Sheet

‘ANNUAL REPORTS ~

_ FRUIT GROWERS’ ASSOCIATION
ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY
_OF ONTARIO, » an

Httahel iit

A. M. SMITH,

s’ Association of Ontario for the year 1890.

President of the Fruit Grower

n
TWENTY-SECOND ANNUAL REPORT

OF THE

FRUIT GROWERS ASSOCIATION

OF ONTARIO.

1890.

~PRINTED BY ORDER OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY.

TORONTO: 1334583
PRINTED“BY WARWICK & SONS, 68 & 70 FRONT STREET WEST
1891.

i= Miss UN dhe rhe

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Mei riy wed <<

oe oD CON T EN YS,

PaGE
meter Of Transmittal................. v.
SS 2) vi.
ane Annual Meeting ................. vi.
Memronsurers FROport............0eseees vii.
President's Annual Address........... vii.
Committees appointed at Annual Meet-
rd BUI onc sieve poe e ths wee pine xiv.
Report on New Fruits................ xv.
mene Winter Meeting .................. 1

Vine Culture and Wine making in Essex. 12
Experimental Farms: Wm. Saunders,

Eh Ce ee ee 13
Fruit Rooms and Storage of Fruits: T.

T. Lyon, President Michigan Hor-

ticultural Society .............. 22
Peach Growing for Profit: J. F. Taylor,

Mouvias, Michigan............. 25
Experience in Pear Culture : J. K. Me-

Whehael, Waterford ......)..... 32

PaGE.
How to Prune a Commercial Orchard :

A. McNeil, Windsor. .......0..: 37
A simple Way to make pure Grape Wine

for Home Use: E. Gerardot,

Windsorist csc cds 5 4'e se 39
Fruit as Food: L. Woolverton, Grimsby 46
Peach Growing in the Niagara District :

L. Woolverton, Grimsby........ 56
Suitability of Ornamental Trees: D.

Nichol, Cataraqui........00.0% 60
Humbugs in Horticulture : T. H. Race,

Mitchell’: Sen eae ee teen se 63

The Curculio: Mr. Billings, Niagara... 72

Pear Blight : J. K. McMichael, Water-
TOR: 2.24 2c 325 ee eee ee 75

How to Make the best of Ten Acres of
Land: E. Morden, Niagara Falls
OMG Sas es oe ACSC ARO Oe 78

IN DaE xX:

Ammoniacal Carbonate of Copper ..... 55
re 76
i. 2 5 denn wre. sit 6 asens 49, 54
Apples, Carbonate of Soda for......... 54
EE 47
Apples, New—

Sa AES ae SAA oar xvil.

ERIN TEGO) x 2 oss x wrnisbawie ares Xvi.

NESTE 6a odin. x wd. « «ins dees es XV.

Russian varieties imported, 1890 .. xix.
Apples. Seedling—

pt, 10a ana a ce ae XVil.
UMIRITENS hook corey c adays create Xvi.
MEIC ata fo sc ass ss 50, vin nda eat Xvi
OCU es a rrr XV
Ashes for Gooseberry Mildew.......... 51
Bassett’s American plum.............. 43
EC 7
Birch, Cut-leaved Weeping ............. 61
EE OS 41, 42
Canadian Horticulturist, benefit of .... ix.

Carbonate of Copper for Apple Scab ,.. 54

Carrying COMpamies ..ss560 -6 0-5 secs e- 71
Cherry, Clarke’s September........... XVili
Coal ashes as a fertilizer ...... ese MA 37
Ourculidn cages ee eee b2 ie
‘6 ‘Paris Green for .6 eee co 53
Dry. House cs Gi sisi o PAR ok eee ae 18
Hager, : SLES LOP fae as wos ee cle 9
‘ge WAI CULLURO: IN. 30) ate ape ictenrse 12
eS, DAS @sh Tit SOCULON ..<7 reer iekee re 16

Evaporated Fruit, galvanized trays for. 20

“ce

Growth and importance of the in-

IBGE ch rare as. ws 'Sta Wie eke we's vo 16
SUOMI 80% cats wha Sarees « din 21
Exhibitors, should they be owners..... 9
Experimental Farm............. te ee
Experimental Grounds............... 1
DP OMISUSC ABDIG eno se.s 5s »s.9 «sire 5
Fertilizers for Orchards .............. 35
SORT BS OD 7-4 4). es + «34 46

PaGE

MP OATTIARG “oi - 41 \aysies ose wins Sita te xii.
Fruit Growers’ Association, History of. . viii.
Fruit Growing in Michigan ........... ll
o n Niagara Peninsula 59

Fruit Rooms, and Fruit Storage....... 22
Fruit Varieties and Improvements..... xill.
Glass Seedling plum..:.........---+-- 42
Golden Russet apple ...........--...- 5
Gooseberry Mildew .............-+--- 49
Gooseberry, Sutherland’s............. xvii
Grand Dukeplum |... .....5652-25.5; 43
Grape Vine, pruning of..............- 37
Grape Wine for Home Use........ 39
Greenisg@ applet... 0... kes Sans) ee clas 4
Grime’s Golden apple ...............-- V6
Handl ng Fruit......----....-------- x.
Hedges for Southern Ontario.......... 45
Horticulture in Schools... ...... .......-. 13
Hudson River Purple Egg plum....... 41
Humbugs in Horticulture............- 63
Hyposulphite of Soda ................ 54
Imperial Gage plum...............-+. 42
Danae PLUME... ate Fo deed oie store 43
Judging Fruit at Fairs ..............- 22
Pier AN DlS sp >< oo. ise'e pie Mein einein line <i 2
orient ONGI'. 5.5.5 «anion eee leh 41, 43
ERE APOIS™ 51. Nett! Ber atte nie Gratiot 5
ERO OEI ET UR OULUS Yo :\6 o-a%s's a/aelquileiniela mg 68
Mareecting (Grapes ia. s.1% see nk pele 38
Mice and Rabbits, Prevention of....... 34
Mildew and other Fungi.............. 36
Molanghlin plum. |... ee i 0: geen pre e 42
eye EICULUA ©. 296 enc us Geo ete ab race ite XV
MOPNCrR SPY Apple... sn wet us o> sy 3
SP OIEMA TV AINOHIOES” . 2)... sso nwAnethine aii mimic X1X
ohn Cro. n-. ere ele he xii.
Mharles:Gibb:,). ss dee rman ¢ ale wze xii.

NE s Wal SC PAR oka ee Se nee xii.
One-Judge System at Fairs............ 22
OORPATIO ME NUEE IASG, = once eie vain «2 es 1, 82, 84
Ornsmental Trees, Suitability of ...... 60
Packages tur Kruib oi oo wae ot tae > hae 70
19

Faring Maohines..). ovei-tawuras de

iv.

Peach Growing for Profit.............
Peach Growing in the Niagara District. .
Peach Tree Borer)... <2: eee

Peaches, Ashes for ..: 3.5.0 eee

New varicties of .. 7. c2- eee

‘* Six best for Essex Col... acusnee

‘¢ Six best for Niagara District. ...

. 4 Wellows'in ........... ope
Pear. Blight... .. :2...sa) ..:04) ee 33, 75
Pear Culture, Experience in ........ 32, 81
Peter’s Yellow Gage plum ............. 41
Pilfering Wrult ~; ~/i. « <.)\swcen 71
Planting Ornamental Trees ........... 60
Planting unsuitable Trees ............ 62
Plants for Testing..;..... <2)...» aelecneee xi.
Plums—

** - Culture of .24...'. °. nee 41

‘* Six best .......'...:. 3.5 eee 41

‘* Three best for Home Use....... 43
Points in Peach Growing........). 2.08 56
Princess Louise apple °..............5 4
Priming Grapes’, .)...5.0 2 ee 37
Pruning Norway Spruce.........:.... 63
Railway Freighta .:v.. 30.2. .ean eee 44
Red Canada apple... 2.0.0.) 5 eseeae Z
Reiné Claude plum’ S=. . .).. 3. see 42
Russian Apricot...) 050 Ss: oo, ae Ad
Salome Apple... ./..:sies:> ose eee 6, 44 —
Saunders, Wm., Address of............ 13
Seedling Fruits, .......00 0.) .. sae 44
Selling Fruit by Auction.............. 69
Shiawassee Beauty apple.............. 6
Silver Poplar condemned...:.......... 61
Single Specimens of Ornamental Trees. 60
Spitzenberg apple... .........s hee 5
Spraying Trees in Bloom ............. 34

‘c Mixture for +2... - 2) see 50

sc.” Timo for sn5h/¢s «2 -0se0 8 ee 35
Stark apple... .2022 0.5. ..¢. 0 ee 4
Storage of Fruit 9. ..........0 ean 23
Strawberry, The Williams............ xvii.
Ten Acres in Fruit, to make the bestof. 78
Wild Black Oherry™.. .")... . - 24) seen 61
Williams’ Strawberry....,........5.05 67
Wine; PUTO Tshesnso sh... ooy ee 39
Witch Hazeli.i 4... 6%. 2: s.r 26

ANNUAL REPORT

OF THE

ONTARIO FRUIT GROWERS’ ASSOCIATION

To tHE Hon, Joun Drypen, MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE:

| Srr—lI have the honor of submitting for your approval the twenty-second Annual
_ Report of the Fruit Growers’ Association of Ontario.

In doing so, I beg that you will notice the efforts which are being made by our

_ Association toward (1) the preparation of a complete list of fruits adapted to Canada

_ with values of a perfect specimen of each variety attached, which it is hoped may form a

basis for greater uniformity and fairness in judging fruits at fairs ; and (2) the prepara-

_ tion of district fruit lists, which may serve as a useful guide to intending planters, by
showing what varieties may be successfully grown in the various localities.

I have the honor to be, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
LINUS WOOLVERTON,

Secretary.
Grimsby, October, 1890.

OFFICERS FOR 1891,

PRESIDENT :

Fs A GRBs cd acceso one 0 te weak sfenehesn, 9, 0b oie ince Nou ete iagatameae te ete ee Wingham

PUES POUL). ose s.age eaves @ sd a npern ow» sl 9 See ees Mere geen alate ie = eee Grimsby
SECRETARY-TREASURER AND EDITOR:

Sanus Woolverton,, MLA .: 2. 2055 sides os a4 « operate aveye gates te enon i Grimsby.
DIRECTORS :

SPIO NO, Ls. BRS ieee ela la els te W.S. Turner, Cornwall.

RPVIOI SING, 2. tafegSe o eae ee cle anes mi heals John Oraig, Experimental Farm, Ottawa.

Pervasive, INO. 3.4 Fee 545’. pein er ae a niles: D. Nichol, Cataraqui.

risen No. 4. . vi. 3.2 tice alan ere eon Grete P. C. Dempsey, Trenton.

Per vaeON: NO: UD. .<.<)0/cie, cto wieite. oh? baie fates aie es Thomas Beall, Lindsay.

aoivigion NG, 6.5, +; é)0sendeacea serrate scenes W. E. Wellington, Toronto.

BFEVIBION, INO: : {oss dcie breton eee 4k ote Rte as _.M. Pettit, Winona.

PevIstOn, PhO, | 8 csis oo ih ie aax sot aie Sahel oN ers ae A. M. Smith, St. Catharines.

PPEVISIOT TNs" 0). 2. ioertaatta tarot scenes 3 estas J. K. McMichael, Waterford.

Prvision No; 10). yaoi ees a he a ee A. McD. Allan, Goderich.

vison NOL ss ccghebtercs vis ae ohn Arian ae T. H. Race, Mitchell.

SvIsiOn NG. 12s sak eetetee choo eee enh N. J. Clinton, Windsor.

Payision INo. 13.13 dvcke: Sees oo Sis ae win ee eee G. C. Oaston, Craighurst.
AUDITORS :

Samos, Goldie \. . co. d's seas ether «ssa wis hetbya vin > peed eae we we ng Guelph

J. MeDonton «ep bve ece'd anceaus | eu Sea \e. oie Ae ain ietone ts Sepia aie eee ape ts re London.

: Prey ANNUAL MEETING.

The annual meeting of the Fruit Growers’ Association of Ontario, was held in the
City Hall, Hamilton, on Tuesday evening, the 16th December. 1890.

The President, Mr. A. M. Smith, of St. Catharines, took the chair at 8 o’clock p.m.,
and introduced Mr. D. McLellan, mayor of the city, whose remarks are here reportep
in brief, owing to the absence of the official reporter.

The mayor said that when he received a letter from the secretary of the Associa
tion, asking for the use of the council chamber for this meeting, he had at once placed it
before the city council, and it had received the hearty sanction of that body. He
regretted that there was not that evening a larger local attendance of the citizens of
Hamilton to show the interest they take in the progress of horticulture and agriculture
in our country. He thought that the Association had done a wise thing in choosing the
city of Hamilton as their place of meeting, because this city was situated in the very
heart of the best fruit region of Ontario, and near to the Niagara district, which is so
well and so favorably known on account of its great adaptability to the culture of our
finest varieties of fruits. By such meetings as these, and through the interesting and valu-
able reports of them which were scattered so widely by the Department of Agriculture,
the Association was advertising the capabilities of this province throughout the whole
world. The agricultural delegates of the British farmers who had recently visited this
country, had carried away with them the most favorable impressions of the agricultural
and horticultural resources of this province. He was aware that no very lengthened
address was expected of him at this time, and he would therefore simply extend to the
Association a most hearty welcome on behalf of the citizens of Hamilton.

The President replied on behalf of this Association, thanking his worship the
mayor, and through him the citizens of Hamilton generally, for the kind welcome,
which had just been extended to them. On coming to this city the society felt that
they were in a sense only coming home again, for it was its birthplace, and for this
reason, as well as because of the general interest always manifested here in their work,
the members felt more at home than in any other city in the province. The! president
closed his remarks with some complimentary expressions regarding the {beauty of the
hall which the city had so freely placed at the disposal of the association.”

THE TREASURER’S REPORT.

After the minutes of the last annual meeting were read the Treasurer’s report was
presented as follows :

RECEIPTS. | EXPENDITURE.

$ 6c Sic
Balance on hand last audit............ } 231.86 || Plant distribution: ./..>..... 4 0... see 291 86
MWieinburs’ fees “57s (ose e ee co eles | 2,012 35 || Canadian Horticulturist.............. 1,598 OL
Government grant .2)....5..00 20.2 -000. | 1,800 00 || Chromo lithographs ............. ... 233 00
PACA VOFLISCMMONES Jee aaatintrs fines swe s bee 5 296) 87 :||;;Blectrotypes’ Aceens cin e.cvnce eee 73 78
Back numbers and bound volumes of || Directors’ expensés .........5. 5 00s =e 464 36
the Canadian Horticulturist....... 43°18 || Express'anddutyl-.\--2.---uu teens 230 45
Patty Teceipterc esos tees.) ene eek aes 1 17 || Printing and stationery ........... . 76 38
Postage and telegrams 85 61
Comimissions:2)..3.0c. 0. @ aon deeeeiee 85 08
Care of rooms at meetings ......... 12 60
Stenoprapner!. ss emen ree ae . anaie 128 15
IDisGoants whe ..k.. sev chu eee oe 14 05
Hxchanges 5 sap sec ce «ieee Savers 4 60
Advertising meetings .-........ -.. 3 00

Salary Secretary-Treasurer, Editor and
ofeeclerk’, 2.22 Seo ae ate 1,000 00
Balance on /hand<,..<</o:<..scpeese eee 84 50
4,385 43 | 4,385 48

To the President and Directors of the Fruit Growers Association :

GENTLEMEN,— We, the undersigned, appointed to audit the receipts and disbursements of the Secre-
tary-Treasurer for the year ending December, 1890, beg to present the following report :

We have examined the vouchers, compared them with the items of expenditure, and find them
correct, showing a balance deposited in the Canadian Bank of Commerce, Hamilton, of $84.50.

; Your auditors wish to bear testimony to the careful manner in which the books of the Association ~
are kept.
JAS. GOLDIE, ;
+ ML. DENTON, | Avditors.
HAMILTON, December 16th, 1890.

Upon motion the treasurer’s statement and the audit thereof were duly adopted.

THE PRESIDENTS ANNUAL ADDRESS.

(¢ENTLEMEN,—In pursuance of a time-honored custom it becomes my duty to review
the labors of another year, or in other words to give an account of our stewardship, and
to present some thoughts upon horticultural topics that may be of interest. Although
the origin and advancement of our association has frequently been alluded to in the
annual addresses of my predecessors in office, I feel that it would not be out of place in
again meeting here in the birthplace of our society, to glance a little farther back than
over the year which has just passed, to the time when our existence began and note
the progress and advancement we have made.

Nearly thirty-two years ago, or, on the 19th of January, 1859, in the board room of
the Mechanic’s Hall in this city, was organized what was then called the Fru t Growers’
Association for Upper Canada; which name was afterwards changed to the Fruit
Growers’ Association of Ontario. The late Judge Campbell of Niagara was its first
President He died within a year and there was no re-election of officers till the 16th of

i

January, 1861, though there was a meeting for show of fruit and discussion of fruit
topics in October previous, at which time my connection with this association began. I
think I have only been absent from two of its annual and five or six of its other meet-
ings since that time. There were seventeen members at this meeting, quite a show of
fruit, and a good display of enthusiasm, besides some rambling discussion, and it was
decided to hold a meeting for the election of officers on the 16th of January following,
which was accordingly held. At this meeting the late Judge Logie, of Hamilton, was
elected president, which office he held till the year 1867, when he was succeeded by the
late Wm. H. Mills, of this city. During this period meetings were held two or three
times a year, at various places, for show of fruits and discussions upon topics connected
with fruit culture, which brought out a great amount of useful information and no doubt
helped to lay the foundation of success in fruit culture which followed, though the meet-
ings were often but poorly attended, and the membership of the society had only in-
creased to thirty members. Fruit growing for profit was little thought of in Canada at
that time, except by a few persons in the Niagara district, and afew other favored
localities. In fact it was a question in many parts of the country, where fruit is now
grown largely for market, whether it could be grown at all or not. Many had planted
different varieties in many localities on the recommendation of traveling agents which
were not adapted to the country and their failure had discouraged them and others from
planting. During the year 1868, through the efforts of Mr. Mills and his co-laborers,
the society was incorporated under the Society and Arts Act, and became entitled to
receive from the public funds a yearly grant of $350. This enabled us to collate, pub-
lish and distribute the information gathered in our society and also adopt a system of
sending out plants and trees to the different members in various parts of the province
for trial, and this has been productive of a vast amount of good in showing what varieties
are’and what are not adapted to different localities. From that time forward, our labors
have been a continual success. We have held our meetings in nearly every part of the
province, thus arousing local interest in the work, and encouraging farmers and others
to plant fruit. The Government, seeing our good works, have from time to time
increased our grant to enable us to carry out special plans for the advancement of this
interest ; notably our exhibits of fruit at the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia and
the Colonial in England, which did more to attract attention to Canadian fruits aud
place them in the position they now occupy, in the front rank of the best markets of the
world, than all other causes combined. In thus attracting attention to Canada asa fruit
country it would naturally be suggested that a climate adapted to fruit growing would be
a desirable one to live in and thus I have not the least doubt that we have been instru-
mental in bringing many settlers from other countries to Canada.

Another scheme, which our Government grant has enabled us to carry out, has been
the publishing of our Canadian Horticulturist, a medium through which a vast fund of
useful information is conveyed to our members and many of the general public besides ,
and under the management of its present efficient editor it is constantly growing better
and its usefulness is extending. I need not say this to the members, who all receive it,
but to those here who are not members I would say join our association, if for no other
reason than in order that you may have the Canadian Horticulturist.

Our membership has increased from the little group of 30, in 1868, to over 2,000,
and we have the proud satisfaction of being the largest horticultural society in America,
if not in the whole world; while the culture of fruit throughout the country has made
corresponding advancement. Our towns and cities which were formerly largely supplied
from the neighboring republic are now abundantly stocked with fruits of our own grow-
ing, and many sections of our country to which apples were sent from the States and
Niagara district thirty years ago, are now exporting thousands of barrels annually to the
old country, and even to the United States, and that of a quality, too, which can not be
excelled or even equalled in the whole world. And by careful hybridizing and judicious
selections, varieties have been found that will succeed in many sections where it was
thought fruit could not be grown, and, if experiments and plans which are now under
way succeed, and I have every confidence that they will, the day is not far distant when
every inhabitant of Ontario, if not of the Dominion, who has land capable of being tilled,
if he cannot sit ‘‘ under his own vine and fig tree” may at least, if he choose, raise enough
of some kinds of fruit to supply his own table.

Great improvements have been made also in the methods of handling fruits and in
packages. Thirty years ago, when I used to attend the Hamilton market, berries of all
kinds were brought in in pans and pails, and dipped out with the hand or with ladles
into measures, often in a condition ready for jam. Apples, pears and sometimes peaches
if not too soft were marketed in grain or meal bags, which had frequently not been very
well shaken—the bags I mean—the fruit had plenty in being got off the trees and over
the rough roads in lumber wagons—there were no express offices between St. Catharines
and Hamilton, or that place and Toronto, I think; but now we have attractive baskets
and packages for every kind of fruit and it is carefully conveyed in spring wagons to
the railway station where express agents are ready to receive and forward it to its desti-
nation. But, notwithstanding the progress of fruit culture there have been many ‘dis-

ouragements and hindrances to contend with. Blight, fungus, mildew, yellows, black-
knot, frost and insects of various kinds, often step in and cut off our crops and blast the
hopes of fruit growers, and they have to be ever on the alert to protect themselves from
these enemies. The methods and experiments in combatting these evils, brought out in
discussions at our various meetings and communicated to the public and others, through
our Hurticulturist and Annual Report, have been of incalculable benefit. There has not
only been a great advance in fruit growing during the last thirty years but also a great
advance along all other horticultural lines, particularly in the rural districts. There is
more taste displayed in laying out and beautifying grounds, in planting trees, shrubs and
flowers; in making homes attractive, than previously, and we believe that the Fruit
Growers’ Association of Ontario has done much in the development of this taste and in
bringing about these excellent results. The year that has just passed, has been a very
discouraging one to many of us, particularly to growers of apples. Although the spring
opened with an abundance of bloom and there was every indication of a bountiful crop,
there came a cold east storm which blasted the fruit and entirely destroyed it through
the middle and southern portions of Ontario, except in a few sheltered and favored loca-
tions. The counties of Huron, Bruce, Grey and a portion of Simcoe were the only ones’
which had any apples of any account to export. The same storm nearly destroyed the

peach crop also, and in many sections the plum and cherry. Pears have been a medium
crop, and the grape crop simply enormous, yielding five to six tons to the acre and some
varieties even as high as eight to ten tons. Small fruits have been a fair crop and all
kinds of fruit have brought good prices. On the whole, fruit growers have been as suc-
cessful as any other class of agriculturists. I think, however, that this season will
demonstrate the fact that it is not wise for those whose only income is from fruit, to
depend altogether upon one kind. ‘ Don’t put all of your eggs in one basket.” Many
an orzhardist, who has depended solely upon his apples or peaches this past year, finds
himself in a bad position, while those who have had an assortment of fruits have had some-
thing to fall back upon.

Now a word about our labors for the past year. Besides the issuing of our Horti-
cultwrist and annual report, we have arranged a list of the varieties of apples adapted
to Ontario, showing their relative values, hardiness, productiveness, quality etc., estab-
lishing a scale of points for judging fruit at fairs, which we think will be of great value ;
we have held two meetings for the show of fruits and discussions a full account
of which will appear in our next annual report. These meetings have been well attended
by our own members and their friends, besides we have had several prominent horticul-
turists from the United States to give us the benefit of their experience, so that, alto-
gether, the report of 1890 may be looked for as one of great value. We have distributed
over 2,000 trees, vines, and plants to our members for trial, and let me here emphasize
that word trial, for I fear too many of our members think these trees and plants are given
just as an inducement for them to become members, or as a gift, and as they cost them
nothing they do not give them the care and attention they should. This is not the
object for which they are given ; they are given you for trial. They are generally new
and untried varieties and we wish to have them tested in different sections of the country
and upon different soils and locations and careful reports made upon them for the good
of the country at large. So, if they are valuable, others can plant them and if they are
not suited to one section, let it be known, so that others in that section will avoid plant-
ing them. We consider that you get your dollar’s worth from the Horticulturist and
report and that you should do this testing for the good of others.

Another work which many of the prominent members of the association have been
engaged in and which 1 think will be productive of much good, has been the visiting of
farmers’ institutes throughout the province and taking part in the discussions upon
horticultural subjects, imparting what information they could in relation to fruit grow-
ing. During the year we have had a Dominion convention of fruit growers which many
of our members attended, and at which many questions of intervst were discussed.

Perhaps the most important was that of shipping and marketing. Agents of differ-
ent transportation companies met us and listened to our grievances and suggestions,
and they manifested a desire to furnish us better facilities and greater dispatch in ship-
ping our fruits. I believe, as a result, there has been an improvement in this respect
during the year, though I think we have just cause to complain yet of the way our fruit
is handled by some of the express companies, and their want of proper accommodation
in their cars, which are generally destitute of shelves for storing fruit. Slight baskets

Xil.

are piled one upon the other in suclia way that frequently when it comes off the car it
is in better condition for pigs than for placing upon the market. There is another griev-
ance in connection with the express companies which I think it the duty of thts Asso-
ciation to look into and try to have remedied. I refer to the petty pilfering of fruit
from baskets and packages while in transit. I presume there is not a shipper who does
not receive complaints every year from his customers of weight or measure being short,
or baskets being broken open and fruit abstracted. The loss is generally so small that if
he is very busy he does not take the trouble to report it, and if he does he seldom gets
any satisfaction. The large shippers do not often notice it, but it comes especially severe
on the small dealers in country towns and private individuals who are getting a few
baskets for their own consumption. As a case in point, I was stopping a few weeks in
the little town of Brussels last fall during the grape season, and a widow womaa living
there who made her living by selling fruit and confectionery wanted me to order her up
some grapes for retailing, 100 pounds or so at a time. I did so and when the first lot
came up she reported them five or six pounds short. Thinking there might possibly be
a mistake on the part of my shippers I deducted it from her bill and letit pass. On the
arrival of the next shipment I happened to be in her store when they were delivered and
noticed that some of the baskets had been broken open. I took one and weighed it and
found that there had been stolen over three pounds by actual weight. I showed it to the
agent and he reported it to the superintendent of the company, and that is the last I have
heard about it. There was from 20 to 30 cents’ worth on each shipment taken from
this poor woman’s hard earnings which would in two or three weeks amount to several
dollars and she had no means of redress. If there had been that amount taken from a
money or from any other package of value there would have been an investigation and
restitution, and the guilty parties punished, Why should not property in fruit be
respected as well as in any other commodity? I trust there will be a committee
appointed to look into and remedy this evil.

While we congratulate ourselves upon the achievements of the past we must not
forget the duties of the present. There are many evils to remedy, wrongs to be righted,
errors to be corrected, in the horticultural line as well as in others, and while we have
made advancement in the past we must not forget that we are far from what we ought
to be considering our advantages. There is not a country in the civilised world that has
a better soil and climate for growing apples, pears, plums, cherries and many varieties of
grapes in perfection than we have, to say nothing of small fruits, yet there is not one
farmer in ten, take Ontario through, that grows half of these fruits required for his own
use even. - I have travelled through some of the best fruit sections of the province during
the past year, been upon the farms of some of our most prosperous farmers and enjoyed
the hospitality of their homes, and I was surprised at their want of horticultural taste
and knowledge. Even where every other surrounding was all that could be desired, as
good buildings and fences, good horses and cattle, good roots and grain, well tilled fields,
yet when you looked tor the orchard, the fruit or the flower garden or the lawn, they
were either wanting or in a very negleeted condition ; and while their tables were well
supplied with the substantial and luxuries of other kinds, there was a noticeable absence

xili.

of what, to me, is an indispensable diet—fruit. I may be wrong in my ideas about food
but I have often thought that if farmers would eat less fat pork and more fruit they
would be healthier and happier if not better looking than they are. This would certainly
be the case if there is truth in the adage that “like begets like.” But about the health-
fulness of fruit, there can be no doubt about the elevating influence of horticultural pur-
suits, and I believe it to be the duty of every member of this Association to do all he can
to interest and instruct his neighbors in these pursuits both by precept and example.
Show them your own well-kept grounds stocked with the best trees, shrubs and plants
that your means will afford, give them a taste of your best fruits, ask them to attend our
meetings, show them The Canadian Horticultwrist and annual report, and persuade them
to become members of our Association. I believe if our farmers could be induced to
take more interest in these things, and surround their homes with these attractions, we
should hear less complaints about their sons and daughters leaving the farm to engage in
other pursuits. Perhaps I am taxing your patience, still I would !ike to say a word in
regard to varieties of fruits and their improvement.

If we look over the thirty years of the past we can recollect a great many varieties,
particularly of grapes and small fruits, that have been introduced to us with a “ oreat
flourish of trumpets’’ by their friends or persons interested in the sale of the plants,
which have been received and cared for at great expense, and we have found that a ma-
jority of them, like some of the human species, have not improved on acquaintance, and
we have been obliged to discard them, while a comparative few have come to stay, and
are_an improvement on the older varieties. These have amply repaid us for the time
and money bestowed upon them, still we can but feel that this continual testing of new
varieties is a constant strain upon our time and purse, and as testing new fruits is a work
that benefits the whole country I do not see why our government should not assist us in
this work. But it may be said by some that we have agricultural and experimental
farms already for doing this work, at Guelph and Ottawa. I would ask what can be
done at either of these places in testing tender varieties of apples, pears, plums or
cherries, much less grapes, peaches, apricots, nectrines, etc.? I know that Professor
Saunders and his staft are doing a great work in bringing out varieties adapted to the
~ colder parts of the province, and his experiments in hybridizing strawberries, raspberries,
gooseberries, currants, etc., will undoubtedly be of great benefit to us here. I had the
pleasure, during the raspberry season, of visiting the experimental farm at Ottawa and
seeing some of the marvellous results of his labors and testing. Of the hundreds of
varieties of this delicious fruit which he has produced by hybridizing and the careful
selection of varieties, and I have no hesitation in saying that many will prove superior
in many respects to anything that we now have in cultivation, and I think the same will
prove true in many other of his fruits. I sincerely believe that the results he has already
achieved will more than pay the country for all the expenses incurred in the horticultural
department of the experimental farm, and his work has but just began. I believe if we
had an experimental ground carefully conducted somewhere in Southern Ontario, where
our tender fruit trees, shrubs and plants could be grown and tested, and where only
varieties that were worthy of cultivation would be recommended, it would be a great

Xlv.

2 ——————

boon to the country, and in 30 years more we would make much more rapid advances in
the improvement of varieties than we have in the past. I hope that a committee will be
appointed by this Association to interview the Government upon this subject.

It gives me much pleasure to meet my co-laborers here in the city of Hamilton
again, and although I do not see many faces that I met here thirty years ago, it reminds
me of them and of the many pleasant meetings we have had here. 1t reminds me too
that many of them have passed away. Only a few of the original founders of this
society are left ; their places have been filled by other workers, and some of them have
been called also. During the past year we have lost one from our board of Directors
whose genial, kindly face will be missed by all; ever active in the discharge of duty,
cheerful, jovial and true as a friend, the name of John Croil will ever be revered by the
members of this Association. We have sustained another great loss in the death of Wm.
H. Mills of this city. It was largely through his efforts that we became incorporated
and received the Government grant, and although since his retirement from office he has
not taken an active part in our meetings, he has had a deep interest in our success, labors
and welfare as evinced in his generous donation of his entire stock of his hybrid grape,
the Mills, which will be distributed to the members of the Association next spring. Not
only this Association but the horticultural world has met with a great loss in the death
of Charles Gibb, of Abbotsford, Quebec, whose whole life was devoted to this’pursuit, and
whose labors and researches have done more to secure fruits adapted to the colder parts
of our country than those of any other man. Another prominent horticulturist across
the line, to whom we are much indebted and whom many of us knew, and whom to know
was to respect and love, and who has done as much probably for this cause as any man
in the United States, has gone. I refer to Patrick Barry af Rochester, Y.Y., who has
long been the honored president of the Western New York Horticultural Society. We
mourn with them his loss. Thus one after another of our workers pass away, but the
fruits of their labors live after them—more enduring monuments than those of marble
or granite—to perpetuate their memory. May their mantle fall on us, and when our
work here is finished may those who are left behind point to some rich results of our
labors.

On motion it was resolved that this Association hereby express its appreciation of
the excellent address just given by the President, and refer the points touched upon to
the consideration of a committee hereafter to be appointed.

COMMITTEES.

A nominating committee was appointed to nominate the officers for the coming year,
consisting of Messrs. M. Pettit and D. Nichol appointed by the chair, and Messrs. P. O.
Dempsey, W. E. Wellington and J. K. Leslie appointed by the meeting. This com-
mittee reported as follows :—

President—J. A. Morton. Vice-President—A. H. Pettit. Directors—1, W.S. Turner ; 2, John Craig ;
3, D. Nichol ; 4, P. C. Dempsey ; 5, Thos. Beall; 6, W. E. Wellington; 7, M. Pettit: 8, A. M. Smith ;

9, J. K. McMichael: 10, A. McD Allan; 11, T. H. Race ; 12, N. J. Clinton ; 13, G. C. Caston. Auditors -
Jas. Goldie and J. M. Denton. After these names had been voted upon seriatim the report was adopted.

oo” .,

XV.

At a meeting of the directors held subsequent to the election, L. Woolverton, of
Grimsby, was re-appointed secretary-treasurer and editor of the Canadian Horticu /

The following committees were appointed by the chair, viz:

Fruit Exhibit.—A. McD Allan, John Craig and A. Alexander. JLegislation.—T. Beall, P. E. Bucke
and G. C. Caston. New Fruits.—W. E. Wellington, M. Pettit and A. M. Smith. Special.—P. C.
Dempsey, Jas. Goldie and the secretary.

Communications were read from Prof. Saunders, regretting that he could not arrange
to be present, from the Hon. J. M. Gibson and the Minister of Agriculture and others
expressing their intention of being present.

The Secretary stated that he had received a letter also from the Department of
Agriculture, to the effect that it was the intention of the department to bind in cloth a
sufficient number of copies of the report to supply all actual members of the association,
This statement was received with great satisfaction.

REPORT ON NEW FRUITS.

The following paper on new fruits, that have been brought under his notice, was
read by the Secretary :

It will be gratifying to the board of directors, and others interested, to know that
some work is being done each year by our association in recording the origination of new
and promising varieties of Canadian fruits, as well as in testing the suitability of highly
commended varieties of foreign origin.

In apples particularly, there have been quite a number of very promising varieties
sent in to me for my opinion, some of which I have forwarded on to the other members
of the Committee, and others I have noticed in the Canadian Horticulturist without
that precaution. I will now give you a list of these, in order that a record of them may
be kept in our report, pending farther test of their merits.

Witson’s SEEDLING.—A magnificent fall apple of very large size and fine color,
found growing by the kitchen door in Mr. B. Willson’s yard in Wingham, and sent in
by Mr. J. A. Morton. The tree grows vigorously, and has a rather compact, bushy
head.

Description.—Size, very large ; form, conical ; skin, yellowish, spattered and shaded
with very bright red on the sunny side; stem, set in a moderately deep, even basin :
flesh, yellowish white, somewhat inclined to water core, tender and of a pleasant flavor.
A good cooking apple. Season, October.

THe Haripurton.—This apple was sent me by Messrs. Cavers Bros., of Galt. for
an opinion. It appears to be a local apple grown for some years in the township of
Haliburton, under that name, and possesses sufficient beauty of appearance to merit
notice. The description of the apple given below was prepared by Prof. Saunders,

Grown north of Peterboro’, size medium or under, 2% x 24, form oblate, color pale
yellow, nearly obscured on the side exposed to the sun by carmine red, marked with
splashes and streaks of a deeper hue. Stalk short and moderately stout, set in a small
but rather deep cavity, calyx open with a very shallow smooth basin. Flesh fine grained
creamy white and more or less tinged with pink, rather soft in texture, austere and with
an acid taste, with very little flavor, a pretty apple, but of poor quality. Ripe latter end
of September.

Green Fameuse.—An apple sent me by Mr. R. W. Shepherd, jr., of Montreal. He
says the original tree is some twenty-five years of age, and is growing on bis farm at
Oomo. The fruit is larger than the Fameuse proper, and he describes it as being a heavy
bearer, and very little, if, any given to spotting. In other respects it scems to have all
the qualities of the Fameuse as generally known, with the exception of color, This
seems to be its chief lack to make it very desirable.

XV.

Renavup’s SEEDLING.—A winter apple of great promise, sent in by Mr. Robert
Hamilton, of Grenville, P.Q. It is a chance seedling, found growing on the farm of
Mrs. Renaud, Grenville, and is now about eighteen or twenty years old, a fact which
points out its undeniable hardiness, for Grenville is about north latitude 45}, on a line
with the Parry Sound district. We have for this latitude plenty of good fall apples,
but a real first-class winter apple is the disideratum. Possibly in this seedling the want
may be supplied. ‘ihe apple appeared to me to possess four important points of excel-
lence, viz :—size, beauty, productiveness and hardiness. I have therefore made a draw-
ing of a section of it to give some idea of its exact size and shape.

Secrion oF RENAUD’S SEEDLING.

Description.—Size, large ; form, roundish, with three or four more or less prominent
ribs ; skin, green, almost completely striped and splashed with bright red ; stem, medium,
inasmall snug cavity; calyx closed, in a smooth regular basin of moderate size; flesh
creamy white, firm, of a pleasant vinous flavor ; quality, good; season, March to July.

MoMitxan’s SErpLING.—This apple, sent me by Mr. J. P. Cockburn, Gravenhurst,
originated in the county of Stormont, latitude nearly 46, and is the product of a seedling
tree twenty years planted. It evidently has the merit of hardiness, and it is for a list of
hardy apples that we can commend that we are at present looking, ~ It is a fine looking
fall apple, and would be an ornament to any table for the dessert dish. One great point
in its favor, for these days, is that it does not appear to have the least tendency to spot,
a grievous fault with many of our otherwise excellent dessert apples.

Description.—Size, medium ; form, oblong ; skin, yellowish white, almost completely
blotched and dashed with bright red, much deeper on the sunny side ; stem, slender, three-
quarters of an inch in length, set in a deep, narrow cavity ; calyx closed in a very small
wrinkled basin ; core open and seeds free; flesh, white tinged with pink, prominently
marked toward the apex, tender, mellow, fine grained, not very juicy, with a good flavor,
somewhat of the Fameuse character ; season, October. Promising.

THe GoLtpeEN Wurts.—lI have received from R. Brodie, Montreal, two fine samples
of the Golden White, one of the most promising Russian apples. . It compares favorably
in beauty with the Duchess of Oldenburgh, ripens later in the season, about the first of
October, is rather large in size and would sell at top prices in our markets. ‘ Surely if our
friends in the northern sections can grow such apples as Yellow Transparent, Duch ss
of Oldenburgh, Golden White, La Rue, Wealthy and Renaud’s Seedling they have as
good prospects for success in apple culture as we who live in more favored sections.

XVil.

Professor Saunders, director of the Experimental Farm, Ottawa, describes this apple as
follows :—Golden White, from Moutreal, said to be of Russian origin. Size large, 3} x
34, form nearly round, unevenly ribbed, color reddish yellow but almost concealed by pale
red with numerous splashes and streaks of deeper red in which are many pale dots, stalks
short and fairly robust, cavity small but deep, calyx of medium size, partly open in a

rather strongly ribbed basin ; highly perfumed ; fresh creamy white with a slight tinge
_ of pink, rather soft and a little coarse in the grain, crisp and moderately juicy, mildly

acid and highly flavored ; quality good; core of medium size. A pleasant apple to eat
and would no doubt cook well. Ripe latter end of September.

Henperson’s Seepitinac.—Mr. G. G. Henderson, of Hamilton, sent in to me a very
pretty apple, which he says is a splendid keeper. It certainly is an apple possessed of
excellent flavor and if it averages on the tree anything like the sample sent in to me it
is worthy of a place among our winter dessert apples. I have drawn a section of it to
accompany this paper.

SECTION OF HENDERSON’S SEEDLING.

Description.—Size medium, form oblate, regular, except that it is obscurely ribbed
skin a beautiful creamy white, ground striped and splashed with pink, shading intoa deep
red on the sunny half ; calyx closed, setina medium sized, somewhat rugged basin ; stem
very short, in a broad shallow cavity; flesh snow white, tender, juicy, with delicate aromatic
flavor ; quality very good. A winter apple, exact season not determined. A sample of
this apple shown at our winter meeting was much inferior to the one first sent me
from which the above description was prepared.

Russian AppLe Berestnskor.—Distributed in 1885. Mr. F. W. Coate, of Cape
Elizabeth, Rosseau, sent me this apple saying with the following note :—‘‘In 1885 I
selected from the Fruit Growers’ Associations’s list of premium plants a Russian apple
tree, Beresinskoe. I received and planted the little tree on the 13th May. This year it
has borne for the first time 17 apples. J send you by mail six of them that you may
judge if the beauty and quality of the fruit is worth notice in The Horticulturist. This
apple is described by Prof. Saunders as follows :—Beresinskoe (1) probably Berezinskoe—=
Beresina. Size medium, 24 x 2}, form nearly oblong, color pale greenish yellow, with a
bright red shading on the part exposed to the sun, and a few dots and streaks of deeper
red. Stem long and rather slender and set in a moderately deep cavity, calyx nearly
closed, in a shallow, strongly ribbed basin. Flesh yellowish white, more or less water-
cored, of moderately fine texture, a mild, nearly sweet character, with an agreeable but

2* (F.G.)

XVlii.

not high flavor. Oore large. The specimens are too ripe to admit of aecurate judgment
as to quality, but it would probably be entitled to rank as good. A pretty apple, would
make a nice dessert fruit and would probably cook well.

Crark’s SepTemMBerR Cuerry.—Mr, E. D. Arnaud, of Annapolis, N. 8., sent me a
box containing some samples of this singular cherry in excellent condition, considering
their long journey. There is but asingle tree and it is growing at Lower Granville, near
Annapolis. The fruit is about the size and shape of the Kentish and when fully ripe of
a dark red color, ‘The flesh is firm and of a sweet and very agreeable flavor. It might
be a very valuable shipping cherry.

Toe WiuiAm’s StraAwBerRy.—In small fruits there is little to report. One
strawberry of considerable apparent merit has come to the front under the name of the
Williams. Samples of this berry were sent me by Mr. David Grey, of Canesville, and
afterwards some were shown at our meeting at Niagara by Mr. Lee, of Virgil. It was
raised by a Mr. Williams, of Burford and among strawberry growers in Brant county it
has by all accounts become very popular. It is said to have been raised from the Crescent
seedling, fertilized with Sharpless. It is said to be an enormous bearer of very large
berries which must be allowed to ripen well before gathering or it will show some traces
of the white tips of its male parent. Compared with Sharpless it is claimed that it will
bear four times as heavily ; it is also stated by Brantford growers that the berries are as

large as those of the Jessie, and that the plant is much hardier. Certainly from the

samples sent me and those shown at our meeting this berry has considerable merit, and,
in order that it may be further tested it has been placed on our list for distribution in the
spring of 1891.

SUTHERLAND’s SEEDLING GoosEBERRY.—Samples of this gooseberry were sent me by
the originator, Mr. George Sutherland, of Meaford. It is a seedling probably of the
Downing. It has borne four crops and so far has proved itself to be an enormous cropper
and free from any sign of mildew. The bush is a strong, upright grower and the berries
are large and light green in color. I was not very favorably impressed with its quallty,
still it might be a profitable berry to grow for market where fruits so often sell more by
appearance than by quality.

Our Russian Importation.—Not the least important of our labors during the past
year in the introduction of promising new fruits is our Russian exchange. Through our
Russian friend and correspondent Mr. Jaroslav Niemetz, of Rovno, Wolinia, Russia, who,
I may add, has himself become a member of our association, I have succeeded in obtain-
ing a large box of scions of the best varieties of Russian apples, pears, apricots, etc. In
order that we may make an independent test of their value the greater part of these
importations I have placed in charge of the Oentral Experiment Farm for propagation
and testing on condition of our receiving a reasonable share for distribution.

I am just in receipt of a communication from Mr. John Craig, horticulturist of that
farm, in which he gives a full list of the varieties I have sent him and the number of
grafts of each kind he has succeeded in raising. I subjoin this list in full from which it
will be seen that there are some three hundred and sixty young apple trees growing, sixty
eight pear and fifteen plum trees.

Among the apples Mr. Niemetz has especially called our attention in the Canadian
Horticulturist to the Antonovkas and the Synaps. He also sends an apricot which he
regards as the most hardy that is known in Russia. It is called the Anjustin’s apricot
and has been fully treated of in our journai, where he shows that more hardiness may be
expected to characterize it than does the Russian varieties that were brought over by the
Mennonites. There were also a lot of 50 small cherry trees of a variety called Koslov
Moreleo, which have also been described in our journal. Forty of these also have been
passed over to the Central Experimental Farm for propagation and testing. Should they
prove valuable for northern Ontario steps will be taken to secure a sufficient number in
the course of time for distribution to our members.

|
XIx.
—_——————————— ———————————————————————————————————————————

; List of one year old grafts from scions imported from Russia by the Fruit Growers’
Association of Ontario, spring of 1890 and propagated by Mr. John Oraig, of the Central
Experimental farm, Ottawa,—

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REPORT OF THE SPECIAL OOMMITTEE.

The following report was handed in by the Special Committee :

_ Whereas, during the past year, the horticultural interests of our country have sustained a serious loss
in the death of three prominent Canadian horticulturists, namely, Mr. Charles Gibb, of Abbotsford, Que.
a scientific student and experimenter, who by his travels and researches has already very much enriched

-our Canadian literature and whose death in the prime of life occurred at Cairo, in Egypt last March :
Mr. W. H. Mills of Hamilton, a former president of our Association, whose labors, as a hybridist, have

xx

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rendered his name widely known; and Mr. John Croil, of Aultsville, who has been a true and faithful
director of our Association for many years ; also of one of the leading American horticulturists, Mr. P. ,
Barry, of Rochester, president of the Western New York Horticultural Society. He has been long a
member of our Association and has ever shown himself ready to give us the benefit of his extended know-

ledge of pomology. Na

Therefore, resolved that we, the members of the Fruit Growers’ Association of Ontario, desire to
record the high esteem in which these gentlemen have been held by us, the deep and unfeigned sorrow
with which we received the sad news of their removal from our midst and the great disappointment with.
which we regard the loss which our favorite industry has thereby sustained.

a.

THE WINTER MEETING.

The Winter Meeting was held in the Music Hall, Windsor, on Wednesday and Thurs-
day, December 11th and 12th, 1889.

The President, A. M. Smith, Esq., took the chair at 2 p.m., and opened the meet
ing by a few remarks expressive of his pleasure at seeing such a large audience, and
especially at seeing among them a number of friends from the American side, among
whom he noticed with much satisfaction President Lyon, of the Michigan Horticultural
Society.

THE ONTARIO FRUIT LIST.

There being no questions awaiting answers, the discussion of the Ontario Fruit List,
presented by a Committee of the Association was proceeded with.*

Mr. Brat (representing the Committee).—The Fruit List which is about to be
discussed is a matter that has been under consideration to some extent for a number of
years, but itis only of late that it has assumed a practical form. The Committee has
been at a great deal of pains in getting at the matter, and have spent much time upon
it, but up to the present they have only succeeded in classifying apples ajone, so that
the report this Committee proposes presenting may be looked upon as a report of
progress rather than a full report. It is hardly to be expected that the list we are
about to present will meet with the approval of everyone, as great differences of opinion
exist in regard to the relative value of apples for different purposes, but those present
will have an opportunity of making changes if desired. We have done away with many
of the old style headings. We have only four, the first of which is the season, in regard
to which there has been in the past great difference of opinion. The second heading is
the quality of the apple, which is subdivided into dessert and cooking, which we believe
will embody all that is necessary to be known respecting the quality of anapple. The
other two headings are value for home market and value for foreign market. I do not
think it is necessary for me to read over the whole list, but as it is arranged alphabeti-
cally I will take the first, the Alexander apple. You will understand that the numeri-
cal values, which range from 0 to 10, are under four heads, dessert, cooking, home
market and foreign market. We consider the Alexander wholly worthless as a dessert
apple, so that if it were exhibited with a lot of fruit for dessert purposes it would count
0. For cooking purposes we have rated it at 9. For the home market we callit 9. It
is the business of this Association to endeavor to show which is the most profitable for

*For the Report see Appendix, pp. 82-6.
1 (F.G.)

aman to grow. Now, here is one of the lowest, the Cornish Gilly-flower. The Gilly-
flower for dessert purposes is rated 1. If it were put in as a dessert apple it would be
worth more than the Alexander, but for cooking purposes it is worth 0, for the home
market 1, and for the foreign market 2; so its total value is only 4. If we take the Nor-
thern Spy we give it 10 under each head ; so it would be worth 40. You would need

to have a great many apples on the table of the Cornish Gilly-flower’s qualities to compete

with one only of the Northern Spy.

KING OF TOMPKINS COUNTY.

Mr. WiLxrnsoy.—How have you rated the King of Tompkins County ?
Mr. Beaty.—The rating is under the four headings respectively, 8, 8, 10 and 10.

