POISONING EFFECT OF BBOWN-TAIL HAIRS. 



25 



The moths arc provided with these barbed hairs, but to a less 

 extent than the larva?, and cases of poisoning have been reported 

 during the flight of moths in the summer. 



Broken hairs which float in the air when the caterpillars, webs, 



or cocoons are disturbed also cause severe internal irritation and 

 poisoning if the dust is inhaled or swallowed in any considerable quan- 



FlO. 



^LK 



Hairs of the caterpillar of the brown-tail moth, highly' magnified. 

 (Adapted from Kirklanl. i 



tities. The poisoning has caused very serious illness to men engaged 

 in the work against the moths, in the field, and at the Parasite Labo- 

 ratory, and each year many are obliged to seek other employment, 

 and not a few have been under a physician's care. The death of one 

 man was due to severe internal poisoning contracted while employed 

 on the work, particularly while turning burlaps. 



