28 THE FIG MOTH. 
when shaken and slightly brushed, these figs came out in first-class 
condition and were pronounced of exceptionally fine flavor. 
In no case could it be positively said that the heating processes, 
whether dry, wet, or by steam methods, had caused souring, although 
one case of figs which had been sterilized was examined and some 
slight acidity noticed on the figs, probably existent before treatment 
by heat. 
AVERAGE INFESTATION OF SMYRNA FIGS ENTERING THE PORT 
OF NEW YORK. 
Per cent. 
Average of 4 samples arriving during September 24. 05 
Average of 54 samples arriving during October 25. 14 
Average of 115 samples arriving during November 27. 36 
Average of 51 samples arriving during December 30. 99 
Average of 19 samples arriving during January 3S. 17 
The above averages include injury to figs attributed to the larvae 
of Ephestia cautella* but more particularly to their excreta, and are 
taken from records carefully computed in 1909 and 1910 in the 
Bureau of Chemistry, and submitted by Dr. F. L. Dunlap. As pre- 
viously stated, a total of 243 samples in all was examined in that 
bureau. 
These figures show what had previously been deduced by the 
writer from experience with other related species, namely, that the 
early figs are least infested and that the latest figs introduced into 
this country from abroad are more infested than the earlier ones. 
LIFE-HISTORY NOTES ON THE FIG MOTH. 
The fig moth in America, so far as we can at present learn % is 
practically confined as a pest to rice, flour, and other mills, and to 
warehouses and storage rooms, and the notes which have been made 
in regard to its life history are solely from the standpoint of its life 
as an indoor pest. The results of experiments show very little differ- 
ence between the life history of the fig moth and that of the Indian- 
meal moth — very similar species, nearly identical in size and 
habits. 
OVIPOSITION. 
All of the eggs that have come under observation were deposited 
singly and loosely, being readily detached by a slight touch. 
Three females were selected for the determination of the number 
of eggs that might be laid. The first, although full-bodied, had 
evidently already begun egg-laying, since she yielded only 132 eggs 
by oviposition and dissection. The second deposited, in round num- 
bers, 165 eggs and upon dissection yielded 115 more and contained 