The SecreTary.—I should be almost inclined to place that at 10 for cooking ; it is
one of the best.

Mr. Wixxkinson.—I have always thought the King of Tompkins County one of the
best that could be raised.

Mr. Drempsey.—Some feel like putting it at 10 for dessert. For my part I think 8
is high enough ; when you compare the King of Tompkins with the Pomme Grise or
Cox’s Orange Pippin the King of Tompkins is very imperfect, and if you are going to
give it 10 for cooking purposes I think it should be reduced in some other way, so that
it will not count any more in the aggregate than it does now.

Mr. Witxinson.—I think the King of Tompkins is rather inferior as a dessert
apple.

The SecreTary.—I move that the King of Tompkins be raised to 10 for cooking
purposes.

The Presipent.—It is moved and seconded that the King of Tompkins be raised
to 10 for cooking purposes. Oarried.

Mr. Dempsry.—I move that the King of Tompkins County be given 6 as a dessert
apple. A perfect apple in every particular will only receive 40 points, and as it is left
at present the King of Tompkins gets 38 points, and it is not worthy of it. We should
reduce it as a dessert apple as much as we have raised it for cooking purposes.

The Secretary.—I agree with Mr. Dempsey: it is too high for a dessert apple
at 8.

Mr. A. McD. Attan.—We considered in making this list what was the popular
opinion, to some extent. We know that the King of Tompkins County in a strict
ruling is not a dessert apple, but I have some doubt whether the time has yet come
when we should fix the rating by the strictest rules. We have followed the popular
sentiment to some extent, and hence we have given this apple a rating higher than we
could in strictness.

Mr. Exuiorr.—I raise a good many King of Tompkins, but I know most of my
boys when they go down the cellar for an apple bring up a Northern Spy. Now, the
Northern Spy is only good as a dessert apple for a certain season of the year, whereas
the King of Tompkins is good as soon as it is ripe.

Prof. SaunpERs.—I am enough of a boy myself to prefer the King of Tumpkins to
almost any other apple, and I hardly like to see it put as low as 6 for dessert purposes ;
I would rather take off somewhere else. I believe something should be taken off on
account of its tendency to blow off the trees in stormy weather, but I do not like the
idea of taking that much off it as a dessert apple because it would show unfairly when
compared with other apples of perhaps inferior quality from your standpoint. I think
the King of Tompkins Oounty is one of the best apples that one can get to eat—one

of the highest flavors. Ido not object to it on account of its size, for if I cannot eat
the whole of one myself I have never any difficulty in finding some person who is quite
willing to take a share in it.

The Secretary.—It seems to me that a good way of getting rid of this difficulty
would be to have a column for productiveness, and in that way we would put the King
of Tompkins down 3 or 4, and out of 50, which would be the maxim, it would have
only 40 or 42.

Severat Mempers.—That is a good suggestion.

Mr. Witkryson.—I suppose the idea of this list is to guide those who wish to plant
out an orchard, that they can refer to it and pick out those that have the highest value
attaehed.

Mr. A. McD. Attan.—That is not the idea of this list ; there is a separate list for
that. In this list we have the particulars that judges at exhibitions want. The difli-
culty in having a column for productiveness is this, that a great many of these apples
are local, and while an apple might be very productive in one neighborhood under a
certain set of circumstances, in another and under different conditions it might not be
productive at all.

A Memser.—I do not think we need be afraid to let the King of Tompkins stand
at 40.

Mr. Rice.—It has no rival ; I do not think there is any danger in letting it stand
10 all through.

Mr. Dewpsry.—What is the object of our trying to produce new fruits if we have
already arrived at perfection.

The PresipENt.—The question is before you ; shall we reduce the King of Tomp-
kins County to 6 points as a dessert apple? Lost.

THE NORTHERN SPY.

The PresipNev.— The Northern Spy is now before your consideration.

Mr. Beatt.—The Committee thought it better to put the Northern Spy at four 10s.

Prof. Saunpers.—I would move that it be not ranked higher than the King of
Tompkins County.

The Secretary.—I second that ; it is inclined to spot sometimes in localities, and
to be imperfect.

Mr. Witkinson.—I think it is rated too high as a cooking apple ; it is very insipid.

Mr. Witson (Chatham).—It is not a good enough keeper to rank as high as 10.

Mr. Atitan.—There are several points you are forgetting. The list is constructed
upon the understanding that we have perfect specimens ; and for the purpose of aiding
judges when it is expected that perfect specimens are found on the exhibition table. In
regard to a perfect Northern Spy, I am willing to stand by the rating given. I know
that, even for the home market, the Northern Spy, for its own season, still stands at
the top of the list, and in the foreign market it will do so every time. Of course we
find many of them spotted, but that does not touch the question at all; we do not want
these spotted apples, but perfect fruit in every instance.

The Presipent.—The question is whether we shall reduce it, as has been moved
and seconded. Lost.

The Secrerary.—I am inclined to attack it on another point, that is for the foreign
market. It is placed as high as the King, and certainly the King sells for higher prices
in the foreign market than the Northern Spy.

Mr. A. McD. Attan.—There, again, as far as the market is concerned, the stand-
ard is taken on the apple itself. You will make more out of the Northern Spy than
the King; its productiveness does it. You will make more out of a perfect crop of
Northern Spies than out of a perfect crop of Kings, I think you will make more out of
the Baldwin than the King, but it does not rank with the King.

Mr. Exxiorr.—If a man who is a grandfather plants the Northern Spy in our part
of the country his boys may get some of the fruit, but I have had some that have been
planted thirteen years, and I have never got a crop yet.

Mr. Ricr.—My friend here (Mr. Allan) says he can sell Baldwins quicker than the
King. I had a hundred Baldwins in a fine location and I have not yet got a good
crop.

The Presipent.—This apple has been passed upon, let us take something else.

THE GREENING AND LOUISE.

A Mempber.—Let us have the Greening.

Mr. Beatu.—We have rated that at 8 for dessert, 10 for cooking, 8 for home market
and 8 for foreign market.

A Memper.—What about the Princess Louise ?

Mr. Beatt.—We have it 8 for dessert, 7 for cooking, 7 for home market, 8 for

foreign market.

The Secrerary.—lI do not think it is ranked high enough as a dessert apple, neither

is it ranked highly enough as a market apple for the home market, for at Christmas time
it takes on such a beautiful color that I think perfect samples should stand higher than
the figure given. I think it should be 10 for dessert purposes.

Mr, A. McD. Axtan.—The trouble is the Princess Louise is a new variety, not ;

usually cultivated, and I have always gone on the principle of being very suspicious of
anything new. I prefer to see it tested thoroughly first. I have a very high opinion
of the Princess Louise, but upon that general principle I purposely rated it lower than

I would otherwise have done on account of its newness, and its not being sufficiently —

The Presipent.—As it is an apple not very generally known I think it is best to
leave it alone.

THE GOLDEN RUSSET.

The Presipent.—A member calls for the Golden Russet.
President Lyon.—Which Golden Russet? Is it the English Golden Russet ?
The Memper.—I mean the English Golden Russet. I claim there is an English

and an American Golden Russet, ‘The American is a deeper Russet and a larger apple, —

and never gets the beautiful yellow color the English variety gets.

Mr. Dempsry.—I think we know a little about Russet apples, and I may say I
have never seen an American Russet yet. What is called the American Golden Russet
was originated in England by Dr. Hogg, and he called it the Russett ; there is some
other name he had for it, which does not matter however. There are more than twenty
varieties of the English Russet and twenty sizes.

President Lyon.—There is no such thing as the English Golden Russet described.
The Golden Russet of western New York is the English Golden Russet, but the book
does not recognise it as entitled io the name English, though there is an American
Golden Russet entirely distinct from it. The tree is an upright grower, and very
unprofitable ; here it is sometimes called the Sheep-nose. It is quite distinct from the
apple we have been talking about, and I think it is very desirable we should thoroughly
understand these things and understand each other,

Mr. Beatu.—We may as well proceed to the question. Someone has asked the

rating of the Golden Russet. The apple in question is the one that Downing simply

calls the Golden Russet, but supposed to be of English origin ; we have no authority
from Downing that it actually is, but he says it is supposed to be. We have it down at
7 for dessert, 8 for cooking, 7 for home market and 9 for foreign market. [Rating not
objected to. |

THE STARK.

Mr. Bratu.—lI want to say there are three apples here that we have not on the list —

{referring to exhibit of apples). We have plenty of room, and shall‘be glad to put on
any apple you may name, provided you give us the ratings here. Someone has men-
tioned the Stark ; we will insert that if he will give us its proper rating.

5

Mr. Witson.—I called for the Stark ; I found it here on the fruit table and I think
it is remarkably good. It is spoken highly of by those who grow it, but beyond that I
do not know anything about it.

Mr. Ciirrorp.—J have raised the Stark from nursery stock. The trees are bearing
well, and it is fully as early as the Greening in this country, or the Baldwin, and a little
larger than the latter apple. One man put ont an orchard from my nursery a few years:
ago, and he told me this fall that the packers put up five and a half barrels from one
tree, and the tree had been out eleven years. The apples are not first class quality,
being a little thick in the skin, but they bear handling and shipping well. They are not
as high colored as the Baldwin. The tree is very thrifty to grow iu the nursery. I

would not rate it as a first rate dessert apple, and it is hardly sharp enough to bea
really good cooking apple. For its keeping qualities and prolificness [ think it would
rate high.

Mr. Beatt.—Can you give us any authority that this is the true name of the apple.

: Mr. Ciirrorp.—Only that it is mentioned in all nurserymen’s catalogues as the

Stark. I think it was originated in central New York.

President Lyon.—The Stark apple originated in Ohio. It will be found described
in the list of the Ohio Pomological Society, in their report. It ranks quite low, except
as to its keeping qualities for the market.

Mr. Bratt.—What would you consider is the proper season of the apple.

Mr. Lyon.—It is a winter apple.

Mr. A. McD. Attan.—My recollection of the Stark is that it was particularly
coarse—a heavy, coarse grained apple, and almost flavorless.

Mr. Crirrorp.—What time did you test it.

; Mr. Atian.—In the fall.
Mr. Cuiirrorp.—About the Ist of April is the time it becomes eatable.

THE FAMEUSE.

The Presipent.—The Snow apple is called for.

Mr. Brati.—That is one of the disputed apples—its season is disputed, We have
rated it as an autumn apple. For dessert we have marked it 8 with a good many qualms-
of conscience, for cooking 2, for home market 9, and for foreign market 8.

A Memper.—I think the rating for cooking is altogether too low; it melts right
down with a little sugar.

Mr. Casron.—lI agree with that ; I think there is only one better cooker than the
Snow, and that is the Duchess.

Mr. Witson.—I move that it be raised to 9 points as a dessert apple.

Mr. WiLkinson.—As a dessert apple I think it has no superior. Asa cooker it is:
a little inferior, but for dessert purposes I think it is gntitled to the maximum rating.

Mr. Beatt.—We do not recognize the name Snow at all; we call it the Fameuse.

Mr. Witk1nson.—Of course I referred to the Fameuse though I said the Snow.

_ The Presipent.—It is moved that the Fameuse be raised one point as a dessert
apple. Carried.

Prof. Saunvers.—I move that it be raised five points as a cooking apple. Carried.

<a

THE MANN AND SPITZENBERG.

A Memeer.—Give us the rating of the Mann apple ?
| Mr. Brati.—4 for dessert, 7 for cooking, 7 for home market and 8 for foreign
market. Approved.

A Memper.—The Spitzenberg !
| Mr. Brati.—9 for dessert, 9 for cooking, 9 for home market and 10 for foreign
‘market.
7 Mr. Ex.iotr.—For cooking I think it is rated too high, unless it is put in the over

early in the morning and cooked all day ; then we might give it 10.
Mr. WiLK1nson.—I suggest raising it for dessert to 10.

Mr. A. McD. Attan.—I have no objection to agreeing with Mr. Wilkinson. As to
its qualities as a dessert apple, it deserves to be hoisted up a point ; it is certainly a
magnificent dessert apple.

Prof. SAunpERs.—I think it should stand where it is. It is a tough apple to eat ;_

it is not a favorite with people who have not good teeth, and they have to be con-
sidered.

The Presipent.—That is generally the fault of the grower or the person using it.
When kept in a proper temperature it is all right ; but it must not be kept in too dry a
cellar or storage.

Mr. Dempsey.—The Spitzenberg has been largely grown in our section, but I think
the last tree is now dead, and I for one am not sorry, I am surprised at any one sug-
gesting that it be raised for dessert purposes.

The Presipent.— Well, shall we raise it one point as a dessert apple? Lost.

SHIAWASSEE BEAUTY.

A Memper.—Let us hear the rating of the Shiawassee Beauty 2

Mr. Beaty.—We have rated it 4 for dessert, 6 for cooking, 6 for home market and
‘9 for foreign market.

Prof. SaunpErs.—I think that is too low for dessert, I move it be raised one point
as a dessert apple. Carried.

The Presipenr.—We are asked for the rating of the Yellow Transparent.

Mr. Breanu.—For dessert 5, for cooking 7, for home market 4 and for foreign
market 0.

Mr. Mircurut (Leamington).—I have had it three or four seasons. It is a splendid
bearer and as a dessert apple cannot be beaten ; I would rank it higher than the Early
Harvest. It does not spot, and is very even in size.

Mr. Witson (Chatham).—People have been misled as to the time ofits ripening. I
find throughout the country that it does not ripen nearly so early as is represented, and
it is not a very early apple at all.

Mr. Mircueti (Leamington).—It will stay much longer on the tree than any other.

The Secrerary.—How soon can you use it ?

Mr. Mircuetut.—Much the same as the Early Harvest, perhaps a few days later,
but it gets better in quality as it remains on the tree. So far as I am acquainted with
it it is superior to the Summer Harvest. It does not spot, and it is very uniform in size.

The Presipent.—It has been moved and seconded that this apple be raised to 6 for
dessert purposes? Carried.

SALOME.

The Presipent.—Can you give a rating for the Salome ?

Mr. Caston.—I think it is new in this Province.

President Lyon.—In 1884, at the meeting of the Mississippi Valley Society at New
Orleans, it was shown for the first time by a gentleman who originated it, or at least was
introducing it in westrn Illinois. It was specially hardy and very promising for that
reason, but only third or fourth rate in quality, and not particularly attractive either in
appearance or size. It is a little below medium size. I do not think it has taken very
strong hold upon the west. It does not reach into northern Iowa or Wisconsin at all,
and I do not think that for Michigan or Ontario it would be well adapted.

Mr. Wixtson.—I know it would not stand the northern climate at all.

GRIMES’ GOLDEN,

The Presipent.—The rating for Grimes’ Golden is called for.

Mr. Brati.—For dessert 9, for cooking 2, for home market 5, and for foreign
gnarket 7.

;

<—

Prof. SauNpERS.—I would like to see it raised a little for the home market as I
think it is one of the finest apples for dessert. I move that it be raised at least one
point for the home market, and I shall be very glad if anyone will tell me just now
where I can get some.

Mr. A. McD, Atian.—I am willing to acquiesce in that, but it is difficult under
other than exceptional circumstances to get a demand for it. There is no demand for it
in the home or foreign market. I have tried it both here, in Britain and in the States.
I got the best prices for it in New York, but it had been pretty well written up there at
the time. I afterwards shipped some there and got very little for them.

Mr. Dempsey.—It is an apple that looks so much like a young seedling in every
way that unless a person knows it he will not buy ; but anyone who knows the apple will
pay the highest price for it as a dessert apple. 1 think we have no better, but for the
home market or foreign market it is certainly not sufficiently attractive to the eye.

Prof. Saunprers.—I think that is a reason why the committee should adopt my sug-
gestion ; it is our duty to show that we appreciate a really good apple, despite its ill
looks.

Mr. Bucke.—The reason it is so low is that its color is very much against it. You
-caunot tell Grimes’ Golden in a barrel until it gets ripe, and gets its color.

President Lyon.—It is one of those very rare varieties that grow down as far as
Virginia, and yet it seems to hold its full quality with us, and even farther north
than here.

Mr. Extiorr.—Here it colors up nicely on the tree—it does with me—a rich, golden
yellow. I have shown it under two or three heads, and it has almost always taken
a prize.

RED CANADA.

A Memper.—Give us the rating of Red Canada ? ;
Mr. Bearu.—It is 2 for dessert, 6 for cooking, 7 for home market, and 8 for foreign
. market. ’

Mr. Exriorr.—It is superior to Ben Davis and I would recommend that it be raised
to 6 for a dessert apple. Motion carried. 7

President Lyon.—The Red Canada often passes for a Baldwin, but among buyers it
is sometimes rated much higher as a dessert apple than as a culinary fruit. It is con-
siderably sought after, and sold in the same market for much higher prices than the
Baldwin, which is our next popular apple.

Mr. Wiete (Kingsville).—We find it far ahead of the Baldwin.

Mr. Witson.—I find the exporters are snapping at all the red apples they do not
know the name of, and any apple they do not know the name of and which is red in
color, they name “Canada Red.” Ido not think we can judge by the way it sells in the
market whether it is a good apple or not.

BEN DAVIS.

A Memper.—What is the rating of Ben Davis?

Mr. Bratt.—3 for dessert, 1 for cooking, 8 for home market and 9 for foreign
market.

The Secretrary.—1 is enough for dessert, is it not ?

Mr. Witson.—I move that Ben Davis be rated 0 fordessert, 1 for cooking, and 9
for foreign market.

Mr. Dempsey.—Anything that is worth growing at all is worth growing well, and
when we talk about the home market or the foreign market we mean, What is going to
give us the most money? Now, I can make more money out of one tree of Ben Davis
than I can off fifty trees of King of Tompkins County. We havea lot of trees of King
of Tompkins County twelve years planted, and we have never realised twelve barrels
off them, and we have got as much as twelve barrels off a single tree of Ben Davis.
When we look at the quotations in the English market we find that Ben Davis is sold as
_ high as 32 shillings per barrel.

Mr, Exxtorr.—No doubt Ben Davis sells well, but I think a man who charges his.
neighbor two dollars for a barrel of them robs him of $1.75. It isa good apple for hotel
keepers ; a barrel of Ben Davis will last a first class hotel as a dessert apple about three
months, whereas a really good variety would not last a week. If you send a boy into the
cellar to get an apple to eat he never brings up a Ben Davis, and if your wife goes down
for the purpose of putting you in agood humor by making an apple dumpling she does.
not take Ben Davis.

Mr. A. McD. Artan.—I quite agree with all that has been said. Although good .

prices are now paid in England for Ben Davis, the consumers in England when
better acquainted with it will not pay the prices that have been realised for it ; it is going
to come down in value, and that, too, before very long. The fact of the matter is that

they are seeing into the qualities of apples quicker in that market than are the consumers. —

in our own markets. The Baldwin, for instance, is coming down, and at the same time
the Rhode Island Greening is coming up to its proper place. Ben Davis is bound to
go down.

A Memper.—I think it should be lowered for the home market. We cast a
reflection upon the judgment of the consumers when we say this apple is worth only 1 for
dessert, 1 for cooking, and yet that it is worth 8 for the home market, the consumers of
this country. I think you must Jower it for the home market.

Mr. Attan.—Why should we, as long as the consumers are willing to pay the price ?

Mr. Casron (Craighurst).—-I think it ought to go up a point for cooking; in our
section it is not as bad as some people here make it out to be.

The Secretary.—Do you flavor it with lemons? (Laughter).

Mr. Caston.—No, nothing but sugar.

No change made for home market ; motion carried.

BEST SELECTION OF APPLES FOR THE COUNTY OF ESSEX.

The President announced that Mr. Aranson Exxiottr, President of the South Essex
Farmers’ Institute, would read a paper on the subject of the best selection of apples for
the county of Essex—_three summer, three fall, and six winter varieties.

Mr. Ex.tiorr.—There seems to be some misunderstanding ; I have no paper to read
on this subject, though in a meeting of this description I do like to doa little skirmishing.
You are now, gentlemen, in one of the most wonderful counties of the Dominion, and
anything that would not suit us here would surely not suit people in distant parts. I
would not form any judgment as to the three best summer apples, because I do not think
we have any good summer apple at all. ‘Take the Early Harvest, for instance. It used
to be agood apple, but it is now a failure; it is very rarely you see a good specimen of
the Early Harvest nowadays. Then as to the Red Astrachan ; I have never bought any
of them myself, but judging by what I hear from those who have had experience with it,
it is not valuable. As to the Duchess of Oldenburg, I take no stock in it. We have
never had a market for summer apples. I do not know anything of the Gravenstein or
Benoni ; in fact I do not know anything about summer or fall apples.

The Presipent.—What about winter apples ?

Mr. Extiorr.—I know the Baldwin is a good apple after our trees come into bearing,
and we can better afford to raise the Baldwin for a dollar a barrel than we can the King
for two dollars a barrel. Then I put the Greening as another.

The Presipent.— What is the third ?

Mr. Ex.iorr.—Well, I left home with the impression that I liked the Mann apple.

The PresipEent.— Would you put that as one of the six best ?

Mr. Extiorr.—Yes, if you make it six I will. Then I think a good deal of the
Stark ; I think it is the coming apple. I would put that as one of the six. I cannot:
speak from experience of the Spy, neither would I advise anyone to raise the King ;
there is not much money in it, it is not a good yielder, but the great trouble with it is
that the apples fall. The Canada Red is a good apple and a good yielder, and I put it as
one of my six. There is another apple that I have not heard mentioned here to-day,

= EE ee ae

Peck’s Pleasant, which is a good bearer anda good apple. I think there is more money
in Baldwins and Greenings than in any other apples we raise. We have a
dozen different kinds of Russets; but I would not advise anyone here to
grow Russetts, as they become deformed. The Spitzenberg used to be a good

apple some years ago, but this fall a gentleman asked me to get him a barrel, and I could
not get a barrel of good ones in the whole county of Essex. ‘The Talman Sweet is a good
ple ; it is not an extra fine dessert apple, but I never saw its equal as a baking apple.
he Northern Spy is a good apple, but I think it is less suited to our light soil than to a
heavier land. Iam a great admirer of the Fall Pippin, but there is not much money
made in growing it. Seek-no-further bears very well with us. St. Lawrence is a good
apple when it is ripe, but you want to get there the night before or it will be rotten next
morning. The Ribston Pippin, though a good apple, is not an extra bearer with us, and
the Fall Pippin is a shy bearer. The Duchess is I think a kind of first cousin to the
St. Lawrence. It is a good cooking apple before it gets ripe. Another very good fall
«apple, that will stand shipping, is the Sherwood ; it is a long striped apple, and is an
extra apple to yield with us. Then there is the Maiden’s Blush, we get about as perfect
apples off it as from any tree that grows.

) THE QUESTION DRAWER.
The following questions were discussed from the (Juestion Drawer :

SHOULD EXHIBITORS OF FRUIT BE THE OWNERS OF IT ?

The Presipent.—I do not think anyone here will say otherwise.

President Lyon.—We have for several years in Michigan given premiums for
collections of fruit which may be gathered within a certain district, not exacting rigidly
that they shall be of the exhibitor’s own growth, but it is only in the case of those col-
lections that exhibitors are allowed to cull from others. I think this plan has added
greatly to the interest of the exhibition, because it shows the capabilities of the district
from within which the fruit is drawn. '

The PresipENt.—Are your people in Michigan all perfectly honest? We have a
similar plan here in some of our fairs, and I have heard it more than hinted that when
these people are making their collections of fruit they, at the same time, get a little to
be exhibited as of their own growth,

President Lyon.—We endeavor to draw the line very rigidly, and if any complaint
is made it is always examined closely by the proper authorities.

The Presipent —J have heard it said that the man who won the medal at the last
Toronto Exhibition collected almost all his exhibit, and raised only a very small propor-
tion. I know that it is done in local fairs right along, and I think it is a very unfair
thing and one with which this Society ought to deal if “possible.

Mr. Wirkinson.—I have been connected with fairs in this district for thirty or
forty years, and have filled almost every office, and I do not think it is fair to allow any
but bona fide producers. There have actually been cases where a buna fide exhibitor
has been beaten by fruit of his own growth exhibited by some one who has collected
fruit toshow. The only excuse is that a finer display may be made by getting together a
tine collection.

The Srecrerary.—The only thing that can be done to remedy it that I can see is to
pass a resolution in this way, that in the opinion of this Association every exhibitor of
fruits at any fairs should be required to sign a written certificate that the fruit he
exhibits is of his own growth, and that there should be some forfeit in case it is shown
that such exhibit is not as represented.

Mr. WiLkixson.—That he should forfeit all prizes, and be debarred from again
exhibiting for two years.

|
!
| Q.—Should fruit exhibited be the bona fide property of the exhibitor ?

———— - s -S- s CSCC
Py a : 3

— >
*

10

Mr. Dempsey.—I think the best and only way to meet that difficulty, which is a
very serious one, is for all honest exhibitors to keep their fruit at home. I gave notice
to a couple of our Associations this year that, though I won prizes liberally, I would not
take the trouble to pick my fruit and place it on exhibition against persons whom I |
know did not grow the fruit shown by them.

Mr. Morton (Wingham).—Our rule is that fruit shall be the property of the
exhibitor, grown upon his farm or holding; and I think we have a rule that any
exhibitor may be required to make a statutory declaration to that effect. Of course if a
man comes along and makes a false declaration we cannot stop him, though he would, of
course, make himself liable to the penalty for perjury. I think we have only had
occasion to demand that declaration two or three times. Twice we stopped the man, and
in the third case the declaration was taken, and I do not doubt the man’s claim was
bona fide, and that our suspicions were unfounded.

Mr. WiLxkinson.—I quite agree with that ; our rules are somewhat similar.

The Secretary.—Mr. President, I have a motion to make with reference to this
matter. It appears to me that it would be better that all exhibitors should sign a
declaration or certificate, because if you only ask one whom you suspect, you feel rather
delicate about it, it being as much as to say that you suspect him of being dishonest.
But if you require all to sign such a declaration it becomes a matter of course, and I
think if the rule were generally known that very few exhibitors would seek to evade it.
I, therefore, move this resolution, which is seconded by Professor Saunders :

That in the opinion of this Association exhibitors of fruit at fairs should be required to sign a certifi-
cate that the fruit shown is of their own growth, and that in case of any trickery being proved, forfeiture of
prizes is to follow.

Mr. Morron.—The difficulty is that you cannot make a certificate of that kind that
will hold water, because, if he makes a false declaration, it is only punishable if false
with regard to the facts, and the declaration must be made after the exhibit is made.

Professor SAuNDERS.—| think in the usual form of certificate the exhibitor declares
that the article shown is of his own production, growth or manufacture, and it seems to
me that it is not sufficiently definite for fruit exhibitors. I think the certificate for fruit
exhibitors should be so worded that there would be no evading it. Let the forfeiture be —
clearly shown that would follow any infraction of the rule, and I think it would have
some effect. People get behind that general certificate and say they did not understand
it. It should be made so clear that there can be no misunderstanding it, and if the
directors then do their duty and withhold the prizes in any case where complaint is made
or suspicion exists, until full inquiry is made and sufficient evidence brought forward, I
think it would help very much in regulating the matter.

Mr. A. McD. Autan.—I have often judged fruit at fairs when I knew that the
fruit of certain exhibitors was not of their own growth, but then I had nothing to do
with that. As has been said here, one thing that is to a great extent responsible for _
this trouble is the practice of offering prizes for large collections. It does not pay any
one grower to grow thirty or forty varieties, and I think ten or a dozen would be quite
sufficient for almost any section where apples are grown. Where it is desired to have
large collections shown at fairs, I think they should be collected by the Society, but I
would not allow any individual to exhibit them or receive a prize for such a collection.
The fact of the matter is that the offer of such a prize is a strong inducement for some
man to go and steal the fruit.

Mr. Bucxe.—This may be all very well at local fairs, but how can you find out who
grew the fruit at Toronto Exhibition, or some of the other larger exhibitions? You can-
not follow it up—it is impossible.

Mr. Caston.—I think any man who is perfectly honest in‘making his exhibit need
not be backward in making the required aflidavit, and will not object to it at all. There
is one difficulty in regard to fairs at which it is a rule, if you suspect a man of not being
honest in his exhibit that you must protest, depositing a dollar at the time of making
the protest. Then, if you fail to prove the allegation you forfeit the dollar. It is not
exactly the loss of the dollar, but you get into bad odor if you make a complaint which

turns out to be unfounded, though there may have been suspicious circumstances

ustifying the protest. [ have known very bad feeling to be engendered in some cases of
this kind. Now, if everyone was required to make the aflidavit, it would get over that
difficulty better than anything else, I think.

Mr. Exuiorr.—None of these certificates or declarations will do any good unless the
persons who are aware that crooked practices are going on will make that fact known,
and they will not doit. Ata fair at which | was a judge recently a man said to me, “I
want to see which of the Ben Davis’ got the prize.” I showed him the ones, and he
said, ‘“ Why, he (meaning the exhibitor) got that out of my orchard.” Now, if men like
that would tell the secretary and put in a protest, that kind o° thing would soon dis-
appear. If people will stand by silently and see prizes carried off by fruit which they
know well the exhibitor has never grown, all the declarations and aflidavits will not do
any good.

The Secretary.—I think we could have a printed form of affidavit to be taken by
_ every exhibitor, as Mr. Caston says, and, in case of any trickery being shown, forfeiture
of the prizes won at the exhibition should follow.

The motion was then put and carried.

ADDRESSES AT THE EVENING SESSION.

: At the opening of the evening session the President announced that there were a
number of local gentlemen, and gentlemen from the American side in the hall, upon
“4 whom he would call for short addresses. He then called upon the Mayor of Windsor.

*

WELCOME TO WINDSOR.

Mayor Twomey, who was received with applause, expressed the great satisfaction he
‘felt in seeing the officers and so many members of the Association in the town of
Windsor, and he was also much gratified by the presence of the gentlemen from
Michigan. To all of them, on behalf of the citizens of Windsor, he had much pleasure in
extending a most hearty welcome to that town and the county of Essex, where the
importance of the aims and work of the Fruit Growers’ Association were well known
and appreciated. He had always regarded the county of Essex as the garden of the
Dominion, and he felt sure the chairman knew well the many advantages that county
enjoyed as a centre of fruit cultivation. Still, he believed the fruit industry was but in
its infancy at present, and had no doubt that a great stimulus would be imparted to it
by the visit of the Association, which he hoped to see repeated at no very distant date.

The President replied fittingly to the Mayor’s remarks, and then called upon
‘President Lyon, of the Michigan Horticultural Society, for a few remarks.

FRUIT GROWING IN MICHIGAN,

Mr. Lyon said, speaking for the Michigan Horticultural Society, that they were
trying to do their part in elevating horticultural and pomological interests in the State of
Michigan. Pomology was occupying the attention of a great mamy in that state, in the
eastern part more especially, while in western Michigan peach growing was becoming a
leading industry. Their society had existed since 1870, and they felt that its existence
had been the cause of improvement and advancement in fruit culture generally, and that
they had been instrumental in bringing order out of confusion. He then described the
manner in which it had become necessary to have local societies to ascertain the fruits
suitable to be grown within limited districts, instead of having a general list of American
fruits, some of which, though grown successfully in one part, were quite unsuitable for
others. This dividing up into smaller districts had been going on since 1848, when an

assembly of fruit growers had met in Buffalo to prepare a fruit list for the United States.
Although this was a Canadian Association, he felt that the members of all Fruit
Growers’ Associations were brothers in a great and good work, and he hoped they would
always work together harmoniously for the promotion of the common weal.

Mr. Taytor, of Michigan, was then called upon by the President. He said that
the predominating interest among the fruit growers of western Michigan at the present.
time was peach culture, though grapes, pears and small fruit were grown to some extent.
The district from which he came was about six miles wide and forty miles long. In
every part of the state, where the prospect seemed at all hopeful, peach orchards were
being planted, but, in the district he had referred to, peach culture was almost the staple
occupation, the peach orchards being almost continuous from farm to farm for long
stretches. When the trees were in bloom the sight was a most beautiful and inspiring
one. The crop during the summer of 1889 had been the smallest they had had since
1875, but some years the crop was larger than they had railway facilities for getting to a
market in time to realise upon them. At the nearest lake port to this district, where
steamers for Chicago and Milwaukee called, it had been the regular thing a year ago to
load three boats each evening for those markets, each boat carrying from five to fifteen
thousand baskets. Two miles south two other vessels were loaded, and ten miles east.
ten or fifteen cars per day. On one day, when the wind was so boisterous as to prevent:
the boats sailing, he had driven to the railway at 4 o’clock in the afternoon, and before
reaching it he found teams strung out for half a mile on the highway, waiting their turn
to load fruit on the cars. These facts would give some idea of the quantity of fruit:
grown in that district. Their earliest peaches ripened about the middle of July, and
shipments began about that time, increasing until about the middle of August, when
shipments became very heavy, and continuing so until about the 15th of October, The
speaker concluded his remarks by expressing his pleasure at meeting with his Canadian
brethren, and his conviction that by united eflorts much would be accomplished for fruit
culture both here and in his own country.

VINE CULTURE AND WINE MAKING IN ESSEX.

After the audience had been favored with a piano solo by Miss Werrett, the Presi-
dent called upon Mr. Solomon White, of Windsor.

Mr. Wuire said he desired to endorse everything that had been said by the worthy
Mayor of Windsor in welcoming the members of the Association to the town of Windsor
and county of Essex; he only regretted that their visit had not been made at a time
when they could have had ocular demonstration by a visit to some of their orchards, full
of trees loaded down with delicious fruit, of the capacity of Eseex as a fruit producing
county. He himself had done something in fruit growing, principally in vine culture and
wine making, and he might say that he had to-day in his cellar wines made almost
twenty years ago, and yet sound and good. The great secret of making wine that would
keep was to bring the fruit to what would be called its normal condition. The grapes
grown in the county of Essex were toa large extent normal; but where he had had
experience elsewhere, near Toronto, they were not, and required the addition of a little
sugar and water to bring them to that condition. These were facts he had learned long
ago, and since then he had succeeded pretty well. Some ministers were very anxious.
for a non-fermented wine, but he really did not know where they would find it, for it
must ferment until the alcohol was all converted and all foreign matter thrown out and
done away with. When the normal condition of which he had spoken of was reached,
the wine, if strong enough, would keep. Vine culture and wine making was a great.
industry in the county, and though the number engaged in it was constantly increasing,
the demand was greater than they were able to meet. He would recommend them to go
and see his old friend Major Wagstaff, who had some as fine wine in his cellar as could
be found, and who could show them what was to be made in the county. Ooming to
apples, he claimed for the county of Essex that in it could be raised the finest apples
to be found anywhere, and especially along the lake shore. He felt great pleasure in

=%
£ grower, and he trusted the present visit of the Association to the town of Windsor would
not be its last, but that they might on some future occasion return at a time when they

could be shown to more advantage the beauties of the county.

being present at these meetings, where so much could be learned useful to the fruit

:
; } HORTICULTURE IN THE PUSLIC SCHOOLS.
:

Mr. C. W. Garrietp, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, was then called upon, and after
- making a few remarks on the similarity of fruit growing conditions in Michigan and
western Ontario, and of the feeling of brotherly love which should exist between the
Michigan horticulturists and those of Ontario, expressed his desire to say a few words on
the subject of horticulture in the public schodls, for if he felt more earnestly on any one
subject than another it was upon the question how the younger portion of the community
- should be instructed and encouraged in horticulture. The only way he could see of
doing this was by enlisting the sympathies of the teachers. It was not often that
children could be got together in such a meeting as the present one, but it was possible
to form little coteries in which a number of neighbors, their wives and children, might
get together and discuss such questions, and thus instil an interest in the subject into
them. They wanted to bring to this some of the enthusiasm which carried them along
in their horticultural life. He felt great pleasure in joining in discussions on horti-
cultural subjects, not only those connected with the question of how much money could
be got out of it, but those which related to horticulture in its highest and best form.

Mr. A. McNEILL, science master of the Windsor high school, followed. He said
he was heartily in accord with the previous speaker, who had said very truly that it was
not possible for a public school teacher who himself knew nothing of horticulture to
impart an interest in it to the children under his charge. He had been a senior teacher
for some years, and he was sorry to have to say that he knew very few of his fellow
teachers who were at all interested in that line. In his own botany classes he had found
‘no difficulty in getting up an interest in the subject ; he found that he could interest his
pupils from one end of the session to the other ; the interest they showed was really sur-
prising. He referred to the difficulty of getting young people now-a-days to stick to the
farm, and said he had no doubt that as soon as intelligence could be brought to bear
upon farm life there would be no more difficulty in that respect; the young people
flocked to other callings because more intelligence was apparently called for in them, and
so, when by the application of intelligence agricultural and horticultural pursuits assumed
their proper dignity, young people would flock to them, instead of deserting them for
other occupations.

After a duet by Messrs. Pepper and McLaughlin had been sung, Mr. Edwin Reid,
Secretary of the Michigan Horticultural Society, was called upon.

Mr. Reip, while acknowledging the honor of being asked to address the meeting,
said he did not think it necessary for him to add anything to what had been said by his
fellow-countrymen, President Lyon and Mr. Garfield.

PROF. SAUNDERS ON HORTICULTURE.

The Presipent then called upon Prof. Saunders, of the Dominion Experimental
Farm, Ottawa.

Prof. SaunpErs.—I am highly delighted this evening to meet with our friends from
the other side, and [ am sure their visit will do both them and us good. I have had
personal experience of the very hospitable manner in which they are in the habit of
treating Canadians, and I trust they will carry away as favorable impressions of us as [
and others, who have been fortunate enough to spend a short time among them, did of
their kindness. I must next congratulate the people of this district and the county of
Essex on the splendid country they possess, of which I believe the half has not yet been
told. About fifteen years ago, when a director of the Fruit Growers’ Association, I with

14

three others was deputed to inspect and report upon the character of the lake shore
district frem St. Thomas to Amherstburg. We started out with the expectation that we

would be able to complete the task in two or three days, and we had vehicles to take us. |

along, but we found so much to interest us that our time was consumed’ before we
reached Chatham. We found so many evidences of the advantages of the district for
the growth not only of apples, pears and plums, but also of peaches, that the committee
were quite astonished and reported most favorably of the district, hoping the next year
to take up the remainder of the district, including this, your favorite county. I believe,
however, that this was not done, and the work has never been completed. I make the
suggestion, and think it would not be a bad idea, for the Association to send a deputa-
tion up here, to report upon the advantages possessed by this district for the growth of
the finer fruits. I am sure they can be produced here in great abundance. In connec-
tion with my duties as director of the Experimental Farm, it is my business to travel
from Halifax to Vancouver, and I try to find out all I can about that little stretch of
country—only about four thousand miles! But it takes some time to get over it and
get acquainted with it and the differences of climate, soil and other characteristics con-
nected with it. JI have seen and examined the most favored districts of British Colum-
bia, and some of them are certainly very promising for fruit growing; but I am free to
say that I am not acquainted with any part of the Dominion in whieh fruit-growing can
be carried on with greater promise of success than in the county of Essex. The display
we have upon the table before us, most of which, I understand, comes from this vicinity,

and has been produced here, should be sufficient to satisfy anyone that it is indeed a —

great fruit district which can grow such apples as these, keeping until this time in such
condition as we see them. I would advise you, one and all, to cultivate more fruit ; and
I may say here that I believe in the aesthetic aspect of the question which has been
advanced by my friend Mr. Garfield. You will seldom find a man actively and enthu-
siastically engaged in any department of horticulture who is a bad man. I suppose I
ought to say something to you about the present and future of experimental farm work,
as it bears upon fruit culture in Canada, In the organization of the work of the Experi-
mental Farm, as the name implies, all departments of agriculture are expected to be

covered ; everything, in fact, with which a farmer is concerned—corn growing, stock |

raising and all the other important features of farm work. Such experimental work,
taken up from time to time, will be wnost beneficial to the provinces in which these farms.
are situated. That is all I propose saying about the farm work generally. But in the
department of horticulture I must say a few words more, as there are many very import-
ant aspects of this work to be considered, when we take into account the population of
the Dominion and its needs. I firmly believe that it is the best policy and the only
practical solution of some existing difficulties, that in districts like this, which are very
favorably situated for fruit growing, it should be gone into on a Jarge scale. J am
equally as strong in my belief of the importance of having fruit at every man’s door if it
is possible to have it, in every part of this Dominion, but while there are few sections of
the country where small fruits, such as strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries and cur-
rants cannot be grown, there are very many indeed where a beautiful apple, pear, plum,
or peach, such as you can grow in Essex, cannot be grown at all; where the trees will
not endure the severity of the climate. Either the cold of winter or the drouth of sum-
mer is sure to destroy them. The work of the Experimental Farm is to introduce from
other countries having similar climates, and to originate in our own country varieties.
specially adapted to those districts not so favorably situated as yours is, so that we may
eventually be able to produce apples, pears and plums which will prove hardy even in
the most rigorous climates. We have in the Dominion to furnish to the settler the
varieties he can grow to advantage, and if they are not up to the first quality, I know
they will appreciate in the districts I have spoken of even second and third class, if they
can grow them. In connection with the Experimental Farm work, a farm has been
selected in Nova Scotia, at a village called Napan, where, though there are good facili-
ties for fruit growing, the people have not paid much attention to it; partly, as they
will tell you if you ask them, that they can buy apples grown in the famous Annapolis

Valley cheaper than they can grow them. They are beginning, however, to realise that.

|

15

it is better to grow fruit themselves, and orchards are being planted by them now, owing?
more or less, to the advice and example given them by us, which served as an interesting
object lesson to them. I have no doubt that fruit growing will become very general
there within the next ten or twelve years. In the North-west one farm is located in one
of the great wheat belts of Manitoba, and the other on the verge of the prairie district
in the territory, where the climate is a continuation of the great American desert, and
the rainfall is lacking which they get further east, in Manitoba, In those districts we
‘are endeavoring to test such varieties as can be obtained in Russia, Silesia and different
other European countries—the apples, pears and plums that are found to grow in similar
districts there. We are also trying to get from our neighbors in Minnesota such fruits
_as they have adapted to the North-west. I have no doubt that in a few years we shall
be able to establish a degree of reciprocity with them in that line, whether a reciprocity
treaty be negotiated or not. I made an attempt in that direction recently, when in
Washington, and succeeded so well that the Secretary there has placed us on the list of

. Experimental Stations which receive samples of the seeds and products the United

States receives from abroad, and we shall send them any we may introduce as soon as we
possibly can. I think this reciprocal interchange among our fruit growers and those of
the United States will do good, and our neighbors across the line are so good-natured
that it is pleasant to get among them to negotiate with them these little trifles of bar-
gains. Of course we generally try to get a little the better of them; it would not do for
us to lose the reputation we have gained in that respect. The United States have done
a great deal in this direction, in the introduction of new trees from Russia for testing in
the colder climates of this continent, and none of them so much as Iowa. Professor
Budd has been associated with our own Mr. Gibb, of Abbotsford, P.Q. They travelled
together through Russia, and secured and introduced into this country many new varie-
ties of fruits, giving promise of being adapted to the requirements and climate of the
country. A few weeks ago, while at Indian Head, I went very carefully over the
Russian apples sent up a year ago last spring, which have stood two summers and one
winter, and I must say the success attending their growth was very gratifying, although
‘the season has been unusually trying, the rainfall being little more than five inches
between April and September, and the trees manifested a degree of hardihood and vigor
that I think augurs well for the future. Not only apples, but some cherries also, pro-
mised very well ; and through the energy of our excellent secretary, we are now on the
eve of getting from another part of Russia a consignment of trees of a very promising
sort, which I trust will prove another very valuable addition to the list we are trying to
grow at the present time. Apart from these introductions we are trying to originate
new fruit. I will give you one experiment now in progress, from which you will have
an idea of the work we are trying to do in this respect. The town of Riga, in Russia,
is, I suppose, about a thousand miles north of the latitude of Winnipeg, and around that
district a great many varieties of fruit are grown, and even north of that in Russia,
where the climate is very cold, and they have dry winds something like those in our
own prairie district. Through the kindness of a seedsman in that town I have been able
to secure a considerable quantity of seed of apples, pears and cherries which have been
ripened and sold in the markets in towns north of that place. From these seeds—I
think I am within the mark—fifteen hundred trees have been grown ; seedling trees,
which will be planted out in orchards in Ottawa and at the North-west farm, and it is
expected that by thus multiplying the chances of success almost ad libitwm, we shall, in
a very short time, get some varieties to manifest that degree of hardiness to make them
meet the great want of our people all over the country. In addition to growing seed-
lings in the way I have outlined, we are endeavoring, by cross-fertilization with the
hardiest fruits we have, to produce new varieties. You must not think all our labors
are devoted to the interests of the North-west, or the colder sections of the country
however. We are endeavoring to help the dwellers in such situations as yours in Essex,
and other favored parts of the country, by introducing and testing new varieties as they
come out. We hope by testing these new varieties, some of which are so highly !auded
and little deserving of it, to be able to save many a farmer a very large expenditure, to
which he has been hitherto subject, in having to test these things for himself. These

16

new varieties will be tested once for all in an authoritative manner, and their value
determined in such a way as to inspire confidence among the fruit growers of this |
country. And a great saving of both time and money may be thus effected, while actu-—
ally useful varieties will be placed before the fruit growers in a way which could not be ~
done under any other system. I am very glad to be present with you here, and to have —
had an opportunity of making these few remarks, with which I hope I have not occupied
too much of your time. p

\
~

ESSEX AS A FRUIT-GROWING COUNTY.

After the audience had been favored by a solo given by Mr. Patterson, of Windsor,
the Chairman called upon Mr. Cleary, of Windsor.

Mr. CuLEAry expressed his thanks for the compliment paid him in being asked to
speak at the meeting, and said it afforded him great satisfaction that the meeting of the
Fruit Growers’ Association should have been held in Essex, as he felt it would be of
great benefit to the county, by drawing attention to its advantages as a fruit-growing
and agricultural section of the Dominion. It was situated, he said, very similarly to the _
State of Michigan, and the climate was most favorable for the cultivation of fruit. The ‘
county was situated in about the same latitude as Spain, and it would perhaps surprise
some of his hearers to learn that in it could be grown fruit which could not be grown else- __
where in Canada. He had seen Oatawba grapes growing on Pelee Island on the 15th of
October, and in some parts of the county sweet potatoes could be grown. If this meeting
of the fruit growers resulted in drawing attention to the county, it would be productive _
of much benefit, for although the area of the county of Essex was about 430,000 acres, ©
only about one-third of it was cleared and in cultivation, and of that area about one-
quarter was devoted to the cultivation of corn, which, in Essex and Kent, could be grown
with as much success as in the Western States. He was happy to be able to bear testi-
mony to the truth of what Mr. Solomon White had said regarding the wine in his cellar.
Longfellow had said of Catawba wine:

For richest and best 3
Is the wine of the West
That grows by the Beautiful River,
Whose sweet perfume
Fills all the room
With a benison on the giver.

EVAPORATED FRUIT—GROWTH AND IMPORTANCE OF THE
INDUSTRY.

Mr. L. B. Rice, of Port Huron, Mich., read the following paper on this subject :

In presenting the subject in question to this society to-night, I would refer briefly to
the history, growth and importance of this enterprise, for, like all other great enter-
prises, it has had its small beginning and its infant days. It is true that the ancient
inhabitants of the desert regions of Asia and Africa dried and pressed the farinaceous
fruits of the date, palm and the prune, and that these formed largely the food used on
their long journeys across the arid sands. But I have not gone back to their means of
drying and pressing the fruit; nor have I traced the method by which the aborigines of
this country prepared their berries, so that they would keep even when buried under the
ground. Ihave commenced with my personal recollections of fruit evaporating in my
own home. My recollections commence in the typical log house of western New York,
with its broad fireplace and stick chimney, situated on the old Ridge road in the town of —
Sodus. Every evening during the autumn, father, mother, brothers and the hired help
gathered in a wide circle around the great fireplace, to pare apples or peaches for drying,
with which to assist in buying our winter’s clothing. The apples were pared by hand,
cut into quarters and the core cut out in the most artistic style. The quarters were then

=~.
-

7

put on strings. Some of the neighbors bought wrapping twine from the store, but my
mother would take the tow that was left when she spun her flax for our summer clothing,
re-card it and spin it into nice strong twine for that purpose. I remember well that a
great wooden bow! was placed on the table and the quarters thrown into it as they were
prepared. Around this bowl two or three of us were gathered, with our needles and
strings, to string the apples. These strings of apples were hung on racks on either side
of the fireplace and on the edge of the mantel-shelf ; they were also suspended from the
chamber fioor joist on the sunny side of the house outdoors, and in every place where
they could be dried. ‘The first improvement came in using scaffold boards to spread
them on. We got out some logs in the winter and took them to the saw-mill, had them
cut on shenes, and used the boards to build and cover the scaffolding. Everything was
extemporized for use—even the more flat roofs of houses, sheds, barns, etc.—wherever
the fruit could get the sun. But if there should come on a few days of wet weather,
there was trouble and loss. We had to go back to the use of strings. Racks were made
of strips of lath and put over the stove, under it and ali around, From this the transi-
tion was easy to a small room set apart for the purpose. A stove was placed in it and
racks covered with apples placed above, below and on all sides. But there was the
danger of having a hot fire maintained in the house, and several buildings were burned.

