44 REPORT ON THE FIG MOTH IN SMYRNA., 
wholesale infestation of dried figs, even in the event that the eggs 
had escaped detection. The only possible conclusion was that less 
than 10 per cent, and probably less than 5 per cent, of infestation of 
dried figs originates while the fruit is on the tree. 
OVIPOSITION ON FIGS DRYING ON THE " SERGHI." 
The first fig-moth adults seen in the interior of Asia Minor were 
at Xazli on August 19. A careful search had been made for them 
by day and in the early evening throughout the orchard with no 
success. About 7 o'clock, while watching the "serghi" (see PI. VI, 
figs. 1, 2), a few moths were noticed fluttering over the drying figs. 
They increased in abundance, and by 7.30 p. m. were hovering over 
the beds of figs by dozens. It was impossible to determine from what 
source they came. They showed a particular fondness for crawling 
down among the reeds beneath, as though to reach the figs from the 
underside. They were evidently all of one species, Ephestia cau- 
tella, although they varied somewhat in size. 
Moths were observed the following evening in another orchard 
where the figs were laid on the bare ground to dry, in place of upon 
beds of reeds. It was expected that the moths would prove less 
abundant in this case, there being no reeds present or other shelter 
in which they could hide by day. The lack of shelter, however, made 
little difference, for at dark they began to gather over the figs as on 
the preceding night, and quite as abundantly. A few were noticed 
as they approached the figs, flying close to the ground. Evidently 
the moths have no particular hiding place in which to pass the day, 
but simply secrete themselves about rubbish or foliage near the 
ground. 
Observations of the moths ovipositing on figs on the " serghi " were 
made during a week's stay, August 21 to 27, at Tchifte Kaive, Asia 
Minor. The " serghi " used in this orchard were sufficient in area 
to accommodate the drying of large quantities of figs. They were 
composed of reeds taken from near the Meander stream and laid in 
]ong rows, 3 feet wide and half as far apart. (See PI. VII, figs. 
1, 2.) Observations were easily made along any of these beds from 
the alleyways between. As observed on previous occasions, the moths 
began to appear at about 7 o'clock and increased in abundance up to 
8 or 8.30 p. m. As late at 10.30 p. m. they were found still active, 
and doubtless continued ovipositing until well toward morning. 
Lanterns were employed to observe the moths, which seemed un- 
usually abundant at this place. Occasional moths were attracted to 
the lanterns, but usually they avoided the light. They were quick in 
their movements and hard to capture. 
No individual was seen depositing eggs, for upon alighting the 
moth invariably crawled quickly to the underside of the fig, and if 
