in the early nineties, and injuring and killing many fine old trees 

 in the coast towns. Later, inland towns were attacked, and the 

 trees ravaged. The insect is now found from Charlotte, N. C, 

 as far north as North Conway, N. H., and as far west as central 

 Kentucky, but has not proven destructive to elm trees north 

 of Massachusetts. It is preeminently a pest of shade trees in 

 cities and towns, and seldom injures trees in the open fields. 

 Since 1896 the attacks have diminished, but the pest was again 

 serious in 1906. 



The winter is passed by the adult beetles in attics, belfries 

 and cracks in fences, and they come forth in April, and later 

 feed and lay their yellow eggs upon the unfolding leaves. 

 Beetles eat holes through the leaves, eggs hatch in a week, and 

 the larvae eat off the green tissue from the under surface, caus- 

 ing the leaves to turn brown and fall about the middle of July, 

 at which time the larvae are about full grown. Then they 

 descend to the base of the tree and transform to naked pupae; 

 ten days later the adult beetles emerge and lay eggs for the 

 second brood or go early into winter quarters. 



Two complete defoliations in succession will kill a tree. 



How to Fight the Elm Leaf Beetle. 



(i) Search all attics, church belfries and cupolas for the 

 dormant beetles in winter and early spring. Sweep them up 

 and burn them. 