To avoid this trouble a smal] house was put up away from the farm buildings, and a

stove placed in it, and it was christened a ‘“ dry-house.”

While all of these improvements were being made in the art of drying the fruit
the spirit of invention was advancing in other lines as well. Some ingenious person
conceived the idea of paring the apples with a machine. We could not see how it could
be done, but he accomplished the task. It was in this manner: A fork with two prongs
was forged in one end of a small rod of iron, and the other end was bent into a crank.
Two upright standards were placed at one end of a board 24 to 3 feet long, and this was
fastened to the top of them by means of staples driven in, thus forming the bearings on
which it was to turn. To use this machine the operator would place the free end of the
board on a chair or bench, then, sitting on it, he would turn the crank with his right
hand, holding the knife in his left. The knife was made of a thin piece of steel, bent at
the ends and driven into a piece of wood, being raised just enough to represent the
thickness of the paring. With this a good, spry young ran could pare a bushel of good-
sized smooth apples in an hour. These were the glorious days of ‘ paring bees.” The
lucky young man who owned one of these machines was sure of an invitation to all of
the bees in the neighborhood ; more than that, he was sure of two of the smartest girls to
slice his apples, and a big piece of pumpkin pie at 10 o’clock, and in some instances, a
half hour’s frolic. But the restless Yankee spirit could not stop at this. His invent-
itive genius, so thoroughly aroused, and starting out under such favorable auspices in the
great fruit belt of western New York, has never slumbered. There soon appeared a
paring machine with large and small wooden wheels and a belt, so that increased speed
could be given to the motion of the appke, and this was followed by the first cast iron
geared machines.

Some time in 1857, I think it was, one Mr. Mason brought out a little portable
dry house. I say “dry house,” for we had not yet risen to the dignity of the name
“evaporator.” Mason’s dry house met the wants of the small producer better than
anything else ever given to the public, and thousands of them are still in use, giving good
satisfaction. The building was 4 feet 6 inches by 7 feet on the ground and 7 feet high to
the eaves. The heater was a sheet iron cylinder about 6 feet long, with cast iron heads, in
one of which was a door and draft, while the other was solid. The door was flush with one
end of the building, so that the wood was put in from the outside. The stovepipe came out
on each side near the back end, and returned to the front, where it was joined into one and
came out just above the door. This accommodated 10 or 12 trays, 5 feet by 4 feet, and
would dry as many bushels ina day. Its capacity is increased by building larger and
increasing the diameter and length of the cylinder heater, All of the principles of the
tower and hot air draft were and are used in this, as it depends for success on free
admittance of air at the bottom, and good ventilation at the top. The patent has
expired long ago, and any person can use it freely. With wooden slats for trays, the

2 (F. G.)

1S." L

cost complete is about $20. While speaking of small evaporators, there is another very —

much in favor among the next class of produces. It consists of two brick walls about
3 feet 6 inches or 4 feet apart, and sheet iron so placed in as to carry the draft back-
wards and forwards from one end to the other, and trays put in between. A $75 Canton
furnace is used, the whole costing about $200 aside from the building, which is large
enough to have the work done in it.

The first to build on a large scale was Alden. He used a tower 4 feet square on
the inside, and running from the basement through and out of the top of a two story
house. Steam radiators were used, being placed at the bottom of the tower ; but these
failed to give satisfaction, and were replaced by hot air furnaces. The apples were put.

*

a

5

b.

on 30 to 40 trays, one above the other, the fresh being introduced at the top and —

gradually lowered to the floor of the first story, where the dry ones were taken out.
This seemed to be the most philosophical method, but it was found that the fruit was.
scorched when brought near to the fire, and the process was reversed. The green fruit

was put in nearest the furnace and gradually raised, the dry ones being taken out at the |

top. As often as a new one was introduced the others were raised. This was a great
convenience, as the first story could be used as a workshop, the apples going directly into
the tower, while the upper floor was used to store the dried fruit. This style of evapora-
tor has come out with a great many variations, and with as many different inventions

for hoisting the trays during the process of drying. Alden raised his trays with four —

endless chains. Williams used two towers, with a device so that the trays were lowered
in one and passed up through the other, being taken out and put in at the same place. —

Now most of them build a tower of brick like a great. chimney, 4 feet square on the —

inside, with a furnace in the bottom anda draft-hood on the top, above the building.
These are practically fire-proof. Alden tried to sustain a claim against all others for
infringement, on the ground that his patent covered the use of hot air currents to carry
off the moisture, no matter in what form itis used. The evaporating people combined to
contest the claim, and the struggle lasted several vears. Proof was obtained that hot
air currents for drying purposes had been in use in various parts of the country for years.
The process was described by writers, notable among whom was Patrick Barry, the
venerable president of the Western New York Horticultural Society.

In the first evaporators wood was used for trays, then common iron wire, but the
wire had to be renewed every few years, as it would get rusty however well cared for.
Then came galvanized wire, as at present-used, of which I will speak further on.

Horizontal evaporators have been in use with natural or forced currents of heated
air. They were brought into favor during the war of the rebellion, to prepare dessicated
vegetables for the soldiers, to keep off the scurvy. If any of you ever enjoy«d a supper
of soup made of these ‘desecrated vegetables,” as we used to call them, and hard tack,
while on allowance, you will hold them in fragrant remembrance as long as life lasts.

As I stated before, steam was used in the first Alden towers, and it has since been
tried in a small way in towers; but its success was not satisfactory.. Of late it has been —
used in a large way where the heat is distributed among the apples by a system of steam
pipes, and it has produced very satisfactory results; in fact, it seems as though the hot
air tower would soon be a thing of the past. After the steam is used in the evaporator
it can be conducted through pipes in the working room, thereby doing all with one fire ;
also a cheaper class of fuel can be used. In the use of steam there are already many
claimants for public favor, some of a good deal of merit, while others have their
peculiar faults.

It makes but little difference what evaporator you use ; the work is the same to
prepare the apples. I have reports from men who own evaporators in many different
places, and I find that fifty bushels is the average work for a single paring machine in —
ten hours. Where reasonably fair apples are raised some report as high as sixty bushels, —
and some even more. ‘Two trimmers, one allowed to each parer; or it might be stated —
that to run an evoporator of 200 bushels capacity would take four parers, eight trim-
mers, two spreaders, two sorters, one bleacher, 5 tenders, one foreman and two night
workers or about twenty-five hands in all, Of course this will vary a little according to

19

eS : = = Se ——

quality of fruit and skill of work hands. The product will be from 1,200 to 1,400 te
white apples, and you would use with the most approved steam evaporator about
1,200 Ib soft coal, and from 20 to 25 tb of brimstone.

Great impetus was given to the business of ovaporating fruits by the introduction
ef the method of bleaching the apples after being pared with the fumes of burning
sulphur. It had been applied to hops, and in Europe to fruit to some extent, but it was
introduced in the evaporator in this country about 1876. As it evaporates, so it
bleaches. There are many styles but all accomplish the same work by burning sulphur.

dn paring machines there has been great improvement since the one I used at paring
bees. Some have even tried driving them by steam power, but we have yet to see any
greater average per day than by hand power. I see it stated in the Canadian Horticul-
- turist, of November, that apples pared faster than 25 bushel in ten hours will fly to
_ pieces and waste. There are none of our boys that average less than 50 bushels, unless
_ of poor apples, and some even as high as 75 ; yet we are not troubled in that way.

. The importance of the enterprise to a community is shown, in a measure, by the
amount of money that it puts into circulation, and not so much by the per cent. profit
_to the man or company who buy their apples and hire help to do the work. It is an
industry that gives employment to every man, woman and child in the community, and
_ that of the most active and energetic kind. Girls and women who at other times are driving
in their carriages, as soon as the season appears, may be found in the dry house all day.

It is not uncommon for the farmer to give to his girls the proceeds of the evaporation if

they will run it, and some of them take ina good deal of money, even up to $1,000 or

more. As an example of the money brought into a place I will give you the sum
paid out by one firm for dried fruit in the little village of Sodus, given to me by
_ Mr, A. B. Williams, book-keeper for the year 1887 :

‘

SECU NEI) WEG SD DLCSIEG (AC a,. sila tn dale seen. c'w, ainiajcie,cje osteo, a n\0 $262,500

MNP PMID MC DOTS AGING. Sco acl o.cln ete erties Siaslaie'e «la. vise sists a oie6 6 9,000

> DUN OUetb A RINS and Coresiat ZAC. «fhe. wads ost cass vhldecsiescs's 15,000
4 uvRMND Te OB ERIOS ut 2G. dal sfoln'e ctside tothe «\ciaiclt« craickeysl ois eb} ais, sachs 27,500
| : Pre TIEEEPONS CUE LOGS: to, cin la ia.c sini ope oPeatastorstersiaiatas ajo iciv >< ase's 67e'e 2 600
4,000 Ib. peaches at 120........5.... .... arate tte ates ace calc nats 480

. 4 $315,080

) Other buyers would easily have carried the sum total to half a million dollars.
This buyer employed in his packing house the following persons from September 1st to
_ April Ist, inclusive, seven months: one superintendent, one weigh-man, five packers, four
facers and six ring pickers ; seventeen persons in all. In packing the white apples they
used 70,000 fifty-pound boxes, which loaded 140 cars, and it would require 30 car loads
_ of half inch pine lumber to make the boxes. One box-making firm at that place write
me that in the same year they made 75,000 boxes, using 32 car loads of half inch lumber,
_ or 800,000 feet ; 600 Ib. glue, 2,500 Ib. nails, and employed seven men and two boys.
You will see by the number of persons required in an evaporator of 200 bushels capacity
_ that it would require 1,200 persons for three months in the evaporators, to produce the
white apples alone that this firm bought. Now I think I have shown something of the
value of such an enterprise to a community.
| Mr. J. Day], of Rochester, in an article read before the Western New York Horti-
_ cultural Society last January, plaees the entire production of evaporated fruit for the year
1887 as follows:

.

Evaporated apples, 25,000,000 Ib............ eee ee eeeeeecens $1,125,000
Chops, S000, 000 IDe oi cs «s0u5 acne aae eae 150,000
Cores and parings, 4,000,000 Ib..............- scenes neenes 60,000
Raspberries, 700,000 TBE .:s.2.c cewdeteess trek aia knots 150,000
] Total, 37,750,000 tb. $1,495,000

Giving employment to 80,000 persons at good wages.

_ The question naturally arises: where do all these apples find a market? Dealers
in New York write me that Germany and Holland are their largest purchasers, while
those in Chicago say the great north-west and west. Parties in San Francisco say that

20

they ship to the distant islands of the Pacific, particularly to Australia. They say that
just now they are having a large demand from Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and even
Texas. Prices quoted in San Francisco on the 28th of November are: Evaporated apples,
9 to 93c.; sun-dried quarters, 3 to 4c., and sun-dried slices, 4 to 5e. You will see by this
that sun-dried apples cannot successfully compete with evaporated, and I doubt if
expense of manufacturing is very much less. Perhaps I ought to say that there is ar
exception to this in what are knownas “heavy cut quarters,” sun-dried, from the north
ern reserve of Ohio. They are in demand in New York, and have the highest reputation
for export. "
It was said by writers and others last year, in a consoling way, that a result of
the low prices would be to open new markets, and consumers in these new markets once
having tasted the delicious fruit, would never again be able to resist. But careful
inquiry among dealers fails to furnish proof of any such happy state of affairs, or to reveal
any new markets opened. ‘he consumption last year was enormous everywhere, but the
general feeling is that there will be a great falling off this year. Western New York, th
cradle of the evaporating industry, continues to lead the world, not only in the quality but
in the quantity of its productions of evaporated apples and of raspberries. Delaware,
North Carolina and Georgia are the leading producers of dried peaches, Virginia of
cherries. Blackberries come from North Carolina, and apricots from California. “
At the opening of the season this year there was a new disturbing element. It was
reported that Germany had refused American evaporated apples cured on galvanized wire
trays, and that buyers would pay one cent per pound more to those who used wood. As a
consequence many producers put light ribs of wood over the wire, and the trade in
wire cloth was completely paralyzed. But the price of apples was constantly advancing ;
buyers were excited and driving about the country night and day, buying everywhere and
everything that they could find. It was soon rumored that those who had said the most
were putting all into one pile, whether dried on wood or wire. It was found to make it
much more expensive to dry on the wood. All of this caused a general feeling of distrust,
and many took the wood off; very few are using it now, and I fail to find that any of
the buyers are doing as they promised about paying more. The general feeling seems
to be that it was alla hoax onaruling by the German government against American —
food products in general. But in making a thorough investigation, I tind that the
complaint is well founded in certain cases at least. I will quote from those who seem
to know.
Mr. P. A. Pincoffs, a member of the firm of Manran, Pincofis & Co., Chicago,
returned from Europe a few days ago. He spent some time in Germany, and was there
when the question involving the healthfulness of American evaporated apples was raised

in Hamburg, and says:

The action of the German authorities in this question is not due to jealousy or emnity shown by the
German government in regard to food products from America. The measure against evaporated apples, in
the first place, is not a govermental one; but is taken by the Hamburg local authorities, who certainly
would and could have no possible object in discriminating against American evaporated apples for the
protection of a home industry that does not exist. The facts in the case are simply these: A few months 4
ago a case of sickness occurred in Hamburg, which was ascribed to the use of evaporated apples. The
board of health, whose duty it is to examine all articles of food, thereupon took the matter in hand and —
examined over fifty tons of evaporated apples in the possession of various retailers. The result was that,
on careful chemical analysis, a certain amount of zinc oxide was found in almost every lot. In most the
percentage was very small, 0.004 per cent. and even 0.002 per cent., but in some it amounted to 0.43 per —
cent. The decision was then promulgated by the city government that all evaporated apples found to ~
contain zine or zine oxide would be liable to confiscation, and the dealers handling them subject to peniten-
tiary imprisonment, for selling articles harmful to the health of consumers. This measure might be con-
sidered an exaggerated one, as the percentage of zine oxide in 90 lots out of 100 is infinitesimally small and
cannot harm anybody ; but the fact that some zinc oxide has been found in almost all lots examined stands
nncontroverted, and is beyond any doubt—there a foundation exists for the action taken; it was not a
feeling against American products, but primarily a feeling of paternal and somewhat exaggerated anxiety —
for the stomach of German consumers.

A similar case occurred in Amsterdam four or five years ago, since whi¢h time the
use of evaporated apples in Holland has been falling off. Mr, E. Myers, a member of the -
tirm of Myers & Co, produce exchange, New York city, writes me :

The use of galvanized wire trays has unquestionably, in instances, left traces of zinc poison in apples,
and may easily do so; but we do not think sufficiently so to affect the consumer’s health, unless, perhaps, —

21

y frequent accumulative use. This, however, is more a question for the chemist than for the merchant.
The ple have come so far only from Hamburg and Amsterdam merchants, and there the govern-
ent health officers have, in many instances, actually siezed, analyzed and confiscated the goods and destroyed
hem. A merchant thus exposed to actual loss of all the goods that he may buy naturally stops buying, and
ss Hamburg has always been far the largest market for American evaporated apples, our export demand
3 year up to date (Nov. 17) has been almost nil.

prejudice or of retaliation, but one of fact that has got to be met and remedied in some
Basner. Mr. Myers states that the return to “the use of wooden trays in evaporators,
if general, would restore the business to its former proportions. Any extra cost in evapora-
ing by this method would be readily compensated by the additional price that the goods
would bring. Unless we can find a wire cloth so galvanized that the acid of the fruit
will not affest it, it is clear that its use must be abandoned sooner or later. The
nit acid seems to have a close aflinity for either lead, tin or zinc, and as one or all of

The manufacturers of a certain grade of wire cloth claim that their silver finish high

ade cloth is proof against the action of the acid. Of course, if it is well covered
with silver, their claim can be sustained ; but it strikes me that such cloth would be

ery expensive. The only metals in use that are proof against fruit acid are gold, silver
and platinum. The new metal, alluminum, when it becomes cheap, as prophesied, will
also meet the case. I think I should prefer to use iron wire cloth, as the iron rust
- cannot be called a poison, if I must use a wire cloth at all, unless the claims of the silver
finish wire can be relied on, or return to wood altogether. Mr. Pincoffs further says :
5 * As the matter now stands, evaporated apples cannot be sold in Hamburg unless the invoices are
Sap ranied by a chemist’s certificate stating goods to be free from zinc, so that the trade in the article
€ . . . . e e . .

ere can be retained if a change is made in the process of manufacturing. But it may well be feared that

_ if this change is not made, and further trouble is experienced in different parts of Germany, the German
government will take the measure in hand, and having a solid argument against the article, will be only

glad to prohibit its importation into Germany unconditionally.

4 . The following report is made by M. De Lafontaine, a reputable chemist, who has
sxamined several samples of apples evaporated on zinc trays:

I have investigated the conditions under which zinc and zinc compounds find their way into evapor-
ated apples, and tind as follows:
/

1. The acid of the apple juice combines with some of the zinc of the traysand forms salts of zine; which
remains on the slices.

2. The wires of galvanized iron used to make the trays have received an extra coating of zinc, which
y peels off when the wire is bent and mixes with the fruit.

This is a matter that cannot be passed lightly by. It certainly shows a very
rave state of things. We cannot question the report of the chemists in Hamburg or
.msterdam, nor should we pass lightly by the report of M. De Lafontaine. If these
oe are poisonous to the Germans of Hamburg or the Dutch of Amsterdam, can you

me of any good reason why they should not have the same effect on the good people

=
— of Canada and the United States? If the suggestions of M. De Lafontaine are true, that

it may come from the peeling off of the coating caused by the bending of the wire
in weaving the cloth, then higher finish on the surface will not prove a remedy. It

must be found in some other way.

I trust that manufacturers of evaporated apples will not blind their eyes to these
ts, and that before another year the use of lead, tin or zinc cloth may be abandoned
for something that will render the taint of poison an impossibility.

After brief addresses by ex-President Allan and Vice-President Morton the meeting
adjourned until 10 o’clock Wednesday morning.

22

THE QUESTION DRAWER.

On re-assembling at 10 o’clock on Thursday morning the proceedings were co n-
tinued by the discussion of the following questions from the Question Drawer : me

THE ONE JUDGE SYSTEM AT FAIRS.

Q.—Is it better to have one judge than three judges at exhibitions 1 .

Mr. A. McD. Attan.—I would say yes; it is better to have one judge or two
judges than three, for when there are three they stand in each other’s way. Where
there are three judges there is a strong temptation to shift responsibility of unsatisfac--
tory decisions from one to the other, but no man will undertake the duties of a sole judge
unless he feels himself fully competent to do the work. I prefer two judges to three,
because, where there are only two, the judgment must be unanimous. In my own depart-
ment I would far rather judge alone than with two assistants ; for my experience has
been that they are anything but assistants.

Mr. Extiorr agreed with Mr. Allan that the one judge system was preferable, and
had been tried with most satisfactory results by the Union Society of North and South —
Essex. He was not in favor of two judges. Is

Mr. Witarp, of Geneva, N. Y., said that in his part of New York they had ~
always adhered to the three-judge system, but he was free to admit that the one-judge
system would have many advantages, provided the person could be found who was will- —
ing to accept the whole responsibility. .

President Lyon, of the Michigan Horticultural Society, said that with them the |
one-judge system practically prevailed, although it was the custom to appoint an~
assistant who had local knowledge to guide him on some necessary points. The real
responsibility, however, rested with the one judge, the aim being to put the judging ir ing
the hands of a known expert.

Mr. Witson, of Chatham, agreed with what had been said in favor of the one-
judge system. Under the prevailing pian the only man competent to judge an exhibit — ¢
might for local or other reasons be outvoted by the other two judges, who really were —
not competent, and this was a deterrent to really competent men when asked to act.

Mr. Reap, secretary of the Michigan Horticultural Society, said be had seen the
one-judge system in operation at county fairs, and had heard no more complaints than
when there were two or three judges. He coincided in the view thct one expert was ©
much better than three non-experts, or one expert and two non-experts whose judgment —
might weigh the former down. He thought it a very good plan to have one expert —
judge assisted by some one of local experience to help him in some matters.

President Lyon stated that at the exhibition referred to by Mr. Read they had —
secured the services of three judges, thinking they would find an abundance of work —
each by himself, but there seemed to be a tendency on the part of those gentlemen ’
instead of dividing the work to go on and throw part of the responsibility on each other, —
although that was not at all the purpose of the society.

FRUIT ROOMS AND STORAGE OF FRUIT.

The following paper was read by T. T. Lyon, of South Haven, Mich., President of
the Michigan Horticultural Society :

There are two, in some respects, distinct purposes for which fruit retarding arrange- —
ments are more or less employed. That tc which we will first give attention - is for the —
temporary holding of the earlier and more perishable fruits. These, owing to their very —
perishable character, can only be retarded for a comparatively short period ; and ©
experience had developed the fact that even with the arrest of decay the flavor deterior-
ates more or less rapidly, so that little or nothing is to be gained by more than a very —
temporary holding of such.

23

: "The process, whether with early or long keeping fruits, consists in keeping them in
an equable, moderately dry condition, a few degrees above the freezing point. This low

temperature may be produced by different methods, although it is usually secured by

the use of ice, in a room with double walls, ceiling and floor, packed between with dry
sawdust or other cheap non-conducting substance, or by the use of what are known as
dead air chambers.

Since the warmer air is always found in the upper part of the room, the ice box is
placed there ; and since the gaseous results of decay are heavier than atmospheric air,
the opening, if any, provided for their removal should be placed very near the door of
the room. The ice box will necessarily be the coldest object in the room, for which
reason any excess of moisture in the air of the room will be condensed upon it, and this
will the more readily occur if its surface is of metal. It must therefore be supplied
with the means of collecting such condensed moisture, together with the drip from the
ice, and carrying the same outside the building ; the discharge pipe should be provided

with a trap to prevent the admission of the warmer air from without.

The fruits to be held should be in as perfect a condition as possible ; rather under

than over ripe ; and may be in moderate sized packages, or placed directly upon shelves.
Bruised or decayed fruits should be rigorously excluded. Such arrangement will be

found useful also for the preservation of perishable culinary and other articles,

The arrangements for the preservation of the longer keeping fruits differ from the
foregoing mainly in dispensing with the use of ice ; and, instead, securing the needful
low temperature by employing a system of ventilation, by means of which the outer air
may be admitted, when its temperature is low enough for the purpose, excluding it at
other times. The fruit should be gathered with the utmost care, when not over ripe,
all bruised or decayed specimens excluded, and the packages placed at once in the
retarding house, the temperature of the same having been already reduced as low as
practicable by opening the vertilators during cold nights and closing them before a rise

__ of the outer temperature. The effect of this will be to avoid the continuance of the

ripening procéss consequent upon the comparatively warm weather which so frequently
occurs after fruits are gathered, bringing the fruit thus treated down to the final advent
of winter, slightly if at all changed from its concition when gathered—an important
point gained, especially in the more southerly portions of the apple growing regions of
our country.

A building for this purpose may be constructed of cheap material, if only the work
of packing or insulating be so thoroughly done as to effectively avoid circulation of air,
save when admitted through the system of ventilation.

Admission to the room should be through double doors, and light should be
admitted only when needful in conducting operations.

Fresh air is admitted through a passage from beneath at some central point in the

- fruit room which should draw its supply from the free outside atmosphere, and should

be susceptible of being easily and tightly closed at pleasure. This passage should
extend to near the ceiling, admitting the incoming air only at that point ; which will
thus displace the warmer air which will have risen to that position.

Carbonic acid and other products of decay will, if present, occupy the lower por-
tions ofthe room. To insure the removal of these the pipe for the discharge of the
outgoing air should start from near the ffoor, passing up through the attic and above the
roof, but with its principal opening at cr near the ceiling, to be used for the removal of
the warmer air, when the temperature is to be reduced. These passages also should be
kept tightly closed, except during the process of ventilation.

If both air ducts are opened when the contained air is warmer than the outer
atmosphere, the warmer air will pass freely upward and be as freely replaced by the
cooler air from the lower duct. This process will continue till the temperatures within
and without the room are equalised.

It may, however, become desirable to change the air of the preservatory when the
temperatures are such that a spontaneous movement of the air cannot occur. To
provide for such necessity the upper ventilating duct should be of metal—ordinary sheet

24 ‘ ; —

iron will suftice—and in the attic a sheet iron jacket may be placed around it, in which
a light fire may be built, the heat of which will at once occasion the draft sought, and
the air of the room below be rapidly changed as heretofore described.

Fruit may be stored in such rooms in common barrels, which may be piled one upon
another, when the vacant spaces will be ample for the circulation of air when needful

for the purpose of ventilation or change ; or it may be stored in open bins, in which case —

the bottoms should be of slats, with ventilating spaces between, and an open space left
for the free passage of air between the bins and the floor, as well as between the bins.
In the case of small lots, or of specimen fruits, they may be spread or placed in shallow
piles, upon shelves or tables, so as to be open to convenient examination when desired.

A large building of this character will be the more easily maintained at the proper
temperature, since the greater bulk of air will vary in temperature more slowly in
response to the changes without.

In localities in which the winters are so steadily cold that there is liability of the
temperature being reduced to the danger point without the opportunity to avoid it by
renewal, the air may be introduced through an underground passage well below the frost
line, and a change of air thus safely effected even in the coldest weather.

Fruit exposed to a dry atmosphere is more or less inclined to shrivel and become
tough and leathery, as well as to lose flavor. This is especially true of the Russets.
For this reason a moist condition of the confined air is found preferable, since in such
atmosphere fruit loses little if any of its moisture.

The Michigan fruit shown at the opening of the Centennial Exposition at Phila-

delphia in May, 1876, which at the time attracted unusual attention, had been largely
kept in a building of this character. When placed upon the tables it had undergone so-
little change that even the stems in most cases were still fresh and green.

The freezing of apples does not occur till the temperature has fallen several degrees
below the freezing point of water, nevertheless it is claimed that the best results are
realised in temperatures somewhat above that point. :

The more limited operations of farm orchardists, as well as the large class of smaller
commercial growers, call for arrangements of less elaborate and expensive character than
those already described.

With the great majority of these the cellar is the chief reliance for the storage of
long keeping fruits. This, however, can only be rendered satisfactory for the storage of
winter fruits |'y devoting it wholly to such purpose, to the total exclusion of vegetables.
and other articles liable to infect the confined air with foreign odors; and by such
ventilating arrangements as shall suffice for the maintenance of the needful low and
constant temperature. If preferred a portion only of the cellar may be devoted to such
purpose, and partitioned off by a brick or stone wall, all the better if double. If located
beneath rooms artificially warmed, precaution will be necessary against the transmission
of warmth to the cellar below.

The most convenient and effective device for the amateur or family to be devoted to
the temporary storage of summer and autumn fruits, for ripening, testing and occasional
retarding for short periods, would be a room, either within or separate from the residence,
constructed upon the principles and (excepting the ice) with the fixtures already
indicated, in which fruits can be placed either in packages or upon shelves, the latter
being preferable, when the specimens are for testing, and which for that reason require
frequent examination.

To those, however, who provide for a supply of ice during the warm season, a.
simple, small room or cupboard built within the ice house, with admission from without,
through double docrs, will be found effective and satisfactory for the holding of summer
fruits, the preservation of specimens for fairs, and other kindred purposes, as well as for
the preservation of various domestic products.

Mr. A. McD. Attan—I do not know of any subject that could more appropriately
be brought before fruit growers and shippers than that on which President Lyon’s paper
treats, and the points contained in the paper are those whieh it is absolutely essential

i
5
»
:

————— ee CO CU

25

that every grower and shipper should have a knowledge of. ‘The shipper is interested,
because he wants to get that fruit in the very highest condition of perfection for ship-
ping, and he cannot get it in that condition unless it is stored under the circumstances
mentioned in the paper just read. I would therefore very much like that growers would
carefully study and observe the principles laid down in it, because by doing so they will
be improving their own interests as well as those of the shippers and the country at
large. The subject is a most important one and should receive the attention of all fruit

_ growers.

Mr. Garriztp—I would like to know if there is any means of getting rid of the
surplus moisture in case we want to preserve products to be kept dry. In the case of
apples, I understand it is better if the atmosphere is a little moist, but if we were going
to use the same storage room for squashes or onions we would desire the atmosphere kept
continuously dry. How are we going to get rid of that moisture !

President Lyon—There is a great deai of matter that might have been introduced
into the paper which was left out, partly because it was thought it would serve to excite
discussion in which those points would arise, and also that it might not be of too great
length. In answer to Mr. Garfield, I may say there was an arrangement such as I have
described for gathering the condensed moisture, and the room was kept dry by just that

‘simple process. The ice box was so arranged that a]l the moisture as it dropped down

was caught and carried away, and the air of the room certainly was very satisfactory.

Mr. GarrieLp—My question referred to that style of rooms where they do not use
ice, where, when you let in air, you let in moisture, and when you keep the air there -
still, there are exhalations from the onions or squashes which fill the air. Is there some
way of bringing that out ?

President Lyon—I do not know whether there is anything better than the practice
of having substances in the room that will absorb the excessive moisture. Of course
that absorption can be carried to any extent that is desirable. I believe that the refuse
of salt making is used for that purpose, and has the property of absorbing moisture with
great rapidity.

PEACH GROWING FOR PROFIT.

The President then called upon Mr. James F. Taylor, of Douglas, Michigan, to read
a paper on “ Peach Growing for Profit.”

This subject may have reference to the great peach belts of our country, where the
cultivation of this fruit forms the leading industry, or it may only include those smaller
districts where a few hundred trees are grown in connection with the grain products of
the farm. There are small peach belts, of a few acres in various localities, well adapted
to the successful cultivation of this fruit. This is especially true where the surface of
the country is broken by hills and ravines. Ridges of land that run well up above the
rivers and plains and swamps are often exempt from the coldest extremes of winter and
the severest frosts of spring. If these ridges and hills have a porous subsoil they are all
the better adapted to the growing of peach trees that will produce an abundance of fruit.

In selecting a situation for a peach orchard it is desirable to avoid very frosty
localities, The air currents which seem to keep up a constant motion in an undulating
country, often afford protection from injury when all other devices fail. Perhaps severe
frosts, late in the spring, after the fruit buds begin to develop are more fatal to peach
culture than the coldest days of winter. On this account localities should be selected
where the fruit buds will not be too much influenced by the warm days of early spring
time. Sheltered localities therefore like the south side of woodlands, are not often de-
sirable. An open exposure is preferable, so that the cold winds of spring time may retard
all tendency to growth until danger from frost is ever. Special reference should also be
had to character of the soil and its preparation for trees. A very strong soil is always to
be avoided. Loam, sand and gravel mixtures are preferable to clay. Peach wood seems
to be much more capable of resisting cold when it is brought to maturity by a slow

‘ y \ A }

26

growth. This can only be secured by a soil that is moderately productive and somewhat
porous in itsnature. On such a soil clover sod plowed under in the autumn or early
spring and well fitted for corn will be in good condition for planting peach trees. ;

The trees may be plamted 16, 18, or 20 ft. apart each way. If the land is strong
20 ft. is not too far, as the trees become more spreading and do not grow so high. With
peach trees corn should be planted for two years with good cultivation. After this rye
or buckwheat may be sowed and plowed under to good advantage. Cultivation should
continue year after year as thoroughly as for a crop of corn. Peach trees will not bear
neglect and give good results. During every dry season cultivation should be continued
until the middle or last of August. After the trees begin to bear fruit, fertilisers may
be used to good advantage on any soil, and on al] light or thin soils they are a necessity.
The tree that bears good fruit must be fed or it can not feed others. The best varieties
for these isolated orchards are doubtless the old standard sorts that have been tested in
all parts of the country. With these some new ones are coming to the front to make the
list about as follows for continuous ripening :—Lewis’ Seedling, Crane’s Yellow, Early
Barnard, Jacque’s Rare Ripe, Hill’s Chili and Smock. Some other varieties we think
equally good, but this list is long enough for a beginner. Before planting a peach tree
it should be trimmed to a whip and cut back to 3 or 4 feet in length. In trimming cut
the limbs about one-half inch from the body of the tree so that buds hidden there may
not be injured. During the summer after planting superfluous sprouts may be taken off
or pinched back from time to time as they appear. In this way trees become shapely
without severe pruning. The cultivation of a peach orchard is never complete, unless a
thorough search for borers is made once or twice a year.

When the fruit sets full it should be thinned out by hand picking, This work can
begin on the early varieties, when the fruit is about like your finger ends, and continued
on the later varieties until all have been gone over. When the fruit sets uniformly over
the tree it should be thinned out to 3 or 4 inches apart on every limb. Good results can
not otherwise be secured.

When the crop is abundant great care must be exercised in marketing in order to
secure good results, Peaches are always of better quality when ripened on the tree. and
the nearer they can be brought to this condition before they are picked for market the
more they will be appreciated by the purchaser. These small orchards, scattered over
the country, as good locations offer, will commonly find their most remunerative market
near at home. If the price is low in these markets at first it can be reached without
middle men, and as the well ripened fruit is presented year after year it will be more
and more desired by all who see it. For the home market peaches may remain on the
tree until they are well ripened, but for long shipments no soft specimens should go into
the package. Peaches should be handled about as carefully as you would handle eggs.
Pouring them from one basket or box into another, as you would potatoes or even apples,
is highly injurious, even if the injury is at first invisible. It is therefore desirable to
pack them for market where they are grown. Pecks, halves and bushels may be used to
advantage in this traftic according to the kind of market and quality of fruit you wish to
put upon it.

With this brief outline we think no one will be at a loss to improve his oppor-
tunities for peach culture in a way that will be healthful to the digestive organs of his |
customers and remunerative to his own purse.

The net results of peach culture in any locality are variable to av extent that can
not easily be defined. The estimate may be made by the tree, or the acre, or the orchard,
and in any case be misleading as to the results during a series of years. If a tree five
years old produces one bushel of marketable fruit, which would be a reasonable estimate,
we still have the wide variation of prices that come from an abundant or short crop,
The actual results therefore are similar to other branches of horticulture and husbandry ;
sometimes good and sometimes not so good, but where Nature serves the kindly turn of a
congenial climate the careful and judicious cultivator of peaches seldom fails of a suitable
reward for his labor. The most favored localities are not richly rewarded every year, but
wherever the trees and buds can endure the climate there is always great encouragement
to plant the trees and gather the fruit. .

At the end of his paper Mr. Taylor continued speaking as follows: When there is
a surplus, if the fruit is properly handled, it is very seldom the net returns would not be
equal to one dollar a bushel--I am speaking of a very abundant year, Peaches are now
being used through the country wherever they can be produced to an extent that justifies
their production wherever there are facilities for their transportation. Rapid trans-
portation is very desirable when the crop is large. When the crop is small of course
the prices run high, as has been the case this year, two, three, four and five dollars per
bushel according to quality and the condition in which the fruit was placed upon the
market. But we do not regard $3 and $5 as standard prices, because it is only occa-
sional years that we have not a sufficiently abundant crop to enable us to reduce the
price below those figures. I have not written anything in regard to the yellows, not
knowing whether you would care to hear anything about it. I have been asked by
different members whether we have the yellows, and [ will just reply to that in a few
words, and then I shall be very happy to answer any questions you may desire to ask.
We have had the yellows. They commenced first in my place in 1877. I had two or
three trees affected that year, and through not fully appreciating the disease at that
time, and having my attention drawn away by other work, they were not cut until after
the fruit had ripened. I had only about three hundred trees at that time, but the next
year forty of them were affected. These trees were green and fresh in leaf as any orchard
could possibly be, showing no change of color in the leaf or growth of the tree, but when ~
the time had nearly come for the fruit to ripen it showed that peculiar red that is
familiar to everyone that has ever had any fruit affected by yellows. We cut out the
forty trees, and the next year we had six, and since that year we have not found the
yellows in our orchard at all, A neighbor of mine, in the year in which we cut forty,
cut three hundred trees, and for several years past he has not had more than an occa-
sional tree. That is the history of the disease in my immediate vicinity, in a district of
country several miles wide and loeg. In other localities where, instead of cutting the
trees, they persisted in trying by various means to doctor them, hoping to cure them of
the disease, it continued to exist, and spread. Now the growers are so thoroughly con-
vinced of the necessity of taking out every tree that shows sign of the yellows that there
is no objection to that course at all, We have commissioners whose duty it is to see
that affected trees are cut out. I was one of the commissioners for my township for six
years, beginning with 1878, and so I made myself familiar with the spread of the disease
in that locality, and with its curtailment from that time down to the present, and the
young orchards in our vicinity for the last six or seven years «lo not show any symptoms
of yellows at all.

President Lyon.—What would you do in the case of a single peach on a tree show-
ing symptoms, while the rest were sound ; would you simply cut away the branch ?

Mr. Taytor.—lI have occasionally heard of cases where men saved the tree by cut-
ting off the limb, but I have never found any such instance myself. I had an Early
Orawford, one limb of which, about the size of a hoe handle, showed the disease, and [
was not willing to risk it and we took the tree out. I think there are few who will
contend that the disease has not already taken hold of a tree that shows it on one peach
this year sufficiently to develop it on a large part of the tree the next year. I have seen
a man who had one limb or one side of a tree which forms principally in two branches
affected by the disease, and it was cut off and the other side ripened healthy fruit, but
next year the remaining side had the yellows just as badly as the first, and that experi-
ence has been repeated so often within my personal knowledge that I would not risk one
branch on a tree, even if it was not larger than a pipe-stem. Peach trees at the piesent
time only cost a few cents, and it is better to put in a new tree than run any risk of the
disease spreading in the orchard.

The Secretary.—Do you think it can be carried by pruning tools? Is care neces-
sary with regard to the use of the pruning knife ?

Mr. Taytor.—That is one of the points that has been a great deal talked of, but I
am not in possession of any certain knowledge either way, as to whether it is carried by

the tools, or if it is necessary to use’ any acid or anything of that kind on them. It
might be necessary if the pruning were done when the tree was in flow of sap, but our
trimming is done early in the spring, if possible before the sap begins to flow.

A MempBer.—Do you burn the trees as well as cut them out ?

Mr. Taytor.—Our law requires the burning of the tree. The year we cut so many
trees we were particular to pick up the fruit and give it to the pigs, but my orchard was
so thickly planted that it was impossible to carry out the trees without brushing the
other trees, so I left them until the fruit was picked, and then we destroyed trees and
all. We did not take out the roots, however, until our fall work was finished, and then
we dug out all the stumps. Where that is done there is no trouble at all. We regard
the burning of the trees, after cutting, as an essential part of the work.

A MemBer.—Would you plant new trees in the places where the old ones came out

Mr. Taytor.—We have done that with good success, as far as any yellows were
concerned ; there has been no effect as far as the yellows were concerned. You
all know, however, that there is a difficulty in starting a young tree surrounded
with old ones. If your trees are sixteen or eighteen feet apart the roots of the
old trees so occupy the ground as to take the life out of the soil, and a young tree
may fail the second year from causes entirely apart from the yellows ; that is the only
difficulty we have had in that line. I know of perfectly healthy trees, bearing fruit,
which were planted in places where other trees affected by yellows were taken out.

Professor Panton.— What has been your experience in planting the pits of diseased
peaches ?

Mr. Taytor.—I have cracked many of them to see if there was anything there to
grow ; I think when the fruit is thorougely diseased there is no meat in the pit to grow-
Where a tree is diseased on only one side the pits of the fruit from the other side might
grow, and it is just possible that if those pits were already infected with the virus of the
yellows it might be injurious.

A Memser.—At what season of the year do you plow in the buckwheat?

Mr. Taytor.—There is a two-fold object in plowing under buckwheat, one is to
get the vegetable matter under to fertilise the soil, and the other to counteract the
working of the cut-worm. Buckwheat seems to be one of the crops the moth of the cut-
worm does not like, and the more we sow buckwheat that way the less trouble we have
with the cut-worm.

A Memper.—Don’t you find that your late cultivation is very apt to induce a late
growth, leaving your trees and buds in a tender condition for the winter, and so liable
to winter-kill ?

Mr. Taytor.—The error in peach cultivation is the other way. My experience is
that the cultivation of a peach orchard ought to be late enough in the season so that the
fruit buds will not ripen before about the middle of September. Stop cultivating in
July, and on ordinary dry soils the leaves will show ripening in August and turn yellow.
As the leaves ripen the fruit buds for next year begin to develop and show. Suppose
we have a warm September, these fruit buds will enlarge all through the fall if it is.
warm. Now if the growth is kept up on these trees until the lst of September, if it isa
dry season especially, cultivation is desirable, and if they have fruit more desirable still,
because the quantity of fruit and dryness of the soil will produce earlier ripening of the
wood. After the wood is once ripened the nature of the peach, if the soil is warm
enough, is to start again. A December like the present continued on through January
would bring out peach buds on the lake shore altogether too early. We have had one
such season since I have been on the shore in twenty years, when the peach blossomed
on the 10th of April—the only season in the twenty years when the peach has blos-
somed before the 10th of May. The trees did well enough, only the cold winds and
rains of May stopped the growth of the tree and the fruit for a week or ten days. Then
it came warm again, and the new growth threw off not only leaves but fruit that year.
The damage done in that way induced a number of men to go to extremes in cultivation.
If up to the middle of July we get continuous wet weather, let the cultivation be cautious

29

from time to time, but if dry weather continues do not be afraid to continue until you
are pretty sure the dry season is over. We must keep up moisture by cultivation if we
cannot get it from the clouds.

A Memser.—What implement do you use for cultivating !

Mr. Taytor.—My own practice is to plow the orchard once every season; near
the tree we use aone horse plow, and back from the rows either a gang plow or a
single plow set very shallow, not more than four inches deep.

The Secrerary.—What style of package do you use in Michigan ?

Mr. Taytor.—We have tried almost every style that has been on the market. For
a number of years past the successful package is a round basket with what we call a
railroad cover. Then in our immediate vicinity we have the four-basket crate of slats,
with a slat cover on top to hold the four together. During the last two years the long
basket with a handle has become quite popular ; the commission men in Chicago are pre-
ferring that one very much, and we may be obliged to adopt it.

The Secrerary.—I have just a word or two to say regarding the distance apart of
peach trees. Mr. Taylor puts the distance at twenty feet. That was the distance at
which we originally planted our old orchard, but of late I have been planting about
twelve feet, and by careful pruning I keep the tree in a bushy form. I find this distance
to be quite far enough apart, especially in view of the danger of losing the trees by
yellows. It seems advisable to keep our ground more closely occupied and the trees
severely pruned. We have all noticed where we have neglected to prune the peach tree,
that it runs out very long arms, with all the fruit on the straggling ends of long branches,
and of course they occupy more ground than is necessary. I think the mode of pruning
I speak of not only keeps the tree in better health, but we get a greater number of fresh
young shoots and more fruit. Then in regard to fertilisers, [ have been using wood

ashes altogether for my peach orchard, and I have been exceedingly pleased with the

result. I believe it affects the color and size, and perhaps the flavor of the fruit. So
much is this the case that I daresay some of you have noticed that in Massachusetts it is
claimed by Mr. Hale that muriate of potash is a specific cure for yellows, which, however,
we have very great doubts about.

A MemsBer.—What time of the year do you prune?

The Secrerary.—lI prune in March or early in April, before the growth begins.

Professor Panton.—What quantity of ashes do you apply !

The Secretary.—At least half a bushel of unleached ashes to a tree ‘yearly. The
soil is sandy loam.

A MemsBer.—Do you keep ashes close up to the trees ?

The Secrerary.—No, decidedly not ; we scatter them on the ground under the tree,
out nearly as far as the limbs extend. Then with regard to thinning the fruit. I
believe, though I never can find time just at the period of the year, that judicious prun-
ing and shortening of the ends of the bearing wood early in the spring, and thinning out
all the sickly wood, will accomplish that object as well as any other way.

A Memper.—What is the best time of the year to look for the grubs of the Peach
Borer?

Mr. Taytor.—As soon as the frost is out of the ground in spring, so that you can do
it conveniently, and then during the summer just before the eggs are deposited again

for the new crop. If whitewash is used with some carbolic acid it is likely to keep them

away.
A Memper.—We have always looked for borers about the month of June.

Mr. Taytor.—Well, I think I should take a little later time than that, because so
long as the insects are flying around depositing eggs in the bark of the tree it is hardly
worth while to go around and pick them out. But if gone over at that time with a
brush great good will be accomplished in keeping them away. I would sooner go around a
little later than that, before much damage is done. I think if you wait until late fall
much damage is done.

The Secrerary.—lIt is simply an egg that is deposited in June, and you could not
find the egg at that season.

30

Mr. TayLor.—As soon as they begin to do damage the sap that oozes out will forn»
a gum around the tree, and then you may be sure there is something wrong about it, and

the more gum there is the greater the damage, because it shows the tree has been more:

severely injured—the first little indication shows that there is something wrong. If you
find a little hole trace it right down with the point of a knife.

The SzecreTary.— With regard to the borer, I think the best way is to:’keep him
out altogether. It is a great deal of trouble to go over a peach orchard and hunt out the:
borer after the breeding season. I think most of the gentlemen present are aware that
the moth deposits the eggs in the months of June, July and August, and that the egg is.
deposited about the surface of the ground, in order that the grub may find its way into.

the root, which is the tender part, and where it most delights to live and work its mis-

chief, Now, if we can prevent the moth from reaching that part of the tree we shall
save the tree and save ourselves considerable hunting for the grub, and even when we do.
hunt they sometimes escape us. I have found it the simplest and easiest plan to put a
bank of earth around the trees, which can be done by a man with a spade very rapidly.
By doing this about the first of June or earlier the moth is entirely beaten. If the egg
is deposited in the dry bark of the peach tree higher up it will do little or no injury. 1
have had very little trouble with the burer since I adopted this method.

Mr. F. W. Wizson.— Would that work all right with apple trees too ?

The SEcrETARY.—No, because the borer can work anywhere in the apple tree.

A Memper.—Is not the effect of heaping the earth around the tree in the way yow
describe, to make the bark tender, and will not the grub be able to work on it there

The SecreTary.—I have never found it work in that way.

Mr. Caston.—How would it do to wash the tree with some alkaline solution? I do
not know how it would work with peach trees, but it is a very effective remedy with the:
borer in apple trees.

Mr. McMicuarut.—I had a three-acre orchard of Northern Spy apples banked
around, and in the spring the frost or rain had made a little trough, and I nearly lost.
some trees ; they turned black in spots.

The Secrerary.—If the mound of earth is put closely around the tree and packed
close to the trunk I think it would shed the water. [ do not think you could have had
it packed closely.

Mr. Taytor.—I would like to say something about that banking up, because we have

practised it. You take a peach tree in its second or third year, it has quite a top, with
pretty heavy foliage, and a tree that is banked up will sway in the wind until at last it
makes a little cavity around the trunk which forms a very nice place for water or any-
thing of that kind to lodge in, and necessitates re-banking before the ground is frozen.
We have had our trees barked at the bottom from swaying against the frozen ground.
We have also had that cavity filled up with water running down the tree, when ice
would form there; and many of our growers find there is considerable risk in banking
peach trees if they allow the banking to stand during the fall and winter. If the borers.
are looked after during the summer months, and kept out until the tree gets large and
the bark hard, there is not much difficuity after that in keeping them out; they don't

have much effect on a tree eight or ten years old. It is while the tree is young that.

there is trouble in keeping them off.

The Presipent.—Mr. Woolverton’s plan is to bank in the spring, and that obviates.

the difficulty with frost in the winter.

QUESTIONS ON PEACH CULTURE.

(1) What list of six kinds pay best in the county of Essex !

Mr, Mircue tt (Leamington).—I may say the borer is one of the greatest troubles we-
have in this section of the country, and I have come to the conclusion—though I have
never tried it—to take a piece of stovepipe or sheet iron and put it around a hoe or
rake handle until it is tight and then spring it and put it around the tree, and as the
tree grows the pipe will expand with its growth.

31

The Secretary.—I might mention here that a firm in Hamilton have prepared wire
cloth especially for that purpose, and I believe it would work very well.

The Prestpent.— What varieties are cultivated here /

Mr. Mircuett (Leamington).—Well, the Crawford is a very fine peach, but it does
not yield enough returns. I think the Smock is one of the best, but Reeve’s Favorite is
one of the finest and most productive I have ever planted. Almost every variety succeeds
where I live. Good cultivation is one of the principal ohjects in getting good peaches ; I
do not believe in putting a crop in the ground, but in plowing it.

The Secretary.—_Why don’t you grow the Old Mixon?

Mr. MircHeLtt —Because it is so unprofitable ; if we get a dozen oft a tree it is the
outside in a good year, and two years out of three we don’t get any.

The Prestpent.—Can you give us any idea of the extent of peach growing in your
locality ?

Mr. Mitcnett.—I know one gentleman who has 18,000 trees. He must have
picked this year in one week about 2,400 baskets of one variety. I think he averaged
about 400 hundred baskets a day of one variety. It was originated, or he got it, near
Ridgetown. It is a yellow peach of very good flavor, and with a small pip; medium
early, ripening a little after the Early Crawford. It is called the Tyhurst Seeding.

The Presipent.—Would you advise anyone planting a peach orchard to plant it?

Mr. Mircuevtt.—Most decidedly I would.

Mr. Evxiorr.—Has anyone else got it ?

Mr. Mircuett.—No, unless he has let them ; no one has it in bearing, The gentle-
man I speak of has shipped peaches from his place by the car load.

