The Gypsy Moth. 



49 



manner previously described, with fibrous materials forming 

 a kind of cocoon. As a rule pupation lasts through August, 

 and the beetles come forth in September through small 

 holes in the bark. These feed upon the bark of coniferae 

 until the cold forces them to take shelter in clefts in the roots, 

 just above or just under the ground, also in moss, grass, or 

 litter near the trees, where they remain until spring. 



Eggs are frequently laid by the beetles upon the cones of 

 the previous season, and larvae have been found in quantities 

 in them. 



Scotch firs, Austrian firs, Weymouth pines, and occasionally 

 larch, are attacked by Pissodes notatus. It is stated that this 

 beetle principally attacks trees already diseased, but it is 

 also certain that in its perfect state the beetle attacks healthy, 

 vigorous trees, which it vveakens by continued piercings. 

 This infestation is most dangerous in the case of young fir 

 trees from three to eight years old, before they have strength 

 to resist the attack, which is indicated by the " needles" or 

 leaves at the end of the branches turning red in the spring. 

 It is generally more prevalent upon sandy land and poor 

 soils, probably because the trees are not vigorous and cannot 

 grow away from the attack. 



There appear to be no remedial measures to be taken 

 against this insect, but the prevention of its extension may 

 be accomplished by rooting up all infested trees and promptly 

 burning them. June and July would be the best time to do 

 this. The change in the colour of the leaves, or " needles," 

 and the general stunted appearance of the trees, would 

 show which were infested. It is also desirable to clear away 

 from fir plantations all trees that are dying. All fir cones 

 should be collected and burnt. 



The Gypsy Moth (Porthetria dispar) in Massachusetts. 



A large volume, elaborately illustrated, was published at 

 the end of 1896 under the direction of the State Board of 

 Agriculture of Massachusetts, giving an account of the work 

 of destroying the Gypsy moth [Porthetria dispar) in the 



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