THE SMALL ERMINE MOTHS. 169 
— ———s. 

live, until, in many cases, but little of the plant may remain 
uncovered. | 
When full grown the caterpillar spins for itself a tough 
greyish cocoon about the size and shape of a large grain of 
oats, and in this protective covering it pupates. This change 
takes place for the most part in July, the chrysalid-cocoons 
being situated within the commen web. A fortnight later 
the appearance of the moth completes the life-history. 
Preventive and Remedial Measures. 
If the colonies of caterpillars are within easy reach, they 
may be destroyed by crushing by hand, the use of a glove 
making the process less disagreeable. If the webs are too 
high to be treated in this way, the branches that they envelop 
may be cut off and burned, or the “ nests”? may be burned in 
their original position, ignition being effected by a torch on 
the end of a pole. 
If water under high pressure from a hose can be applied 
the colonies may be effectively destroyed. 
Various solutions may be applied by means of a syringe or 
spraying machine. Of these one of the best is prepared by 
dissolving 7 lbs. of softsoap in 7 gallons of boiling water. 
To this, while still hot, half a gallon of paraffin or petroleum 
oil is added, with vigorous stirring, the whole being diluted 
with soft water to 25 gallons beforeuse. Solutions of tobacco 
juice and quassia are also useful.: 
Whatever measure is employed, it should be put in force as 
soon as the webs are observed. If too long delayed, the 
caterpillars will have spread themselves over a wider surface, 
and most of the damage will already have been done. 