Mr. Batpwin (Essex).—I commenced by propagating seedlings from a tree. Some

of my neighbors told me I could not propagate the Crawford from the seed, but I can

show as fine Crawfords in my orchard as can be seen anywhere propagated from that tree.

I have the tree the last speaker tried to describe (Tyhurst’s Seeding). It is a very

profitable tree to have in an orchard, and will produce itself from the seed. 1 find I can:
derive more profit from my own trees than from those I buy from nurserymen. I have
the Waterloo, the Early Canada, the Shomacker, Alexander and several other varieties.

BEST VARIETIES OF PEACHES FOR NIAGARA DISTRICT.

The Presipent.—I see I am down on this subject, and I may say we grow there as
_a standard the Crawford. The question asked is, The best six varieties. We would take
for early the Alexander, or it does not matter much if we take one of those others, the
Schomacker or Early Canada. That is our first peach, and the Early Rivers is our
second, Then after Crawford’s Early I think a good deal of the Wager, which comes in
immediately afterwards, and is a protitable peach. After that we have a local peach
called the Bowslaugh, a very fair peach, and one of the surest of any we have for a crop
in that locality, I think. The Late Crawford is a good peach when we can get it, but
in a great many localities it is a poor bearer. I have been very favorably impressed
during the last season with a peach about which I think our friend Mr. Willard, of
Geneva, N. Y., can tell us something. It is called Steven’s Rare Ripe; it is the Old-
mixon over again, but a week or ten days later, and, with me, a much better bearer.
The Wheatland is considered first-class when we can get it.

A MeEmber.—What about the Foster ?

The Presipent.—The Foster is similar to the Early Crawford ; it would puzzle some
folks to tell the difference, though it has generally a little rounder form and higher
color.

A MemsBer.—Could you detect the difference between it and the Wheatland ?

The Presipent.—I think I could

Mr. WILLARD.—Steven’s Rare Ripe is an old peach, and yet a comparatively new
one. The results attained by a gentleman on the Hudson river in producing that peach
were so wonderful that it attracted considerable attention. I think the peach was
noticed twenty years ago, but, like many other good things, it has been lost sight of

-

32

until now. It is sufficient for me to say that the greatest returns I have ever read of
were obtained from that peach on the Hudson river, and it has been growing in favor
very rapidly. It isa late peach, coming in just before the Smock—a large, fine white-
fleshed peach, usually red on one side and very productive, and the fruit-bud seems to be
hardy. We had a very fine crop of them this year, which we sold in Buffalo at 85 cents
to $1 per peck basket. You can judge from that how it is received in the market. It
is becoming with us, or has already become, one of the standard varieties. The quality
is good and people want it ; it is a free-stone entirely.

Rev. C. N. Matruews (Kingsville).—What about Hynes’ Surprise ?

Mr. Wititarp—I think I was the first in New York to grow it. All I have to say
is that it is all that it is claimed to be. We have marketed two crops and sold them at
very satisfactory prices. It is one of those early peaches following the Rivers that is
absolutely a freestone—something it is difficult to get. Hynes’ Surprise is absolutely a
freestone.

A Memper.—Do you ripen the Catawba grape where you are!

Mr. WiLtLarp.—Yes; we have ripened the Catawba grape at Geneva.

EXPERIENCE IN PEAR CULTURE..

The PresipenT called on Mr. J. K. McMichael, of Waterford, Ont., to give a paper
on his Experience in Pear Oulture.

About twenty-five years ago, while we were planting a plot of three acres with
Northern Spy apple trees, we set in one corner of the orchard a dozen pear trees. The
soil is a sandy loam, slightly facing to the south. We had a variety of six or seven
kinds in our group of pear trees. The best return we have had in profit from any one
- of the trees, has been from a seedling grafted with Bartletts about seventeen years ago.
The Winter Nelis proved to be a shy bearer and an uncouth tree, but free from blight.
A fine Howell tree blighted badly nine or ten years after being planted, and the whole
top had to be taken off to the trunk ; some sprouts grew, however, and the tree now is
one of the largest in the group, producing fine, saleable fruit. Two trees of the Early
Harvest were fine growers, maturing heavy crops of fruit, but not giving satisfactory
returns in cash ; they were, ten years ago, grafted with Bartletts, and are producing large
yields of first-class fruit. Clapp’s Favorite has been a fine growing tree, giving a quan-
tity of large No. 1 pears; but the past season it was severely blighted. In this plot, by
planting trees from the nursery, we have not been successful with either the Bartlett or
Flemish Beauty, but the fruit has rarely been affected with a fungus.

In Plot 2 the soil is limestone and sand, and gently slopes to the south. In 1871
we planted in one corner of this orchard fifty pear trees. Two or three of the varieties
were sadly disappointing when they gave a return in fruit. Instead of the order as sent
to the nursery being filled and returned true to name, the nurserymen claimed and took
the right to substitute other similar kinds to the ones in the order, when they did not
have the varieties ordered in stock. The consequence was that some of the substituted
varieties were worthless in the locality sent. The Bartlett trees planted in this soil
made but a small growth. The fruit has been mostly free from blemish, and a fair-
sized sample. The Flemish Beauty shows a fair growth of tree, but the fruit is consid-
erably blotched, and in size and quality is No. 2. The Lawrence is a poor growing tree,
and yields a small quantity of fruit of medium sample. Clapp’s Favorite is a large, fine
growing tree, with heavy crops of first-class fruit, but is blighted badly. Beurre Bosc is
a fair growing tree with very heavy crops of large No. 1 fruit. Beurre D’Anjou, a fine
tree but a shy bearer.

Plot 3 is located on the north side of a somewhat sharp-sloping ridge running east
and west. The upper side of the field is a sandy loam, and the lower side clay. Formerly
the land was very wet from spring water oozing out above the clay, but since under-
draining the land has been very productive. In this plot we planted 100 Bartletts, 25
Flemish Beauty and a few each of half-a-dozen other varieties, making a total of 154

keep the trees in shape, and the fruit, especially that of the Bartletts, was remarkabl
fine. At this time a part of the rahad was severely stricken with fire blight. In the
outh-west corner of the orchard stood a large apple tree which was very badly diseased
with twig blight, and to the north-east from the apple tree, across the pear orchard,
nearly every tree was apparently almost rained with blight. We removed the apple
tree and burned the diseased portion of it. From the pear trees we sawed off all the
affected limbs below the discoloring of the bark and burned them. The trunks and
remaining limbs of the trees then Teceived a coating of raw linseed oil. Similar treat-
- ment was applied to the trees for the succeeding two. years, and that trouble disappeared
_ until the past season. In this plot, eight years ago, the Bartlett, Flemish Beauty, and
_ some of the other kinds were attacked with the Fusicladium, and for five years we did
~ not find a single specimen from the Flemish Beauty that would be saleable. The Bart-
lett pears were not quite so bad, but the trees suffered very much worse than the Flemish
Beauty. The P&rtlett trees aufercd so severely that the limbs were nearly black and
waxy to the touch from a gum-like substance that oozed out of them. Three years ago
ast spring, before the pear trees were in leaf, we sprayed them with a solution of hypo-
-sulphite of soda and water, using one pound of the sulphite in ten gallons of water, and
pecontinuing the application every two weeks until the fruit was aihnit half grown. The
~ Flemish Beauty was remarkably fine and free from blemish, and the Bartlett trees
rallied up wonderfully, but bore very little fruit. The other kinds in the plot were free
ccm fungus. The following spring “the trees received two applications of the sulphite,
one before and the other soon after the trees were in leaf, and then we waited about five
weeks, when the fungus was developing on part of the pears and some of the leaves,
; ‘The pear trees forthwith received a spraying with the sulphite, and another in a few
days, We could not discover any further development of the fungus. The Flemish
_ Beanty pears were a fair crop of saleable fruit, while the Bartletts were an overloaded
f petty of fair fruit, very many of the trees requiring props all around them. ‘The past
season the sulphite was applied, and the pear trees were nearly free from fungus, but
ost of the fruit was destroyed with the May frost.

‘" Plot 4 contains ten acres of clay loam, and is located south of the ridge. It is
_ sheltered from the north by an orchard of large apple trees, and on the other three sides
by a wind break of Northern Spy apple trees “set one rod apart. Eight years ago last
spring in this field there were planted 1,000 Bartlett pear trees. About 600,08 these
_ trees are very promising, 160 are dead from several causes. Possibly 200 were black-
hearted and had vigorous roots. Most of them had sprouts to grow just above where
they were grafted, ‘but some only below, and from these sprouts, by cutting all of the
diseased trunk off. we have tine, healthy trees.

The pear trees are pruned lightly each year, and the bark slit down the trunk with
_ a sharp knife. They receive a mulching every spring with coarse, barn-yard manure,
and, in the fall, a liberal dressing with unleached ashes. The fruit is thinned out with a
E of sheep shieard. The older orchards are summer fallowed, and the younger ones
te ed’ for a hoed crop. The plowing around the trees is done with a one- horse reversible
beam n plow.

ne a

pes trees. For a few years we found it necessary to cut off a part of the year’s growth,

A Memper.—Are your orchards standards?
Mr. McMicuae..—These are all standards; I have had no luck with dwarfs.
A Memper.— How far apart do you plant them ?

Mr. MoMicuaeu.—Those in the plot of 154 trees were seventeen feet, and in the
- plot of 1,000 trees twenty feet apart each way. For five years we did not have any fine
‘specimens on the Flemish Beauty.

The Memper.—Have you tried spraying with Paris green ?

Mr. McMicwart.—This past season I mixed hypo-sulphite of soda and Paris green,
a o it seemed to have a double effect upon the leaves. I would not recommend the use
of the two together. Two or three years ago I had the sulphite mixed up in a large

3 (F. G.)

— . _ a =7

34

eee eee nn ee

kettle, but did not get it all thoroughly mixed. If it is a little strong it has the same
effect upon the trees that Paris green has.

Mr. Parrerson (Grimsby).—I have used hypo-sulphite of soda and Paris green
together on apple trees, and found no ill-effects whatever from the mixture ; but I never
use them on pear trees. With me the use of Paris green on pear trees seems to prevent
the knotty, gnarled specimens almost entirely. Of course Paris green has no effect at
~ all on the fungus.

THE QUESTION DRAWER.

When the Association met in the afternoon

The PREsIDENT said.—I have here a telegram from the Hon. Mr. Drury, stating that
he is unable to leave Toronto to-day, to attend our meeting, and expressing his regret.

The following topics were discussed from the question drawer :

PEAR CULTURE AND UNDER-DRAINING.

Q.—On the heavy clay soils of Essex and Kent, which are covered with rich vege-
table mould, will the cultivation of pears be successful without under-draining, and in
such lands will under-draining pay ?

The PresipeNtT.—I should say emphatically yes ; underdraining will pay for any kind
of fruit. :

pears are grown should be under-draiued, unless it is naturally under-drained. We find
that dwarf pears do better on certain kinds of lands, while standards do better on other
kinds, and, from the statement of the case here, I think the land would be admirably

adapted for dwarf pear growing if it were sufiiciently under-drained. Dwarfs do not ©

want to stand with their feet in water, and although they do not ran down a deep root
like standards, they like to have it reasonably dry.

A PREVENTIVE FOR MICE AND RABBITS.

Q.—What is the best preventive for mice and rabbits getting at trees?

The Secretary.—It seems to me that Mr. Wilson, who asks this question, could
have very well answered it, as I heard him say he was the suggester of the wire screen
protector for trees.

Mr. Witson.—In our part of the country (Chatham) we have a great deal of trouble
with mice and rabbits, and I invented the screen which the secretary has referred to, and
it is a good thing. It is just the ordinary wire screening rolled on a small broom-stick,
and the spring keeps it in place so that it won’t slip. It keeps the mice and rabbits
away, and can be left on the tree until it is large enough to need no protection. We
leave it on from one year to another until the tree grows up. I put out 2,000 apple
trees two years ago and put it on them all, and they are all there yet. Buying the wire
wholesale it costs, if I remember right, about 2} or 3 cents per tree.

Mr. Rice (Port Huron).—I tried one little experiment on mice. I had some trees
get along a fence row and the mice troubled me; so I got some tar paper and tied it
around the tree with a light piece of string, putting it around three or four times. I had
doubts whether it would stay on all winter, and I was much surprised to find it became
hard, the string came right off, but the paper has remained intact around the trees three
years, and they have been perfectly protected. ‘The expense is almost nothing. The tar
paper becomes hard and keeps its place and expands with the growth of the tree in the
same way as the wire that has been described, and it has proved perfectly effectual for
the purpose intended. I had one large tree, six inches in diameter, that was notched by
mice. Jt had been in that condition one year and J tried the experiment on it. I bey-

Mr. Wittarp.—My own experience has lcd me to believe that all lands on which —

elled off some sprouts that had grown up from the bottom, shoved them under the hark
above, and had a load of fresh stable manure packed around the tree quite high. That
_ was four years ago, and this year the tree shows very good health, and has borne quite a
_ crop of apples.
J Mr. Bratt.—the most effectual thing I know of is simply this : do not allow a blade
of grass or anything of the kind to grow in your orchard, and I will guarantee there will

‘be no mice.

The Secretary.—If you get a snowbank there, you will have mice, whether there
is grass or not.

Mr. Beatu.—If there were no grass there would be no mice; mice do not breed in
the snow.

Mr. F. W. Wixson.—I find the trouble with the tar paper spoken of by our friend
Mr. Rice is that it excludes the air, which is very injurious to the tree.
ne Mr. Caston (Craighurst).—Mr. Beall is right in saying that if you keep the orchard
clean you will have no mice, but no matter how clean yon keep the orchard there is
always grass around the fence.

wal

Mr. Ricr.—In regard to the health of the trees, those I speak of were very
unhealthy looking, but they have improved in health each year, and this year they are
fine and healthy, after having the paper around them for three years.

SPRAYING TREES WHEN IN BLOOM.

« —What can we do to prevent people spraying trees while they are in blossom, and
in so doing destroying the bees ?

The Secrerary.—I should suppose that if the opinion of this Association is sent
abroad that it is unwise to spray at that time, it would be sufficient.

Severat Mempers.—Yes, I should think so.

The Secretary.—Then I move this resolution: ‘“ Resolved, that it is useless to
spray our fruit trees while they are in blossom, and in the interest of bee-keepers this
Association hereby unanimously condemns the practice.” Carried.

SEASON TO SPRINKLE WITH POISONS.

Q.— What is the proper time to sprinkle fruit trees with poisons ?

The Secrerary.—The proper time is just after the petal of the blossom has fallen ;
as soon as the fruit has formed. That is the proper time to make the first application
_of arsenical mixture to the fruit trees. It should be repeated after a heavy rain, because
the rain will wash off all the poison. I may here remark, as something has been said
about it, that in Grimsby our fruit growers have found that three ounces to fifty gallons

of water is a sufficient quantity to use.
a

COMPARATIVE VALUE OF FERTILISERS FOR ORCHARDS.

Q.—What is the comparative value of fertilisers for orchards ?

Prof. Panton.—I think this question might be better answered by a practical man
than by me, who am only a teacher of science and its principles, as far as applicable to
plant life. I think, however, that on general principles the potash fertilisers seem to
bring about the best results for horticultural purposes. There are certain elements very
essential to plant life, and one of them is iron, which is very important to the prepara-
_ tion of the green coloring matter in plants. But there is generally sufficient of that in

the soil. This green coloring matter in plants is what enables them to take the gases
_ from the atmosphere, and out of these the properties necessary for plant growth. Another
element very essential for that purpose is potash. You may have the green coloring
matter present in the plant, but before it can do any work in the way of the preparation

——

of starch there must be light, and-even in the presence of light it can do little or nothing
without potash, It is just as if you had a fine factory with all the belts and pulleys -
and a grand engine in it; but until you got a fire going and steam generated your
apparatus would be of no use. So in plant life there is no element which has more
influence in working the whole manure than the element of potash ; and I would there- —
fore say, on general principles, that potash fertilisers are likely to bring about the best __
results.
F, W. Wirson.—I agree with the professor both practically and theoretically that _
ashes is one of the best fertilisers we can get. But just now there never was a business __
so entirely ruined as the potash business, owing to German mineral taking the place of
potash. There is no demand for it, and we should take advantage of the opportunity ba
thus created. There was never a better opportunity for fruit growers than at present. __
I have engaged two of the largest mills around Chatham to supply it at four centsa
bushel, and some of these are producing three or four large waggon loads per week. I
would advise you all to try the same plan in your own neighborhoods.

Mr. Dempsey.—I do not know of any manure better than bone dust, and if you can 3
dissolve it in sulphuric acid it is all the better, I applied it in that way very liberally, ;
and the result was that the next year I had one of the finest crops of Flemish Beauty I
ever had in my life.

Prof. Panron.—You should add a little super-phosphate. |

MILDEW AND OTHER FUNGI.

Q.—lIs the Industry gooseberry free from mildew ?
The SecreTary.— With me it has been ; with the President it has not.
Mr. Beatt.—There is only one kind that is worse with me.

Q.—Please inform us what causes mildew on grapes, and what will cure the disease
also what is the cause of the grape rot and what is the preventive ?

The SecreTary.—The mildew referred to and which is most common in Ontario is
a fungus—really a plant. I cannot explain its causes except to say that it is propagated
as other plants are, by very minute spores, which can only be seen with the help of a
microscope. As to the cause of the grape rot, it is also similar, a fungus. I believe
that a copper sulphate is one of the best preventives for this, or the Bordeaux mixture,
applied with a whisk broom in the absence of a proper spraying apparatus.

Q.—Is the statement made that mildew only attacks plants already affected by
disease ? .

Prof. Panron.—I do not think the statement is made that they attack no other, but
there is a tendency to attack that type more than any other class, just the same as a
weakly person is more subject to disease such as typhoid fever than a person who is per-
fectly healthy. That disease is caused by germs, as many diseases of a more or less
epidemic nature are now admitted to be. So with fungi, weakness in the vigor of the
plant renders it peculiarly liable to attack. I have no doubt it may attack strong plants
from time to time, but the tendency is to attack those weakened by disease. All these
fungus diseases are caused by germs or spores getting into the plant structure in some
way. If the plant is healthy and vigorous it very often goes no further, but if it is
weakly it passes right on to its juices and begins to grow. There would therefore be a
greater tendency in mildew to attack weakly piants than more vigorous ones.

Q.—Is the statement true of fungi that they are mainly nitrogenous in substance ?

Prof. Panton.—I have never noticed that statement so much as this, that they live
on nitrogenous substances—for parasites live on food already prepared. Fungi cannot ©
take up the carbonic acid of the atmosphere and give off the carbon and oxygen; that is
the function of the green coloring matter, to elaborate out of it starch ultimately, and
the fungi cannot do it. They are parasitic and must be put on the place where the food

—

is; consequently they are always found in those situations. But I do not think the
question is clearly put. All organic matter is more or less nitrogenous, not excepting
sugar and starch. If the question was, “Do they live on nitrogenous substances!” L
would answer that they invariably do, as far as my knowledge goes,

Q.—lIs the practice of manuring with nitrogenous substances good ?

Prof. Panron.—You mean so as to avoid this? Well, I think there might be some

- specific times when it would not probably be well, It has been ascertained that fields of
wheat, where nitrogenous manures have been applied in excess, are more likely to be
affected by rust, Why? Because they have brought out too luxuriant a growth, and
consequently the cells are more or less in an abnormal condition, which renders them
liable to the rust. Now, that is the case with rust. I am not just prepared to say it is
the case with other forms, but where there is too luxuriant a growth I think a plant is
placed in a position in which it is liable to attacks of parasites, and in that case a person
requires to know the nature of the soil. If the soil is already in good heart and likely
3 to bring about a fair condition of plant growth, I do not think it wise to overdose it with
nitrogenous manure. I should say too much barnyard manure would not do if the land
was in fine condition.

VALUE OF COAL ASHES AS A FERTILISER.

Q-—Has soft coal ashes any virtue, such as oxide of iron?

~~ Prof. Panron.—I am inclined to say not very much, You will be likely to have
enough oxide of iron in your soil. I cannot say what the composition of soft coal ashes:
is, but as far as hard coal ashes are concerned there is nothing there; all they can do
is to open up the soil, and I would think pretty much the same in the case of soft
coal. There may be some sulphide of iron, and that may supply some iron, but I do not
think there is much in it.

HOW TO BEST PRUNE A COMMERCIAL VINEYARD IN ONTARIO,

The Presipent —We will now take up the subject of grape pruning, on which Mr.
A. MeNeill, Science Master of the Windsor High School, who is also an extensive vine~
yardist, will now address us.

e Mr. McNeiu.—I expect that my remarks will have the effect of eliciting consider-
able criticism, and I hope to profit by it, as pruning the grape vine is a very serious
question with me. I have invested some little cash in the enterprise, and it has now
reached such proportions that it isa case of swim or die. I have been led to study the
nature of the grape, and to attempt to apply the principles learned to the
pruning of it, and I have selected a number of points in grape growth that I think we
can apply directly in the pruning. First, we notice that the growth tends to divide itself
into many small branches. Allow a grape vine to grow unrestrained, and you will have a
number of fine, small branches in the first, second and third year. These branches will
‘not produce fruit for a number of years, and then only very small fruit. Secondly, it
has a strong tendency to develop the higher buds ; in the natural course of things these
higher buds would develop and the lower buds would go undeveloped, although now there
is comparatively little difference in their relative strength. Thirdly, other things being
equal, the buds are developed neither at the base of the cane nor at the top of it, but
mid-way—I am speaking now principally of the Concord. Fourthly, that a sharp bend
in the cane has a tendency to develop the bud just above it. Fifthly, the construction
of the terminal bud while in the green state has a tendency to hasten the maturity and
development of the tissue and buds below it. The effect, however, varies with the
distance from the terminal bud. That is to say, if I take this while in the green state
there will be a tendency to develop the bud next to it, and a certain tendency to develop
the next, with the effect of lessening as we get further from the bend. Sixthly, with
a strong growth in one cane rests the growth and developments of the other canes.
Now, I have selected out of a number of principles these six, and propose founding.
& whatever system I may present you upon those six principles. (From this point onward

38

Mr. McNeill’s address was so profusely interspersed by illustrations on a trellis on the
platform as to render it impossible for the reporter from his notes to give a transcript
which could be understood by a reader).

Mr, Reap.—The heaviest crop of grapes I ever saw was upon a lot of Niagara
vines in the County of Kent, Michigan, and the man who had them pinched off the
summer new growth at the second bud, or thereabouts, above the fruit, immediately
upon its setting. He practised that throughout his whole vineyard, and the fruit —
developed largely, and the leaves grew to twice the size of those upon the vine left to
grow free, It seems to me that with the Concord it would be equally good.

Mr. McNeiui.—lIt is a question of cost.

Mr. Reapv.—This gentleman has probably got back all the cost in the increased crop
of grapes.

BEST MODE OF MARKETING GRAPES.

The Presipent.—Mr. M. Pettit, of Winona, will take up this subject.

Mr. Perriv.—The best mode of marketing grapes is a rather difficult question to
deal with, when considered from the fruit-grower’s standpoint, as much depends upon
the distance from the market, the requirements of the market, and so on, which must
be studied by the growers themselves. Samuel Miller, writing in Popular Gardening,
says: ‘The man who shall devise a plan whereby a man shall get what he earns by
growing fruit will deserve a monument.” Iam not a candidate for that monument, but
there is a great deal in the remark worthy of consideration by the man who grows fruit for
profit. As most of us know, carrying companies and commission men take about one-
half the receipts, while the grower has to almost beg for the other half. In none of
the products of our soil is the difference between what is paid by the consumer and the
amount received by the producer so great as in the case of fruit. This may be partially
accounted for by the perishable nature of fruit, and also the channels of trade through
which it flows. Care in picking is of great importance with grapes. Pickers who are
too careless and lazy to lay grapes in a basket, but drop them in like potatoes, should
not be allowed in a vineyard. As arule women and girls make the best pickers ; they
handle more carefully, and display more taste in making them look neat. You must
please the eye of the buyers, who judge by appearances, and keep your packages neat
and clean. For the commission market use the best baskets, and let the color of the
leno correspond to that of the fruit. In shipping for dessert purposes, let nothing go in
the basket but what you would eat yourself, or put on your own table for your friends.
Shipping green grapes has cost the grape growers of Ontario thousands of dollars, and
has done more to glut the markets than any other cause. Growers, in haste to make
money, have allowed their vines to overload. This has caused the fruit to be poor in
flavor and late in ripening. Then to secure the early high prices they are picked as soon
as fairly colored, which has done more to disgust people with using grapes than all other
causes. [ venture to say that one-half of the grapes grown in Ontario are picked and
marketed before they arrive at the state of perfection. Another cause of overstocked
markets is changing from one market to another to try for high prices. Montreal and
Toronto are our two largest distributing centres, and when Montreal reports high prices
and good demand, shippers send to Montreal. The consequence is that the market there
is overstocked, and Toronto being neglected the tide turns there and prices go up and
the same thing it repeated. If every grower would ship to his nearest and best market
regularly certain quantities every day, they would would work off at higher prices and
give better satisfaction to the consumers, who would receive daily good fresh fruit, and
there would be better satisfaction throughout. Another mode of marketing grapes, not
always profitable, is consigning them to commission firms or merchants who start business
with the spring birds, who distribute large quantities of shipping tags throughout the
fruit growing sections and quote better prices than the old established firms.

(Q.—What sized baskets are usually used ?
Mr. Perrit.—Ten and twenty pound baskets are used in our locality for the bulk

39

of our grapes ; twenty pounds is a sixteen quart basket. It is too large, and I think
if that basket were entirely done away with it would be much better. A basket such
as peaches and plums are shipped in, aud which holds sixteen pounds, is fully large
enough. ‘The cheaper grapes are usually shipped in the larger baskets.

.—Don’t you get better returns from small packages than large ones, when they

are nicely put up?

Mr. Perrit.—A few years ago, when the smaller baskets came into use, I think we

did asa rule, but there is very little difference now.

Q.—For early grapes or choice varieties, would not the small packages yield the
best returns?

Mr, Pertir.—Yes, I think they would.

Q.—-What varieties do you find bring the best returns, in shipping ?

Mr. Perrit.—The Worden, Concord and Rogers No. 4 are what I would plant in
our locality for black ; and for red, Delaware, Lindley, Brighton, Agawam, and Catawba

in some sections. For white, Niagara stands the season pretty well, and is such an
enormous yielder that it is far morg profitable than any other white grape.

Q.—How do you find Salem in your section ?

Mr, Periir.—lIt is more liable to mildew than most of the red Rogers, besides, if we
get a shower when ripe, they burst badly ; but for winter use I do not think we have a
grape in Ontario to beat it.

' Q,—Have you tried Amber Queen?
Mr. Perrit.—Yes, but not to any extent.

PURE GRAPE WINE FOR HOME USE.

The President announced that Mr. E. Girardot, secretary of the Vine Growers’ Asso-
ciation of Sandwich, would answer the question, ‘‘ What is the simplest way to make a
small quantity of pure grape wine for home use?”

Mr. Grtrarpor.—I believe I have undertaken quite a task in answering this ques
tion, for it takes nearly as much time and knowledge to make a small quantity
as to make a Jarge quantity. I will explain, however, just as I would to some of my
neighbors if they asked me, First, the person making it should know a little of the
nature of the grape. Now the grape itself consists of the skin, which holds the coloring
matter, and part of the tannin of the grape; the juicy or watery part, which contains
the sugary part of the grape; and the pulpy part, the fleshy matter, which contains
tartaric acid; and the fourth part or element is the seed, which does not go into the

making of wine. It contains a kind of volatile oil which you may call fusil oil, which

would be a nuisance in wine if it were crushed when the grapes are crushed to make
wine. In some parts of the country here the wine makers prefer to take the stems
away from the grapes. This, in my opinion, is not right, because the stem of the grape
contains a great amount of tannin, which is the preservative element in wine, and has
the effect of making it keep for years, which it would not otherwise do. Of course in
order to make a small quantity of wine one should know what amount of grapes to buy.
Well, it is generally recognized that from eighteen to twenty pounds of grapes is
sufficient to make one gallon of wine. The next thing is a vessel to ferment that wine
in, and for this [ would recommend a whiskey barrel. ‘lake out the head, and in the

bottom put a bundle of straw, and over that straw put a brick well cleaned, and then

make a hole and put ina faucet. Next comes the pressing of the grapes. You may
take a small vessel and in it put a certain quantity of grapes and crush them enough to
break the berry, and then put them in the barrel. Do not fill the barrel completely,
because the carbonic acid gas makes the wine rise, and if it is too full it will overflow
and you will lose the wine. Generally the vessel should not be filled more than two-
thirds ; one-third should be left for fermentation. Now, there is a great question in

40

F {
making wine that is fit to drink. I believe our grapes here are grown in as great

perfection as in any part of Ontario, the climate being very favorable to the maturing of
the grape. Generally the juice of our grape contains from 20 to 22 per cent. of
saccharine matter; but this has been an exceptional year, and they have contained 25

per cent,, which would make a wine very rich in spirit. It is a recognised principle in.

chemistry that the saccharine part of the grape is converted by fermentation so that-
twenty parts of sugar would give 12 per cent. of alcohol. We must allow something
for the organic matters in wine which do not ferment, and it also loses by evaporation—
we cannot get all the alcohol from a given amount of sugar. Generally we can make a.
natural wine here, if we do not add any sugar, containing not more than 10 per cent,,
which we find is not quite enough to fit it for shipping purposes. Such a wine would
keep very well ina cellar, if not moved, but if it is to be shipped to any distance it
will get turbid and is apt to turn sour, and the only corrective for that is to add sugar
or spirit to it. It is not good to add spirits, because in this country we cannot obtain
wine spirits. The wine spirit is what we call amylic alcohol, and that we cannot
obtain here. We can buy grain spirits, but these do not assimilate with wine spirits,
and for that reason any wine in which grain spirits have been put cannot be digested
very well; the least quantity will inebriate, insteadeof cheering as wine ought. There-
fore we use the sugar, which by fermentation is converted into alcohol, and by a
chemical process converts itself into grape sugar, and of course results in the wine
alcohol. Now, the question is, What quantity of sugar shall we put in to obtain a
given quantity of alcohol? Well, experiment has taught us that one-quarter pound of
sugar added to one gallon of mash will give one degree of alcohol. The sugar cannot.
be added directly, because we would lose a great deal that would get into the skin and

the stems, and therefore we have to dissolve it in water. ‘his raises the question of |

how much water? If we use too much we shall weaken our wine, and therefore we
only put just enough to dissolve it. We have found by experiment that one gallon of
water to twelve and a half pounds of sugar is the quantity in order to have a wine
having the same virtue and the same component parts as the natural grape contains
by itself. This water has also a beneficial effect on the wine. Our grapes contain an
excess of tartaric acid, although they do not contain more sugar than the grapes in the
same latitude in France or Germany, and this excess is corrected by adding water and
makes the wine more palatable. The next operation is the fermentation, and the
temperature that we should maintain or place the barrel in. It is a wise plan when we
put the solution of sugar in it to heat that small quantity of water, so that when we

add it to the wine it will not arrest the fermentation which may have already begun. |

The object, on the contrary, is to hasten fermentation ; the quicker the fermertation the
better the wine. Long and slow fermentation only produces turbid wine, which is never
palatable, whereas quick fermentation produces good wine, which is always clear. The
temperature I should recommend in which to ferment wine is about 70°. It is very
essential after fermentation has commenced to keep the temperature up. If you should
put it in a place where cold air strikes, it will stop the fermentation, and that is injurious
to the wine. It is a wise plan to cover the barrel or vessel in which the wine is made,
because if that precaution is not taken it is covered with a kind of fungus which may
afterwards cause the wine to turn sour, and therefore the wine must be watched from
the beginning. Now as to the duration of the fermentation. ‘Lhis should generally last
about eight days in our latitude, We know that the wine is fermented when we discover
by the taste that it is not sweet any more. When putting the wine in the vessel to
place in the cellar you must not bung it right away, because there is a slow fermentation
going on for three months afterwards, and if the barrel is tightly bunged it may burst
and you would lose the wine. Wine is generally made here in the month of October, and
about December we look at it to see how it is getting along. If it is clear you may
draw it into another barrel. You must always use clean barrels. Some people use
spirit or beer barrels, and | may tell you that there is no liquid so subject to being
affected and taking on a taste from the vessel in which it is put as wine. One day a
man ordered a gallon of wine from us, and in his jug there was a musty cork. I filled
his jug from{a barrel where the wine was perfectly good and palatable, but before he

41

got home the wine in the jug was in such a condition as not to be fit to drink, from the
effect of the musty cork. Therefore either a musty barrel, or one that has been in the

shed a long time, cannot be used; it is better to buy new barrels. You can never

clean a barrel that has a bad taste well enough to make it fit to contain wine. Barrels

that have contained whiskey, port wine or native wine are the best; barrels that have

contained gin or ginger wine are of no use for wine. I think that is all I have to tell
you, and, if you will follow the directions I have given closely, you will be successful.

PLUM CULTURE,

The Prestpent.—We have two questions here regarding plum culture, which
according to the programme will be answered by our friend, Mr. 8. D. Willard, of
Geneva, N. Y.

Mr. Witiarp.—The first question of the two on the programme which I have

* been asked to answer is, What are the six most profitable varieties of plums for Southern

Ontario? I may say that I don’t think Iam the proper person to reply to that question,
as [am not a southern Ontario man, but a New Yorker; and I think there are those
in this room much better able to answer it. I will, however, answer it from my own
standpoint.

The Secretary.—I think the climate is very similar.

Mr. WixttArD.—The question of plum culture has lately been attracting a great
deal of attention. My attention was first drawn to it twenty years ago, when visiting
the Hudson river country, which at that time was really producing more plums than all
the rest of the United States put together, and those who were raising them were
getting rich. The fruit was exceedingly large, and they had splendid facilities in
“getting it on boats for the New York market, but their system of culture was wrong.
They robbed the land; they sold their hay and straw and put nothing back on the
land, and the result was, before they knew it, that they could no longer raise fruit with
profit; and the plum business of the Hudson river is now a thing of the past. But
seeing their work is what led me to take it up, and during the last twenty years I have
done something in the way of raising plums. The plum has multiplied very rapidly ;
new varieties have been springing up here and there to be tested and tried, and it is a
very wide field in which to work. The list I am about to give does not includé some I
could raise, because I am not sure they would suit you here. Foremost, as the earliest
ripening plum, I would put the Bradshaw, which when young is a little tender, but when
aged is one of the most hardy and productive market plums we have. I have trees of
that variety from which I have netted as high as $12 or $14 in a single season, and
that is good enough for me. Following the Bradshaw is the Lombard, which is among
plums what the Concord is among grapes or the Baldwin among apples. It isa plum
which can be raised with less trouble than any other variety, always gives good crops
and always has a market value, for it is known everywhere. Then we have another
plum called the Gueii, which originated in Lansingburg, N. Y. It is a very hardy and
profitable market variety; it takes on a most beautiful blooom, and if only well known

‘will sell well. I have found it one of the most profitable of plums, and it is very

productive. In time of ripening it follows the Lombard.
President Lyon.—I think it is said to be curculio-proof, do you stand by that?

Mr. Wittarpd.—No; I do not believe that of any plum. Then we have what
is known as the Hudson River Purple Egg. That also had its origin on the Hudson
river, and was introduced to me by a fruit man who asked me to test it. You will not find
anything about it in Mr. Downing’s work, for when I sent it to Mr. Downing he said it
was a plum he did not recognise. But it is one of the best for market purposes. It is
hardy and productive, and sells well on the market. Then we have the plum known
as Peter’s Yellow Gage, introduced by Mr. Barry of Rochester. All things considered,
it is in my opinion the best of all the light-colored class of plums, and yet it is scarcely
known ; you will not find it in the catalogue of Ellwanger & Barry. It is not one of the

best growers ; nurserymen cannot make money out of it as rapidly as out of some others,
but all things considered it is the best light plum grown, being extremely hardy and
producing a crop of the finest quality every year. Its disadvantage as against La Reine
Claude, which is the standard light colored plum, is that it comes in earlier. If it
ripened as late as La Reine Claude I would say it was the best of the light colored plums
to plant for market, but it comes in earlier. The advantage of La Reine Claude is that
it comes in Jater. I obtained my stock eighteen years ago, and during last season we
have topbudded 150 trees to continue it. Then for the sixth there is Coe’s Golden Drop,
which ought to be planted. We have had experience sometimes in winter killing, and in
picking these varieties I have endeavored to select those which hold their foliage well,
because that is a very important point. The Imperial Gage we have dropped, because
the tree is tender. Of the light colored ones I do not know one that is more tender than
the Imperial Gage, and it is not the equal of La Reine Claude in productiveness. I
have omitted La Reine Claude because I do not know whether it would be considered
hardy for your section, and yet it is the “king bee” of all the plums. I have had trees
that yielded as high as $20 in a season.

The Secretary.—lI[t is perfectly hardy in western Ontario.

Mr. Wititarp.—Yes; but I desire to say that the plum is a capricious fruit. It
may be entirely hardy here and not with us, and vice versa. I think that is the
experience of anyone who has grown plums largely.

Mr. Dewesry.—La Reine Claude is perfectly hardy in part of our county (Hastings) —

and tender in other parts, but there is nothing better in the form of a plum for canning. ©

I cannot grow it at all, while a man who lives only twenty miles from me succeeds every
time.
A Mrmper.—What about the McLaughlin ?

Mr. Wittarp.—It originated in the State of Maine and is of very fine quality, but-
not a profitable market plum. It is almost of the highest quality to eat.

The Presipzent.— What have you to say of the Niagara plum ?
Mr. Wittarp.—Well, if you plant good Bradshaws I am sure you will get a good

list of Niagaras. Shipper’s Pride is a very good plum a little north of us in the State —

of New York. It is a_very fair plum, but not what we were led to believe. The
Jefferson is of the highest quality, but not productive enough for market, being in
this respect the same as the Washington. Quackenboss is a very desirable plum, but
we find it has a little inclination to shyness in bearing. There are places where it suc-.
ceeds well ; I have seen it very fine on the Hudson river, but there are others which
we think more profitable. The Gueii is much more profitable to raise than the Quacken-
boss.

A Memser.—Do you know anything about Glass’ Seedling ?

Mr. WiLtarp.—Only as I have tested it myself. Some of them were sent to me by
this Association a good many years ago, and we tested them in a small way. I thought
it was so near akin to the Quackenboss that it was not worth while propagating it. Pond’s
Seedling is a fine plum, but it makes wood slowly, and is not productive enough of
dollars and cents. The Victoria is a very fine plum some seasons; then, again, it is
liable to over-produce, and the fruit is small and fails to ripen well. The General Hand
is a fine plum in appearance, but does not produce enough. The Peach Plum is hardy ;
one of the most hardy we have. There are six other varieties 1 would be very glad to
mention in connection with the six | have already named as my choice, which I think
are valuable. The Prince of Wales is a most beautiful plum, of very fine color and very
productive and hardy. It is comparatively new-here, though I heard of it years ago in
England. .Then there is the Stanton, which originated in Aibany county, N. Y. If I
were to name only one plum for canning I don’t know but it would be this one;
if it were two years hence I could tell better. We have now over a thousand
trees that will be in bearing next year. It is one of the finest to eat, and we have
kept the plums for weeks in our cellar sent up when ripe from Albany county. L

45 é

think anyone making a test would do well to plant it. Then there is the Field, which
ripens a little ahead of the Niagara, and is like it in sizo and appearance, except that it
is a little darker in color. It is a very desirable new sort, and had its origin in Scoharie
county, N. Y. Then we have the Grand Duke, one of the latest introductions from
England, originated by Mr. Rivers, which promises to be the best late plum of dark
color that I know of for market. We had the fruit this year for the first time for
market, and it brought a dollar a basket in eight pound baskets. Mr. Rivers brought

out three plums, the Grand Duke, the Archduke and the Monarch, which in my opinion

are going to make their mark in this country. Anyone who saw the exhibition of
fruit at Buffalo this fall might have seen the Monarch. It is one of the lirgest of
plums, and bids fair to be very hardy ; the tree holds its foliage very well and is very
productive. Then there is one of the Japan plums called the Botan.

President Lyon.—Are not there several varieties of that name?

Mr. Wiitarp.—Yes, there are, That is a sort of general term for a number of
those plums sent out from Japan, but having received this one under the name of
Botan we raised it as such; we have another under the head of Botan which is a little
different. This summer I obtained two others called the Sweet Botan and Burbank’s
Japan. I had enough to market this year of Ogan, but I saw they were not going to
take, and that was sufficient for me.

A Memper.—What do you think of Basset’s American ?

Mr. Wittarp.—I don’t thing it is worth enough powder to blow it over the fence.

A Memper.—What about Munro’s Seedling ?

Mr. Wittarp.—It is tender with me ; we never grew a plum so tender in the nursery
row as the Munro.

A Memper.—Have you planted Prunus Simoni ?

Mr. Witiarp.—Yes. It may be hardy and sufiiciently productive, and will be sold
at fruit stands even if it is not of the first quality. They want it in the cities, though it

‘as not strictly first-class.

THREE BEST PLUMS FOR HOME USE.

Mr. Wittarp.—I see there is another question : ‘‘ What are the three best plums
for home use, early, medium and late? Quality, productiveness and hardiness of tree
tree alone to be considered ; soil, light sand?” I think I should take the Bradshaw for
the first, then Peter’s Yellow Gage and the Stanton Seedling as my choice.

A MempBer.—Does not the Lombard do well on light soil ?

Mr. Wittarpv.—Yes, I have seen it do remarkably well.

A Memper.—In our neighborhood they have adopted what they call the French
stock, which does not sucker as much as the standard stock.

Mr. Wititarp.—We use French sometimes because we cannot get any other, but if
I were selecting an orchard I would prefer, if possible, to have them worked on the
horse plum stock of western New York. But they will all sucker bad enough if you cut
the roots; you can plow them to death a good deal easier than kill them any

_ other way. 1 would advise people who have plums to do their work with cultivators.

Mr. Dempsey.—Did you ever try any of Rivers Damsons !

Mr. Witiarp.—Yes, I have the whole list of them now; they are succeeding
first rate.

A Memper.—How far apart do you plant them !

Mr. WitLtarp.—Our plan originally was 16 feet each way, but now we get our
rows 16 feet apart and ten feet in the row; you can handle them better, but it wants
high culture. I would not advise anyone to do it unless he has the manure.

A Memper.—Do you spray your trees for curculio ?

Ad

Mr. WiLLarp.—<As I remarked to-day if it were not for curculio I would not raise

plums. God put us here to fight something, and we might as well fight these pests as
anything else. So far as spraying is concerned, if I were to spray I would use Paris
green. We experimented this year with London purple, to our sorrow, for it cost us
about $500 to learn that London purple was better somewhere else than on plum trees,
or perhaps any other trees. It is soluble, and no matter how careful you may be you
may touch some of the very sensitive plum foliage. We have used Paris green, but I
don’t want to hold the nozzle all day myself, and I cannot trust men to do it ; they fool
away their time, and put on so much that they injure the foliage of the trees.

SALOME APPLE AND RUSSIAN APRICOT.

Q.—I would like to know whether the Salome apple is in any way better worth
planting than the Baldwin, and also if the Russian apricot is worth planting.

President Lyon.—It does not show any fine qualities beyond being hardy. It is
hardy enough for central or northern Illinois, but beyond that it has been found to fail.
Its quality is not good and is not particularly attractive. It is claimed to be a good
producer, and might do very well for a market apple, but there are so many more desir-
able apples that I question whether it is worth planting at all.

Mr. WiLLArp.—I have not the greatest confidence in the Russian apricot although
we grow them, but we have to do so in our business ; we have to grow what people want
and demand, I have very great doubts of its value, and would not recommend it.

. SEEDLING FRUITS.
Q.—-Should not the Association appoint one competent man as an expert, to examine
and report upon all new seedlings fruits in the Province that may be sent to him ?
Mr. Beatu.—-I think it would be an excellent idea.

Mr. Bucke.—Anyone who heard the address of Prof. Saunders of last night will
remember that he said he would be very glad to receive at the Experimental Farm any
new fruits or trees, and I think he is a very competent person.

President Lyon.—The trouble with us has been that there are a great many people

who will not take the trouble to inform themselves of what is being done, and are always
ready and waiting to be imposed on by travelling tree pedlars who will tell them
anything.

Mr. Dempsry.—I fall in with the idea, and | think no better man than our zecretary
could be selected, but I think he would like the assistance of Mr. Saunders and some
others in some instances. I move that Mr. Woolverton be appointed as one of the com-
mittee to receive fruits as suggested.

The Prestpent.-—Mr. Woolverton has been acting in that capacity, and you have re-
ceived some of his reports through the Horticultwrist, and if only one man is appointed I
think he is the proper man. It would be well enough, as Mr. Dempsey says, that he should
have one or two others associated with him with whom he might confer in special cases,

Mr. Dempsey.-—I move in addition that Prof. Saunders, the ex-President, Mr. Allan,
and the President, Mr. Smith be appointed on the committee. Carried.

RAILWAY FREIGHTS.

The question was asked, “ Is it wise to interview the railway companies regarding
a special fruit train service, on the ground that the express companies are no longer
competent to carry the ever increasing shipments of fruit in a proper manner 4

Mr. T. H. Race said in reply that last summer he had got from the secretary of the
Association three baskets of choice peaches, and that when they had arrived they had all
been broken into. On complaining to the company, it was stated that this was no
unusual occurrence. He then threatened the company with prosecution, and also (0

ee ee ee

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nn
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complain through the Fruit Growers’ Association to the Legislature, asking for legislation
_ to protect the public from such pilfering. The agent sent the complaint to headquarters
At the same time Mr. Race enquired whether others in the town had similar complaints
to make, and found that it was a common occurrence to have fruit packages pilfered on
the train. In about two weeks a reply from headquarters came, giving the agent
written authority to settle Mr. Race’s claim and hush up the matter; but this he was
4 anwilling to do until there was some guarantee of safer transportation.

| The following letter, from the Grand Trunk Railway Company, was handed in and
vead by the Secretary :

* As .egards cars being specially fitted with shelves for holding the baskets to prevent the fruit being
_ bruised by the baskets when piled on top of each other. This has been done to some extent by the G. T. R.
©o., but it takes so long for the cars to return,—say from Montreal—that practically it is impossible to
- provide enough of such cars, the season being so short, and they cannot be used for other freight on the
_ return journey, it must be apparent the cost to the Railway Co. would be too great, excepting in the case
of short distances, such as between the Niagara district and Toronto where the cars can return daily and
therefore a few of them can do a large amount of work. The circumstances here are very different, the
_ distances being so great. However this difficulty of damage by bruising has beea solved to a great extent
_ by the new style of basket manufactured in Walkerville, as several tiers can be piled on top of each other
without injury to the fruit. On behalf of the G. T. R. Co. I may say that the importance of rapid and
cheap transit is fully recognised.
> THOS. DOW.

The following letter also, from the Grand Trunk Railway Company, was handed in
read by the secretary :

In regard to shipping facilities for grapes and smali fruits generally so far as the Grand Trunk Railway
isconcerned: The possibilities of this district for the cultivation of fruits generally have been recognised,
and for several years efforts have been made to encourage those engaged in the forwarding of this traftic
viz. by allowing cars to go direct to their destination, even when loaded with but a small quantity of fruit,
_ rather than load the same car for several stations, There has been no hesitation in forwarding three tons
direct at any time, but even as low as 1,500 Ib have been sent. Asa rule there is no delay in reaching the
larger places in good time, as there is always other freight that can be used to fill up a car. But the diffi-
culty arises with small lots, more especially when for places off the mainline. Such consignments are apt to
be delayed more or less at junction points, but three days should be the maximum time in transit in any
ease. We have been able to give quick despatch to Montreal, Toronto, Hamilton, and London shipments,
cars going direct, and those interested may rest assured that no effort will be spared to co-operate with
shippers in reaching the markets as speedily as possible.

’ HEDGES FOR SOUTHERN ONTARIO.

‘

The Prestpent.—Mr. McNeill will now address us on the subject, “ What kind of
hedges are best suited for Southern Ontario.”

Mr. McNritt —Hedges are of particular interest to fruit men; as you are well
aware they serve the purpose of a wind-break and a protection from the inroads of
animals and asan ornament. I think those three purposes are served by hedges. I was
converted to hedges by a short visit to England, and I think Canada will never be really
beautiful until it has its hedgerows. Asa matter of protection against animals I am not
altogether so sure that they are a success. I am afraid that in the case of cows the un-
sightly wire fence is ahead of it, and I do not see how it is possible to grow a hedge for
less than a wire fence can be constructed for. In the case of the wire fence you have
_ the protection at once, while in the case of the hedge you must wait a number of years,
so merely for protection I do not think the hedge is a live question for many years to
come. There is another aspect, however, of particular interest to fruit growers—the
wind-break ; it is conceded that the wind-break is of material advantage to the fruit
grower, and it is from that and the wsthetic standpoint that it must stand or fall with
them, for on the score of cost it cannot compete with the wire fence. ‘Twenty-five years
ago I helped my father to plant a white willow hedge. We tcok long pieces of willow
limbs and dug a narrow trench and put our willow sticks down five or six inches apart,
and had no trouble whatever in getting them to grow. My father left that neighborhood
a year or two afterwards, but I saw that hedge about five years ago, and it was a perfect
solid wall of vegetation, through which a mouse could hardly crawl. But I think it was
costly as far as the occupation of ground was concerned, and white willow must pass out
of consideration altogether. Mv father and I experimented with the common thorn.

