256 TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY REPORT. 
SPRING CANKER WORM. 
(Paleacrita vernata Peck.) 
The work®* by the Station on this species was largely in the nature 
of an experiment, to demonstrate the efficiency of paris green and 
other arsenicals as a means of controlling cankerworms, and to 
stimulate fruit growers generally to rely more extensively on these 
poisons for the protection of their trees. Two methods were em- 
ployed by fruit growers in combating this insect: (1) Trapping the 
wingless females as they ascend the trunks of the trees to lay their 
eggs; and (2) poisoning the larvae by means of arsenical sprays. 
The former method, though quite successful, could not be depended 
on to rid an orchard of this pest. The experiments were conducted 
in 1897 and 18098 at Rushville, and tests were made of paris green 
in comparison with green arsenite and arsenite of lime, which were 
newer poisons. ‘The results of these experiments, lasting two years, 
showed conclusively that the three poisons, each applied three times 
in May or early June, were equal in efficiency and were almost per- 
fect preventives of damages by cankerworms. 
GRAPE FLEA BEETLE. 
(Haltica chalybea Ill.) 
The attention of the Station is frequently called to the work of 
this insect in the vineyards along the lakes of Keuka, Canandaigua, 
Ontario and Erie. The beetle derives its importance from its at- 
tacks on the buds. During years of unusual numbers of the in-. 
sects, vineyards are often stripped of their foliage, with the result 
that no grapes are produced and the vines are much weakened. 
Observations** about Keuka Lake in 1897 and 1898 showed that 
one of the principal causes of the destructiveness of this insect in 
this region were the neglected vineyards, which serve as breeding 
places for large numbers of beetles, which swarm over to adjacent 
plantings. Vineyardists who are in the habit of carefully spraying 
their vines often have much of their good work undone by the 
close proximity of less progressive neighbors. To prevent losses by 
this insect the use of arsenical poisons for the treatment of buds 
and leaves was advised, and grape growers were urged to encourage 

~“Buls. 152 and 170; same in Rpts. 17:359-363 (1898) and 18:398-465 
(1899). 
* Bul. 150; same in Rpt. 17:345-388 (1808). 
