THE PEACH SAWFLY. 29 1 



color of the larvae had changed from pale bluish green to a 

 bright apple green. Larvae examined early in November had 

 assimied this color. 



When the larva pupates, no cell is formed, the larval skin is 

 discarded and usually remains attached to the last abdominal 

 segment, and the pupa is free. It has the same general shape 

 as the adult; the antennae, legs and other appendages simply 

 with a thin covering. Pupae are shown on Plate III, c. 



Experiments in Checking the Insect. 



At the time the experiments were started it was not definitely 

 known that peach foliage could be sprayed in Connecticut with 

 arsenate of lead, or in fact with any spray mixture. It was well- 

 known that Bordeaux mixture was injurious to the foliage, an^ 

 statements had been made to the eflfect that arsenate of lead was 

 injurious. Three methods of combating this pest were tried, 

 (i) cultivating the soil thoroughly while the insect was in the 

 pupal stage; (2) treating the soil with carbon disulphide during 

 the same period; (3) poisoning the larvae soon after they hatch 

 by spraying the foliage with internal poisons. 



Cultivating the Soil. 



We have found in rearing sawflies that certain species are 

 easily killed by disturbing the soil after they have gone into 

 it to pupate. This suggested cultivating the soil thoroughly, 

 especially near the trees, while the peach sawfly was in the pupal 

 stage, as a means of reducing its numbers. 



In order to note definitely the results, tight wire-covered cages 

 were made and placed around a number of trees to retain any 

 adults that might emerge within the area. These cages, con- 

 sisted of frames six feet square made of boards seven or eight 

 inches wide and covered with wire mosquito netting. Each 

 cage was built around a tree, the tree being in the center, with 

 the netting fastened to the tops of the frames and fitted tightly 

 around the tree. The cages were hinged at the middle so that 

 one side could be raised and the soil cultivated halfway around 

 the tree. This side could then be lowered and the opposite side 

 raised and the soil cultivated on that side. The sides were then 

 banked with earth to make the cage tight. A view of these 