46

The special thorn I am speaking of is called the Cockspur thorn, which is more easily
described to the ordinary individual as a species having a perfectly smooth leaf and being
thickly set with thorns. After several failures in our experiments with this we got both

the method of growth and the plant that answered the purpose as a hedge plant. Our _

error in growing it was in allowing it to grow too high before cutting it off, and as a
consequence in one o1 two years there were bare spaces below, but after we had some
experience we found that we must get a strong bottom growth after which there is no
difficulty in getting a perfectly impenetrable hedge, and a hedge that will last for ever.
The advantages of this thorn are these: First, it is a perfectly hardy plant ; you cannot.
kill it by any ordinary method. It will stand dry weather, cold weather, or wet land to any
degree found in land fit for cultivation ; it will stand browsing which cnly improves it, and,
in every way, it makes a splendid hedge. Its growth, however, is too siow to satisfy
most people, and it has one other fatal defect [ am afraid. So far we have always been
able to get our supply of the plant from a river bottom flat, but if the plant is ever to
become a hedge plant it ust be propagated in some other way, and I do not know how
it can be cheaply propagated. I was informed by Prof. Saunders that the seeds are ex-
ceedingly slow of germination, and if that is the case it is a serious defect, but I think it
is worth while to experiment with root cuttings, from which some of the same family are
very readily developed. Our experience is simply that we take these plants from a river
bottom and plant them out, and in about four years they mske a hedge that will turn
anything and that gives little or no trouble in the way of trimming or pruning. The

hedge in question is so close that nothing can make its way through it, but mice or small —

birds. The birds make their nests in it, and it is a most excellent protection for them,

and if for nothing else I think hedges should be grown for the protection of the birds.

which are such friends of the fruit grower.

FRUIT AS FOOD.

At the evening session a paper was read by Mr. L. Woolverton, Secretary of the
Association, on this subject, as follows :

One of the best ways of increasing the selling price of our fruits is to educate the
public into a freer use of them. Fruits are too often looked upon as mere luxuries, agree-
able to the taste but useless when nourishing food is required. We find the citizens buying
meat and potatoes regularly, but the fruits are only purchased occasionally as a special
treat. When the family go from the city to the country in summer, the mother is in
constant anxiety about the amount of fruit her children consume, and is surprised when
the dreadful results anticipated do not follow. This craving which children have for ripe
fruit is one proof of my first point, viz.: (1) The free use of ripe fruits at our meals tends
to health and longevity. No doubt there are many persons present who can verify this
position from actual experience. I have heard men say that in the autumn, when har-
vesting grapes and eating freely of the fruit, they have noticed an increase of weight of
from five to fifteen pounds. So well acknowleged has the healthfulness of the grape been
that, in France and Germany, patients are treated with what is called the ‘ grape cure”
for many diseases due to overfeeding. A French physician says that nothing does more
to rid him of his patients than the daily use of fruits; and another says that since the
apple has been more freely used in Paris, there has been a decrease of dyspepsia and of
bilious affections. We all know with what avidity the fevered patient sucks the cooling
juice of the ripe cherry. I have in a previous paper, referred to the healthfulness of the
currant in dispelling headaches and reinvigorating the system.

Not only on the score of health, but also on that of economy, we can speak a word
for the use of fruit. Meat is one of the most expensive articles of diet, and in summer
time not the most wholesome. Indeed, some physicians trace autumnal diarrhea to the
use of meat in the hot weather, giving rise to alkaloids which are purgative in their
effects. The fruit often gets the blame for what is due after all to the meat. <A grain
and fruit diet, according to an eminent English physician, is in summer more healthfal
and less expensive than a meat diet.

Fruit contains the elements necessary for the nourishment of the body, as will be
seen from the following table showing the composition of the strawberry, viz.:

AW QUOD) \'ss'n a Care sell he State ES Ti ei yee vies bibee.t vie ae 87 per cent.
SUS ee erent save eng cy Sue pe eNiees Paty end ait cD ige ta,
RG MOIR RET TTON ars pie Sch soi licistdieete eaters le vecle cle es sie aae 1} ds abc:
INAUL OR LIME es ils os cs va esAMtn ais saipls x's vce vac hens Oe
Insoluble matter (4 per cent of which is ash)................. (ie hi 3

Who objects to being convinced of the healthfulness and economy of the strawberry
in summer as contrasted with a meat diet? Prof. Faraday says of apples :

Let every family in autumn lay in from two to ten or more barrels, and it will be to them the most

economical investment in the whole range of culinary supplies. A raw mellow apple is digested in an hour

and a half, while boiled cabbage requires five hours. The most healthful dessert that can be placed on the

tableis baked apple. If taken freely at breakfast with coarse bread and without meat or flesh of any kind, it has

an admirable effect on the general system, often removing constipation, correcting acidities, and cooling oft

febrile conditions more effectually than the most approved medicines. If families could be induced to substi-

tute the apple—sound, ripe and luscious—for the pies, cakes, candies and other sweetmeats with which chil-

___ dren are too often stuffed, there would be a diminution of ddctors’ bills, sufficient in a single year to lay up

a stock of this delicious fruit for a season’s use.

_ of varieties as will furnish him with a constant succession of fresh fruits for his family,
and let every townsmau make arrangements for a constant supply of fresh fruit from the

The moral of all thisis: Let every farmer plant a fruit garden with such a selection
- fruit market.

. The second point [ want to emphasize is this: (2) Apples form one of the most val-
uable articles which can be given horses and cows in connection with their daily allow-
ance of food. In point of nourishment alone they are equally valuable with carrots for
horses and with turnips for cows, and more valuable than mangels pound for pound. On
page 95 of the Report for 1887 will be found a table prepared by Prof. L. B. Arnold, in
which he shows that ripe apples have a feeding value equal to one-third the value of hay,
about 16 cents per 100 tbs, or 8 cents a bushel. I believe that this is far too low an esti-
mate and in this I am supported by a Mr. KE. H. Hutchinson, an American farmer, who
“Says:
For the general purpose horse of the farmer, I know from actual experience that apples are valuable
food. I have had horses that were in very low condition, from worms, entirely freed from this trouble
_ when running among apple trees, where they eat all they want. I believethat a horse not at hard work would

do as well on four quarts of oats and a peck of apples as on a peck of oats per day. If this statement is
true, it would give apples a feeding value of about 20 cents a bushel.

1t will be observed that we have here a practical farmer giving apples about two
and a half times the value which Prof. Arnold has allowed to them, viz.: 20 cents per
bushel, or 40 cents per 100 Ibs. Now if this can be proved it will open up a new way of
‘disposing of a large portion of our apple crop, and increase the value of the farmer’s
orchard. If apples can be shown to be worth 20 cents a bushel as food for stock, surely
we need not fear over-production or market gluts. And if weight of testimony is of any
_use, here is another from a writer in Orchard and Garden. He says:

When some of my pear trees littered the ground with their ripe, mellow fruit, [ fed them to my cows.
A peck of pears, with two quarts of meal and bran for a noonday feed increased the milk and butter one-
_ fourth, and when the apples were ripe and cheap in the market, the horses, cows, pigs and fowls had all
they wanted.

4 Here are two quotations from the Michigan Farmer. Mr. Charles Dann says :

I have fed apples for twenty years quite extensively. During the past three years T have been feeding
twelve cows with them. As soon as the apples attain any size and drop from the trees, I have them picked
up and thrown in the pasture. Some days the stock get as much as ten bushels and I can always see an
increase of milk. The apples are of different varieties, but not very sour. Cut down all trees which produce
apples that will not do to eat. I am feeding two bushels of Baldwins at one time to my cows and get an

quart can of milk exvra from the fruit.

' I have been interested in discussing the value of Ah aes for stock. I had last winter 600 bushéls of
apples and began by feeding them to wy team, giving them at noon instead of grain, and with apparent
ain to the horses. If the team was hard at work it probably would not answer. I had a pen of fatting
Fogs to which I had been feeding a bushel of apples for their noon feed. I had no means of making accu-
te tests, but think they did equally well. LI also gave them t» my cows, a peck at one feeding, with the

t of increasing the yield both of milk and cream. I have also fed them all winter to pigs which I am
ping over. lam convinced that to feed apples to stock is as profitable and much more satisfactory than to
them to be made into cider with the possibility if not the probability that its use will lead to the use of
mger intoxicants.—E#. A. Bradley.

i oy) PR eee ey Kemet rs: when a
Phat < Saetee ‘a ie

48

Tribune :
A few years ago one of our largest apple growers had a large lot of culls left over. He was offered _
10 cents a bushel for them delivered to an evaporating and cider-making concern five or six miles away. —
Instead of selling them at that price he bought hogs to eat them. Iam at this time unable to recall the ©
details of his method, but whatever other feed was given them was accuraaely weighed and measured, and _
the gross cost at market prices and all other expenses, except the labor of feeding the apples, were duly —
charged up against the hogs till they were killed and marketed, when it wasfound that the apples had netted —
him 32 cents a bushel. The only case of ill result was where a large herd of cows were turned into an —
orchard of several hundred trees and permitted to gorge themselves without restraint. Like any other
food, apples should be fed with much discretion, beginning with small rations and increasing them
gradually.
For several years I have myself been experimenting in this direction, and must say
that Iam more than satisfied with the results. Last winter I fed a team of horses —
about seventy-five bushels of cull apples which were unfit for shipping. They were fed
with cut hay or cornstalks, and chop stuff made of peas and oats ; and a part of the time
of corn and oats. The ration was made up about as follows: One bushel of cut hay or
cornstalks, one peck apples and one quart chop stuff. This was given the team twicea
day when idle, and three times a day when at work, with about 8 or 9 lb. of hay at |
night. The result is that the team came through the winter in a far better condition
for work than ever before. There was no need of condition powders with that team.
The old coat of hair was shed early in the spring, and the new one was remarkably sleek _
and smooth ; and everyone exclaimed on seeing them, ‘In what fine condition those
horses are.” I tried the same diet on a two year old heifer, giving her the same ration —
twice a day. That beast is now as fine a one as can be seen for miles around, fat and
sleek and healthy. I have therefore given up growing turnips and carrots for stock, for —
I find in my waste apples food as valuable for their nutritious qualities as roots, and
more valuable for their condimental qualities. .
Having, then, such numerous ways of disposing of our fruit crops the encourage- —
ment becomes greater for growing them. We can evaporate or feed to stock all second
grade apples and pears, and thus relieve our markets of a class of apples which glut —
them with rubbish, and anger the busy housewife. Thus also we shall be able to cull
closer our fruit for shipping, and only put up for export the choicest grades, which will
bring the very highest prices ; and secure for our Canadian apples the reputation which —
their excellence deserves of the very finest in the world. ” hn

ost
¥
¥

ves

+

Prof. J. H. Panron, of the Ontario Agricultural College, Guelph, then gave his
lecture on “ Fertilisation of Plants,” a most interesting and valuable address, illustrated
by a chart of colored engravings. This has been published in the Report for 1888.

The evening was enlivened by some excellent music, contributed at intervals by the
Detroit Medical College Glee Club, together with solos from Messrs. A. D. Bowlby and
W. Paterson. ‘

Resolutions of appreciation of the kind and courteous treatment by the town of —
Windsor, of thanks to the press, and to the Glee Club were most heartily passed by the
Association,

The Mayor of Windsor, and others, replied in suitable terms, and the meeting was
closed with ‘‘God Save the Queen.”

7.4 4 aa

SC Ul TO OO

SE ee

THE SUMMER MEETING.

The summer meeting was held in the Town Hall, Old Niagara, on Tuesday evening,
July 8th and Wednesday, July 9th, 1890.

The President, A. M. Smith, Esq., called the meeting to order at 8 o’clock on Tues-
day evening, when an address of welcome was read by Mr. R. Courneen, President of
the Niagara Fruit Growers’ Association.

The President replied to the address in fitting terms, and declared the meeting open
for discussion, suggesting that the Venerable Archdeacon McMurray, of Niagara, should
address the audience.

INTRODUCTORY DISCUSSION.

Archdeacon McMurray.—I was very much delighted when I heard that the pres-
ent meeting of the Fruit Grower’s Association was to be held in this town, having long
thought that one of its meetings ought to be held here. I have vary carefully followed
the various meetings of the Association in different parts of the province by means of its
publications, of which I am a constant reader, and which I think should be taken and
read by every person at all interested in the growing of fruit or in horticulture. I am
delighted that you should have met here, and anything I can do or say in furtherance of
your objects I shall do most cheerfully. A most interesting paper was recently read
before the society here by Mr. Billups, on the curculio, of which he exhibited numerous
specimens. I should like to hear that paper repeated during the course of the present
meeting. The curculio is an enemy we have to strive manfully against and I am afraid
will attack our peaches as well as plums. I think we may learn something practical dur-
ing this meeting regarding gooseberries. I have some fine gooseberries, but almost all
mildew as the trees get older, and the only thing I can see to do is to keep plantations
coming on. After a tree is six or seven years old it is almost certain to mildew.

‘

GOOSEBERRY MILDEW AND APPLE SPOT.

The Secretary.— Regarding the gooseberry mildew to which the Ven. Archdeacon
has referred, I may say that I have been studying very carefully the reports of the United
States Experimental Stations, at which a series of careful experiments have been in pro-
gress connected with mildew and other fungoid diseases, and I believe that means will be
found of stopping mildew without having recourse to cutting down the bushes or destroy-
ing them. Experiments are being made with copper solutions, which are found success-
ful in combatting fungi, and one of them, which is being very successfully applied to apple
spot, I hope may also prove useful for mildew, that is the ammoniacal carbonateof copper. It
is prepared in this way : an ounce of copper carbonate precipitate is dissolved in a quart
of ammonia and diluted with twenty-five gallons of water. I think we should keep care-
ful track of these remedies and try them ourselves. I am this year trying this ammcniacal
solution of carbonate of copper for apple spot and I think I observe some benefit from it
already, although I did not begin so early in the season as I ought to have done. It
should be applied before the buds open at all for apple scab, and also, of course very early
for mildew, because these fungi live through the winter in some way and the action of
these copper solutions is preventive rather than curative. The reason [ did not apply it
as early as would have been desirable was that our locai druggist did not keep it in stock,
it being an article not in demand at present and it was not until after a good deal of urg-
ing that he wrote to a wholesale druggist and succeeded in procuring it.

4 (¥.G.)

50 ie

Mr. Bucxe.—That is for the apple spot.

The Secretary.—Yes. Hypo-sulphite of soda has been recommended and has been
used by some with success, but it is not nearly so effective as this carbonate of copper.
The only difficulty with the carbonate of copper is that the ammonia renders it soluble,

and we have to spray our trees with Paris green as well, which makes extra work. If

some way could be devised of using the copper carbonate and Paris green together it

would save labor, but unless the ammonia can be dispensed with it cannot be done,

because it makes the Paris green too injurious to the foliage.

Mr. Orara.—At the Experimental Farm some work was tried in the same line with
the Paris green and the carbonate of copper without ammonia to see if there was any
beneficial effect, and with carbonate of copper alone and in suspension. I find that in
water it will remain in suspension as well as Paris green, so it is possible it may be used

without ammonia asa solvent. If, as the secretary has suggested, we can get a combined

insecticide and fungicide it will be a very valuable acquisition. The carbonate of copper
costs about sixty cents per pound in the precipitated form. Large trees will take from
one to three gallons to do them fairly, that is of the mixture with Paris green.

Mr. Bucke.
the mixture.

Mr. CrRaliaG.

That amount of the stuff would make a very large quantity of

Yes. We have used a different strength from that mentioned by Mr.

Woolverton ; I have used it from one to three ounces and at the rate of twenty-two gallons.
I do not think there is any doubt we will be able to get some results which can be-

followed up next year.

The Secretary.—As this is an interesting topic I do not think it out of place to fol-
low it up. I would like to add that I have been applying it to the pear as well. This
year the Flemish Beautys are horrible, covered with scabs and curling up in every shape
on the side in which the scab has affected them and are certainly going to be utterly
worthless. Of course it was too late with them ; I could not get it in time to apply early
enough, but I really think I see some results from its application after the scab made its
appearance. I have tried it on pear trees standing side by side, applying it to one and
not touching the next and I think I can see a difference. I have not tried the sulphate
of copper alone.

Mr. Oraic.—I was very much surprised to find that applied in the proportions given —

at Washington it injured the leaves,

Archdeacon McMurray.—Would it not be well also to give us the proportions in
which Paris green and other chemicals should be applied.

The Szcretary.—The quantity of Paris green that it is safe to apply is about three
ounces to fifty gallons of water. I think that is quite as strong as we dare use it, and about
two ounces of the carbonate of copper to fifty gollons, mixed with the other. If you use
the carbonate of copper without the ammonia, it, being a powder, can be used with the
Paris green.

Mr. BeaLi.—You mean adding one powder to the other with the one quantity of
water—fifty gallons ?

The SecreTary.—Yes. The two of them in solution with water. Take a barrel
that holds fifty gallons and put in three ounces of Paris green and two ounces of the
copper. Even with that strength I have often found that I have injured the foliage, but.
that, I think, is because I stopped too long at a tree and sprayed it too heavily, for L
think too much can be put on in that way.

Mr. A. C. Bittups.— What effect has the Paris green upon the leaves ? 5

The Secretary.—They look as if burned, and then drop.

Mr. Brtturs.—Have you noticed that the carbonate of copper has any effect upon
the curculio when used without the Paris green ?

The Secretary.—lI do not know whether it would or not, not having experimented
in that line.

ore 51

. A Memper.—Do you find any difference between the solution made with ammonia
and the suspended solution ?

The Secretary.—I have not experimented long enough to be able to say.

Mr. Beavu.—The rev. gentleman here, spoke of cutting upa large number of bushes ;
I hope he destroyed them.

Archdeacon McMurray,—I destroyed them.

Mr. Morris.—It is my opinion that mildew in gooseberries is caused by cold nights
and warm days. ‘This season we have been comparatively feee from cold nights, which,
I think has had a good deal to do with it.

Mr. Beaty.—I may say we had cold nights and hot days similar to other years ;
there has been only a very slight difference in the maximum temperature of this and other
> years.

Mr. T. H. Race (Mitchell).—My theory is, and [ will always adhere to it, that
nature’s methods are more perfect than those of man, and if nature is not obstructed in
her operations she generally attains perfection. I attribute my success in gooseberry
culture to a free circulation of air, plenty of sunlight and the application of ashes to the
soil. I have had no mildew for years, but you will not find another garden in the town
in which [ live in which there is not mildew. When I say ashes of course I mean hard-
wood ashes. I have about 200 bushes of Whitesmith, and I have Orown Bob and
| Industry, which are my leading varieties, and I defy any man to come into my place and
| find a single case of mildew. The Whitesmith I have seven years, the Industry four

years and the Crown Bob two years, I apply ashes very heavily, which is the only

fertiliser I give them. There is just one other thing on which I would like to ask an

opinion. Five years ago I had a row of Whitesmith guoseberries, about 30 inarow. I

wanted to manure them very heavily and I wheeled out fresh manure from the horse

stables and dug it in very heavily about half the length of the row, and the remainder [
manured very heavily trom the cow stable. A few weeks afterward I noticed a rank,
fungous growth on the ground manured from the horse stable and the bushes immediately

-above that. mildewed, while there was no indication of mildew at all on that part

manured from the cow stable.

Archdeacon McMurray.—What quantity of ashes do you apply?

Mr. Race.—My Whitesmiths are planted five feet apart in a row, and I started with
ashes by putting a pailful of ashes between every two bushes. That was a prétty heavy
. application but I saw good results from it, and every year after [ applied about half

that quantity.

Mr. Morpen.—My theory is that the fresh horse manure iujured the roots of the

plants spoken of by Mr. Race and therefore the fungus could take effect the more readily

. upon them. Manure from a horse stable, applied in large quantities, will injure almost

any tree or plant except corn, which will stand a good quantity. As an illustration of

this, I put a hot-bed within ten feet of a large black cherry tree, at least ten inches in

diameter and it was within twenty feet of a mountain ash and that hot-bed killed them

both. I have wheeled out stable manure and laid it on an open space where some goose-

berry bushes got broken down and I found that the bushes on each side were materially
injured by nothing else than the heating of the manure.

Mr. Race.—The condition that induces mildew is in the plant ?

Mr. Morpen.—Yes. I believe a healthy plant has a greater resisting power than a
feeble one. é:

. Archdeacon McMurray.—I thought the condition which induced mildew was a
humid atmosphere.
Mr. Morpen.—Yes ; but what I mean is this, that a healthy plant has greater
| powers of resistance ; it will not be attacked so quickly nor to the same extent as a sickly
plant would be. A plant in which a rank and rapid growth is induced is not in a healthy
state.

52

Mr. Racg.—I think the horse manure produces mildew by a condition in the atmos-
phere arising from gases of some kind.

Mr. Morris.—I think Mr. Morden is right, and that too much manure will induce
an unhealthy growth; but ashes, un the other hand, while it produces a strong growth
produces healthy wood. I have had a good deal of experience in the use of ashes and I
think their use makes a strong, healthy bush, able to withstand the attacks of mildew.
I know that a pear tree with ashes is not nearly so liable to blight as one with manure.

Mr. Bucxr.—I think if Mr. Race had applied the manure ina rotten state the result
would have been different. I have never yet succeeded in killing gooseberries with old,
rotten manure.

THE CURCULIO.

Archdeacon McMurray.—Regarding the curculio, I was very anxious to know how
long it would remain after the fruit falls from the tree, how long it would be before the
young curculio makes its appearance. I asked the question and was told not more than
four or five days. [I had no idea it would come out so quickly as that ; I thought a fort
night or three weeks.

Mr. Bittups.—In reference to the curculio leaving plums, I find that under various
circumstances they leave at different times. I have noticed that in mild, warm, still days
the plum does not generally fall until relieved. In that case the curculio leaves sooner
than if the plum had been blown off by a storm, in which case it remains for some time,
{ would like to know if anyone who has studied the matter can tell definitely the average
time the larva takes, after the plum has fallen, before it enters the ground.

The Secretary.—I do not think anyone present can answer that.

Mr. Bittups.—I think it is one of the few things Prof. Saunders has failed to men-
tion. I think if farmers would only take the trouble to gather the fallen plums at inter-
vals of two or three days and destroying them it would do much good not only with plums
but with cherries. I have found in several instances this summer that over 90 per cent.
of the cherries have been bitten by the curculio.

The Secretary.—I have been experimenting with hellebore in water and spraying
cherry and plum trees, part of them with it and part with Paris green, and I[ am certain
I had better results with the hellebore than with the Paris green, that is from one sea-
zon’s experience. The proportions were the same as we used for the currant worm. The
cherry trees upon which I tried it are free from curculio, but unfortunately they are
rotting badly.

Mr. Bittures.—The use of Paris green is very unsatisfactory indeed. I have never
seen any experiments with hellebore, but I do not think it could well be less satisfactory
than Paris green. The dose of Paris green people here use is a teaspoonful to five quart
pails. I think that it is a very heavy dose, and though, in my experience it has not
injured the foliage at all it is not at all satisfactory.

The Secretary.—I think one reason is that it is not used early enough.
Mr. Bittups.—I may say also that I think it is not applied late enough.

Archdeacon MoMurray.—Is there any way of reaching the curculio after it has
fallen and reached the ground? Would not some alkali thrown around as far as the limbs
extend be of some benefit ?

Mr. Bititups.—I do not think it would have any effect ; as so soon as the ohrysalis
has reached the open in the spring the curculio gives off a perfect insect, ready for work.
I do not know that it eats very much; once the curculio comes from the chrysalis its
only object in life is to lay its eggs and then it dies. I donot think that any alkaline poison
around the ground would have any effect. Indeed I may say I do not know that Paris
green itself actually kills the curculio ; I think it possibly finds there something unpleasant
on the plum and therefore leaves it. I believe that sprinkling with some kind of ashes o
winders would be almost as efficacious as Paris green. I think Paris green acts more as a

le i el Be i ee ie

53

mechanical barrier than asa poison. I mean that the curculio reaches the plum and finds.
it is covered with a rough substance and leaves it. I do not believe it eats the poison
and suffers thereby, but I believe it merely leaves the tree.

The Secretary.—Do you not think it eats the leaves that are poisoned %
Mr. Bivivrs. do not think so.

The Secretary.—It has been found by confining the curculio in a box that it will
eat plum leaves.

Mr. Bititups.—I have found the curculio eating paper, sawdust and many other things.
too; they are very fond of destroying things.

A MemBer.—What do you think they feed on?

Mr. Bitturs.—I think the curculio has very little need of feeding ; I think all the
feeding is done in the larval state. They will live six or eight months without eating.

The Memper.—-Well, [ do not agree with that. Can you account for the numerous
holes in the plum leaves ?
Mr. Bittups.—I think the insects are trying to find a place to lay their eggs.

Mr. Perrit.—Have you noticed any difference in different grades of Paris green with
regard to its dissolving in water ?

Mr. Bittups.—-No; I did not know that Paris green would dissolve at all; I thought
it was merely a suspended solution.

Tho SecreTary.—Yovu are correct in that, but perhaps the gentleman may mean that
some grades are heavier than others.

A Memser.—With some the water will remain clear and with others the water iz-
green. With some grades the particles are large and with others small.

Mr. Bittups.—That is because of some glutinous matter in the Paris green which

‘sets together the grains, and that glutinous matter would not be dissolved by cold water,

but I do not think that either hot or cold water will give a chemical solution of Paris green.
A Memper.—How do you account for potato bugs being poisoned ?

Mr. Bitturs.—If you notice the leaf of the plum tree or potato you will notice a well
defined mark of the Paris green. Ina chemical solution it is combined with the water, in
@ suspensory solution the water evaporates. The only object of mixing Paris green with
water is to secure its even distribution over a large area. If it is necessary to have a
ehemical solution the use of ammonia is requisite.

The Presipent.—We have a geutleman here, Mr. Morden, who knows something of
chemistry : perhaps he can tell us something about this matter.

Mr. Morpen.—-It is generally understood that Paris green is not soluble in water.
This year I used Paris green for the currant worm for which I had previously applied
hellebore. I dissolved the paris green in ammonia and applied it at the rate of a tea-
spoonful of Paris green to five gallons of water, just half the strength. I have been in the
habit of applying it in the suspended state and I had good result. In the suspended solu-
tion it settles in drops on the surface of the leaf, and a considerable portion of the Paris
green settles in that particular drop, just as in a pail of water, and it consequently can-
not be as effective, because the insect may traverse a considerable portion of the leaf before
it reaches that part. I am so much satisfied with the results that next year I am going
to apply no hellebore at all, but the ammoniacal solution of Paris green.

Mr. Craic.—l fancy the reason you find greater effect from the ammoniacal solution
is owing to the fact that more of the Paris green is brought into contact with the leaves
than there would be in a suspended solution.

Mr. Morpen.—Ammonia is one of the best tests of Paris green we have. Pure Paris
green will dissolve without sediment, but there is no pure Paris green on the market. [
would not object to a small quantity of sediment, but I do not think there should be over
one-tenth.

54

Mr. Bucxe.—How do you mix the two together ?

Mr. Morpven.—I take a little Paris green and pour it in a flat vessel, moistening it
with water before putting in the ammonia, because there is sometimes a little mucilaginous
matter at the bottom and you can then get a better solution with the ammonia. The solu-
tion is a bluish green.

Mr. Beauyi.—I intended this spring to have used the ammoniacal solution spoken of
for mildew on gooseberry bushes, with which I have been a good deal troubled and had I
done so [ should have no doubt said it succeeded admirably, because this year I have not
had one particle of mildew in any variety ; but I made only one very slight application of
Paris green. The point I want to make is that we should not jump at conclusions too
soon after making an experiment; it is something which requires a long experience and
extended observation and the results should be ascertained very carefully and accurately.

THE APPLE SCAB.

The following paper on this subject was afterwards contributed by Mr. D. W.
Beadle, of St. Catharines :

Much loss has been sustained by the injuries caused by this fungus to many of our
most popular apples, notably to the Snow apple, Northern Spy, Early Harvest, and

others. The late John Croil stated that the loss to him was so serious as to amount to

thousands of dollars. In former volumes of the Canadian Horticulturist attention was
drawn to some experiments made with hypo-sulphite of soda which gave promise of our
finding in that fungicide a remedy. Since then experiments have been made with other
substances known to possess fungus destroying properties. An account is given in the
bulletin of the Agricultural Experiment Station, of the State of Michigan, for April,
1890, of some experiments made there by Mr. L. R. Taft, the horticulturist, the substance
of which cannot fail to be deeply interesting to all of our orchardists.

Twelve trees of the Northern Spy were chosen as the subjects of these experiments.

The fungicides used were the following: (1) Potassium sulphide, but which of the

sulphides is not stated ; (2) sodium hyposulphite; (3) a sulphur solution; (4) copper
carbonate and ammonia; (5) modified eau celeste, composed of copper sulphate, car-
bonate of soda and ammonia. Copper sulphate is popularly known as blue vitriol. Two
trees each were sprayed with one of these five fungicides, and two were not sprayed at
all. The spraying was done with the little climax pump made by the Nixon Nozzle
and Machine Co., Drayton, Ohio. Care was taken to cover every leaf and fruit with a
fine mist-like spray, using about three gallons to each tree. The time occupied was about
ten minutes to a tree, but the report states that with a large Nixon or field pump not
over three minutes would be needed for spraying a tree. The applications were first
made on the 24th of May, 1889, and the second on June 6th, at which date there was no
appearance of scab on the fruit, nor of injury to the foliage from any of the fungicides.
On June 12th a third application was made, and at this time there was no appearance of
scab or of injury from the use of the chemicals. The fourth spraying was given on the
25th of June, and now the scab was visible on both the fruit and leaves of all the trees,
also the leaves of the two trees sprayed with sodium hyposulphite were turning brown at
the edges. July 6th the trees were sprayed a fifth time. At this and subsequent
applications of the sodium hyposulphite the strength was reduced by the addition of two
more gallons of water, and no further injury to the foliage was perceived. A sixth
spraying was given July 24th when a slight increase was noticed in the size of the spots,
and but very few new scab spots could be found. The seventh and last application was
made August Ist, at which time no new spots were forming, and the spots that had
formed were not spreading.

There were frequent rains during the period covered by these experiments. Rain
fell on May 29th and continued at intervals until June 4th, falling again on the night of
June 6th and continuing lightly for the two following days, with frequent showers up to
June 25th. There was no rain from that date until the 14th of July, but a steady rain

-

55

set in on that day, lasting through the 15th, succeeded by several heavy showers between

that and August Ist. All of the solutions except the two containing copper, Nos. 4 and

5, were easily washed off.

Early in October the apples were gathered and assorted into three classes, those
entirely free from scab, those slightly, and the badly scabby. The apples in each class
were then counted and weighed, with the following result: The trees sprayed with
potassium sulphide yielded 1,944 apples free from scab, weighing 4414 tb; 5,659 were
slightly scabby, weighing 1,1713 tb ; 15 were bady scabby, weighing 2 Ib; that is 25.5
per cent. were free, 74.3 per cent. slightly scabby, and 0.2 per cent. badly scabby. With
sodium hypo-sulphite 1,715 were free, weighing 419# Ib ; 5,484 slightly scabby, weighing
1,218? lb; 65 badly scabby, weighing 10} Ib; or 23.6 per cent. free, 75.4 per cent.
slightly, and 0.89 per cent. badly scabby. With the sulphur solution 1,010 were free,
weighing 278 tb; 4,643 slightly, weighing 1,146? Ib; 65 badly scabby, weighing 10} bb ;
which is 17.6 free, 81.2 slightly, and 1.1 per cent. badly scabby. Copper carbonate with
ammonia give 4,289 free, weighing 1,107} lb ; 4,067 slightly scabby, weighing 913} bb ;
13 badly, weighing 2 Ib ; which is 51.2 per cent. free, 48.6 slightly, and 0.16 per cent.
badly scabby. The two sprayed with modified eau celeste yielded 3,983 free, weighing

1,174 tb; 1,178 slightly, weighing 5194 Ib ; 11 badly, weighing 2 Ib; or 68.8 per cent.

free, 31.0 per cent. slightly, and 0.2 per cent. badly scabby. A marked difference is seen
in the product of the two trees not sprayed, of which only 365 apples, weighing 101 tb
were free from scab ; 2,498, weighing 6814 ib were slightly, and 51,weighing 13} tb were
badly scabby ; that is, only 12.5 per cent. were clean, 85.7 per cent. were slightly scabby,
and 1.8 per cent. badly.

The chemicals used were bought at the drug store in small quantities, costing as
follows: Potassium sulphide 40 cents per Ib, sodium hyposulphite 6 cents, copper car-
benate 60 cents, copper sulphate 10 cents, sodium carbonate 5 cents, and ammonia 3d
cents a quart. At these prices the cost of five applications per tree, including labor, was
for potassium sulphide 20c., sodium hyposulphite 124c., copper carbonate and ammonia

- 25c., modified eau celeste 30c.

The experimenter is of the opinion that if the spring and early summer should be
comparatively dry three applications at intervals of four weeks of either of the copper
mixtures will be sufficient. If the spring should be cold and wet five sprayings at inter-
vals of every three weeks will be required. When the trees are sprayed just after the
blossoms fall for the codlin moth, the fungicide may be added to the solution of Paris
green, thereby saving all extra labor in the first application. When large orchards are
to be sprayed the chemicals can be purchased at wholesale, thereby effecting a consider-
able saving in cost of material.

It-will be seen that the copper mixtures are by for the most efficacious, therefore
passing the others by, we give the formula for preparing these as recommended by Mr.
Taft in his very interesting and valuable report.

Copper carbonate and ammonia. Mix three ounces of copper carbonate with one
quart of ammonia, and as soon as all action has ceased dilute with water to twenty-eight
allons.
‘ Moditied eau celeste. Dissolve two pounds of copper sulphate in hot water ; in
another vessel dissolve two pounds and a half of carbonate of soda, When both are fully
dissolved mix the solutions together. Before using add a pint and a half of ammonia
and then dilute to thirty or thirty-two gallons with water.

It will be noticed that the best results were obtained with this last mentioned mix-
ture, and there seems to be good reason to believe that in the case of varieties subject to
the scab fully fifty per cent. wiil be added to the value of the crop by its use.

I am just in receipt of reply from Prof. Taft. He thinks that the ammonia if added
to the Paris green just before using would dissolve the arsenic to only a slight extent.
He adds however that he feels like recommending the following formula for the first two
applications, viz., dissolve in hot water 2 pounds of sulphate of copper. In another vessel
dissolve 2 tb of carbonate of soda; mix in a tub; after all action has ceased dilute to 32
gallons. There would be no danger of dissolving the arsenic by adding this to the Paris
green. He believes, however, that the copper solution alone will have sufficient poison-

56

ing effect to destroy the codlin worm. If that be the case, the Paris green can be
omitted altogether. In the last two or three applications he would add the ammonia to-
the copper and soda as prescribed in the formula given in my paper. (See report 1890).
He further says that if this copper mixture is applied early enough and occasionally re-
peated, it will prevent both mildews of the grape. With reference to the curculio he
says, ‘‘ From what I have seen of the use of hellebore I consider it fully as effectual” as-
the arsenites.

POINTS IN PEACH GROWING IN THE NIAGARA DISTRICT.

The Secretary, Mr. L. Woolverton, of Grimsby, read the following paper on this subject =

After the good success which has been the fortune of peach growers in this immediate
neighborhood of late and the failures which have been our lot in other sections of the
Niagara peninsula, it ill becomes a Grimsby man to come here to speak upon this subject.
I will not inflict upon you a lengthy paper but only mention a few points which may lead
on to a discussion of this subject.

After some twenty years of experience in peach growing, during which time the fail-
ures far outnumber the successes, I am still of the opinion that it pays us in this region to
grow peaches for profit. Even if we only get one good crop in five years, and that is no-
worse than our luck sometimes has been, the peach is still worthy of a place on our fruit
farms. A good yield will sometimes pay the owner as much as $200 per acre, and this.
gives an average of $40 per acre for five years, supposing he is that unfortunate, while
at the same time he is supported by the chance of better things.

Careful attention to a few points will go a good way toward making peach growing
profitable. One is, of course a wise selection of varieties. Our president recommended,.
at our last winter meeting, the following as his choice of six for profit: Alexander, Early
Rivers, Hales, Crawford’s Early, Wager, Bowslaugh’s Late. These are excellent ; but I
am becoming more and more discouraged with the Early Crawford. This season, for
instance, when IJ have a fair show of others in the orchard there are no Crawfords. Last
year it was the same, and indeed this so often happens that it has become almost the rule.
Now when we get this peach it is so fine that we feel as if we wanted to grow no other,
but we do not get it and we must choose between no fruit or fruit of a less desirable
quality. Our American friends, at the last meeting of the N. Y. State Horticultural
Society, stated that two varieties lately tested by them had been found to be reliable:
bearers, viz.: Hynes’ Surprise, and Horton Rivers. The latter is a seedling of the Early
Rivers and possesses many of the exeellencies of that very desirable variety. We have
also some seedlings of Canadian origin which seem to promise well ; as, for instance, one
originating at Chatham, with a Mr. Scott, one at St. Catharines with our president, and
the one mentioned above, which originated at Grimsby with Mr. Bowslaugh.

I have tried many other kinds besides the above mentioned but nearly all have some
fault. I will mention among them the following, viz.: Early Purple, Early York, Royal
George, Sweet Water, Honest John, Early Barnard, Early Beatrice, Early Louise, Old-
mixon, Jacques Rareripe, Late Crawford, Morris White, Lemon Oling and Smock

In addition to these, [ have now under testing, among others, the following: Troth’s.
Early, Christiana, Salway, Steven’s Rareripe, Wheatland, Willet’s, Conkling, Oooledge’s
Favorite, Foster, Hill’s Ohili, Lord Palmerston, May’s Choice, Mountain Rose, Richmond,
Salway, Schumaker, Pineapple, Globe and Centennial.

While I hope that of these latter I may find some of sufficient value to be placed on
a list of the six best kinds when I report next to you, I am loth to leave out one or two
in the former list, as e.g. the Oldmixon, one of the grandest old varieties, both in quality
and appearance that I have cultivated ; but it is tender, and worse than all it seems to be
peculiarly subject to the yellows. The Smock, too, is a variety that I have highly valued
as a late variety, but I believe its place will be better supplied by the Steven’s Rareripe.

Another very important point in peach growing is the selection of a suitable site

i, A Bee

57

and congenial soil, for the peach is very hard to please in this respect. It demands, for
best results, a well drained sand loam or gravelly soil. I have tried orchards on sand, clay
loam, sandy loam, both high and low, but my best orchard is on an elevated piece of
ground of about five acres in extent. On other parts the trees have been short-lived and
unsatisfactory, especially on the clay loam.

I am in favor of rather close planting of the peach trees on account of their liability
to die of yellows at an early age. If our trees lived, now as they did in the days of our
fathers, when it was not uncommon to meet with orchards twenty-five or thirty years
planted, then a distance of twenty feet would be needed; but as it is I am inclined to
plant at about twelve feet apart.

The method of pruning has much to do with deciding the distance of planting. If the
limbs are allowed to grow to any length, spreading out like bare poles, with foliage
and fruit far out towards the ends, certainly close planting would not answer. But this
method of pruning is out of date in Oanada, even trees so treated die early, and are not so
productive as when properly shortened in. Of late years | have become more and more
convinced of the great importance of the shortening in system of pruning the peach tree,
and every year practice it to a greater extent. The ideais simply to cut back the new
growth about one-half every spring ; and in case of neglected orchards which have already
be-ome straggling, to cut back the old wood severely ; and in this way an abundant supply
of young wood is kept up which is productive of bi tter fruit and a greater abundance of
it. An orchard so treated will also live longer and be more attractive in appearance.

The peach orchard must have thorough cultivation, especially in the early part of the
season. I usually plow twice in the early part of the season, and then cease cultivation,
in order that the wood may mat~re well before the cold weather.

The peach has its share of enemies and diseases, chief among which are the curl, the
curculio, the borer and the yellows. For the curl I know of no remedy. It is not often
severe, but sometimes with the diseased leaves the fruit also drops. I have little difficulty

with the borer. I always heap up my trees with earth in the spring and when Mr. Egeria

exitiosa, as the entomologists call him, attempts to get a place in the tender part at the
collar of the tree he finds he is blocked out by the earth. The Yellows is st‘ll as great a
mystery as ever, notwithstanding the enormous expense incurred by the Department of
Agriculture of the U.S. in trying to understand it. I have looked carefully through the
report on the subject faithfully and elaborately prepared by Prof. Erwin Smith, but can
find no better method of eradicating this scourge than the one which you and I have been
faithfully employing for years past, and that is, rooting out every case as soon as discovered.

Prof. Burrill, of Champagne, Ill., the discoverer of the microbes which cause the
pear to blight, called on me last year. He showed me through his powerful microscope
the microbe accompanying the yellows, but he said that its mode of operation was still a
mystery, and he could not yet say whether it was the cause of the disease or an accompani-
ment of the unhealthy conditions.

Packages and packing are important in the handling of a crop. The old bushel crate
has entirely passed out of use with us in Canada. The half bushel and basket has given
place to a twelve quart basket, and now the question is whether this is not too large. I
intend to use, for choice samples during the growing season, the ten-pound grape basket,
putting only the finest in this package and the ordinary in a larger package ; but I shall
weary you, gentlemen, if [ go into details in matters concerning which you have as much
experience as I have.

I only hope that the difficulties in respect to hardy varieties of merit and of insect
enemies and fungus diseases may be so far overcome that peach culture in this favored
peninsula may take the place it should among our most profitable industries,

58 :

Archdeacon McMurray.—Are you troubled any with borers? A number of years
ago I planted seventy trees from Ohio, and those worms destroyed all my trees.

The Szorerary.—I have been troubled with them, but not so much of late, I pre-
sume that the trees you got from Ohio had the borers in them, and as you did not notice
them and did not get them out they destroyed the trees. If the borer is in the orchard
the only way is to go with a knife, and wherever you see any castings or wax oozing
from the root you may be sure there is a borer, and by removing a little earth you will
soon find a hollow place in the bark, and can easily find the larva of this borer and
destroy it. This should be done every summer. But [ have been very successful with
the method I have described in the paper ; that is, by going over my peach orchard early
in June and heaping up the trees with earth. It takes very little time and where the
orchard has been plowed up it is very little trouble to heap a mound of earth around
every tree, and that will effectually keep out the borer, because the moth deposits the egg
at the collar of the tree. If it deposits it higher the bark is too dry and it is not likely
the borer will hatch out, and if it does it will not do any great mischief. I leave these
mounds there during the summer; the moth deposits its eggs during June, July and
August, and it is during those months the protection is needed.

Mr. Nicnou.—Is that a distinct insect from the apple borer ?

The Secretary.—-Yes. The peach borer, I believe, will live sometimes two years,
but generally only one ; it will remain in the tree from one to two years before it trans-
forms into a chrysalis. The parent of a peach borer is a moth; the apple tree borer
is a beetle.

Mr. Morris.—I quite agree with the paper read by the secretary, with the excep-
tion of what he says as to varieties. I do not think he has mentioned the most profit-
able ones at all, that is Wager and Mountain Rose. I agree with him as far as the
Marly Crawfords are concerned. I have planted five thousand of them in my time, but
would not now; plant another. I do not think, as the secretary has said, that too much.
can be said in favor of early cultivation ; the only orchards having any fruit this year,
that I have seen, are those which have been early cultivated.

Mr. Service.— Which is the most successful, the yellow or the white?

The Secretary.—I think, asa rule, I have got more fruit from the white fleshed, but
with the exception of one variety, the Wager, I have not tried it sufficiently long to say
much about it. Last year it was a most abundant bearer.

Mr. Nicnou.—I have found coal ashes very valuable, not only for the borer ; it is
an excellent mulch for young fruit trees, and is a protection against drouth and mice. I
have applied it heavily, and although there is no fertilising matter in it I have seen no
bad effects from it.

Mr. Morris.—I would ask the secretary if he does not think trees with long trunks
are more subject to disease and borers than short stemmed ones ?

The Szcretary.—I do not know whether it has any effect as far as the borer is con-
cerned, but I am strongly in favor of low-headed peach trees and keeping them
down pretty low. I believe in low trees in the first place, and I keep them down after-
wards by constantly cutting them back. I think a very great mistake is made in the
method of pruning peach trees all through this section of the country. It is not only the
trunk, but all the limbs from the trunk are bare for so many feet; you have just tufts of
branches away out at the ends of these limbs, and as a result there is very little new
growth from such pruning, and the trees very soon die of old age. I know that is
the great fault of the growers at Grimsby. I do not think the trees are so produc-
tive as when kept down. The object of the borer, of course, is to get into the
root, and as long as we have heap of earth or anything to prevent his finding his way
to the root of the tree I do not think ‘ would much matter about the height of the
tree,

Mr. Brntups.—Do you think the mound of earth prevents them ?

The Secretary.—It prevents their reaching the spot they want to get to.

59

Mr. Brrturs.—Don’t you think it has often an opposite effect—that it harbors
them ?

The Secrerary.—You must be careful to take out any borers before you put the
earth around about the trees. If they have been exposed during the season the borer ought
to be dug out in the autumn or early spring and the trees then banked up and left

so during June, July and August, when the moth is flying around seeking a place to

deposit it eggs.

A Memper.—How do you cultivate low-headed trees ?

The Secretary.—I manage to get quite near them. I suppose the trunk will be
two and a half or three feet from the ground, and then by keeping them well cut back
the branches get bushy and you can get pretty close to them, especially if your harness
is adapted for the work.

Mr. Bitturs.—Is it an established fact that the moth of the borer places the eggs
upon the stem of the tree or in the earth surrounding the tree. In the little experience
I have had [ have generally found the borer a little below the surface of the ground.
The moth certainly cannot find its way under the ground to deposit its eggs.

The Srcretary.—I think, though I won’t say positively, that it is deposited in the
tender bark near the surface of the earth, where the root begins, but I have noticed that
when the larva becomes full grown it emerges from the tree and transforms in the cast-
ings outside.

FRUIT CULTURE IN THE NIAGARA DISTRICT.

The PresipENT,—I find on the programe for discussion the following question : “Is
fruit culture on the increase or the decrease in the Niagara District, and is fruit growing
more profitable than grain and root crops, taking into consideration the large amount of
labor, attention and fertilisers required for the fruit crop, the insect enemies, off years of
- bearing, etc?”

Mr. Courneen.—There is no doubt that fruit culture is on the increase.

Mr. Batu.—Last year there was more fruit shipped from the township of Niagara
than from the next two counties to it.

Archdeacon McMurray.—There have been tens of thousand of peach trees put out
this spring within three or four miles of this place.

The Presipent.—The fact that it is on the increase may be taken as an indication
that it is more profitable, but the question is whether it is more profitable when the
amount of labor expended and the losses of one kind or other are taken into consider-
ation.

Mr. Batt —A few years ago all you could get for land here was $50 per acre, but
now no person would think of asking less than $100 per acre or over for land suited for
fruit culture.

Mr. Morris.—The planting of fruit is very much on the increase every year.

Mr. Neties.—I think it pays. We havea very fair crop every year. Thisis the
first year we have missed having an average crop, and this spring we felt sure of having
an immense crop.

The Secrerary.— What do you reckon is the average profit of an acre of peaches ?
Mr. Nevies.—I have not figured it down that fine.

Mr. Morris.—We have an orchard of four acres of peaches, all the varieties we can
get hold of, and one year we had $1,500 off that four acres. If the peaches had all
been of one profitable variety we would have made three times as much as that, for
many of the varieties did not pay anything at all. That orchard is about five years old.
It is true that it has not since produced anything so good, but I think this year it is
going to do fully as well.

60

Archdeacon McMurray.—I am told that $1,500 off four acres, clearing $1,200
profit, is what Mr. Carnochan did. I myself had one tree from which we took eighteen
baskets, besides four that were destroyed.

The Secretary.—I think we ought also to look at the other side. I have planted
several orchards, from some of which I have never had a crop; that is the reverse of
the shield. My cousin, on the next farm, certainly did reap one enormous crop from
ten acres of peaches, from which he got $3,000, but he never got another like it ; I think
it was the first and the last real good crop. I do not think, on the average, peach cul-
ture pays any better than any other kind of fruit growing. I think it is hardly wise to.
let these giowing statements go out without some little qualification.

THE SUITABILITY OF ORNAMENTAL TREES.

At the opening of the meeting on Wednesday morning Mr. D. Nichol, of Cataraqui,
read the following paper :

In the eastern and northern parts of Ontario there are annually expended thousands
of dollars for ornamental as well as for fruit trees, which to the purchaser are worthless. I
think most of you are quite familiar with this fact. No doubt this subject has often been
discussed at previous meetings of this kind, but still the evil continues increasingly.
Travelling tree agents, as a class, are not men of practical experience, consequently they
cannot be supposed to possess a correct knowledge of the requirements of the dwellers in
the various localities. In this locality you can grow many trees which cannot be success-
fully grown in by far the greater part of Ontario. Each succeeding generation of farmers
in the colder districts goes through the same expensive experience, and the probability is
that so long as only about one in fifty read a horticultural or an agricultural journal, so long
wil! they continue to be imposed upon, unless some means can be devised for preventing
the imposition.

