21 
APRICOT. 
SCALE. 
The apricot is occasionally attacked by at least two species of bark- 
scale, for which the best remedy is the mixture of cavtor-oil and soot, 
with the addition of soapsuds. 
For fuller particulars, see under “ Apple-scale, page 16 ante. 
CANKER-WORM (Ctenopseustis obliquana). 
The caterpillar of this moth is very injurious to the apricot, 
feeding on the leaves, which it fastens together by viscid threads, and 
attaches them to the ripening fruit, when it feeds upon the epidermis 
and under-surface, rendering the affected apricots unfit for market. 
I was informed that the caterpillar makes its first appearance in 
December or January, and continues feeding for nearly three months 
on the leaves of the apricot, apple, and plum, but doing the greatest 
injury to the apricot. The caterpillar may be found in the orchard 
as late as the middle of May. . 
It has been mistaken for the European winter-moth (Geometra 
brumata), but that species has not been found in New Zealand, and in 
Europe attains its perfect state during the winter months, November 
and December. The females have only abortive wings. 
The caterpillar of the canker-worm moth is about three-quarters 
of an inch in length, and of a pale-green tint, yellowish on the side, 
head black or dark-brown. The moth is about five-eighths of an inch 
long, with dull-brown wings, showing patches of a deeper tint. The 
caterpillar enters the pupa-stage about May. 
I have observed the insect in'the larval state only, and do not feel 
absolutely certain as to the correctness of the identification, which is 
based upon a solitary specimen of the moth, for which I am indebted 
to Mr. P. Swanwick, of Picton. 
Infested trees may be syringed with a weak solution of caustic 
potash ; or fires of weeds, &c., may be made underneath the trees so as 
to stupify the caterpillars or drive them away. Leaves spun together 
by the threads of the insects should be removed as soon as observed, 
care being taken to destroy the caterpillar. 
A small spider destroys large numbers by depositing its eggs in 
the body of the larvae. 
The caterpillars of several moths are confused by fruit-growers 
under the general term “ Canker-worm,” but the perfect state has only 
been observed in the present instance. 
CHERRY. 
CHERRY-APHIS (Myzus cerast). 
For treatment, see “‘ Apple-aphis,” page 18 ante. 
SCALE. 
For treatment, see “‘ Apple-scale,” page 16 ante, 
