INSECTS. 327 



markings on its wings, and is 1.25 to 1.35 inch in width. 

 (Vide Harris, p. 358). 



Though called the Fall Web-worm, these caterpillars 

 appear about Cincinnati in the end of May quite abun- 

 dantly, and from that time until October, they are more 

 or less frequent ; most so in August. In the Korth, they 

 may be later ; I have seen large tracts of forest defoliated 

 on the lake shore, in August, 1865. 



Kemedies. — For the destruction of these pests we must 

 resort to hand-picking, when they are in the caterpillar 

 state. The twig or branch should be taken off, and the 

 worms crushed or burned. It is fortunate for us that they 

 are gregarious and that they spin a web, for we can de- 

 tect them while they are yet young, and when confined to 

 one or two leaves, so that the whole brood may be de- 

 stroyed with very little effort. Birds, and some insects, 

 aid us in keeping them in check. 



Clisiocampa decipiens, {Walker), or C. Americana, 

 (Sarris), is commonly known as the Tent-caterpillar, or 

 Nest-caterpillar. The larvae are not indiscriminate feed- 

 ers, but prefer the foliage of certain members of the JRosa- 

 ceous family of plants. Their natural food appears to be 

 the common wild cherry, but they attack the apple so vig- 

 ously, that they are often called the apple tree worm. 

 Mr. Fitch thinks they do not feed upon the peach ; but I 

 have frequently found them upon this tree since 1855. 

 The moth appears to be endowed with wonderful instinct 

 in depositing her eggs; selecting a terminal shoot that 

 has completed its growth, they are placed to the number 

 of 200 or 300 around it in a broad ring or sheath, and 

 covered with a sort of varnish that protects them. 