I do not pretend to have discovered a remedy, but would merely enunciate some
ideas gleaned from observation and a long practical experience which may lead to a dis-
cussion that may perchance be profitable to some.

According to the programme I 4m also to speak of some mistakes which are made
concerning ornamental trees. I will not undertake to tell you all the mistakes I have
made myself because some mistakes I have made in this matter were so stupid I would be
ashamed to tell you of them ; so I will briefly notice only a few things, ‘without using any
technical names.

Although the catalpa, tulip-tree, Kentucky coffee-tree, the magnolias, the cypress,
silanthus, laburnum, enonymus, buttonwood, persimmon and sassaffras are not suitable for
our northern climate, there is certainly no lack of variety of beautiful trees which can be
rel'=d on as being hardy enough and in every way suitable for any inhabited part of
Ontario. Among evergreens we have the hemlock spruce, which for gracefulness of habit
and richness in color of foliage is not excelled by any foreign variety that I know of. I
often wonder why it is so seldom planted and grown as an ornamental tree. Perhaps by
some it may be considered too common, but that is a mistake, for, according to present
indications, it will soon become one of the most uncommon trees in this country. We
have also the Norway spruce, the black, white and blue spruce, the balsam fir, arborvites in
great variety, red cedar and the retinispora, the Austrian pine, Scotch pine, Weymouth
pine and a lot of other pines, which, when grown as single specimens with plenty of room
make beautiful ornamer.tal trees, Then among deciduous trees, besides all the glori-
ous maples, elms, ashes and mountain ashes, we have the basswood, European larch,
European white birch, American canoe birch, purple birch and the cut-leafed weeping birch.
Trees of all these kinds, when properly grown as single specimens, are admirable.

One prevailing error in regard to this matter 1s planting trees too closely together
wherever they are planted. Not long ago I saw growing on a lawn in front of a house
three beautiful trees of considerable size ; one each of the purple beech, cut-leaf maple

61

and weeping birch. They were only twelve feet apart and beginning to crowa each other,
consequently in about three more years the two outer ones will be lop sided and the middle
onea spindling scrub. I have seen thousands of fine trees ruined inthe same way. Indeed
it is only in rare instances they are given sufficient room to display their natural beauty.
I speak only of ornamental trees and will not encroach on forestry, at least, on this occasion.

Another objectionable practice is that of clipping or trimming evergreen trees into
various fanciful shapes. When trees are grown for ornament and given plenty of room
they usually take a natural and graceful form, which is always more pleasing to those who
have acquired a correct taste than any distortion that may be given by pruning. I have
known some otherwise beautiful landscapes sadly marred by the stiff appearance of some
barbered trees.

Another common mistake is made in giving preference to all foreign species belonging
to the same genera as some of our native trees. The European larch is of more graceful
habit than our native tamarack, and the white birch, with its weeping varieties, is certainly
more beautiful than any of our common birches ; but the European linden is not by any
means preferable to our basswood as an ornamental tree, neither is the English elm for
beauty or for shade to be compared with some of the varieties of our own white elm.
Particularly is this noticeable on some of the streets in Toronto where the different species
are growing on opposite sides of the street. The horse chestnut is a magnificent tree when
grown to perfection, hut in my district it is too short-lived ; even if it lives for 30 or 40
years it loses its beauty when branches begin to die.

There is perhaps no tree more unsuitable for ornamentation than the silver poplar,
(Chinese abele,) yet about many farm houses it is the only tree planted. When once
planted it is there to stay, for it continuously sends up suckers enough to destroy every other
kind of tree near by. The down it throws off, after flowering, is an abomination. The
Lombardy poplar is admired by some, but it deserves no place on ornamental grounds.
Whoever will plant poplars let them plant the aspen ; it possesses some beauty, but it
would be folly to plant it unless for the sake of variety.

When asked which of all trees I prefer for the ornamentation of a lawn I invariably
recommend the cut-leafed weeping birch. I have lost many fine specimens of it through
the depredations of the sap-sucker, (yellow-bellied woodpecker) yet if I had but room for
one ornamental tree I would plant this one. Next I would prefer the purple birch, Weiss’
cut-leafed maple, European larch, red cedar, blue spruce and Norway spruce ; after that
the European mountain ash, the Imperial cut-leafed alder, the basswood and the dogwood.
On extensive grounds [ would of course plant a large variety and would include the yellow
locust. The only objection to it is its tendency to send up suckers. The sweet perfume
from its flowers in the month of June entitles it to a place on the pleasure grounds.

The wild black cherry is seldom planted as an ornamental tree although it is remark-
ably suitable for the purpose. It is beautiful in flower as well as in fruit. I have never
seen it affected by the black knot, but have found it to be one of the most enduring.

The hickories, as a class, are of slow growth while young, but their foliage is exceed-
ingly beautiful. In exposed positions they endure and thrive well, while many other
kinds would be injured. The ash-leafed maple is quite as hardy but it requires a richer
and moister soil. Fora large growing, wide spreading tree for shade the common birch is
unsurpassed. The white ash, when grown as a single specimen with plenty of room, is a
noble tree, well suited for an extensive landscape.

Many others might be added, but I fear I have already occupied too much of your valu-
able time. I have mentioned nearly all the most beautiful of our native species, at least a
sufficient number to make any country home as cheerful and beautiful as the most refined
taste could desire. I believe one of the chief reasons why so many farmer’s homes look
desolate is because the owners have become discouraged through the imposition of
unscrupulous vendors who have urged the purchase and planting of trees utterly unsuit-
able for locality and conditions. ° Nurserymen who allow their agents to sell unsuitable
trees are also blamable and they make a mistake, because success with suitable trees would
*ertainly lead to increased demand. I have been selling trees for 35 years and by selling

62

some which I only supposed to be suitable have been frequently required to make retribu-
tion or be branded as a rogue. It requires an ordinary lifetime for a man to learn by
experience the suitability of trees which are not indigenous to this country ; hence the
necessity of being guided by the experience of others. If buyers would take the trouble
to inform themselves as to what trees are suitable for their locality and order direct from
experienced and reliable nurserymen they would obviate disappointment and the provoca-
tion of being swindled.

Mr. Morris.—I agree with what has been read in the paper. Regarding the pruning
of evergreens, I think they can be sometimes benefited by the use of the knife, not dis-
torting or trimming them into fancy shapes, but shortening a limb here and there where
it is required. Ironwood can be made into one of the prettiest of ornamental trees that
grows, and it will grow so thick a bird can hardly go through it.

The PresiDENT.—One or two nurserymen in Rochester make a specialty of ironwood,
I think, and even advocate it as a hardy plant.

The Secretary.—lI think it would be well to hear from Mr. Gilchrist, of Toronto,
who is somewhat interested in the varieties of trees adapted for planting in southern
Ontario for small ornamental grounds.

Mr. Gitcurist.—The question has been somewhat sprung upon me, as 1 did not
know what was to be the programme until I saw it this morning. [ think I can endorse
all that Mr. Nichol has said as to pruning ; it is time we had learned to stop it. It may
be all right for a2 man to gotoa barber to get shaved, but I do not think the use of
the knife improves the appearance of our ornamental trees. Almost everywhere in
Toronto it is the same, the natural beauty of the tree is destroyed by pruning. I think
we in this society should advocate the leaving of trees in their natural shape and beauty.
What is the use of planting a great variety of trees and pruning them all into one shape ?
There are two kinds of beauty, the symmetrical and the irregular, and we find the trees
having the second character, such as birch or elm, the most admired by refined people. I
think the blue spruce is the best spruce. It has proved quite hardy at Guelph ; and
when spruces are selected they have the most beautiful colors. Some are as green as the
Norway spruce, while others are almost white. It will not stand the knife, which destroys
its symmetrical form. There are four or five varieties of the cornus which are very beau-
tiful, both in the fruit and the flower, and the foliage is always beautiful. I think all the
cornuses might be utilised, and also the witch-hazel (Hamamelis), which has fine large
leaves ; it is not a large shrub, but one of the finest we have. But I prefer the American
elm to any other tree except the cut-leaved birch. The latter is spoiled by being planted
among other trees; it should be planted alone, where it has room to develop, and so that
it can be seen from every aspect. The cut-leaved maple is also a very nice tree, but not
superior to the cut-leaved birch. Some European trees have better forms than the
American ; for instance, the birch and some others that might be used to advantage, but
I quite agree as to the lindens. Our American linden is another very fine tree, as is also-
the soft maple where it has room to develop. I think it is very much finer than the hard
maple. The horse-chestnut has been planted too closely in Toronto. It is a tree which
has seen its best days. In the northern part of the country it has never succeeded, and
the money spent on it might better have been spent on native trees. It is very disap-
pointing to pay out $1 per tree for chestnut trees and never have them grow twenty feet
high. I know that thousands of dollars have been spent on that tree in the northern
part of Ontario. Nurserymen should try to send out trees suitable for the localities they
are going to, and should not employ ignorant agents. The time is coming when they will
have to be enlightened on these points ; there is no use in planting peaches in Muskoka,
and it is just the same with planting horse-chestnut trees.

The SeoreTary.—Are there any other trees planted around Toronto that you think
are worthless #

Mr. Gitcurist.—The catalpa does pretty well. It kills back when young, but when
it gets older it is a straggling, irregulac tree. There are one or two in Guelph about.

\

g
P
i]

se rc em Orr—

63

twelve feet high, in sheltered positions. I do not think it is a tree that should be recom-
mended for plahting, however. The Association ought to take up the matter, and make
out lists of the ornamental trees adapted for different districts. There would be no difii-
culty at all in doing so, and it would save thousands of dollars to farmers. We have such
a variety of climates that a very short distance makes a great difference in trees ; those
which may do very well here do not do as well in Toronto or Guelph.

Mr. Morris.—In regard to pruning, I think most shrubs, if left unpruned, become
as unsightly as old currant bushes. Early blooming shrubs can be trimmed immediately

after blooming, and the new growth will bloom the following season ; I think that is the
_way they should be treated. Many, like althea, will grow into a good shrub without

pruning, and of course I do not think they should be cut. I think Mr. Gilchrist is mis-
taken when he says that spruce cannot be pruned—

Mr. Gitcuerist.—I think they can be pruned but not improved.

Mr. Morris.—I differ from you there, again. The proper time to prune Norway
spruce is about the 2nd of June. That is for this section. It would be later for the
north. Just before they finish making their growth and begin to form the buds, by clip-
ping the sides the buds will form further back. We have a hedge of it that grows about
six inches every year, and we prune it the same as any other hedge, and it gets thicker
every year; it is so thick that birds can hardly enter it. Of course I agree with Mr.
Gilchrist as to ornamental trees, that they should be cut in only just a little. I would
say that all evergreens require a good deal of manure. If they get plenty of food of that
kind they will resist the winds on one side a great deal, and for trees that are already in
that shape I do not know any other course than to trim off the other side and try to force
the zrowth on that side also. Do the trimming about the latter end of June.

Mr. Craic.—I might say that the blue spruce grows very well at Ottawa; the principal
trouble is a fungus that appears on the leaves about the 10th of June, and which is very
bad now. ‘The leaves are beginning to drop, and it disfigures the tree. This fungus seems
to be the principal difficulty,and for it I am now trying the copper solution. Of the cornuses
I think one of the most ornamental is the cornus sericea. Another that has not been
mentioned is the tamarisk amarensis, which in Ottawa, however, is not quite hardy. Of
the viburnums, probably the old English one is the best. Poplars [ do not lke, on
account of the seeds and its sprouting habits. There is one of the American poplars that
does not sprout, but I do not think it succeeds in this part of the country. Catalpa
speciosa is not satisfactory at all; it will die the third or fourth year, and I do not think
itis worth growing for an ornamental tree. Another tree which I think may be added
to the list of hardy ornamental trees is the European larch. Of course it is not an ever-
green, but it puts on beautiful foliage in the spring.

HUMBUGS IN HORTIOULTURE.

The President announced that Mr. T. H. Race, of Mitchell, Ont., would read a paper
on Humbugs in Horticulture.

Mr. Racr.—I have no paper prepared on the subject. I have met many humbugs
in my time, and the list is a numerous one, but at the head of it I place the nursery
jobber humbug. By that name I wish to indicaté the man who claims to be a nursery-
man, but who yet has not a foot of ground in the world, nor a single tree to his name.
It has been stated here, and often elsewhere, that farmers are a class of people who take
a delight in being humbugged ; that they are better satistied when they are being hum-
bugged than when they are getting a fair deal. But even granting that to be so, the
object of this Association is to extend and increase fruit-growing in this province, and
I think for that reason it is our duty to protect the farmer from being humbugged, and
to educate him up to a point where he will cease to feel any delight in the humbugging
process. Our first object, as I have just said, is to extend the growth of fruit and its cul-
tivation throughout the province ; to awaken an interest among farmers as a class in this

64 -

industry. My experience is that it is not very easy to awaken such an interest in their
minds. At present the farmer looks upon his orchard as the most unpréfitable part of
his farm ; sometimes, indeed, he looks upon it with a certain amount of disgust. He has
paid for what he supposed was a certain kind of trees, but after a number of years has
discovered that he did not get what he paid for at all, and that his orchard is filled up
with a large number of Talman sweets or some even cheaper variety, and, there being no
sale for those varieties, his orchard is neglected. I am not a protectionist, but I teel so
keenly in this matter that if I were asked to construct a tariff for this province I would
have to introduce that principle of protection first of all on fruit trees, on which I would
place so high a duty that it would strike the nursery jobber, one that would be prohibi-
tory on his goods. I find that nearly all these so-called nursery jobbers who have been hum-
bugging the farmers, get their supplies from the other side. I have no fault to find with
American grown trees, but the nursery jobber will buy his trees where he can get them
cheapest, and the nurseryman to whom he goes to purchase them, knowing that he is
responsible to the jobber only, and not to the jobber’s customers, and that he has to put
these trees in at a very low rate, is not likely to give him his best. As a result the nur-
sery jobber fills the orchards of our farmers with the very cheapest trees that are to be
had ; it is as a rule the leavings of the nurseryman’s other customers that find their way
into the hands of the nursery jobber. Therefore the farmer who buys from the
nursery jobber runs the risk of getting just whatever the nurseryman has at his
disposal at the time the jobber sends his order, and owing in a great degree to
this the experience of the farmer is that seven out of every ten trees are a fail-
ure. I think that proportion will hold good throughout Canada, for it is based on
inquiries I made last fall. When I was talking in this strain before the farmers
in many places, I was fallen foul of by these very agents, and I have had some
pretty sharp passages at arms with them. Farmers would ask me what nursery-
man I would recommend. Now that is not a very pleasant question to deal with, but I
always tell them I am not advertising any nurseryman, and mention the names of one or
two of our prominent nurseries. Then they want to know how to deal with them to be
sure of getting the right varieties, and at reasonable prices. In reply to that I recom-
mend them through their farmers’ institutes to make up lists of what they want in fruit
trees, and then send their secretary, or some other live man in whom they have confi-
dence, to deal directly with the nurseryman. By this plan I tell them they can get 25
per cent. off the regular list prices, which will pay the expense of sending a man to deal
direct. Another question I am asked is, how they are to know these men who represent
themselves as nurserymen and not jobbers, and how they can protect themselves. In
answer I say that when a farmer wants to build a house, barn or stable, he does not wait
until some carpenter comes along and persuades him he needs such a building and
takes his order for the material, but he makes up his mind during the winter and begins
to make inquiries where he can buy the material best and cheapest, and by whom he can
get the work done most economically, If he will treat the matter of an orchard in the
same way, and proceed to inquire carefully where he can best get the requisite trees, we
will hear less complaints of the kind that are so prevalent among those who wait to be
taken in by the first man who calls on them witha plausible tongue. [ find it necessary
to take this line in going out among farmers to talk to them of fruit-growing, for they
have been so persistently humbugged that—although people will tell you they like being
humbugged—you cannot arouse in them any interest in fruit-growing unless you point
out some more satisfactory mode of dealing than the one the evils of which they have
experienced in the past. But the nursery jobber is only one of the humbugs with whom
we have to deal, for we frequently find humbugs in connection with reliable nurserymen
among our own countrymen. Some of the regular nurseryman will send out as a sort of
inducement a ‘‘catchpenny,” as the saying is, and many of these have had the effect of
souring farmers against the fruit industry. Not many years ago quite a number of Russian
mulberries were brought into the county of Perth. I felt that the importation was a humbug
when it first came in. Many persons inquired my views in regard to it, and I would tell
them I did not know much about it, but would not recommend them to buy It proved
a regular humbug. The next was the Russian apricot, which in the northern sections o¢

65

‘this province is no doubt a humbug. Now, all these things have the effect of putting a
damper on whatever interest may be felt in fruit culture, and do inestimable damage to
the fruit-growing industry. I do not know how we are going to combat that kind of
thing unless we can educate the farmers up to refusing things until they have been tho-
roughly tested by the Experimental Farms, where [ think all these things should be tested
before they are recommended for adoption. This Association has made a move in the
way of increasing the interest in fruit culture by sending out representatives to the
farmers’ institutes. It is no use sending these men out to induce farmers to live and die
in the very happy recollection of being humbugge]. We want to atiain some better
results than that. There is another humbug which I will speak of now, which I did not
mention before ; that is the man who goes out and sells trees on the ‘*‘ home-grown tree”
argument. There are lots of little nurserymen throughout the province who go out into
the country among the farmers and persuade them to buy the home-grown tree. These
men may have an acre or two, but they will turn over a book and show the farmer many
thousand trees they have sold as being home-grown trees. Now if a man has only an
acre of lund and is selling thousands of trees he does not grow them on that ground, and
he is just as bad as the nursery jobber.

Mr. Cavers.—I represent the Galt nurseries. Wesend out many agents and we dis-
tinetly tell them we do not grow all the stcck that we sell. Of course when our men are out
canvassing we do not know what they tell customers. The more tender varieties of stock
we could not grow as well as they could be grown elsewhere. We know that as the result
of our experience, and we tell our agents to tell our customers that we can supply them
with better stock of the tender varieties by not attempting to grow them ourselves. We
do not know exactly what our men tell our customers but we distinctly inform them that
all the stock they get is not necessarily grown in our own nurseries. We find that by
growing only those varieties we can guarantee, we are able to give better satisfaction than
if all were home grown. In the Galt district we cannot grow all that is called for. Now,
what are we todo? Are we to be called jobbers and ruled out of the business because
we do not have all home grown? And suppose a nurseryman is growing all this stock
himself, is that a guarantee that the stock supplied a customer is what he says itis? The
customer has to depend upon the reliability of the men he is dealing with in every case.
We make it arule to send nothing out of our nursery that is not exactly what it is
labelled. Sometimes we substitute, but when we do we put on just what it is so that the
customer may refuse it if he likes. If ever a tree goes out with a wrong label it is a mis-
take. Something has been said here about nurserymen sending out treeg that are not
suited to the sections of country they are ordered for. Nurserymen have to send out
what is ordered, and in some cases where, knowing that what is ordered is not adapted to
the climate, something else has been substituted because it was more suitable, the cry is at
once raised that there was some dishonest ulterior motive in the substitution. Now, what
are we to do for that? In discussing this question of humbugs it would not be aniiss, per-
haps, to take a look at it from the nurseryman’s point of view. We always endeavor to
do things perfectly upon the square, but you see the difficulties we have to contend with.

Mr, Denron.—My own impression is that the further south you go the more delicacy
you will find in a tree for certain parts of Canada, and my disposition would be to encour-
age more of our home selection. Referring to this question of humbugs which is under
discussion it is very sad to go through my district. especially Lobo, and see so many
orchards which men have planted and brought into bearing, and then found it was the
commonest fruit grown, instead of being choice varieties such as these men paid for and
expected to get from their trees. It is very hard in the face of that to induce men to
enter more largely into fruit culture, but I think if they will take the list published in the
“ Horticulturist” it will overcome the difficulty presented. We all know that men who
have stuff to sell will sell it if they can. I believe the gentleman who has spoken is per-
fectly honest, but are his men going to be sv strictly bound down when their living depends
on the exteut of their sales? I think not. The farmers generally are ignorant of what
is best for them to plant, and I think it is the duty of this Association, as has been
said by my friend Mr. Race, to go forth and educate them, and in ten years from this
time there will be a great change.

5 (E.G)

66

Mr. A. H. Perrit.—1 look upon this discussion as a mere waste of time. If we
wait until the humbugs are all done away with we shall wait until the millenium.

The Secretary.—I think it is a mistake to make any personal references whatever
in a farmer’s institute ; I do not think we ought to disparage any local nurseryman by
name in any of our meetings, nor do I think we should advertise any of our reliable
nurserymen by name although we have every confidence inthem. We should recommend
those varieties that are desirable for planting and be unsparing in our condemnation of
those which are worthless ; but [ do not think we ought to make any personal references.
one way or the other by name of either Canadian or American nurserymen. In regard to-
the Russian apricot, which has been spoken of, I believe it was sent out by nurserymen
both in the States and Canada with perfect confidence, because it had not been tested. It
has been found that a large number of these Russian apricots, introduced by the Mennonites
from Russia, were seedlings grown from the fruit of trees that fruited in the southern
part of Russia, down near the Black Sea, and I am told by a correspondent in Russia that
that section of the country will grow tender fruit such as we cannot pretend to grow here =
fruit such as is grown in Oalifornia. Russia is a word which covers a very wide territory
and the southern portion of it is a very mild climate. 1 believe, however, that there are
some varieties of Russian apricots which have been tested at the Iowa Agricultural
College that have been found hardy, and I am told by Russian friends that there is a
variety of apricot, known there as Ansjustin’s, which is more hardy than any of the varieties.
we have tried.

Mr. McMicuaret.—The gentleman from Galt has said that they sometimes, under
some circumstances, take the liberty of substituting. I remember a number of years ago-
giving an order for a considerable number of pear trees, and in filling it the nurseryman
substituted some varieties and said he had not what was ordered in stock. All the sub-
stitutes with us were found to be totally worthless when they came into bearing.

Mr. Morton.—One humbug in connection with this matter and connected with the
Canadian nurseryman is the humbug of the agents nurserymen employ. The nurseryman,
according to what was stated by the secretary a minute ago, is no better than the farmer,
because, if the apricot was introduced in the way he says, it proves to me that no person of
any common sense would send ont a thing in perfect confidence because it had not been
tested ; I cannot see that it at all follows.

The Secretary.—He might not have known that it was a fraud.

Mr. Morton.—I think a person who introduces a thing, recommending it as likely
to prove beneficial when he does not know anything at all about it is the next thing to the
man who will recommend that which he knows positively to be worthless. A person has.
no right to recommend a thing of which he does not know anything. However I do not
wonder at their adopting that course when I find that in appointing agents they follow a
similar plan. Their agents have not been tested, and consequently, as in the case of the
apricot, they have every confidence in them. Of course it is well known that some firms
have had experiences the reverse of pleasant with their agents. In my own section sev-
eral instances have come under my notice of orders having been duplicated by agents or
raised on the face of them. I must say in justice to the nurserymen that in no case have
they refused to do what was right in the matter, according to my opinion. In a great
many instances the agent does not know anything about the business. I have had exper-
ience with several. One man, who came to me to sell me grapes—I pretended not to
know anything about them—recommended the Niagara as of better quality and earlier
than the Champion. I asked him what quality the Champion was and he said he was not
quite sure of the color but he knew it was a sour grape. Now I think it is folly to send
out anagent like that. It is to the advantage of the firms themselves to see that the men
who represent them understand their business and are straight and honest, because on
their shoulders must fall any slip made by the agent.

Mr. WeE.LuINGTON.—It is not often I take part in a discussion that lays me open to

the charge of talking “ shop,” and I am very sorry the present discussion has assumed the
form it seems to have assumed. I fully appreciate the remarks made by Mr. Morton, but

—————— er OO

67

perhaps if that gentleman had twenty years experience in the handling and management
of agents he would be better qualified to offer advice calculated to enable me to overcome
the difficulties’ encountered in running agents. There is much to be said against agents
and nurserymen and there is also much to be said against cunning fruit growers and farm-
ers, and when we touch upou humbugs we touch upon a very wide subject; one which
might occupy a great deal more time than we have at our present disposal. In the dis-
cussion of humbugs I might tell you of many little frauds which we hear of as being com-
mitted by farmers in bringing their goods to market. All these things are very disagree-
able when raked up before a class ot people who live in glass houses and who therefore
should not throw stones. The fruit tree agent has been of ser vice, even with all his
humbugging, because the experience people have had with him has made them more care-
ful. The matter rests entirely with the people themselves. As nurserymen we have
many difficulties to contend with and we try to meet them squarely and to deal with them
in the most effective way suggested by our expcrience, and there is more honesty in the
business than we are generally given credit for. Regarding the Russian apricot, we gave
it a very fair test as to hardiness ; as to the quality of the fruit we were aware we could not

depend on its being uniform, but as an ornamental tree sent out singly it was no humbug.

These things have to be experimented on and tested by the fruit grower as well as the
nurseryman. They were introduced in the first place from Russia and they were tested
by a firm who bore a very good character in Nebraska to begin with, and [ do not think
they will prove a humbug altogether. The same firm introduced the Russian olive, in
regard to which we have been very conservative—we would not put them out at all.
Prof. Saunders tells me, however, that they are a perfect success, and he thinks they are
perfectly hardy at Ottawa. It is a novelty asa fruit that will never amount to anything,
but as an ornamental shrub it will be a success. Still it will be denounced by some as a
fraud and a humbug. We should look at these things and consider before making sweep-
ing accusations sgainst any class of persons.

Mr. Racr.—I am in thorough accord with the secretary in his remarks. [I do not
think it is a good principle to mention names either in a favorable or reverse manner and
I have always, where I could avoid doing so, refrained from it ; but it is not a very easy
thing to do when you start out to talk to farmers about fruit growing, they will crowd you
until you almost have to do it to satisfy them. At Meaford I took the platform at seven
o'clock and the farmers, who are very keenly interested in fruit growing, kept me until
ten o’clock plying me with questions. There were quite a number of agents present, but
the farmers cornered me up so that I was forced to mention some of these names. As
long as we have in our own country reliable nurserymen able to supply the demand I think
we should recommend them, and advise our institutes to send men to buy from them what
they want, direct from the nursery.

COMMITTEES, REPORTS AND QUESTION DRAWER.

After considerable criticism and several changes in values of the apples, the fruit list
for Ontario was finally adopted by the Association. The list, as finally adopted, appears
at the end of this Report, for convenience of reference.

FRUIT COMMITTEE.

The Secretary.—I think the present is a very suitable time for me to suggest the
appointment of one or two committees. In the first place we have a little fruit on the
table, and we must ask the President to appoint a committee to inspect it carefully and
report on it. I had a couple of baskets of strawberries sent me three or four days or a
week ago, with a request that I should bring them before the Fruit Committee of our
association. Unfortunately they were in no condition to present when J came away from
home. They were of a new strawberry which originated near Brantford, called Prince of
Orange, or Williams’ improved, so called from the originator, Mr. Williams. They were
sent me by David (Greig of Oainsville. The berries are certainly extra large and fine, and

68

he tells me that they have created quite a sensation in that section, and are quite the

rage among the strawberry growers, who are all trying to get them. He believes it is
the coming strawberry for that section of the country, if not for the province. I am very
sorry I was not able to bring the samples with me.

The Prestpent.—I shall appoint Mr. Nichol, Mr. Pafford and Mr. Dempsey as a
committee on the fruit exhibited here.

OBITUARIES.

The Secretary.—lI have now, Mr. President, to make an announcement that I am

sure you will all be very sorry to hear. I have here a communication containing an

announcement of the death of Mr. John Croil of Aultsville, which was sent to me about
a week ago. Mr. Croil, who was sixty-five years of age, died at his residence on the 23th

of June. This loss is in connection with our own society, and we have also to deplore —

the loss sustained by the Montreal Society in the death of their Vice-President, Mr.
Charles Gibb, to whom we are all so largely indebted, and whom we so often welcomed
in our own mectings. I think it is desirable that a committee should be appointed to
draft resolutions of condolence and sympathy in regard to the loss of these esteemed
deceased friends.

The Presipent.—I appoint Messrs. Race, Beall and Craig.

Mr. Beall asking to be excused, Mr. A. McD. Allan was appointed on the committee
with the other gentlemen named.

MARKETING FRUITS:

The Presipent.—-One of the questions set down for discussion by the Association at
the present meeting is, “‘ What is the best method of selling small fruits in our city local
markets $” We will hear what our Secretary has to say on that point.

The SroreTary.—There is a great prejudice against the sale of fruit by auction, and
perhaps there may be some reason in it. It has been tried to a certain extent in the city of
Toronto, not perhaps with the most encouaging results, but I am of the opinion that if it
was undertaken by reliable persons, and carried on in a systematic, business-like manner, it

would be to our advantage to have fruit sold there in that way. There would certainly

be no opportunity for growers to be cheated as to the proper sales made, because it would ~

all be done in a public way. Fruit is a commodity which must be sold at once, whether
by auction or by private sale, and if the public once became aware that auction sales of
fruit were being held regularly I think the highest prices would be realised in that way ;
certainly the fruit should bring us a fair valueif sold in that way. Some days, no doubt,
there might be a loss, but on the average I believe an open sale, regularly conducted,
would result to our advantage. The question was suggested by Mr. Allan, L think, who
desires to get the opinions of the growers in this part of the province, and that is my

opinion as one of them.

Mr. McD. Atian.—I did not expect to speak to this question, which I suggested
merely for the purpose of eliciting information and the opinions of the growers themselves,
based on their experience in selling both by auction and in the ordinary manner. If the
system of selling fruit by auction is adopted the auctioneer, in the first place, should be a
person well versed in fruit, and having a thorough knowledge of its value. He stands
between the buyer and the seller, and he should be a man who will not either knowingly
or unknowingly do an injustice on one side or the other. He should know the value of
each grade of fruit before him, and what it ought to realise. At the same time he should
protect the purchasers, that is, he must not misrepresent anything, but give them the fruit
required for their particular custom or trade. It seems to me that if he understands his
business thoroughly, and is willing and able to conduct the sales properly, the plan must
be a success, and I am of opinion that upon the whole the auction system would be the

most advantageous for all interested.

69

The PresipENT.—Is it not the system most prevalent in the markets of the old
country ?

Mr. Attan.—Yes, almost entirely. Everything of that sort is sold by commission
houses at auction. I think in Toronto the auction system would be most advantageous
both for the buyer and the seller.

Mr. Wetuinaton.—I think the auction system, properly conducted, is the right way
of disposing of fruit. It would be well for fruit-growers to understand that Mr. James
Lumbers was the gentleman who inaugurated the auction system, which he worked up
for a younger brother, and so long as the business remained in his hands everyone who
had any dealings with him got full and correct returns. He informs me that some of the
{ruit-growers were themselves to blame for the ultimate failure of the system, inasmuch
as they made contracts with storekeepers in Toronto for their crop up to a certain date,
and sent the best of their fruit direct to the stores and the poorer fruit to auction. This
fact, coupled with the opposition offered by the storekeepers, who were making money
faster under the old system and did not wish for the change, was in the main the cause
of the failure of the auction system. Another cause was the want of proper quarters,
and of proper facilities for handling fruit direct from the railway stations and steamboat
wharves. These drawbacks combined were, [ think, the cause of the failure of the auction
system. In the hands of a good man I think it would eventually succeed, but in the first
instance opposition would be encountered from the storekeepers in Toronto, who would
do all they could to discredit the auction system in the eyes of the public. If the fruit-
growers were to establish and support an auction system [ believe they would in the end
obtain better results in selling their fruits. The store keeper is the one who gets the
profit on the fruit; the growers have suffered very severely. Many times [ have seen
strawberries sold at some of our large establishments, where they have a good class of
custom, at twenty cents when [ knew that the average returns to the grower were not
more than five or six cents; the shopkeeper gets fancy prices for the good fruit, and
very fair prices for the rest. Now, to make the auction system a success, there must be
. a combination among the growers and they must support the auctioneer, The first step
is to get a good responsible firm or individual to handle the fruit at that auction and then
give him hearty support and keep the fruit away from the shopkeepers ; that is, do not
sell to them direct and then they will have to buy it at the auction and pay its value for it.

The Secretary.—lI have noticed in shipping that a great many of these commission
houses to whom we ship not only sell on commission but speculate on their own account,
and of course when there is a glut in the market it is not until they have disposed of their
ovn that they offer our fruits, and as a natural consequence we get the worst of it. I
have had some very sorry experience of that kind with perishable fruit and got almost
nothing at all for it, though shipped in good, sound condition, It was not until after what the
fruit dealers had in stock was sold, at good prices, that it was offered. In one instance I
know that they had bought on contract a large number of Bartlett pears when the mar-
ket was high. The market rapidly went down and pears [ had sent were not sold until
the prices were down to the very lowest notch. That is what makes me feel a little dis-
satisfied with the present method. If we had an assurance that a house would act solely
in our interests we would have gnore contidence in getting fair treatment, but as things
are now we do not feel that we are being fairly dealt with.

Mr. WELLINGTON.—That is the basis of my statement. Some pears are sold direct
and others shipped on consignment, and the latter have to take their chances while the
others are placed on the market when prices are high. Of course the commission men
will take care to protect themselves first.

Mr. Pertir —We have now what Mr. Woolverton was speaking of —agents in every
city. I think we have six agencies in the largest towns and cities in the Dominion.

Mr, Bucke.— What is the objection to that system. [ should think they would get
the best returns from their own agents.

Mr, Morroy.—I suppose public competition has an effect on the purchaser. Men
will often pay a great deal more for an article at auction than they would by private con-
tract. That is my experience of auction sales in other lines.

70

PACKAGES.

The Presipent.—The next question is “ Should Raspberries be sold in pint baskets?”

The Secrerary.—I have had no experience in pint baskets for raspberries, but I have
noticed that in the New York market raspberries are sold in pints and as small measures
as thirds or half pints. That seems a good deal of wood for a very small amount of fruit,
but I think that in a quart box too many raspberries are put together ; they pack very
close and you get more than a quart of raspberries in a quart measure it seems to me. If
the basket were not quite so deep it would be an advantage, and for that reason I think
the pint would be better.

Mr. Oraic.—The pint basket is growing in favor in Chicago and other western
markets.

Mr. Morron.—I am in favor of a shallow basket as ripe raspberries break down
more easily than strawberries, and even in the latter with some varieties we are bothered in
the same way.

Mr. Race—The fact that one has no guarantee of fruit reaching its destination in
good condition has a bad effect upon the demand. It is impossible in any of our smaller
towns to get a basket of peaches delivered. 1 had some experience in that way last year
when getting peaches from the secretary. Could there not be some light cover devised
that would protect us from pilfering ?

The Secretary.—I do not think that applies so much to crates in which we ship
small fruits as to peaches, which we cover with leno.

Mr. Race.—I know we would get many more plums and peaches if we knew we
could get such packages as I suggest. As it is we know there is a very great risk, as the
express companies tell us it is difficult to deliver a consignment in good shape to a
private individual, because it is supposed that the latter is not so likely to complain as a
large dealer. As soon as [ let them know I was a director of this Association they
stopped the pilfering at once.

Mr. Bucxe.—The best way would be to ship by weight and if there is any differ-
ence when they are delivered let the express company bear the damage.

A Memser.—I sent some peaches from Winona toa friend in Hamilton last fall and
the next morning when he got them there were two of the worst looking baskets of trash
you ever saw.

Mr. Race.—There would bea large increase in the demand for fruit from my locality
if there was any assurance that fruit shipped to us by express would be delivered in any-
thing like proper condition.

A MemsBer.—lf the baskets were fixed in the way you suggest would the consumers
pay extra for the fruit—the extra cost ?

Mr. Race.—The additional expense would be very small; you would only have to
add a little more to the price of the fruit, and I know the people up north would be will-
ing to pay a little more if there was any assurance of the fruit reaching them in good
condition.

The Secretary.—A wooden cover could be had for about a cent a basket, which
could be wired down, in addition to the leno covering.

Mr. Ciine.—I have had fruit stolen even from baskets with wooden covers wired on,

Mr. Wetuineton.—There is no doubt this is a matter which should be taken up and
some measures adopted to remedy it. Iam in the habit of having sent to me in Toronto
from my own place some choice specimens and I do not think that in any case has the
package ever reached me in the condition in which it was dispatched. Some of the best
clusters of grapes would be taken out of a basket and the same applies to peaches. A
man who wants two baskets must have three sent him to make sure he will get the
quantity he desires.

71

The Secretary.—lI was at Caledonia station the other day and saw a lot of straw-
berries that were being shipped in from Buffalo, which were there an hour waiting to be
transferred, and the boys and everyone else were helping themselves through the openings,
Now, what are we going to do about it ?

Mr. Wettineron.—We ought to take some concerted action.

Mr. Race.—lI wrote a letter to the express agent telling him I intended to bring the
matter up at the next meeting of this Association with a view to having a deputation
sent to the government to see if some legislation could not be enacted whereby we could
recover damages for this kind of thing. I said that at the present time there was no law
that I could put in operation without going to too much trouble and expense. That
letter was sent to the head office and I saw the letter sent to the agent in reply to it. It
was, to go and see this man and settle his claim at once and have the agitation checked.
So it is evident they do not care about having any agitation of that kind. [ think their
fear of such a thing is the very best proof that we should make a move in that direction.

A Memper.—lI think the difficulty in making private consignments might be got over
by having some kind of package in place of the open baskets. Of course that would not
do for the open market, where dealers like to have them covered with material that gives
a good appearance, but I think peaches shipped to private individuals might be sent in
crates, which could be had at a trifling expense.

Mr. Attan.—That would only be an inducement to the Express companies to throw
them about. We had a thorough illustration of that at the time of the Colonial Exhibit-
ion, when our stuff was sent over in boxes.

Mr. Race.—lI propose that a deputation be appointed from this Association to wait
upon whatever government has power in the matter and to see what can be done.

The Secrerary.—I think we might get something done. I move that a committee
be appointed to interview the government in regard to the matter and see if some legisla-
tion bearing upon the question cannot be devised. I suggest Messrs. Race, Allen and

. Cline as members of the committee.

Mr. Morton.—I apprehend very great difficulties in any scheme such as is asked for.
There are only two remedies against the company, a civil one or acriminal one. I very
much doubt our getting legislation pointing to a criminal liability, and as for a civil
liability it might be said that we have already the same remedy as any other individual.
The difficulty at the present time is to prove that the fruit was stolen. The Company, in
a case of this kind, would stand on strict legal ground and everything would have to be
proved—that the fruit was in perfect condition when shipped, that the damage took place
on the way, etc. I have grave doubts as to whether the government would interfere in
the matter, but of course it will do no harm to point out the evil.

Mr. Crixe.—I knew a shipper who took a receipt for every package and he did not
have any trouble ; there were no missing baskets, or, if there were, they were paid for ;
but it is a good deal of trouble if you are not at the station early enough for the agent to
look at it and see that the packages are all right.

Mr. Morton.—If that is the case then the shippers are more to blame than the ex-
press company. By neglecting to get that receipt he is simply putting a premium on
dishonesty. I think the shipper should avail himself of every existing means of avoiding
the effects of dishonesty, and when he has done that and still suffers it will be soon
enough for him to complain.

Mr. WetiInctron.—That is all very well as to the packages, but it does not apply
to the abstraction of a few of the best bunches of grapes from a basket. I do not know
what the present legislation is, but I think something might be framed to make the
punishment of this pilfering a little more easy than it is. I think the case is a proper
-one to be investigated by a committee.

The Association then adjourned to meet again in the evening.

72

a
THE CURCULIO.

The Presrpent.—Mr. Billups will now read to us his paper on the Curculio,

Mr. Bittups.—I have not had at my disposal sufficient time in which to prepare
such a paper as I would have desired to read before this Association, but I will endeavor
in a few words to give a brief outline of the curculio family. 1 may say, in the first
place, that the curculio is distinguished from other coleoptera by having the head prolonged
in all cases into a snout of greater or less extent ; in some cases that snout extends three
or four times the length of the whole insect, while in others it is scarcely noticeable.
The curculio in fact is a very hard family to define; it is hard to say where the true
curculio begins and ends. I have upon the table here a fair representation of all the
different genera of the curculio known throughout the globe. I think it would perhaps
be well to give a brief outline of the life history of the insect, and in doing so I do not
think I shall be far wrong in taking the familiar plum curculio as an example, it being I
believe a fairly typical species of the great family Curculionids. So infinitely small are
many members of this family that it is difficult to give to one unaccustomed to them any
idea of the differences which exist in the different genera, but to the eye of one accustom-
ed to handling such small insects the difference is vast. In the diagram before you you
see in No. | the Jarva of the curculio. No. 2 shows the next stage, the chrysalis, and
No. 3 the perfect insect. I have in a bottle here the egg of the plum curculio. This
curculio bites and destroys a great variety of fruit; the cherry, the plum, the peach, and
} believe in some instances the grape. It Jays its eggs early in the spring upon the plum.
The female commences by working a small puncture in the skin of the plum, as repre-
sented in No. 4, and deposits the egg, and makes a semi-circular bite around the spot on
which the egg has been laid. This causes the skin of the plum to wither and dry up,
and affords food for the young grub. When first hatched I have generally noticed that
this grub, after spending a short time in the exact locality of its hatching place, moves in
a circuitous manner around the skin of the plum, and finally ends up very near the stem,
This causes the plum to weaken and rot around the stem, and either by its own weight
or by the first windstorm it is caused to fall to the ground. The larva, which during the
time the plum rotted had a suflicient period in which to gather strength, after a certain
lapse of time disappears into the ground-and changes to the chrysalis state, No. 2. Iam
soiry to say I havo no specimens of the chrysalis, but I have a number of specimens of
the larvae in different stages of advancement. Now, as regards the methods of destroy-
ing the curculio, which 1 suppose is the most important thing to this meeting, as far as
my experience goes the only true way to get rid of them is to gather up the fallen plums.
I think it is almost impossible to do anything by waging war against the perfect insect,
as the perfect insect eats very little. Nearly all the feeding in insects of every order, I
may say, takes place when it is in the larval state. The object of the full grown insect
is chiefly to find a resting place for its egg, and that done its usefulness is over, and it
dies. I think the plum curculio lays from thirty to as high as fifty eggs. Of course
that means if there are twenty or thirty curculios on one tree that not much of the fruit
is going to escape. The curculios are all vegetable feeders, some of them live upon the
seeds of plants, some upon the stems, and a great many upon the fruit. It is generally
supposed there are only a few injurious curculios, which [ suppose is owing to the want
of tuking sufficient interest in the masses of vegetation by which we are surrounded, but.
there are very few plants in this or any other country but what have their own special
curculio. I think there is no just idea formed of the vast number of curculios that exist
upon the earth. The best catalogue we have, the Munich catalogue, which is five years
old, enumerates 10,000 distinct species, but I think that in the past two or three years
there have been some huudred or more sp:cimens discovered new to America. I think
Prof. Brodie, of Toronto—I am not certain in making this statement —told me he had fifteen
or twenty undetermined species that be had found in Canada. If that is correct, and
every entomologist has done as much as he has, though he has not made a specialty of
curculionidze—if they have all taken five or six undescribed specimens, there must have
been an immense swelling of that Munich catalogue. I have here one of the larger cur-
culio, which attacks the sugar cane. It is one of about the largest size that exists. From

——_— —_- - —

the facts [ have given it will easily be seen that it is a family of very small and insignifi-
cant beetles that we have been dealing with, but although small, the amount of damage it
does is larger than that done by any other family of Leet'es. Now, in the case of the
larger wood-boring beetles they do not do damage, but good, and if it were not for them

in a short time we should have no forests. That seems rather a wild statement to make,

but looked at carefully it is a very true one. In the immenge forests of Brazil, Mexico
and southern countries, numbers of trees have been blown down by storms, and if there
were nothing to assist the process of decay there would be such a tangled mass of fallen
trees that nothing else could grow on the space covered by them. But the wood-boring
beetle steps in and deposits its eggs on the bark of the tree, and in a very short time the
whole mass of timber is perforated thoroughly by these immense bettles, places for moisture
are formed, and in a very short space of time the tree decays and is reduced to dust, which,
mingling with the earth, induces new vegetable life. I do not think, however—certainly
I have never observed it—that any of the curculionide do the least good. I do not
know that there is one good point about the family curculionidze at all; the only beetle
_I know of that has been made of any use to mankind is one of the larger curculio, the
grubs of which are eaten by the natives of some countries, and deemed very delicious.
Generally then they are injurious, and being such a small beetle it escapes the eyes of
many insectivorous birds, and at any rate it is a very hard, unpalatable thing. I think
they are the hardest shelled beetles in existence, taking a small, hard steel needle to
pierce them. There is one thing in connection with this subject that needs alteration ;
there has been little or no individual research either in this country orin England. We
find in the reports of the entomological societies of Canada and other countries that the
same facts are being brought before us dozens of times, and these facts are the result of
the researches of men who lived a number of years ago, and, after all, many of the papers
written by able men are but recapitulations of the work done by others. Now, this is
not the case in other branches of entomology, and I think it a pity it should be allowed
to be so with Curculionide. To give one instance of the small amount of interest and
study that has been devoted to curculionide in Canada, I may state this: During my
stay in England 1 visited some twenty of its best museums, In the South Kensington
branch of the British museum, which contains the best entomological collection in the

_world, our Curculionids were represented fairly. In the Oxford museum, the second

finest in the world, there were barely one hundred specimens of our Canadian Curculionidae.
In other countries the Curculionide were better represented in their larger and
more showy insects, but there were only about one hundred specimens out of our five
hundred species. It is my wish, if I can secure help from any entomologist in Canada,
to send over this fall a fairly representative collection of our Curculionidae, and [ only
hope I shall be able to get that help. I cannot do very much myself, being unable to
move from one locality to another, and I hope I shall have help from everyone who is
able to give it, and if such persons will only try to assist me in getting specimens I shall
be doubly obliged. 1 think it is only right that the Dominion should be better repre-
sented than it is at present in England.

Mr. Morpex.—Does the ordinary plum curculio attack cherries and pears, or is it a
different variety.

Mr, Brtturs.—The ordinary plum curculio this yersr destroyed nearly ninety per
cent. of the crop of a cherry tree. The tree was unsprayed and not protected in any
way, being one | left in that way as an experiment. ‘This tree was situated some two
hundred yards from any plum tree.

Mr. Morpex.—What about pears ?

Mr. Brttups.—I have specimens in a bottle here; I think there were about thirty
pears on the tree, and none had less than one, and some three or four bites of the plum
eurculio,

The Secretary.—It also affects the apple ?

Mr. Bitturs.—Yes, that isa pretty well known fact, but I have not made any ex-
periments.

74

The Presipent.—And the peach ?
Mr. Bitturs.—Yes, it attacks the peach. I do not think it will ever become sufti-
ciently dangerous to the peach to excite much alarm.

A Memper.—Too much wool ?

Mr. Bittups.—-Yes, too much wool. If a curculio finds any dirt or dust on a plum
it is working on it will generally leave it for a clean one.

The SecreTary.—You think the application of some other dust than Paris green
would work almost as well ?

Mr. bittups.—I may be making a rash statement, but I believe if trees were dusted
with powdered ashes it would be just as efficacious as Paris green.

The Secretary.—I have a row of cherry trees on the roadside, where it is dusty,
and I seldom find them affected by the larva of the plum curculio ; that would corrobor-
ate your theory.

Mr. Brrtups.—Yes ; I am very glad to hear that statement. So far it has been my
theory, unsupported, but I do not think I am wrong in saying it. I may not be entirely
right, but [am right to a great extent. I believe that Paris green acts more as a
mechanical agent than as a poison. I think when we take into account the small amount
of food necessary for a curculio, and the limited space it touches upon the plum, it will
be evident that it can get but a very small dose of the poison.

Mr. McMicuaru.—Does the larva of the curculio resemble the larva of the codlin
moth in its habits 4

Mr. Bittups.—No; it stays in captivity until it is fully ready to enter the earth.

Mr. McMicuart.—Paris green has no effect upon the larve ?

Mr. Bittuprs.—No, not the least, because it never sees daylight until it is ready to
enter the ground; all the work is done in the skin of the plum.

A Memser.—In regard to the curculio not liking peaches, there cannot be any dust
on my peaches, for they seem to take them very freely ; I found two rows in which I do
not believe there was a single peach that had not been bitten two or three times.

Mr. Bitturs.—I am much interested in learning that fact; it only shows more
clearly that the curculio is one of the worst enemies the fruit grower has to contend with.
It would seem that the plum curculio attacks almost any kind of fruit.

The SecrETARY.—About what length of time do you find that the beetle continues
its operations!

Mr. Bintuprs.—As soon as the plum blossom falls it begins, and the day before
yesterday, July 7th, I found acurculio in the act of laying its egg, which shows very
clearly that it is incessant. I very carefully watched the tree, and I am satisfied my
statements are correct. I have seen them on the plum, searching around for a place and
have seen it force in its beak and withdraw it, and prepare to lay its egg. I think that
is a thing that Mr. Saunders does not mention in his book—the length of time the cur-
culio operates,

Mr. Morpen.—I think it ordinarily does its work in about ten days.

