56 



2. The American Lackey Worms (Clisiocampa Americana and C. sylvatica). 



These worms as usual were amongst us in considerable numbers this spring, and began 

 to work very early, but their ravages were of a decidedly mild type and were not to be dreaded 

 as in former years, A singular mortality possessed them, for while just at their work upon 

 the leaves many of them were seized with death and speedily changed to corruption; many 

 others fell a prey to the larvae of Ichnumon flies, so that really but few got through. These 

 followed the instincts of their being, and commenced to form egg clusters on the young 

 apple twigs as early as the 10th of July, but they are not numerous. 



3. The Currant Worm (Nematus ventricosus). 



This insect proves itself to be a real pest, most persistent and destructive, and, as far 

 as we can discern, without any redeeming qualities. They appeared and began to work un- 

 usually early (April 27th) this year, and kept up vigorously until every currant and 

 gooseberry bush was completely stripped. Our remedy. White Heleb<»re, would have helped 

 us over the difficulty nicely ; but when just at the point of conquest a second brood ap- 

 peared in multitudes and baffled our efforts. This is the worst insect of the season, and our 

 three or four hundred bushes only lasted them a few days. 



4. The Gooseberry Fruit Worm {Pempelia grossularia). 



This insect is akin to the currant worm, also a real foe, and a most insidious enemy. 

 They appeared on the field of action quite early in the season, and in great numbers, and suc- 

 ceeded in filching from our grasp fully two-thirds of our promising crop. These two insects 

 have reduced gooseberry and currant growing in this country to a very arduous and un- 

 satisfactory experiment. We like the fruits of these familiar shrubs and would prefer to 

 grow them, but we felt this summer almost on the verge of despair. However, we still hope 

 that some friendly parasite will yet come to the rescue and assist in our dilemma. 



5. The Potato Beetle {Doryphora decemlineata). 



These beetles appeared a little earlier than usual, but on account of the extreme earli- 

 ness of the season were just in time. Although they came in great numbers they were not 

 to say troublesome, for careful and constant hand picking was all that was necessary to keep 

 them in check, so they did not do us any appreciable harm. We noticed that their work was 

 feeble and their movements slow and dull while in the perfect state. The scare caused by 

 their appearance is pretty well subsided at present. 



6. The Plum Curculio or Weevil (Conotrachelus nenuphar). 



This old and familiar depredator is really a bad case, full of mischief and decidedly of 

 a business turn. In locations where the soil was light he had a good chance, and the 

 whole crop of plums were taken, notwithstanding our efforts at jarring, smoking, &(3. ; but on 

 heavy and cold clay soils the plums came off victoriously, producing a beautiful crop of 

 clean, handsome fruit. Plums this year were very plentiful and very cheap. We think we 

 are on the whole gaining a little on this enemy of a very popular and good fruit. 



7, The Apple Fruit Vi'ORM (Carpocapjsa pomonella). 



Iso very new developments have been made during the season respecting this insect or 

 /its work. It is evident, however, that this insect has come among us to stay, and that it 

 means to prosper to the damage of the apple crops of this country. Although the product of 

 fruit in many places was small, very small, yet the work of this insect was plainly discernible. 

 We attempted to capture the worms in old cloths laid in the main crot-hes of the trees, but 

 succeeded only to a very limited extent. I have noticed two insects, new to me, of gregarious 

 habit, feeding in great numbers on the leaves of the apple trees, viz. : 



