Chapter X. 
INSECTS INJURIOUS TO THE ASH. 
Frajcinus amcricana, etc. 
Although only about forty-six species are as yet knowu to prey 
upou our native species of ash, the uumber is probably at least as great 
as that given by Kaltenbach as affecting the ash in Europe, viz, fifty-one. 
Thus far no species of dipterous gall flies or of Psyllids has been de- 
tected on our native species. My own opportunities for observing this 
tree have been limited, but during September, 1887, I was able to dis- 
cover seven species new to the tree, living on young bushes on the 
northern shore of Kangeley Lake, Maine. When used as ornamental 
or shade trees the different species of ash appear to be in general quite 
free from insect pests. 
Ash lumber does not seem, so far as we know, to be commonly attacked 
by borers, the only case known to us being that oiJEburia quadrigeminata, 
described below by Mr. McNeil. Ash wood is used for carriages, furni- 
ture, as well as fence rails, and is a most valuable tree, besides being a 
beautiful, clean, shade tree. 
AFFECTING THE TRUNK AND BRANCHES. 
1. The ash sesian. 
Fatua denudata (Harris). 
The following account of the habits of this borer has been communi- 
cated to me by Mr. W. L. Devereaux, of Clyde, N. Y. : 
The JEgeria denudatum certainly does great injury; it is more abundant in some 
swamps than others. It channels its cylindrical burrow from the tap-root di- 
rectly up the trunk sometimes to a height of 3 or 4 feet, before turning and cut- 
ting its way out. The perpendicular burrow is never situated in the center of the 
tree, but is generally nearer the bark than the heart. The upright or vertical part of 
the channel is as perfectly made as with a brace and bit. Through this initial inva- 
sion, wood ants, members of the Rhynchophora, Ceratubycidae, Lamellicorns and Ser- 
ricorus, obtain a foot-hold, and ere many years we have a hollow ash tree. Some of 
the Capricorn Larva are channeling up the heart while certain Xvlophaga 3 are 
boring into the same decaying sap-wood, and even into living healthy wood, until 
the merest shell remains to support the still vigorous branches above. The Osmo- 
dermas, Diaperidii, Tenebriouii, Elaterida?, etc., follow on till the fatal storm-blast 
gives them the whole remaining trunk and top for larder and shelter, lasting many 
future broods. 
540 