Mr. Bitturs.—Well, the injurious work is probably done at that early stage, be-
cause after the fruit is well developed the curculio is comparatively harmless to the fruit,
though it spoils the look of it. I have had pears, for instance, bitten three or four times ;
it does not actually kill the pear, but it makes a little rough place. Some people think
that the better fruit is not attacked, but I do not think thatis so. It is because the
better fruit is taken more care of and sprayed more frequently. I think they are just as
likely to attack the better plums as the blue common plum.

A Memeer.—lIs there any parasite of the curculio?

Mr. Bittups.—Yes ; but at present my experiments are in such early stages that I
am not prepared to make any distinct statement on the subject. i may say, however

Pr ——”

75

that there are to my certain knowledge two or three distinct parasites of the curculio,
‘The question arises whether we can so foster and encourage the parasite tat in time it
will become stronger than the curculio, and eventually wipe it from the face of the earth
altogether. I am trying a few experiments on a small scale to find out. Another curi-
ous thing about the curculios is that they seem to come suddenly and to disappear suddenly

Four years ago the corn weevil was very scarce in this locality, and the next year it
- appeared in vast numbers. I found it on the white oak, the red oak and on quercus

robur; on three oaks. That in itself wasa rather remarkable thing, as entomologists
have hitherto noticed it only on the white or the red oak, I am not sure which, while I
found it distinctly on three oaks. This year I have found traces of none, except one
perfect insect I found on the 24th May, and the year before there were none. They
seemed to appear one year and disappear entirely the next. In this Prof. Brodie’s notes
agree exactly with my own.

PEAR BLIGHT

The President called upon Mr. McMichael, of Waterford, to speak on his experience
with pear blight.

Mr. McMicuaeu.—This is a subject in which I am very much interested, sadly
interested this year and last year. I think it is now about twenty-five years since I
began pear culture, and during that time we have had three recurrences of the pear
blight. We would have about three years during which the blight was bad, and then
perhaps five or six years freedom from it. We have also found that during the time it
was bad in the pears it was also equally bad on the apple trees. In my pear orchards,
where the blight has been worst, usually there has been an apple tree badly affected, and
‘from that it spread very much worse to the pear trees. Where we have taken those
‘trees out we have very much sooner got rid of the blight. Last spring—I may say that
previous to that we had not been troubled for a number of years—I commenced cutting
on it about the middle of July, and [I have reason to regret that I[ did not com-
mence a month sooner. This year, in an orchard of about 150 pear trees that have been
planted out nearly twenty years, the trees had suffered a number of years with a fungus
which caused the wood to become very brittle and hard, and this spring, I think on the
9th of June, I commenced working in them, and the points of attack would average from
fifty to seventy-five or a hundred in each tree. They were in the twigs, and under the
twigs. With one hand I broke the twig out; and with the other, with a paint brush
filled with linseed oil, I went very thoroughly over the orchard, and I have done so four
or five times since, and in scarcely an instance where this was taken out did the blight
reappear. <A few days after that [ went into another orchard of trees, set out about
eight years, which were remarkably thrifty, the growth long and the limbs just curling
over and the tree full of bloom, but in those trees I found it very difficult to cope with the
blight. The great difficulty is down on the limbs; these little twigs blighted, and in
three or four days the bark would be colored, but by going over them every other day,
just as the leaves began to turn, the art of taking these twigs off with a knife and paint-
ing over with linseed oil, I was enabled to save the limb. I had been led to believe, by
the treatise of Prof. Burrill, that all the virus entered through the bark, or where it was
punctured, but in this orchard in nearly every instance it entered through the ends of
these little matured leaves or the blossom, and, where these are cut out, just a little
paring around it stops it. The bark being punctured the virus might easily enter again,
but the oil has a tendency to keep that out by closing the pores. If that orchard of
eight hundred thrifty trees had been left until now without taking those diseased portions
off, [ might as well have burned every tree, but the present indications are that we shall
be able to save it. One of the mistakes I made was in not cutting low enough; you
have to cut three or four inches below any coloring of the bark, or the blight continues,

In the other orchard, where the limbs are hard, there was no ditliculty in staying the
blight.

76

A Memsber.—Is painting without cutting any good?
Mr. McMicnart.—It is no good unless you cut below the blight.
Mr. Morpen.—Did anyone ever paint before the leaves came out ?

Mr. McMicuast.—-I did for a number of years, with the body and the limbs, and
there was no trouble. TI thought oil was a preventive ; but my impression now is that
the virus enters mostly through the leaves, so of course it would not do any good. But
it is a very great benefit to prevent the virus entering; you see in cutting off the limbs
that that is the place where the virus can enter. It is very difficult to avoid making
some little breaks in other limbs, and the painting with oil over them prevents the
blight entering.

Mr. Cutne.—Did you ever try leaving the blight on the tree and letting it spread ?
Mr. McMicnaet.—No.

Mr. Ciinr.—1 have tried it and it never has gone any further.

Mr. McMicnarv.—In our locality there are lots of trees entirely dead.

Mr. Ciixe.—It just killed the top limbs down four or five feet. They were pretty
tall trees and 1 never cut them off.

Mr. McMicuari.—Going from our place to Brantford wherever the trees were left
they are all dead, but where part was cut out it saved the trees.

The Secretary.—Mr. McMichael has the impression that Prof. Burrill states that
the pear blight only enters through the bark.

Mr. McM:rcuarut.— Yes.

The Secretary.—Professor Burrill told me last year that the point through which
the blight most commonly enters is through the blossoms and the young growth at the
end of the branches. It may have been a previous statement of his that Mr. MeMichael
saw, but I thought it best in justice to the Professor to mention it. His latest investiga
tions seem to have convinced him that it is chiefly through the blossoms that the spores.
of the pear Llight fungus find their entrance into the tree. Therefore just after blossom-
ing time, as soon as we discover the least indications of blight in the blossoms or the
leaves about it, we should carefully go over our orchards and in that way we may be able
to save the trees.

:
‘

Mr. McMicnaet.—My observation is that it enters more through the leaves than
the blossoms, and in four or five days the tree is destroyed if these are not taken off.

A Menper.—lIs there any difference as between trees that are cultivated and those
which stand in sod ?

Mr. McMicnaer.—lIt seems at the first output of the leaves that it is as bad in trees
that are not thrifty, but it continues very much longer in the thrifty trees. It is also
my observation that where trees have been manured with barnyard manure they are very
much more liable to it than where ashes havs been used.

APPLE PACKING.

The Prestpent.—I have no doubt there are many here who are interested in apple
packing. Mr. A. McD. Allan will now address us on “ Repacking apples in Britain ;
drawbacks and advantages; why repack, and how.”

Mr. ALLaAn.—This is a question I suggested for the purpose of drawing out certain
information which I am interested in getting. [ suppose you are all aware that I am
intimately connected with the Imperial Produce Company of Toronto, a company which
is engaged in handling all kinds of Canadian produce in the British markets, and it is my_
wish to make special experiments in a great many lines in the interests of the fruit
growers of Canada. This question of repacking occurred to me four years ago when

{

77

was over in Britain at the Colonial Exhibition. A great many cargoes of the
apples that are packed and shipped from Ontario and other parts of Canada to Britain
arrive there in very poor condition. This arises from many different causes. In the first
place some of the apples are not fit to be packed or put in the barrels—apples with
particles of rot upon them or fungus spotting. They are very apt to heat from some
cause, and the result is that rotting takes place and the barrel of apples is more or less
damaged. It is rather the exception to find a cargo that comes out entirely in fine order ;
there is mcre or less damage, which those who ship over there wiil have seen mentioned
in the returns mostly as “slack, wet.” It occurred to me, and I carried the idea into
execution, to take a cargo of that sort, open it up, and repack it. Of course there are a
great many objections to repacking. I would not advocate repacking a good barrel of
apples, as a rule, because there are more or less bruised specimens in it, and you would
really lose a considerable number of the apples by the repacking ; that is there are a con-
siderable number you cannot call first class specimens fit to repack in a smaller package.
But in the case of a damaged cargo I have known instances where it would be impossible
to do otherwise than lose money for the shipper by placing them on the market in the
shape they were in. There would be no way of disposing of them in the condition in
which they were landed and making money of them for the shipper. Then the question
is what can be done? I find in the majority of cases of that sort that there is a large
quantity of really good apples, for which, by repacking them in a smaller package, I could
realise fancy prices. Tor well culled, unitormly sized, finely colored fruit an extra price
can always be realised in the British market, and by observing that I have been able to
bring the shipper out money in pocket when he would probably have been at a heavy loss
otherwise. Now, I would like to hear from those who have had personal experience in
this matter of repacking what objections there are to that method. Our company has
the idea of going into it if it is found to be in the interest of the fruit growers in Canada.
We have all the accommodation and necessary arrangements made to do so and at a com-
paratively nominal cost to the shipper or grower. My own belief is that it is going to be
largely a matter of experiment for I have met very few persons who have any actual
experience in it. You must look for a loss in repacking; but under any circumstances,

with such cargoes there is more or less loss at any rate. I would prefer selling the fruit

in the original package if it was in anything like the proper condition, but, as I have said
before, such cargoes are rare.

The Secretary.—You spoke of putting the apples in a smaller package. What des-
cription of package ? ’

Mr. Antan.—lI trade the barrels off for boxes and baskets; anything I can get.
There is little or no difficulty in making a trade of that sort and I certainly found it
advantageous to sell in small packages. I see but one disadvantage in getting second-
hand packages. They judge fruit in the British market by the package in which it is,
if they see a fine, well got up package they want to see what’s inside it and they conclude
at once that a man who has packed in that way cannot afford to put a poor article in the
package. Every one is keen to get hold of such packages and they will always pay more
than enough to cover the extra cost of packing.

A MempBer.—Wvuld you ship half barrels?

Mr, Attan.—Yes ; I think so. We used to sell pears by the barrel, but pear grow-
ers have learned that there is more money in selling them by the basket. You can make
a good deal more money by selling them in the smaller package even in our own markets.

Mr. Nicnot.—What do you think of box crates holding a bushel anda half of apples

Mr. AtLan.—I believe there would be more money than in shipping in the ordinary way
in barrels and they would not cost any more. For one firm we are making a specialty
this year by putting up apples in crates, so many boxes toa crate. The boxes are sup-
plied with a pasteboard division the same as egg boxes and an apple in each division,
packed just as eggs are. They are putting up fine Wealthy and Fameuse apples that way.

Mr. Nicaou.—lI think they would be more careful with a box than a barrel, which
is rolled, would they not?

78

Mr. Attan.—Yes ; though they are getting into a better system of handling now.
On the other side barrels are handled much more carefully than here. The only objection
to a square package is that you cannot pack as tightly or well to keep them from moving.
I would not advise the putting up of anything except very choice fruit in the small
packages, nor in any package for that matter, because it takes as much labor and costs as.
much money to pack and send across a poor lot of apples as it does for the best.

Mr. Nicnot.—Have you tried rolling them up in tissue paper ?

Mr. Atan.—I did try that a good many years ago and on that occasion it came out
well, but to what extent that could be profitably carried Ido not know. You will find
a good deal of fruit handled that way in Covent Garden. Something of that kind could
be done with extra fine specimens in repacking. I am strongly impressed from the little
experience I had three years ago that repacking of these poor cargoes might be resorted
to advantageously. Boys and girls can be hired to do the work at merely nominal wages.
and the only trouble is the loss of the poor and bruised fruit.

The Secretary.—lI would like to ask you about early apples. Do you think it would
be possible to get any of our early apples over ?

Mr. ALLAN.—Yes, certainly. I think the Duchess would go but it must be picked
on the green side. You could scarcely try Red Astrachan. All early apples must be
kept in a cool atmosphere. I do not see the slightest difficulty in taking those soft fruits
across in a cold air compartment, and I believe we could get higher prices for those early
fruits than we can expect for our winter varieties.

The SEorETARY.—Do you think it would be possible to get pears over to England ;
Bartlett pears that are picked green 4

Mr. Attan.—I think there would be no difficulty in getting them over with the same
vessel arrangements. As to how it would pay that would depend altogether on the state
of the American crop. If the British and European crop was short it might be expected
to pay well. I would not advise the shipment of our pears to the English market except
under those circumstances.

Mr. Dempsey.—Does the pear crop often fail in the channel islands ?

Mr. Atian.—I do not think so. If we could educate the English taste up to appreci-
ate the fine flavor of our pears we might do better, but they have not got to that point
yet. They are coming to it gradually, however. They now eat our apples, while a few
years ago they thought they were no good except for cooking.

HOW TO MAKE THE BEST OF TEN ACRES IN FRUIT OULTURE.

Mr. Morven.—The first requisite is the right man, and that man must have the-
qualifications of a solid business man. To make money in fruit growing requires business
talent and it is a great mistake to imagine that a person lacking in business ability will
ever make a successful fruit cultivator. Next to that business ability he requires
a knowledge of the business he is engaged in. I will not dwell upon this, although it is
a current idea among city people that every man is a born farmer and frvit grower. If
you want to find a man who thinks he knows all about agriculture and fruit growing it
will be necesary for you to go in search of him in the centre of some densely populated
city. The men who have followed this business all their lives know very little about it.
Although, as I have said, this is a very common idea it is a mistake. The fruit grower
needs a practical knowledge of his. business in addition to business qualifications. He
also requires pluck and must be willing to work and fight weeds eight months of the year.
He must hate weeds with an undying hatred and manifest that hatred every day of the week
except Sunday. Having got the right man the next thing is to locate him in the right place.
In the first place I would locate that man near some source of fertilisers. It is necessary to
put him near some town or village of considerable size, because to get the best results out
of ten acres requires no inconsiderable application of fertilisers. I would also have him.

79

near 2 local market. It is rather a difficult thing to make a fortune out of growing fruit
and shipping it exclusively to distant markets. I have myself a very deeply rooted
‘aversion to wearing out my life in the behalf of express companies and carriers and com-
mission men. Yet that is about the history of our business. The carrying companies
and commission men have been making money fast and we have been getting very little.
By being located near a local market we can very largely get rid of that trouble, but it is
seldom that a local market alone is sufficient for us and it is therefore also desirable to be
near a good shipping point, one at which there is competition, more than one way of reach-
ing the outside market. From this point, for instance, you have as a rule only the steam-
‘boat to connect you with Toronto. At the Falls we have a variety of ways: we com-
monly send our fruit into Toronto, just past your door, as cheap or even cheaper than you
send yours at the present time. We ship very largely through St. Catharines and Port
- Dalhousie and we get it to Toronto justvas cheap as the people of Port Dalhousie. Then

we have as alternatives this route and the Great Western railway line. It isa great

advantage to havea variety of ways of reaching the market. Now, having the right man

in the right place, which is near some town or village, you must have for the next thing
the right kind of soil, which is a very essential thing. It is quite possible in a small plot

where the soilis not right to make it right, but it would be rather a large contract to
undertake to make ten acres, not naturally adapted to the requirements of the fruit
grower, suitable for them. I think it was Henry Ward Beecher who said he never
respected a mountain so much as he did after he had attempted to make one, and I would
not advise any one to try and make ten acres of hard clay or very poor sand or swamp
into a fruit farm, because yon have to compete with men who have suitable soils for the
profit of the business, and to do so with any hope of success you must start on even terms
with them. If you start with a bad soil the chances are that the business will be a fail-
ure as a matter of profit, and, as it is evident that the produce of ten acres of land in fruit
culture would be more than a single family would consume it is as a matter of profit we
are considering this question. Now we have the right man in the right place with the
right soil and he gocs to work. Another one thing is this, and in this I have failed though
|I generally try to practice what I preach: if you are not able to fertilise ten acres
‘properly sell five and fertilise the other five. Fruit growing requires a great deal of
manure, and it is my experience that a great many of the artificial fertilisers are a failure ;
indeed I have never yet been able to get ten dollars back from a ten dollar expenditure
in that line. The preparation of ground for fruit culture isa different thing from prepar-
ing it for the ordinary crops. If you wished to secure a good ordinary farm crop of oats
or barley you would probably not cultivate very deeply, but with fruit the ground requires
to be more deeply and thoroughly worked because the fruit will occupy the same ground
year after year, even in the case of strawberries probably two or three years, and I have
‘never yet been able to turn in manure so deeply that these plants would not find it, so
you need not be at all alarmed about cultivating too deeply. The soil should be very
deeply cultivated and thoroughly worked, and all the weeds eradicated as far as possible
before planting. In planting raspberries, gooseberries and currants, plant in squares so
‘that you can cultivate crosswise. Raspberries you put five to six feet asunder and about
four feet in the row, so you can cultivate both ways. With gooseberries and currants
you may plant closer, it will depend on the richness of the soil; but as far as possible get
cross cultivation by which you will find the expense of cultivation very much reduced and
the results will be better. In some cases of course you plant in rows. At the outset you
can plant a vegetable crop between your gooseLerries, currants and raspberries, or grapes.
in grapes I am favorable to the idea of making the rows somewhat wider asunder, by
which you can get through readily with a waggon with manure, and you can utilise the
Space between by getting a crop early in the season, because some vegetables will be
iowable in the case we are speaking of now. In regard to the varieties of fruit to be
planted that will depend very much on the kind of soil you have. If your soil is entirely
sandy you cannot plant so largely of some varieties as you otherwise could. With a sandy
gil my crop of currants would be less and my raspberries greater. One of the things
shat the possessor of ten acres would be very likely to plant at the outset is strawberries.
would not advise, however, that any one should do what I have trequently seen done, to

hie eee

80

plant these with a row of grapes, because there would be a good deal of difficulty in tak-
ing the strawberries out later on. I do not fancy planting them in the rows. To makes

success of planting strawberries the soil requires to be made very rich. Another crop is
gooseberries. From currants I have been able to make almost as much per acre as from any
other fruit I have ever grown. No matter how cold the weather you are almost sure of
a crop of currants, although this year I have a very poor one; but we never get a total
failure and generally get good cro} s when we give them careful attention and fight against
the worms, which we must do. Just here I may say that I met with a difficulty this
year. Hellebore has been the remedy all along, but the hellebore I got this year is so”
very mild that the currant worms will be killing the bushes next year. I have planted and
grown raspberries very largely and make as much money with them as with any fruit, I
plant so as to cultivate both ways and I use cuJtivatois with knives. The sucker ques-
tion is no matter of difliculty with me. I have been able to get very large returns from
raspberries. I find that although you may get more strawberries to the acre, raspberries
will give you ten or twelve cents a basket as readily as strawberries will six, and I have
always realised readily with raspberries. One reason perhaps is that I compete with our
American friends in their own markets. Nearly all the raspberries I grow are sold in the
United States. In that I have the local market I have just been contending for, and in
operating the local market I have followed the plan cf taking orders from private families,
which J can very readily do where Lam known ; and I get the retail prices and my baskets
back. Ihave no baskets or crates lost or stolen. I can pick my berries at three o'clock in the
afternoon and at six o’clock in the evening I am home with the money in my pocket, Black-
berries can be sold at good prices and are grown with profit ata few points, but I would no ,
recommend generally the culture of them even on this Niagara peninsula. I have neve

made a great success of them, but some men have, so it is not for me to say because I have
failed with a certain fruit that no one else will make a success with it, and I find that
other people in other places do succeed. Quinces can be grown on a ten acre plot ; they
can be planted closely, as I stated before, and other things can be grown between while
they are young. I would grow plums also, especially if I had some clay. I have an
immense crop on my trees and I never fail in having a crop of some kind, although mine
is sandy soil on which we have to fight the curculio, I would also grow pears in @
limited area like this. Plums, pears and quinces can be grown where your space i
limited because by giving the care and cultivation I have spoken of a great deal can be
accomplished in a small space where the land is rich. Now, in dealing with ten ac o8
you must remember that you are to be confined to that area and you must no
at once plant the entire area with fruit because the fruit must be renewed
from time to time. One of the secretsof success in small fruit cultivatio:
is the renewing of your cultivation very frequently ; with raspberries and gooseberrie;
perhaps once in seven years, and oftener in the case of strawberries, and it is alway!
desirable to have some space reserved for that purpose which may be used otherwise i
the meantime. Anyone who would succeed in the growing of small fruits must be pre
pared to do an immense amount of cultivation as compared with the ordinary farmer wh
puts in his crop of corn or potatoes aud cultivates it once or twice. I find it necessary t
cultivate my ground twelve or fifteen times a year, and to hoe nearly as often, thoug!
hoeing is not necessary so often, because if the ground is rich the shading of fruits wi
prevent the growth of weeds. We can keep weeds down very easily where the land is i
thorough cultivation.

The SecrETARY.—Which would you rather have: ten acres of fruit planted an
cultivated in the manner you have described or a hundred acres of ordinary farm witho
any fruit?

Mr. Morpren.—Well, of late years farming has been rather a poor business and
would hardly be fair to make a comparison. It would be a mistake to think that
would get from ten acres of fruit the same profit as from one hundred acres of ord:nat
farm land with one-tenth of the expenditure, but in farming one hundred acres there is
considerable investment for implements and buildings, and it is difficult to get your inte
est out of it. If you bring that down to ten acres of course there are a great ma

i

are ee Ne?

81

(2 Sere ee = i ~

advantages. You may do with a less expenditure for buildings, etc., and there will pro
bably be less hard, heavy labor, but you must not run away with the idea that you can
do that without expense. The fertilisation, planting and caring for ten acres of fruit so
as to get a profit is going to take considerable. I think it would be well in a hundred
acre farm to devote ten acres to fruit; but if I lived ten or fifteen miles from any mar-
ket I would be sorry to drop ninety acres of it and devote the remaining ten to fruit.

Mr. Bitturs.—I have tried pyrethrum and have found it ahead of hellebore and it
is not poisonous in any way as the hellebore is.

Mr. Bucke.—Why do you not use Paris green ?

Mr. Morpen.—I use it early in the season. The currant worms make their appear-
ance early in the season and sometimes I give them a little.

The Secretary.—I have very little trouble with the currant worm. I use the
hellebore in the powder, shaking it on the bushes just when the currant worm first appears,
_ which is quite early. We find him near the base of the bushes and I blow it down among
them and give them a good dusting. Early in the year you have very little dusting to
do and it is very effective.

CULTIVATION OF THE PEAR.

Mr. Dempsry.—It would not be possible for me at this late hour to go into any
extended remarks upon the pear. As to its culture I would select for it first of all a soil
a little on the clayey side and I would prefer a northern exposure, ascending slightly to
the north. I find that our trees situated in that way are less liable to blight. They
mature wood earlier in the fall and consequently they are more hardy. I grow some of
my finest pears on what was formerly a brickyard. I have had people walk through it
and pick up a little of the soil and say, “ Oh, my! if I had a soil like this I could grow
pears too.” But it is one of the stiffest clays we have in any part of the country and the
Secret is it was always dry. We have heard considerable about blight taking our pears
and apples. Now, I would simply endorse what we have heard to-night on that point
and let it go just there. I[ am satisfied the blight comes first through the leaves and if
neglected in a short time it becomes past cure.

Mr. McMicuaret.—My experience as to a northern or southern exposure varies a
little from Mr. Dempsey’s ; I should recommend as a result of my experience a southern
rather than a northern exposure.

Mr. Morpen.—I have succeeded with some pears in a soft soil, though I believe a
Ahard soil is right. The specimens were not as good as those from a harder soil.

(6 F.G.)

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83

APPENDIX.

REPORT OF FRUIT COMMITFEE—SUMMER MEETING.

The Committee on Fruits report :

That they have examined the gooseberry Pearl and can recommend it as a most prolific bearer, and
the samples exhibited show no indications of mildew and larger ones shown are a good sample, and are
resumably a variety of the Whitesmith and well worthy of cultivation. We also have noticed the King
nn, which for appearance does not compare favorably with larger varieties, also a sample of the Industry,
which is now become a favorite variety. We have also noticed some excellent samples of currants, the
Fay and Versailles, &c. (Sent from Experimental Farm, Ottawa.) No. 369 is a berry of fine size, superior
flavor and highly commented on. No. 169 is of fair flavor, medium sized, and worthy of cultivation. No.
175 is too long gathered to retain its flavor; seems very productive. No. 362 is a large berry, good flavor,
will rank No. 1. The strawberry Pearl is a marvel for size and beauty, highly flavored and wonderfull
productive, also some seedling strawberries. The sample No. 189 is productive and worthy of further trial.
No. 307 is of good flavor and worthy of further trial.

THE ONTARIO FRUIT LIST.— APPLES.

The Committee on the Ontario Fruit List reported as follows :

Your two committees appointed at the last’summer meeting at Seaforth to prepare catalogues of all
fruit commonly grown in this province in such a manner as to show (1) a list of the varieties grown in the
“rag ; (2) lists showing the varieties best suited to the climate, elevation, soil, etc., for every district or

ocality, and (3) that any and all such lists be so prepared or constructed as to enable judges at competition
exhibitions of fruits to intelligently estimate the true comparative value of any fruit on exhibition and
‘thereby secure uniformity and fairness in judging fruit at all such exhibitions, beg leave to report :

That upon a careful consideration of the subject it was found that the duties of the two committees
were so inextricably mixed as to make it necessary for them to work conjointly.

The catalogue of apples herewith submitted is therefore the work of your joint committee, and is the
extent of their work to the present time. This report is therefore a report of progress.

‘

The first decision arrived at by your joint committee was to leave out the headings usual in such a
catalogue, such as Size, Color, Hardiness and Productiveness. The first two, Size and Color (to which might
have been added Shape), are omitted because any such description to be of value should be sufficient for
identification of a variety, but has not yet been done by our best pomological writers. The headings
Hardiness and Productiveness are also omitted because they are applicable throughout the province to
but a very few varieties, yet many of the varieties grown are both hardy and productive in many places.

You will observe that your Committees have adopted four general headings, viz:—Season, Quality,
Commercial Value, and Total Value. Quality and Commercial Value are however sub-divided : quality
into Dessert and Cooking, which embraces about all the properties of Quality ; and Commercial Value into
Home Market and Foreign Market, which gives the nearest approach we may make to the commercial
value of any fruit.

The plan of rating adopted is to suppose all varieties to be perfect specimens. Then, the best varieties
bia "or of these four heads are rated at 10 and all the more or less inferior varieties by some figure less
than 10.

It frequently happens, however, even with the best varieties, that imperfect samples are exhibited. In
such cases all values given in the catalogue must be reduced one or more points each for lack of color,
under size, unevenness of size on plate, wormy, scabby or ill-shapen specimens, lacking stem or calyx
polished fruits 7. ¢. having bloom wiped off, or for any other thing which tends to change the natural
appearance of the fruit.

The column Total Value is for use when prizes are offered for fruit without designating the purpose for
which such fruit may be required.

All of which is respectly submitted.

THOS. BEALL, Chairman.
Sionsd ALEX. McD. ALLAN,
gnee’, P. L. DEMPSEY,
P. C. BUCKE,
Wrxwsor, 10th December, 1889.

84

This eatalogue was sent to the Minister of Agriculture in July, 1890, accompanied by the following letter from the
Sear pha the Department printed copies were sent out to all Secretaries of Agricultural and Hortieultural
ocieties in Ontario.

To the Honorable CHARLES Drury, Minister of Agriculture :

Srr,—The Fruit Growers’ Association of Ontario bas had under consideration the subject of ‘‘How to-
attain greater uniformity and fairness in the awards of Prizes at Fairs.” The great disparity in these
awards has been a matter of public comment. This has been especially noticed in cases of collections of
fruits where the rating of the values of the varieties has been left entirely to judges, some of whom are
incompetent, and know very little of the comparative merits of the varieties placed before them. Even in
cases of single plates, many of the judges employed are in a quandary as to whether an apple, for instance,
should be classed among the fall or winter varieties.

The present system of appointing three judges in the fruit department of our Agricultural Fairs is also
thought to be a mistake, for, even if one of the three is an expert, the final judgment will often be reversed
in deference to the opinion of the other two.

Now, in order to secure uniformity and fairness in the awards and prizes for fruits at fairs, the first
important consideration seems to be the appointment of fruit experts who will not award prizes for winter
apples to autumn varieties, or allow one variety to pass for another because of their inability to identify
them. If three expert judges cannot be had it appears to our Association that it would be far better to
engage one expert, throwing upon him the whole responsibily and remunerating him accordingly, as is
done in the judging at the poultry shows. Such a judge might also be required to give a list of points:
upon which his judgment in each case was based.

Tt is evident that the educational value of our fairs depends very largely upon the correctness of ‘the
judgments given, and it is therefore exceedingly desirable that the work of the judges should be based
upon some one standard, for even experts will differ with regard to the value of the various kinds of fruits,
and their judgments cannot therefore be expected to be uniform.

To aid the directors of the Agricultural and Horticultural Societies of Ontario in attaining so important
an object as has been indicated above, the Ontario Fruit Growers’ Association has undertaken the prepara-
tion of a Fruit Catalogue for the Province, beginning with the following one of apples, to which, in the
near future, is to be added catalogues of other fruits prepared in a similar way.

Ihe Catalogue is not intended in any respect to be a guide for planters, as this has been dealt with"in
other lists which will appear in the next annual report of the Association, and because fruits which might.
be of general excellence might be ill adapted to certain localities.

In order to the better understanding the Catalogue a few explanations will be necessary. It will be
observed that the usual headings found in such a catalogue, suchas ‘‘Size,” ‘‘ Color,” ‘‘ Hardiness” and
‘‘Productiveness,” have been omitted, the first two because any such description to be of value should be
sufficiently full and accurate to serve for the identification of the varieties, and the other two because there
are very few varieties which are uniformly hardy and productive throughout the Province. Four general
headings have been adopted, viz., ‘‘ Season,” ‘‘ Quality,” ‘‘ Commercial Value ” and ‘‘Total Value.’

In the plan of rating, all varieties are supposed to be perfect specimens ; then the best varieties under
each of three or four heads are rated at ten, and all the more or less inferior varieties by some figure less
than ten. It frequently happens, however, even with the best varieties, that imperfect samples are exhibit-
ed. In such cases all values givep in the Catalogue must be reduced one or more points each, for (1) lack
of color, [2] undersize, [3] unevenness of size on plate, [4] wormy, scabby or ill-shapen specimens, [5] lack
of stem or ealyx, [6] polished fruits, z. ¢., having bloom wiped off, or for any other thing which \tends to
change the natural appearance of the fruit. :

The column ‘‘ Total Value ” is for use when prizes are offered for fruits without designating the pur-
pose for which such fruits may be required,

The committee to whom the preparation of this list was entrusted consisted of the following gentlemen,
viz.: Messrs. Thomas Beall of Lindsay, Alexander McD. Allan of Goderich, P. C. Dempsey of Trenton,
and P. E. Bucke of Ottawa, but before publication their work was submitted to a general meeting of the
Association, where it was carefully amended and the desirability of its circulation among the secretaries of
Agricultural and Horticultural Fairs agreed upon.

I am, Sir,
Your obedient servant,

LINUS WOOLVERTON,
Secretary.
Grimsby, July, 1890.

CATALOGUE OF APPLES FOR THE PURPOSE OF SECURING GREATER UNIFORMITY AND FAIRNESS
IN JUDGING AT EXHIBITIONS.

SIUREMSOS pnic y's oes acactccgsccnuces
American Golden Russet........ Walsaie there

American Summer Pearmain............

UMIGIEMMEESORUEY s.. .. ccc ecccncecceesesssn

American Pippin.......

Adam’s Pearmain

EMPLEO WOOU ciel is visls 'sisiao a bared <joteia's'e ic
OID a GR oe
PEE ORICON ch Suess an ciaylels cies ae civ c+ «
EMP THSP tart each \cicie.a d sia cicd sss oe aes
DETTE OS Sa Oe ee ee

SOWRICICRTGODING, fa 5 6 cininc boc vccocceianelne «
TREE ect, <|- a bi g'ci cia'e ss’ ojeieiere sie e's

Cabashea..... _ SRE SRS HSeon aepoece

Canada Reinite............. peeabte.ai 8 hare
Sayuca Rea Streak... .......0cscsecanes
Bieanac SAGEM OLEYR/asicranva> & cs! sicicsicieree
IRM Tele ee co.e as 2 .n b.c/ors eo isles wine's oie
| Seay EGU S Ch eer Be epee
Cox’s Orange Pippin .............--..005
Cranberry Pippin SACP CP CO ROCCE
PEP e hc aic g cides deghe ceases e

Drap GOK, 02sec ccecens ¢ coseccecess

Early etek | BCR E A ee SEE SAD GOTOE ;
DE OMIUEIRotiis.c sco » vic oe vale vielsie sicies's sis
PEERED CLAW DOITY scone -0s1cecteensienecs
—— PEE SLIOAK « « «.0ie ciclepinsineias deities a

eo

EME ET SA orig ae.» eine iu eos via cie’s
Fall oe I Me cietets) soicse.s'v aicicicata niet
Fall Pipp
Peking a tinveh Re oS atpieeiaclctah ie
LI Esa’ c soc blcessciesevicus eds

ey

Golden Russet (English),................
SPOIAGDL SWORN EOE area. cc boast be taricee
ORME GS VU
SEMEVOMACOMNN 5 fate tetas osc ds cciecincess
Green Newton Pippim..................>
SNES SG Gr SS SS

UMUC YG Go Oe ee |

Nore.—lIn the first column the letter S denotes summer, A autumn and W winter.

Season.

Dessert.

—
IAMQMwooonwnw Toan»wso

CAPE WN ONTIDDO NNONT NNOCRFRFON RON

OCUwovonnwoeoc

Quality.

|

=
AAwDmrIino NIENNwWwO AOR) aSDamDWouwnnwnon RPAIANAOHM DOCH Rocohwrap$.

wk ON eID

| Commercial value.

|
Cooking.

|

Home
market,

=
CANAan Cc CWONNWO CONCORD NONE AINI NOOO WNOoaDrRRFOON- NNWwWNwNwoODO

=
ADOONKHOD

|

Foreign
market.

ry

rs

_
CORANT AMDONWWOWONNODO BPRPRWOAGBOCONBDHWH ANIWOCoO

_

rT
SZNANWNS OCOANDWDOSCS

Total
value.

86

OATALOGUE OF APPLES.—Continued.

| 9 Quality. Commercial value. “ee
otal.
Name. Season.
ee Deceann ha Cooki Home | Forage value.
ered is vie casas _markeb. | ma market.
Pears |
Haas (see Fall Queen)................06. A 5 if rf be 6 25
EB WIOY «5 Xo ye chines soars Secetmnctslee meets Ss 6 5 5 0 16
Lawthornden..) 3/2. +. 2 cemees ble eae cie's A 2 8 7 7 24
Fioland: Pippinsccrctet eee ee lee Gisia esis A 6 8 7 7 28
Hubbardston Nonsuch W if 8 | 8 8 31
POTN UG 2c sailors he cs spe ere slits’ Steee W 5 | 5 | 4 6 20
PPIEHSESACR Soete st ae i EAU On nce’ ohinn ove oh s |
PUGEETIONS ahs cota Ph cenit Misiemia ea nictannoe oR A 7 6 6 /( | 26
IEYSBY SWOCLING.. San ck cc hoc cies jel ehe A 1 3 1 0 | 5
SHOVARIIST oe ore Wiener sh ears otis ceiosie mice imelee WwW 9 7 7 8 81
Kentish Mull basteoticiot tctecesicciaceira.teceion A 0 8 | 8 8 | 24
Renwick Codlinnay x bes ck tenteldcheaainee A 1 9 6 7 23
ane of Tompkins County............... WwW 8 10 10 10 38
BGR G Meese cee chs fete slosh Zia Shoat ele oer WwW 9 0 1 9 19
Tata SSUEAWDONLY: . <\. cee slo lew cnioeie's cists | A | 7 5 5 7 24
LEAD eT at 2 ae ib arin A Tia ee ha he WwW 5 7 4 5 21
Taare: BiniBldes tcc cot ieeneCR eee {A 3 8 6 7 24
MIOYAOUIUNGAT. fe cick inte fueron eee A 2 9 7 6 24
peoden Pippin yossse eon ee en see aoe wh . : i |
ROWE pe ae hi Riles wie ae chore eine a aletekttoleoe erate |
Mar AeBunleron: tye sntacteo cee Neen A 2 9 | 5 | 0 16
Ln intr All SS OR eR Asis et ee One Ceretiag= WwW 1 9 | 10 | 5 25
Maidens bliss. cic cece scr siediecers & | aN 3 7 7 8 25
MVLPEIIEE eo teh Seta. cyupavela coveie oon lore 'aretuaertst eins W 4 7 6 8 25
Magog Red Streak... ...:.0is.08 ccsieisieider + WwW 3 7 5 7 22
UCT IICONN VROG Hite cee ees con ein miete W 6 7 7 8 28
IMIGIG TS ths a ok Sena RR Rs a Serene ED WwW 8 8 7 8 31
MVITIMIRGOR cater eee Rois SOS Ln eebeeeatee 7. | 4 6 6 5 21
Monmouth Pippin W 6 8 6 7 27
Mother eae seni ah an chen cased sonics A 8 of 6 6 27
EMSOR PIEEOE DoS saul diel wre ewes oon a A 1 | 3 2 0 6
Newton Spitzenburg.................... A 7 | 8 | 6 7 | 28
Northern Soy BE oes e Mattel alt Aieve x ata ete eiote tes ‘W 8 10 LOLee | 10 38
IVER @ ovale igh 6] O01 epee aie Eee a WwW | 9 9 7 10 35
NBSIE AY IOR Ble ictias ioe Ss chee ciolstors ale erento W 9 10 10 10 39
|
WackisePlonsant.). ssf cheeks cree ea on WwW 7 7 6 8 28
OUHOOK te aoe eee beet Remake | WwW 5 7 7 8 27
“Soap te tate efesaicrere'e alee’ tiahavaie inte seat ore us | 4 8 8 8 28
CLR crates eye chsh oie cate roretetka ete eer ce ore tare
OL apa i ia aa SN ae Ww 4 7 Tattle, 248 26
EBIDING GIIBO se Logik vie.et hie orien W 9 5, 7 21
OMIM NGTISA CL OF 3.2 ccs'scueecss renee WwW 10 6 8 24
POPU ao ta Pelek wownten « ctiddis we aee ee hone A 5 4 5 3 aly
PRUETAULY Setters slste Meslate st facie Sire dietalatelne Saat W a 5 6 7 22
BATUIAUO ST sie Gis o et calece eres cioltinw sen Manatee Be Ss if 6 | 6 0 19
LEDs SES ee Reece Sine) os A 9 9 5 | 5 28
EPINGOSS LAOUISE so f.e s.c's cas cls blobs oie oe WwW 10 7 8 8 33
Parapkin MwWeeba wees eiccsteteink ene oe A | 0 4 1 0 5
NMI UBKOD A. sos c..ocukeulcsesccteeiacs A 1 6 4 5 16
Pomme Royale (see Dyer).............+- |
MANE 51, Gieyatesce oe ce ai dn vinip hmeiwin's Wanmwlettre | 5 1 2 5 13
Rawles Janet 4 | 5 3 5 17
Red Astrachan 5 7 8 0 20
Red Belle-fleur 2 4 2 0 8
Red Canada 6 6 7 8 27
Red Cathead- 6 8 7 7 28
OG SHRMENOB i's Isr oes casei aed pace tees 5 | 6 7 7 25
Red Bietigheimer

a
87
Me ee eek z eee
OATALOGUE or ApPpLEs.—Continued,
lity. i F
Quality | Commercial value Total
Name. Season. | 7
Home ‘oreign value.
| Dessert | Cooking. mékoet S anerkan
Rhode Island Greening........... ...56: | W 8 10 8 8 34
SSA ae an W 10 | 8 8 10 36
eR POs PUGH Me rclalc ts eis es ce cae tie siete | W 6 8 8 9 31
Rte) GR EIRTEFNYT clas cia ake 6 V's. 0.0.0 bk witisiaies A 5 6 a) 6 22
PTR MRCROIEADUS yaircscdase csc sasneddeve A 7 6 6 0 19
Sato) OG. 2. Seer aen ae W al 4 0 1 6
IEEE Sars ohg aww aceamiadl’s aes A 3 6 4 6 19
RUNING cfc Goo. + cu, c lara totes ss vari Ss 2 5 2 0 9
DEEP TIOO Ge fare. cic aav ct aca Visitas baieiciew A i 8 8 8 31
UME SR INS cies ca sc ds0i da see clea Selb eo nivbis'ee's A 5 6 5 0 16
SIIITREROROR tc 2c < a ba wre aa” wis o0. ) 6 6 4 0 16
RT clo wecietieldaevs cies W Uf 2 1 4 14
Swazie Pomme Grise (see Pomme Grise
Ceres sesereesseeserecceareoesere !
Soa erat Sa Cr isa ein/e(oletliamia s/e"e 0\e 00's WwW 2 2 Uf 8 19
Snow (see Fameuse).......... ....--e00- |
CS So a Se eee eee 2 (if 5 6 20
SRC Ce ate e eins sneha vi uiiem ea cqeec ais W 1 5 1 0 7
UIUNTDO SG cr GUE gee Eee Ss 10 g 9 9 33
Twenty Ounce (see Cayuga Red Streak)... A
EET Pig aco. nin'oisie vin in eo c'eje eles A 6 5 4 6 21
Oo STG = SC SES REES CEBO Ae peer W 8 7 6 7 28
Wallbridge (see Edgar’s Red Streak).....
ON is ee eae 8 6 9 9 32
Westfield Seek-no-Further............... | W 7 vf 7 8 29
DPCP ABUPACHATE 6. 55 suns cecccncivedceces SS) af 2 a 0 4
Weesilagin’s Wavorite.............cccroes W 5 7 5 6 23
ria SY: SA eee eC ee nsr Anse W Uf 0 1 | 3 hh
TEN ES 5 can ae visa nle Maeieale Sele cisin:s W 7 7 8 8 } 30
PANO PGUGSHOUD. 05.5 ocecc crews ocsecess W 8 7 5 5 25
DGHOW VETAMBPATONE, «4.0000 cscs cccccceces Ss 6 7 6 0 19

a epy, /
. ’ ie y ‘ : ;
a Be tomo @ >: ik ae ee etaeat a iy %

7 ; 1 ’ is Y~
o> v1
ie . UF { : pe pei a }

oe 4 «Sa ’ Bie)
7 ; ' T ¥ © 7 4 a}

eee peely
* 1

s tae ; a, be
1 ae Se ee rrr: ne fal fs3
; ¥ M9 de AL case i
s( Oe e a Pet ee a
fev se ee eee @

,

feed ee)

}
Cee a ee
y
ae iio ee ‘ 5
a

Pe tiie tye be 4. bY

J “i
ie i Teak Oe «is
Coot SP) oe ae
ig ies

orth not ae

sects car
Ae!
ope a

Le

oe ee | Deis i
i eee rec. >
~ a a

: re |
‘

5. TWENTY-SECOND ANNUAL REPORT

OF THE

mrt UMOLUGICAL SOCTER®

OF GN TARO.

1890.

‘

‘PRINTED BY ORDER OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY.

TORONTO:
PRINTED BY WARWICK & SONS, 68 AND 70 FRONT STREET WEST,
1891.

ais: ae ay ee

ar CS a iN NS eS

N04 Tae:

tubs Grea)

fei (Or seON PEN TS.

Agrotis clandestina..............55:
_ ** — ypsilon
_ Avisopteryx pometaria
; 4 EOD Acta iis a's ts yess <p:
Annual address of President
. * — meeting of Association of Eco-
nomic Entomologists ...
“meeting of Entomological So-
ciety of Ontario..........
= repore of Conncil ...........
‘* statement of Treasurer
Ant-hills and slugs
Anthomyia betie
. ze RCRA Ln Jehsys 10 Wis eisai <)s
a radicum
aa raphani
_ Apanteles militaris
EM oleh syns dno b's, lay place "AW aia 's
Bn RE GHAUOS: OF 2} 5 Sfeid10 25.5: shag, ons a
Apple, insects injurious to the ......
_ Apple-tree borer, parasite of ........
8 OD TG) 9
fo SNSENT UGC) | a
_ Arctic forms, origin and perpetuation

ete + 0's) 6 a/8 0 Pe ge @ o @l8'e a

O's Se 6,08) #5 40

eee eens

S16. em whe
SB eee ve ee © pete e we

© sie) a @ Ula 0 @ 6 @)01 0) 8) Sie ‘eve

ee
Oe

Argynnis adiante
“« _alcestis
‘* aphrodite

ae

oi @) 6y'0:, 5.05 eae Ce a wee

MEER enters) < 370.0 2! esa, vista rele e/a
A Bs, n sn ca «al olen a
Army-worm, outbreak of, in Maryland
s parasites of
Arsenites and honey-bees ..,.......
«experiments with..........
Ashmead, W. H., article by ........
Asymetry of head, etc, of thysanop-
tera

ee

ee ee |

Australian insects and fungus pests...

Meemnric DCObles §......occ0eecuss cd scs Shore
MNCIRD «<5 gos fcc tide hide kms a

oe

4
”
»

“i
™ ’

PAGE.

—————————————— eee

Paar.
pan diy; <scam etc? «<p eee s oi Seen 103
oe eakt TIMOR eres) seis cits a eee 45

Bethune, Rev. C. J. S., articles by
4, 97, 98, 99

Birds, insectivorous.......... sees 90
Black-knotiacvwass psp ec tess e atts 8
Blister-beetle, ash-coloured ........ 48
Book NOtICes. cM Hanes ts Cee vueaed 97
Bracon Ghakus ae. a. eee reahe se tkbberaie 70
Pereconidss so... Ss." meatal ae 69
Butterflies of Eastern United States. . 9
ce North America........ 9, 97

‘ India, Burmah & Ceylon, 99

<< White Mountains...... 20
wabbage! butterfly... 202 ton tees oa 48
HS e parasite of ........ 72

o°"' TIDSOCUS\ fom cree eee 45, 48, 102

+6) PLUBIAY (ih SEO ieee 49
Canker worms’) 480 o07-. sh cone 34, 77
Carrot fy. cicnGaes ce ten cote doit FOR
Caulfield, F. B., articles by.......... 55, 73
Cave fauna of North America........ 97
Cormatiatoreepae 2... sicn atin semanas 34
Cephus pypgiiisotay... vinnie & dele yapaialpicin 91
Chaleididsincd sacs Melresuee rast etaer 71
Chalcis flayipeat..2)acU ogame e «atin ent 71
Chelymorpha argus ................ 56
Chinch-bugs, destruction of,.... .... 93
Chionobas SEnidOA: cicero s -< es sas 20, 60
Chortophila betarum .............- 45
Cincindela purpurea............2+0- 17
Cimbex Americana, parasite of ...... 67
Clarkson, F., article by ...........%- 19
Coccinella novemnotata ..........++. 19, 88
CPALIED THOU gerd a's on « 5h 0 d's, eine mnie 99, 104
- DATABILOE OF 65) /'..00 nee 69, 70

Cold, resistance to by caterpillar .... 90
Coleopterous larva, peculiar form of. . 28
Colorado potato-beetle............-- 46
Comstock, Prof. J. H., article by.... 91
Cook, Prof. A. J., article by ........ 22

Coptocycla aurichalcea.............- 57
de CIIVAIA., |. .waleem oes ncaeeae 56

_ pubiata a). 95's tm ener 56
arade GFishis... ois ps2 > ae seen ip
Cotton moth, parasites of............ 71,92
Pe GISLINS <3, -1i <intetn olny nips MMe eee = 66
Cryptus extrematis ................ 67
Oucumber bestle: 25... ebacn oheoeren 47
Cnt = WOPMsr..1.% cers crisis te etes. «8 c's 6, 43, 49
Dyn pide 25.355 ete wile cidia'« <0 + «4 amlnans 65
Daddy long-legs.. 6........% fee eweeee 103
Danais archippus 3/5 510552... 0 feasts 20
Davis, W. Tiarkiclepy 0.4 .i7 es ok 92
Day in the woods .............0++55 16
Dobis Portlandia. 4.03.62 605 7200Re iy
Diabrotiea vittata .... cc. cece cccnee 47
Doryphora decem-lineata............ 46
Downy mildew of grape ..4#......... 8
Dryobius sex-fasciatus .....-..-..... 74
Dularius brevilineus...........-000- 74
Economic Entomologists, Association of 37
Election of officers............ 3, 15, 35, 40
Elm, insects injurious to the........ 73
Milm-tOG DOLCE oes s shies vic Sgils wh seals 73, 74
Enemies of grain aphis.............- 87
Entomological Club of A.A.A.S...... 21
Ephestia kuhniella ................- 10
Ephialtes irritator...........+.se0- 68
Epirrita dilutata ..........eeeeese. 77
AGT yas GeTAb sols 2 «aie os elmnlsle ele 7
Munsbrotia caAGUCA ..)5;. discos esc csincln at 29
MIAITICLSOM Ne yorcin, Poe teistarn ts eralualele traces 66
BP er SW OBL (oy i ise sols ile (© cog ai em inp 7
Flea beetle, the striped ............ 48
Fletcher, J., articles by. .21, 37, 62, 97, 101
ieeTtG MACOS 215 ):ha,s00 vials p sialawie a oie 66
bbe TATARCOLIUS S70 stone c inlets sells (elole jae 66
Fuller’s Rose-beetle........#....06. 62
Fyles, Rev. T. W., articles by. .16, 44, 57, 78
PTT Ge ay a PO Cate i Sy Be 65
Garman, H., articles by ............ 27, 87
Gelechia galle-diplopappi .........- 18
Gillette, Prof., article by............ 88
Gooseberry saw-fly ........cecceees 104
Grain aphis, enemies of ...........- 6, 87
Granta COMMA. fe. ye bee pe cuss 0% a0 76
cy PEMBURY src eS a Satie h aie hee tears 17

‘s) Santerrogationig?. ... cie use 75

heb DEOMHGs his) s.am/> ainnie alsin’s sees 75

Hadenas:amica <5<c.nUseeeees + eee
fe. devastateim (ose tai: 3 ee
Haltica striolata © :....'cneeiewiic nee
Hargitt, Prof., article by ..........
Harrington, W. H., article by
Elessian Oy: sc 13. fe oe 5, 25, 103, 105
Honey bees and arsenical spraying ... 89
Hop @phis ..ic)05 5). «ss “ata a 103
Hoplismenus morulus .............- 66
Hornet, habits of @....- +...) eee 02 4
Hybernia defoliaris <<....1... seme 104
Hylesinus opaculus S$3/).... sss 75
Hymenoptera parasitica ............ 64
Hyphantria textor:* ..". 3). -. «cone i
Ibalia maculipennis ..... ra wd os Oe 65
Ichneumon grandis. .).....).. si) sae 66
Ichneumonidee. 05)2\.00. eee 66
Infectious diseases of insects ........ 35, 93
Isosoma hordoiy 02%.) 1) dan pu 72
Kitchen-garden pests ............-. 44
Ihareh ‘saw-fly - 63.602. 355i ee 7
Lema, trilineata ..... 5... 34. Semen 47
Leucania unipuncta .......0.5 22.206 51
Leucopsis aiinis, $.).°) ase 2s eee 71
Macrobasis unicolor ...........2.06: 48
Macrocentrus delicatus ............ 70.9
Mallophaga, development of ........ 29. F
Manual of Injurious insects. Ormerod. 101
Mediterranean flour moth .......... 1053
Moffat; J. A., articles by.....0.. 2.0. 51, 59
Monchammus confusor, parasite of... 68 4
ee scutellatus, ‘‘ om 68
Mononychus vulpeculus, “s ae 69 q
Murtfeldt, Miss M. E., article by .... 30
o
Nematus erichsonii ...............- 7, 430
Neoclytus erythrocephalus.......... 75
Neonympha canthus...............- 17, 97
Observations from box of White Moun-
CAIN GOBCH oie 6 aces ae cues se 19
(icanthus niveus ...........%.s.eaee 76%
Onion fly in45 So. as.) cape 44,104
Opheltes glaucopterus .............. ye
Ophion bilineatum ................02 67
$C “QBPEUSUI « ..<ioetes spe 67
-Spurgetum «..... 5 2astccme)- eee 67
Ophionines-, | 3:).!.) is siatw blatotstelie aera 6T_.&
Organization of sections ............ 21/5
a

PAGE.

