58 
ORCHARD INSECTS. 
means of preventing much mischief, and each orchard-owner may see 
for himself, by counting the Moths stuck fast in the grease, how far 
the application has lessened the amount of coming infestation on any 
one tree. The plan is also equally useful for stopping traffic up the 
trees of other moths of which the females are wingless , as, for instance, 
of the Mottled Umber Moth, which comes out much at the same time 
as the Winter Moth, so that the same greasing answers as a preventive 
of the two attacks. But it is needful to know at what time of year the 
moths come out (as, for instance, in the case of the “ March Moth,” 
which was laying her eggs last season about March 30th); and where 
attack has been or is observable of other kinds than those already 
only too well known, I would gladly give all information in my power 
to all enquirers. 
But, withal, it cannot be too carefully borne in mind that grease¬ 
banding is not, save accidentally, of use , excepting to prevent traffic of 
insects which must walk or creep to reach the branches, such as 
wingless moths, or beetles of kinds that are wingless or rarely use 
their wings, or caterpillars; although some amount of male winged 
moths are attracted by the presence of their wingless females, and 
strays of other kinds may be captured. 
Two of the most important points to he considered in “ Sticky Banding” 
trees are: — (1st) What material is best to use in order , if possible, not to 
hurt the trees, or (if it is of a hurtful nature) liow best to prevent it soaking 
into the bark. (2ndly) What time or times of year the “ smear” should be 
applied. 
With regard to the material to be used, the following notes show 
that cart-grease answers the purpose of catching the moths thoroughly 
well, but also that (what is called) cart-grease may be so mixed with 
tarry or other matter deleterious to the health of the tree that it is 
requisite for all orchard growers to ascertain what the application sold 
them is made of; likewise that though it clearly catches the moths, it 
is likely to be very hurtful to the bark of the tree. 
On December 1st, 1888, I was favoured by Mr. Charles D. Wise 
(Deputy Manager of the Fruit-grounds at Toddington, Winchcomb) 
with the following note regarding commencement of operations. This 
report shows the large scale of the operations, and their success in 
preventing the ascent of the moths, and likewise warns against the use 
of tar. Mr. Wise wrote:—“I think you will be interested to hear 
that we have caught millions of the wingless moth this season. As 
many as 500 have been counted caught in the band of grease on a 
single tree. As we have something like 100,000 trees, it has been a 
great business putting the bands on, and keeping them sticky. We 
have tried many different mixtures, but on the whole I have found 
cart-grease by itself, put on thick, answers best; it is cheapest, and, 
