APPLE MOTH. 
85 
tom-tits, sparrows, bullfinches, and other birds, which, at 
this time of year more particularly, frequent our orchards 
and gardens, and which also, at this time of year, are per- 
secuted with relentless hostility by the farmer and gar- 
dener, live, during these months, solely on these weevils, 
and similar little insects, and consequently are the only 
check on their increase that we possess ; so that, in 
our investigations of blight, we see how a little prejudice, 
superstition and ignorance tend to increase the injury they 
dread. 
A third and still more formidable enemy of the cider or- 
chard is the Apple Moth;* it is a beautiful little creature, 
its wings are studded with silvery shining specks, as 
though they were inlaid with precious gems. It is the 
most beautiful of the beautiful tribe to which it belongs, 
yet from its habits not being known, it is seldom seen in 
the moth state, and the apple-grower knows no more than 
the man in the moon to what cause he is indebted for his 
basketfuls of worm-eaten windfalls in the stillest weather. 
To find the moth in the day-time, the trunks of the apple- 
trees should be carefully looked over ; or if your orchard 
be surrounded by a wooden fence, the moth may often be 
found sitting against it, with its pretty wings neatly folded 
round its body. Towards evening, in fact, at sunset, it be- 
gins to move, and may then be seen hovering about the 
little apples, which, by the time the moth leaves the chry- 
salis, the middle of June, are well knit, and consequently 
fit for the reception of the eggs, which it lays in the eyes, 
one only in each, by introducing its long ovipositor 
* Tortrix poraonana of authors : I am inclined to believe that many nearly 
allied species have very similar habits to those which are here described. — 
E. N. 