Ormerod, Miss, article by ........ 105
Osborn, Prof., articles by........ 28, 29, 35
UeEMIN 2c 02, ERR a ay vl wk 25, 42
Papilio Asterias, parasite of....... 66
Parasitic hymenoptera.............. 64
PERE DEERME Soy) a's 9:0, 615.908 e's o's 104
Pelecinus poli turator .............-. 72
Phleotribus liminaris............... 75
PROP EMPORPATON . 6 cece eevee 44, 104
Physonotus helianthi .............. 55
DIANE VODID . . 5. osc ance cuetnnenes 60
TL Sod ia ct Pe pete cok a has eee
Bee NNULPEB, .. ie.) cess ene wes ves 69
Brees HONCUISIGON 5 vx inis wyi0s'e 5'= « oes 69

S WARM Hae oy Sakae nists ~ = s.0 wists 69

BR ESLER fics cia aaa) ss5h'% «0 i's) 50 69
a Ssh ee SOE eee eee 68
TS ol ee 58
EG 0 re 58
IEEE osama sie, eisinv wibia sy ese 57
OCR crc cc Sv ns vee ne ries 57
SUMPINIRGUIACR 02 oo ces ee es vo 58
BUMPMEINBEAROSS:, © So Sci olc dicey ev 0 e's Cos 49, 58
OE See oe ra 58

0 ES eae 58
SPIRO UUOFUINL «= s%.0:sc ces «vi > ere « 57

Pe OPOCAWONIS } 5 ec : aaa 58

SRN EOSIN 2 oC aorta Zs ov vie Sela sw 57

** Quebec representatives of genns 57
POEUN ieee) Sieia o.cin:s ani cib Wave « 58

rere EMVALILOMIGN foe nc nc cee se ceek e 57

Sa U-AUTOUR irae ais ocieles eS coe 58

Be WITIISIp Nata... swe lons so. 58
Plum curculio, parasites of....... 39, 67, 70
Plutella cruciferarum.............. 42, 104
Potato beetle, Colorado. ............ 46
° three-lined........... 47
Preserving larvie, methods of ....... 41
Pteromalus puparum..... ......... 72
Me tes oa vd ca at nidv wes d 44
Rearing insects, experiences in...... 30
a Pree 3
Remedies for noxious insects........ 43, 102
BUOPOLRG ORATORIO, 2. Ln cee ees aie 11
Report of Delegate to Royal Society . 13
_ Montreal Branch ......... 14
Rhogas intermedius................ 70

2* (EN.)

Pace

Rhyssa persuasoria...........5.000: 68
Russian parasite of Hessian fly ...... 105
Saperda discoidea, parasite of ....... 68

fe laterelie rin aye eres Wi4,0 ante st 74

bi rid @BtQue visas sh tyids a om 8 as 73
patyrodes Oanthus <cmpsesds «uss 17, 97
Saw-fly borer in wheat.............. 91
Scudder, S. H., article by .......... 99
Semiotellus nigripes............. oe 6 ee
Shakespeare, Entomology of ........ 78
Sigalphus curculionis .............. 70
Siphonophora aven®..........---=-- 6
mera Marie. css sas cae pe 71
Snow, Prof. F. H., article by ...... 93

Spiders and their spinning-work, Mc-

COR aes cals: sient ojaceie aa) phere ea 9, 98
SGUSSHEDU atc cr iw eo si sc eee 7
Stent GGL Worm o/s ewes sisi aly sewer 103
LIZ HPOCLOSUS a 0% <ihaoie.cis. 2) sist stem 92
Teaching Entomology .............-- 23
Telea polyphemus, parasite of ...... 67
Tent caterpillars, 25: visa cnn sei rs

es e parasites of........ 67, 69
Totrastichus esurus 2... \.cc. «+00 nae 72
Thaleasa atrate, o2.. 2. ci. 5,42 eiaee eae 68

O Junaiory cdc sa eee 68
Theela Titugyg ac «<< o.2/< 00s 3 ee 17
Theronia fulvescens .......005.+ ses 69

‘¢ melanocephala ............ 69
Thersilochus conotracheli .......... 67
"PRY e oie pecs cinta: sn ho Shee 103
ThyTraedOu: TOTIO: «,« 5,4 -iatse meena 67
Tiger DASules:. vi... aupora scares Sees 17
Tortoise beetles. 25 ss osc ied a webs 55
Tremex Columba, parasite of........ 68
Trichogramma minutum ............ 72
"EYOQUB OXEGHOMUB aio aces Vives sek win wo 66
Trypeta solidaginis ..........cs0e0s 72
PETS POM pacino aly ais 9,6 4.0 nh «dla AN 68
‘Vanessa ANGIODE. (2/0530 ee es ween 75
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TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REPORT

OF THE

ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF ONTARIO.

To the Honourable the Minister of Agriculture:

Sir,—In accordance with the provisions of our Act of incorporation, I beg
to present herewith the twenty-first annual report of the Entomological Society
of Ontario.

The report contains an account of the proceedings of our annual meeting for
the election of offi¢ers and the transaction of the general business of the society,
which was held in the city of London on the 27th of August, 1890; it includes
also the audited financial statement of the Secretary-Treasurer, the reports of the
Council and Montreal branch, the President’s annual address, ete.

Ihave also the honour to submit with the foregoing, several illustrated
papers contributed by our members on injurious and other insects, which have
been specially prepared for the information of the public, and are intended to
assist our farmers and fruit-growers in contending with their insect enemies.

The Society’s monthly magazine, The Canadian Entomologist, has been
regularly and promptly issued during the past year, and has just completed its
twenty-second volume. It continues to receive contributions from all the most
eminent Entomologists in North America, and to circulate in all parts of the
world. During the past year it has been found necessary to issue more than
twenty extra pages in order to find space for the many valuable articles which
have been furnished the editor.

It is a matter of profound thankfulness that our province, during the past
year, has escaped from any serious insect attack. Those that have been specially
noticeable are referred in the President's address, or described in the papers that
follow.

I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient servant,

W. E. SAUNDERS,
Secretary.

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ANNUAL MEETING OF THE SOCIETY.

The annual meeting of the Society was held in its own rooms in Victoria
Hall, London, on Wednesday, August 27th, 1890. A Council meeting was held
in the morning at 10 o'clock, at which the following members were present :—
The President, Rey. C. J. 8. Bethune, head master of Trinity College School, Port
Hope; Mr. James Fletcher, Ottawa; Mr. J. A. Moffat, Hamilton ; Rev. T. W.
_ Fyles, Quebec; Messrs. J. M. Denton, W. E. Saunders and Dr. Woolverton, Lon-
don. The annual report of the Council was discussed and adopted, and other
routine business was transacted. ‘The Secretary-Treasurer presented his annual
financial statement of the receipts and disbursements during the past year. The
Council reported the purchase of a large collection of insects from Mr. Johnson
Pettit, of Grimsby, which was deposited in the rooms of the Society. The arrange-
ments for the formation of sections in different departments of natural science
were laid before the Society by the President, and, on motion, duly approved and
ratified. A scheme was submitted for the rearrangement of the work of the
officers of the Society, in accordance with which Mr. J. A. Moffat, of Hamilton, is
to take entire charge of the rooms, library and collections, and be a permanent
resident official in London. A number of tenders for printing The Canadian
Entomologist were received and considered; no decision was made at the time,
but subsequently it was resolved that the tender of the London Printing and
Lithographing Company should be accepted. Certain regulations regarding the
library and the use of the rooms were drawn up and adopted.

In order to benefit members of the Society it was resolved that for a limited
time the volumes of Zhe Canadian Entomologist, III. to XXI. inclusive, should
be sold at 75 cents each ; the annual reports for the following years: 1874, 1880,
1882 to 1889, at 25 cents each; and the new lists of labels for Coleoptera at 25
cents per set, in each case strictly to members only. Applications for these pub-
lications at the reduced rates should be made to the Secretary.

It was resolved to separate the offices of Secretary and Treasurer, which
have hitherto been held by one person.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS.

The following gentlemen were elected officers for the ensuing year :—

President—Rey. ©. J. S. Bethune, M.A., D.C.L., Port Hope.
Vice-President—James Fletcher, F.R.S.C., Ottawa.
Secretary—W. E. Saunders, London.
Treasurer—J. M. Denton, London.
Directors— Division 1—W. H. Harrington, Ottawa,
Division 2—J, D. Evans, Sudbury.
Division 3—Gamble Geddes, Toronto,
Division 4—A. W. Hanham, Hamilton.
Division 5—J. A. Moffat, London.
Librarian and Curator—J. A. Moffat, Lendon.
Editor of the Canadian Entomologist—Rey. Dr. Bethune, Port Hope.
Editing Committee—W. E. Saunders, London ; H, H. Lyman, Montreal; Rey. T. W. Fyles
South Quebec.
Delegate to the Royal Society of Canada—Reyv. T. W. Fyles.
Auditors—J. H. Bowman, H. P. Bock, London.

After the completion of the necessary business of the Society, the rest of the
afternoon was devoted to the examination of the books and collections of the
Society, and the consideration of specimens brought by the members. Among
these may be mentioned some live ant-lions (Myrmelionide) brought from
Indiana by Mr. Fletcher; a collection of Plusias, and other moths recently
- captured at Nepigon by Dr. Bethune, and some very interesting specimens of
Lepidoptera, from the Province of Quebec, by Mr. Fyles.

The meeting adjourned at 6 p.m.

In the evening the Society held a public meeting in its rooms at 8 o'clock,
which was largely attended by members and other friends from London and the
neighbourhood. The Rey. Dr. Bethune, President of the Society, occupied the
chair. After cordially welcoming those present, he proceeded to deliver the
annual address upon the chief topies of interest in the Entomological world dur-
ing the past year.

ANNUAL ADDRESS OF THE PRESIDENT.

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,—Fifteen years have gone by since I last had the
honour of addressing the members of the Society as its President. So longa period
of time has naturally wrought great changes in our comparatively small circle of
members, as well as in the world about us; but I am happy to see here
to-night some who were with us at our annual meeting in 1875, and to know
that many others have continued ever since their active interest in the welfare of
the Society and the advancement of entomological science. For twelve years the
presidential chair was most worthily filled by our highly esteemed friend, Prof.
Wim. Saunders, who only resigned it in order to devote his whole time and
energies to the great and important work which he has undertaken as director of
the experimental farms of the Dominion. His great success in this new office is
well known to all who take an intelligent interest in the prosperity of our country.

The removal of Prof. Saunders from an active share in the work of the
Society seemed a very serious blow, and was certainly a very great loss, but
happily we were able to find a worthy successor in the person of our excellent
friend, Mr. James Fletcher, Dominion Entomologist and Botanist, who has so
zealously performed the duties appertaining to the office of president during the
last three years. With such able men at its head during so long a period of time,
it may be readily understood how substantial was the progress of the Society,
and how high was the reputation it achieved both at home and abroad.

The past year has been in some respects an eventful one in the history of the
Society. In the month of April last 1 learned that Mr. Edmund Baynes Reed
was about to leave this province and take charge of the meteorological station at
Victoria, British Columbia. He was one of the original members, and for more
than five and twenty years an active and zealous officer of the Society, filling at
different times the positions of vice-president, secretary-treasurer, auditor, librarian
and curator. To his energy it is due that we have obtained so large and valuable
a collection of scientific books in our library ; he also contributed many excellent
papers to our annual reports, while discharging various other useful functions in
the interests of the Society. His removal from amongst us was so serious a
matter that I came up to London to make arrangements for the future manage-
ment of our affairs, as well as to say good-bye to an old and very dear friend.
After much consultation with Mr. Reed and other members of the council, we
devised a plan for the general conduct of the business of the Society which has

——

been laid before you to-day, and which has resulted in the appointment of Mr, J.
A. Moffat to the permanent charge of our rooms, library, collections, ete. It will
be a great advantage, we are sure, in many ways, to have a qualified person to
look after our possessions, 2nd to be on hand at stated times for the admission of
members to the rooms, as well as to discharge the other duties appertaining to
the position to which he has been appointed.

While here in April last, a meeting of the local members of the society was
held in order to consider a plan for the formation of sections which should include
persons who took an interest in any department of Natural Science, and thus
extend the operations of the society beyond the strict limits of entomology. The
scheme which we agreed upon at that meeting was submitted to other members
of the council for their approval, and has been fully ratified to-day. As its
details have been laid before you already I need not repeat them here. It was

‘very gratifying to learn that advantage was immediately taken of this arrange-
ment, and within a few weeks active sections were formed with very satisfactory
lists of members in the departments of Botany. Ornithology and Oology, Geology,
and Microscopy. Many new workers have now joined our ranks, among whom
we are glad to welcome a large contingent of ladies. A great impetus will thus
be given, we trust, to the study of natural science in all its departments in
London and the neighbourhood, and we hope that new life and zeal will be
infused into the older as well as the later members by active co-operation in the
field, the cabinet and tke study.

Another matter upon which I may congratulate the society is the acquisition
of the valuable collections of Coleopteraand other orders of insects, laboriously
gathered together during many years by Mr. Johnson Pettit, an old and valued
member of the society. Having ascertained that he was willing to part with
his collections, I at once entered into correspondence with him, learned the sum
for which he would be willing to transfer them to the society, and obtained the
sanction of the members of the council for the purchase. Mr. Pettit was most
reasonable in his terms when he understood the destination of the collections, and
allowed us to have them at about half the price he would have asked from a
private purchaser. Mr. Moffat did good service in the transaction by: visiting
Grimsby first to report upon the condition, quantity, etc., of the specimens, and
subsequently by superintending their packing and removal to London. It is
expected that during the coming winter he will be able in his capacity as curator,
to disposeof many of the duplicates by sale or exchange for the benefit of the society.

I may turn now from the consideration of our own concerns to matters
Entomological affecting the country at large, and following the example of my
predecessors in their presidential addresses, refer to the work of injurious insects
in the garden, orchard and farm. The most important insect pest that requires
the careful attention of our farmers is the well-known Hessian ,

Fly (Cecidomyia destructor, Say) Fig. 1, which has made its x
unwelcome appearance in several parts of the Province. The ae fe
attacks of this insect upon barley, rye, and wheat, are seldom \
noticed at first, as the creature is so minute and works out of (7>s>> MO, G;

Cee

sight, sucking the sap of the plant from the stem, but con- wr) sae

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cealed from observation beneath the sheath of the leaf. Its
depredations are usually made known by the breaking down

and falling over of the plant caused by the injury to the /
stem produced by the insect. There are twoattacks in the ~ i
year, onein the autumn, when the maggots may be found
embedded in the crown of the root shoots of fall wheat; the Fig. 1.

other in the summer, when it lies under the leaf-sheath above the first or second

joint of the stem. When fully grown these larve harden and turn brown, re-
sembling “ flax-seeds” in shape and colour, and in this stage are well-known to
observant furmers. The tiny smoky-winged midges themselves, the parents of
the destructive maggots, appear in April or May, and again in August, but are
seldom noticed, except by entomologists, as they are so excessively minute, and
require a lens for their identification. The eggs are scarlet in colour and are laid
inside the leaves of the food plant. The most effective remedies for this pest are
(1). The late sowing of fall wheat; if this is postponed till about the last week in
September the winged Hessian fly is gone before the young plant is sufficiently
matured to receive its eggs; (2) The careful burning of all screenings and other
refuse from the threshing mill; this will ensure the destruction of large quantities

of the insect in the “ flax-seed ” state. It is well to do this whether the Hessian -

fly is known to be present or not; (3). The burning of the stubble after the
crop has been removed ; but if this is not practicable, it is well that the field
should be harrowed in order to cause any fallen grain to grow at once and make
what is called a “volunteer crop.” This will be attacked by the fly asa suitable
place for the deposit of the autumn eggs, and the brood thus producod can be
readily destroyed by a later plowing after the maggots are hatched out; (4) If
a field is found to be infested, care should be taken to have such a rotation of
crops that neither wheat, rye nor barley should be grown upon the same ground
for at least another year; (5). Good cultivation and plenty of manure will pro-
duce a strong, healthy growth and enable many a plant to survive an attack
that would be fatal to a less vigorous one.

I have trespassed upon your patience to mention these well-known remedies
because the subject is of such vast importance, and constant iteration is required
in order that our farmers may be made familiar with the methods of treatment

that have been found most satifactory. While much can be done to ward off the.

evil by an intelligent employment of these remedies, it is cheering to know that
we do not entirely depend upon them for immunity, but that there are several
minute parasitic insects which prey upon the Hessian-fly in its different stages,
and in many instances prevent it from becoming a serious injury. During a recent
visit to the central experimental farm at Ottawa, Mr. Fletcher showed me a nnm-
ber of plants of barley that were attacked by the Hessian-fly, but in nearly
every one that we pulled up we found a parasitic insect closely associated with the
enemy and evidently doing good wor‘k in its destruction.

Another insect that has been attacking grain in many parts of the Province
is the Grain Aphis (Siphonophora avene, Fab.) As everyone who is in the least
degree observant must be familiar with the appearance and habits of plant-lice,
it is unnecessary to enter into any description of this insect here; it will suffice
to say that it is found of different colours, green, black, yellow or red, and that
it attacks first the leaves of the plant and then the flowers and tender young
grain, often causing very serious damage. This year it has appeared in many
localities in Ontario, but it was at once attacked by its insect enemies, notably
by the larvee and beetles of various species of “ Lady birds” (Coccvnellide), the
grubs of Syrphus flies, and the Aphidiws—a four-winged parasitic fly. These
natural enemies speedily reduced the numbers of the plant-lice and prevented
their attack from becoming serious.

Cut-worms, the larvee of several species of night-flying moths, Fig. 2, (Agrotis,
Hadena, Mamestra) have been abundant in all parts of the country, and especi-
ally injurious in gardens, but on the whole their attack has been much less
serious than last year. This may perhaps be accounted for by the character of

Lies

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the season; the frequent rains during the spring and early summer causing a
vigorous growth in the young plants
and carrying them quickly beyond the
reach of injury, while the wet weather
would probably interfere greatly with
the comfort of the Cut-worms and
their ability to attack. The use of
poisoned traps, as recommended by Mr.
Fletcher in his address last year, has
proved most effective wherever tried.
I may repeat that they consist of loose
bundles of weeds, clover or any succulent vegetation, which are tied together and
then dipped into a strong mixture of Paris green and water, and scattered over
the land three or four days before the crop is planted out or appears above the
ground.

The Tent-caterpillars (Clisiocampa) which are usually so abundant and so
injurious to fruit trees in spring and early summer have been remarkable for
their absence or rarity, in all parts of Ontario. We hope, however, that all fruit
growers and gardeners will be on the look out for them next spring and consign
the webs and their inmates to a speedy destruction. .

The Fall web-worm, Fig. 3, (Hyphantria textor, Harris) has been
exceedingly abundant in all parts of
the Province that I have visited this
year. I do not think that this insect
causes much serious injury to the trees
it infests, as it comes so late in the
season when the leaves have to a
large extent discharged their function
as regards the growth and health of
the tree, but it is a great eyesore e
with its unsightly webs, and should be =< \pyepip
got rid of by every tidy fruit-grower. —~#
Nothing is easier than to strip off
the web and its living contents with Fig. 3.
the hands, or when out of reach, by
means of a pole with a swab of any kind tied to the end.

The larch saw-fly (Wematus Pricsonii), to which reference has been fre-
quently made of late years, has not been nearly so abundant as usual in those
parts of Ontario where it has hitherto prevailed. It is to be hoped that its
natural enemies have multiplied to a sufficient extent to keep it in subjection and
prevent its undue increase.

The squash-bug (Coreus tristis, De Geer), Fig. 4, has been very

WY Dag abundant and troublesome in many parts of Western Ontario
\ this year. Where hand-picking and crushing under _ foot
is impracticable, the insect may be readily destroyed by
the application of a mixture of coal oil and sand, sprinkled
over the stem and leaves nearest the root of the plant.

I have this year found a new insect enemy in the caterpillars
« \. of the beautiful wood-nymph moth (Ludryas grata, Fab.) Fig. 5

oe * represents the caterpillar and moth. I have hitherto looked upon
this lovely insect as an object of interest from its beauty and rarity, but this year

Fig. 2.

the caterpillars appeared in hundreds upon the Virginia creeper (Ampelopsis
quinquefolia), which covers the front of our build-
Coli i

ing at Port Hope with its graceful foliage. No
attention was paid to these creatures at first, but it
suddenly became apparent that they were rapidly
devouring the leaves, and rendering most unsightly
what was before a beautiful mass of green. They
began their work near the ground and proceeded
upwards, devouring the leaves as they went. On ‘
the 9th of August I had the infested creepers
sprinkled with Paris green and water. One appli-
cation sufficed to exterminate the insects, and none
were afterwards to be seen. I have mentioned this
instance particularly in order to bring before you Fie. 5.

the great advantage of using Paris green as a .
remedy for almost all leaf-eating insects—except, of course, those affecting
cabbage and similar vegetables which are used as food. A judicious applica-
tion of a very weak mixture will be found most efficacious. Proper care
must, of course, be exercised when dealing with so virulent a poison. Its
use as a remedy for the apple codling-worm and the plum curculio has now been
fully demonstrated, and any fruit grower who will carefully follow out the direc-
tions published in our annual reports will, we are confident, be amply rewarded.
It is a subject of no little gratification to us that fruit-growers in England have
been at last persuaded to try this remedy, and in every instance that we have
heard of the experiment has been crowned with success. It required two or three
years of persistent effort on the part of Miss Ormerod aided by Mr. Fletcher to
overcome the insular prejudice against adopting anything new and seemingly
dangerous. Now that a beginning has been made, we hope for great results in
the immediate future.

Before leaving this practical portion of my address, I wish to refer to a kin-
dred, though not an entomological matter. I have noticed in many parts of
Ontario an alarming increase of the fungus growth on plum and other fruit trees,
commonly called the “black knot.” An Act was passed by the Ontario Legisla-
ture a few years ago ordering the cutting down and burning of all infested trees,
and imposing penalties for neglecting to do so; but the law seems to be a dead
letter and no one apparently dreams of enforcing it. It would be well for our
municipal councils to instruct their path-masters and other officials to look after
the black-knot and enforce the Jaw wherever its provisions are neglected. If
this is not done there will soon be no cherry or plum trees left in the country, as
the disease rapidly spreads, and when once it attacks a tree it is almost hopeless
to attempt a cure.

Another fungus disease to which I may call your attention is the “ downy
mildew” of the grape. It is exceedingly injurious and very prevalent. Fortu-
nately it may be readily checked by the use of the “Bordeaux mixture,” and
other compounds which fruit-growers have employed with great success.

Turning now to what I may call the non-economic aspect of entomology—
though all investigations into the habits and distribution of insects have their
practical bearing at some time or other—it is worthy of remark that butterflies
have been extraordinarily scarce in Eastern Ontario this year. Whole days spent
in collecting in localities where they were usually abundant have resulted in the
capture of nothing worthy of mention. It is possible that the unwonted mild-
ness of the winter, with its frequent changes from freezing to thawing, and the
absence of snow, may have occasioned a great destruction among the hibernating

forms of diurnal lepidoptera. I am the more inelined to give credit to this

cause, as I found recently at Nepigon and Port Arthur, where the winter was
quite as severe and prolonged as usual, butterflies were remarkably abundant, and
could be found in hundreds whenever the sun was shining. Among other inter-
esting captures at Nepigon, which has now become a famous hunting-ground, and
where the butterfly collector, careering in hot haste with net in hand after a
specimen, is not regarded as an escaped lunatic, as he would be in most parts of
the country, but as a scientist engaged in quite as praiseworthy an occupation
as trout-fishing—among my captures | may mention a number of specimens of
Plusia belonging to several different species. As I only returned a few days
ago [have not had time to get them identified, but | have brought several of
them here for inspection. They were very active indeed upon the flowers
of thistles and golden rod, flitting swiftly from one to another in the
hot sun.

Since our last annual meeting many important additions have been made to
entomological literature. Mr. Scudder’s grand work on “The Butterflies of the
Eastern United States and Canada” was completed last September. It forms three
large volumes, containing 2,000 pages and nearly a hundred plates and maps, about
forty of which are coloured. It is truly a magnificent work and a monument of
patient labor and careful scientific investigation. However much we may differ
from the author on such vexed questions as generic nomenclature, the sequence
of families, and the like, we must express our unbounded admiration for his ability
and learning, and the excellence of his work. The long pages of descriptive
matter are enlivened by essays on all manner of subjects connected with butterfly
life, written in a particularly charming style, and to each chapter is prefixed a
stanza or two of poetry, so apt and so beautiful, that one is lost in wonder at the
diversity and extent of the author’s acquaintance with literature. This feature
of the work renders it available for all lovers of natural history, even though
they may take no special interest in butterflies. The author has published the
work at a large pecuniary sacrifice. The list of subscribers is strangely small,
but we hope that ere long librarians everywhere will find out that without a copy
of Seudder’s butterflies their collection of books is very incomplete. :

Self-sacrifice in the publication of entomological literature is the order of
the day. A similar tale has to be told of the authors of the next two books that
I wish to refer to. Mr. W. H. Edwards continues to issue his lovely illustrations
of the “Butterflies of North America.” The coloured figures of these insects in all
their stages are the most perfect and the most beautifully executed that I have
ever seen. Nine parts of the third series have now been issued, and the tenth is
almost ready ; but at what a cost to the author! In order to accomplish this
stupendous work he has been obliged to dispose of his collections and nearly all
his books—a sacrifice that would be heart-breaking to most of us.

The other work to which I referred is the Rev. Dr. MceCook’s “ American
Spiders and their Spinning Work,” the second volume of which has just been
issued. When complete the work will consist of three large quarto volumes, pro-
fusely illustrated with wood cuts and some coloured lithographic plates. It is
written in a most interesting manner, and while thoroughly scientific, is so
popularly and clearly expressed that it may be read with ease and delight by
any one who cares to learn about the strange habits and peculiar life-history of
these singular creatures. When finished it will certainly be the most complete
and perfect work on spiders in the English language. In this ease, too, the author
is publishing at his own expense and does not expect to be reimbursed for his

10

outlay. All these works, I am glad to say, will be found in our Society’s library
and are available for the use of the members.

Serial publications on North American entomology continue to be represented
by the Transactions of the American Entomological Society, Philadelphia ;
Psyche, Cambridge, Mass.; Hntomologica Americana, Brooklyn, N. Y.; Insect
Life, Washington, D.C., and our own Canadian Entomologist. Another addition
has been made to the list this year by the issue of Entomological News and Pro-
ceedings of the Entomological Section of the Academy of Natural Sciences of
Philadelphia. The working entomologist can hardly do without any of these
publications ; each one occupies its own special field, and all are valuable and
interesting. Our own magazine, now in its twenty-second volume, continues to
be issued with regularity, ‘and, I am happy to say, receives contributions from all
the most eminent entomologists in North America, and occasionally from others
in Europe.

The study of economic entomology has been making vast strides during the
last few years, owing to the establishment of experi imental agricultural stations
in all the States of the Union, and the appointment in many of them of a skilled
entomologist. The bulletins issued from these stations and the central depart-
ment at Washington are too numerous to mention in detail; they are replete
with useful information and interesting records of experiments and observations.
That the work is eminently scientific is shown by the names of those employed,
for instance, Dr. Riley, Mr. Howard, Dr. Lintner, Professors Forbes, Cook, Smith,
Fernald, Webster, Weed. These names, and many others, are familiar to us all
as men of distinction in their several localities and departments.

In our own country much valuable work is being done by Mr. Fletcher, the
Dominion Entomologist at Ottawa, not only by his ‘investigations and the pub-
lished results, but also by the addresses which he gives in different places to the
meetings of Farmers’ Institutes. He is in this way diffusing throughout the
country a knowledge of friends and foes amongst insects, and the best modes of
encouraging the former and exterminating the latter. The result of his work
must in course of time be the saving of hundreds of thousands of dollars to the
farmers and fruit-growers of the Dominion.

In England Miss Ormerod continues her unselfish devotion to the cause of
economic entomology. Her annual reports are full of very valuable information,
and have done much good in the mother land. It is gratifying to find that this
department of practical work is being developed also in other parts of the British
Empire. We have received a useful report on insect and fungus pests from the
Department of Agriculture at Brisbane, Australia, prepared by Mr. Henry Tryon,
of the Queensland museum, and several numbers of Indian Musewm Notes, pub-
lished at Calcutta by the Government of India Revenue and Agricultural Depart-
ment. ‘These “ Notes” are edited by Mr. E. C. Cotes, and contain a large number
of most interesting and valuable papers, both scientific and practical, illustrated
with excellent engravings.

Before leaving this subject, I must not omit to mention the publication last
autumn of a bulletin on the “ Mediterranean Flour-Moth” (Z£phestia Kuhniella,
Zeller), prepared by Dr. Bryce, of Toronto, and issued by the Agricultural Depart-
ment of Ontario. It is an excellent pamphlet and contains just what one wants
to know about this new pest. ‘he mischief referred to seems to have been
stamped out, at least I have not heard of any further cases of attack in this
province, and we may be quite certain that after the experience of last year, our
millers will keep a sharp look out for the pest, and deal with it promptly should
it show itself again.

ll

I feel now that I have trespassed quite long enough upon your patience,
and must bring my remarks to a close. The prospects of our Society are bright
and cheering ; we may well congratulate ourselves upon what has been accom-
plished in the past, and look forward with pleasant anticipations to the future.
Let each member work honestly and faithfully in his own special department,

and let us all unite in upholding the interests of the Society, and doing all that
' we ean to increase its usefulness, maintain its reputation and ensure its success,

After a cordial vote of thanks to the President for his interesting address
had been duly moved and seconded, Mr. Fletcher was called upon to give an
account of the meeting at Indianapolis of the Entomological Club of the
American Association for the Advancement of Science, to which he had been
sent as delegate by the Society, and from attending which he had just returned.
Mr. Fletcher stated that it had been an exceptionally good meeting, attended by
a larger number than usual of eminent entomologists and botanists, and that its
discussions were remarkably interesting and useful. The full account of its
proceedings will be found in a subsequent part of this report.

The Rev. T. W. Fyles read a scholarly paper, entitled, “A Day in the
Woods,” which was highly appreciated by the audience.

The reports of the Council, the Montreal Branch, and the delegate to the
Royal Society were read by the President.

REPORT OF THE COUNCIL.

The Council of the Entomological Society of Ontario beg to present the
following report of their proceedings during the past year :—

_ The Society, they are happy to say, continues to prosper and maintain its
usefulness. The membership is satisfactory and increased interest is being taken
in its work.

The twentieth annual report on Economic and General Entomology was
sent to the Minister of Agriculture in December last, and was printed and distri-
buted in the following May. As it has been for some time in the hands of the
members of the Society, it is unnecessary to refer particularly toit. It consisted
of 104 pages, with 50 wood cuts in illustration, and was quite up to the average
in the papers which it contained.

The Canadian Entomologist has beenregularly issued at the beginning of each
month, and is now approaching the completion of its 22nd volume. It continues
1o receive valuable contributions from all the leading entomologists in North
America, as well as from some in Europe, and is regarded by scientists as a
highly important magazine in the department which it occupies. The editor has
found it necessary on two occasions recently to enlarge the number of pages
from 20 to 24 in May and 28 in August, owing to the pressure upon his space.

After the disastrous fire at the University of Toronto in February last, the
Council decided to present to the library a complete set of the Canadian Ento-
mologist and the annual reports.

Several valuable additions have been made to the library of the Society
during the past year, among which may be mentioned Mr. S. H. Scudder’s “ But-

12

terflies of the New England States and Canada,” which is now completed and bound,
and the Rev. Dr. McCook’s “Spiders and their Spinning-work,” two volumes of
which have thus far been issued.

In April last a meeting of the Society was held in London, with the presi-
dent in the chair, at which plans were discussed for the formation of sections of
the Society in other departments of natural science. The memorandum agreed
upon at the time is herewith submitted for approval and ratitication.

In consequence of the removal of Mr. E. Baynes Reed from London to
British Columbia, to take charge of the Dominion Meteorological Station at
Victoria, it will be necessary to make some new arrangements for the care of the
library and collections, and the performance of the official work of the Society.
The Council will submit a scheme for the appointment of a permanent officer in
the person of Mr. J. Alston Moffat, of Hamilton, which they trust will be found
to work satisfactorily, and to increase the usefulness and prosperity of the
Society.

The Council desire to place on record their feeling of deep regret at the
removal of Mr. Reed from this Province and the loss which the Society thereby
sustains. Mr. Reed is one of the original members of the Society, and for more
than a quarter of a century has been one of the most active and zealous of its.
officials, filling at different times the positions of vice-president, secretary-trea-
surer, librarian, curator and auditor. ‘To him it is especially due that the library
has grown to its present dimensions and value, and that so much progress has
been made by the Society in many directions. The Council beg to thank Mr.
Reed for his services in the past, and wish him all possible success and prosperity
in his new and important sphere of labour.

During the month of May last arrangements were entered into for the
purchase of the large collections in Coleoptera and other orders of insects made
by Mr. Johnson Pettit, of Grimsby. The packing and transportation were super- |
intended by Mr. Moffat, and the collections are now safely deposited in the rooms
of the Society.

In accordance with our long-established custom, a member of the Council,
Mr. Fletcher, has attended, as representative of the Society, the meeting of the
Entomological Club of the American Association for the Advancement of Science,
which has just been held at Indianapolis, Ind. Mr. Fletcher will submit a report
of its proceedings.

The report of Mr. Lyman, the delegate to the Royal Society of Canada, and
the report of the Montreal Branch, are presented herewith. The accounts of the
secretary-treasurer have been duly audited, and will be laid before the Society.

Tenders for printing the Canadian Enlomologist have been procured from
several printing offices in London and Toronto, and are now laid before the
Society for consideration.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the Council.

CHARLES J. S. BETHUNE,
President.

y ) 13

“REPORT FROM THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF ONTARIO TO
THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF CANADA.

BY H. H. LYMAN, DELEGATE.

As delegate from the Entomological Society of Ontario, it is again for the
third time my duty to submit a short report of the work and progress of the
Society during the past year, and I have much pleasure in saying that the Society
continues to prosper and to maintain its high position among the scientific
institutions of the Dominion and the continent.

The monthly magazine of the Society, the Canadian Entomologist, has been
regularly and promptly issued during the past year and fully maintains its well
_ known high character. The volume for 1889, which was the twenty-first volume,
contained the usual 240 pages of reading matter, and had also one plate. The
contributors numbered thirty-four and the articles were quite up to the usual
standard of interest. One new genus, thirteen new species and seven new varie-
ties of various orders were described in the volume, which also contained the
complete life-histories of four species and partial ones of eight others. A series
of papers on popular and economic entomology were also published during the

year.

The annual report of the Society for 1889 to the Minister of Agriculture for
Ontario has been published and contains many interesting papers of much
importance to agriculturists, besides the usual report of the annual meeting
and of the finances of the Society.

The annual meeting of the Society was held in Toronto on September 3rd,
during the meeting in that city of the American Association for the Advancement
of Science, which afforded our members the pleasure of meeting some of the
distinguished entomologists of the neighbouring republic whose presence also
added much interest to the meeting of our Society.

Our members also enjoyed the pleasure of attending the meetings of the
Entomological Club of the American Association, presided over by our then
President, Mr. Fletcher.

During the progress of these meetings it was resolved to form an “ Associa-
tion of Official Economic Entomologists” for the United States and Canada,
which was accordingly organized and officers duly elected.

This movement is likely to have a very beneficial effect in securing greater
co-operation among entomologists in official positions, and the annual meetings
with the interchange of members’ views cannot fail to be productive of much
good. The library of our Society is in excellent order and was reported at the
annual meeting as containing 1,052 volumes.

On account of certain provisions of “The Agriculture and Arts Act” of
Ontario, recently passed, it was found necessary to make certain changes in the
council of the Society, as the Act provides that all societies which receive aid
from the Ontario Government must be governed by a board of directors who
are residents of the agricultural divisions which they represent, the Entomolo-
gical Society being permitted to group the thirteen agricultural divisions into
five with one director for each. This Act will of course prevent any member of
the Society residing out of Ontario holding any of the more important positions
in the gift of the Society.

14

The following officers for the ensuing year were duly elected :

President—Rev. C. J. 8. Bethune, M.A., D.C.L., Port Hope:
Vice-President—E. Baynes Reed, London.
Secretary-Treasurer—W. E. Saunders, London.
Librarian—E. Baynes Reed, London.
Curator—Rowland Hill, London.
Directors, Division 1—W. H. Harrington, Ottawa.
2—J. D. Evans, Sudbury.
a 3—Gamble Geddes, Toronto.
ss 4—J, Alston Moftat, Hamilton.
“ 5—J. M. Denton, London.
Editor of the Canadian Entomologist—Rey. Dr. Bethune, Port Hope.
Editing Committee—James Fletcher, Ottawa; J. M. Denton, London ;
Rey. T. W. Fyles, South Quebee ; Dr. Brodie, Toronto.
Delegate to the Royal Society of Canada—H. H. Lyman, Montreal.
Auditors—J. M. Denton and E. B. Reed, London.

Early last month our Society, on the suggestion of the President, resolved to
extend its field of operations by permitting the formation of sections for the
study of other branches of Natural History, and sections have already been
formed in Botany, Ornithology, Geology, and Microscopy, and joint field meetings
of all the sections will be held regularly during the summer. This movement
will, it is anticipated, strengthen the Society by bringing in many additional
members. It is also hoped that arrangements may be effected to keep the rooms
of the Society open daily.

The Montreal Branch, of which I have the honour to be President, continues
I am happy to say in a prosperous condition. A number of new members have
joined during the past year, and the monthly meetings have been regularly held
and have been usually well attended.

Mr. Seudder’s magnificent work on the Butterflies of New England, to
which reference was made last year, was completed last October, and its issue
marks an epoch in the history of North American Entomology.

The placing by Parliament during the past session, of books which have *
been published for twenty or more years upon the free list, is a measure of great
importance to entomologists, as it removes a very burdensome tax upon men
whose studies are seldom remunerative in a pecuniary sense, and will tend to
encourage the bringing into the country of many valuable works upon this science
which would not otherwise have been done.

REPORT OF THE MONTREAL BRANCH.

The seventeenth annual meeting of the Montreal Branch was held at the
residence of Mr. Lyman on May 23rd, 1890, at 8 o’clock, p.m.

The following report of the Council was then submitted by the President:

SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE MONTREAL BRANCH OF THE ENTOMO-
LOGICAL SOCIETY OF ONTARIO,

The Council in presenting their report for the year 1889-90, can state with pleasure that the past year
has been one of progress for the Branch, no less than six new members having been elected during the
year.

The names of those added to our roll are Messrs. Chas. Jackson, P. M. Dawson, E. F. Bayn
Alfred Griffin, G. M. Edwards, and W. C. Adams; but of these Mr. Dawson has recently left Montre
to pursue his studies elsewhere.

, eee the year ten meetings have heen held, one of which, viz.: that in June, held at the residence
of Mr. Trenholme, in Cote St. Antoine, was primarily devoted to collecting nocturnal lepidoptera.
The following papers were read during the year :—

. The North American Callimorphas; A Reply to Critics. H. H. Lyman.

. Some Insects injurious to the Oak; F. B. Caulfield.

Notes on the Lepidoptera of Little Metis, P. Que. A. F. Winn.

A Trip to Mount Mansfield. H. H. Lyman.

Note on the Occurrence of Erebia Discoidalis at Sudbury, Ont. H. H. Lyman.

Notes on some species of Coccinellidae found at Montreal. F. B. Caulfield.
Entomology of Pittsfield, Mass. P. M. Dawson.

. Note on the occurrence of Lepisesia flavofasciata at Ormstown, P. Que. H. H. Lyman.
. Various notes on Coleoptera. J. F. Hausen.

Comparatively little field work was done during the collecting season of 1889, owing to the unusual
scarcity of insects of those orders studied by the members, and though the prospects for this season are
not as yet very encouraging, we may hope that more will be done, especially with the increased member-
ship of the Branch ; and it must also be remembered that even in an unfavourable season good work may
be done in discovering the preparatory stages and foodplants of insects where these are unknown, or only
mito known, as was the case last season in regard to Grapta J. album, which was bred by two of our
members.

Submitted on behalf of the Council.

ONO Leto

(Signed) H. H. LYMAN, President.

The Secretary-Treasurer then submitted the financial statement, shewing a
balance on hand of $8.77.

The reports having been adopted, the following officers were elected for the
ensuing year:— President, H. H. Lyman; Vice-President, F. B. Caulfield ;
Secretary-Treasurer, A. F. Winn; Council, E. C. Trenholme and J. F. Hausen,

The President then read an interesting paper, “ Notes on Argynnis freya
A. Chariclea, and H. Montinus,” dealing with the differences between these
species and illustrating them by specimens,

(Signed) E. C. TRENHOLME,

Sec.-Treaswrer.

ANNUAL STATEMENT OF THE TREASURER.

Receipts, 1889-90, '
Membership f6e8... 2.5.20 0526 csc w ccc n ccc cece sence ve nencccincrsscossersrerns $229 53
Sales of Entomologist.......0...scccccccccererccecccccccnssccee te tetre coeee 110 89
a pins, Cork, OtC......... cece rece cere eee w ere tent eee renee et eceeeennes 144 54
PAV ONtIMOXILCLIGN >. 5 < cin dialer anc leteieteiticrs | 8.2 = nies ci8isivig's ojos oie o)selplol gutta ain/ycaibioje|sini= lw evan 13 1
Government grant ........e2seeee sees cererer esses eceerees ease Dk one? SUE OD
itis) Act ae oI eRIBRGe Co ORG SC OCE COREE RO COS DOO MO Ao OOR OCU con COmmOOL earn 1a. 10 08
Balance from last year .......ecseees cece cece teen eee tee ence ene en ee eeeenes 121 73

$1,629 96

MRE i cd sani ces oa aie Vale Seo aie osels oino' dW Sco sa emeiby. ass aasinpinelps sew se vin 3431 75
Report and meeting expenses.... 00. -.-.6 cece cece serene eeese eters ceeteeces 154 15
WRAP he vias coe fsa so s\>. nese wuieielewinsleinis ais ales Seo tie cae ABN a ainin' d's Sn 2 57 26
Purchase of collections, etC........ 2c. cece cece eee eee eee rere eneeneres rene 318 62
Expense account (postage, atationery, CtC).......ccecerecececccesees seceerres 91 69
mS PReane 10 esto bs Beis Lin wu'c | five ida 0h 9 SAR ARMM RMR ONER Gem vrs wide wale ee 80 00
vIMTIFETIGIS RESTS LS Sab ols ohn cise cin sbi vev ease sivaauieaigpnns n.cic'sisisioe se +s siens sis 35 00
Grants to Editor, Secretary and Librarian ........-.- -ss+eeeeereeereceseeers 200 00
Cork, pins, CtC.......- ce ceeseeeerceerecreeeces PO Se a ridic accu nna casey e : 107 69
BinlanOG! or cd cone eHatee rah mnsos seca ee bseecanciesas: wisest er waiehi sisi apn aes 153 90

$1,629 96

16

The President read the memorandum which was drawn up in April last
regarding the formation of sections of the Society in various departments of natural
science, and after giving an account of the enthusiasm with which the project was
taken up by the naturalists in London, he congratulated the members on the
success of the movement and hoped that it would long continue.

A paper by Mr. Frederick Clarkson, of New York, entitled “ Observations
from the top of a White Mountain coach,” concluded the formal part of the
meeting, and was listened to with much interest. At the request of those
present, Dr. Bethune gave an entertaining account of the admirable work of Miss
Eleanor A. Ormerod, the foremost economic entomologist of Great Britain,
including pleasant reminiscences of his personal acquaintance with her.

The meeting then proceeded to discuss the locality and arrangements for an
outing the next day, and decided upon visiting the banks of the River Thames a
few miles below the city, where there is an excellent collecting ground.

Mr. Dearness, Mr. W. E. Saunders and Dr. Woolverton were next called
upon to give a report of the procedings in the botanical, ornithological and
geological sections respectively; their remarks were highly interesting and
encouraging, and proved that the new departure made by the Society is an
excellent one and must greatly redound to its success and prosperity.

After some congratulatory remarks by the President upon the admirable
showing of the Society for the past year, the meeting adjourned.

A DAY IN THE WOODS.
BY THE REV. THOMAS W. FYLES, SOUTH QUEBEC.

A day inthe woods! What delightful reminiscences do the words awaken
recollections of bird-nesting and nutting expeditions, and of

‘“The days when we went gipsying a long time ago.”

To the busy man, who loves business for itself, a day of relaxation can
hardly be unwelcome ; but to the man who leads a busy life, not from choice,
but from stress of circumstances and for whom the wilderness and the solitary
place have especial charms, how delightful is it to escape from his accustomed
haunts, and “far from the madding crowd’s ignoble strife,” to look into the fair
face of Nature, and to listen with loving reverence whilst she tells of many
things.

It was with something akin to the feelings of such a man that on the 6th
day of August last, I proposed to the young people at my house that we should
have a day in the woods. The proposition was joyfully welcomed, a party was
goon made up, the horse was harnessed, lunch baskets were packed, tin-pails for
berrying were stowed away and forthwith we started. We drove along the cliff
road to St. David’s and then took a by-road leading to St. Henri’s. Soon we came
to a region of sand. Wherever the turf was cut by the wagon-wheels sand
appeared. With change of soil, a change of flora and fauna may be expected.
The first thing that took my attention was the multitude of tiger beetles fre-
quenting this green lane. A sandy tract in which ant-hills are numerous is the
favorite hunting ground of the cicindelide, and in such a tract the mining opera-
tions of their larvee may be easily carried on. Amongst the beetles that I
noticed on this occasion, was the blue-black cicindela with the yellow clypeus

De

17

-(C-longilabris Say), the rich rosy-purple (C. purpurea, Oliv.),(Fig. 6), and the deep
bronzed-green (C. limbalis K1.). My efforts to capture some of
these aroused the curiosity of some habitants who were working
in an adjacent field. At first they looked with the utmost astonish-
ment at my proceedings, and shook their heads at one another as
much as to say, He is very far gone; but soon a light seemed to dawn
in upon them and there was a general clearing up,they came, in fact, to
the conclusion that [and my party were bound on a fishing excursion
to the Falls of the Etchemin, and that I was prudently laying in a
supply of grasshoppers for bait. And shortly afterwards, when I
Fic. 6. had occassion to speak to them, I received respectful greeting and
attention as one who knew what he was about. Resuming our
journey we came to a region of second growth balsams, broken in upon by poorly
cultivated fields in which blue-berry bushes abounded, and by tracts of green vel-
vety moss dotted over with young pines. As we entered this region the passage of
our vehicle disturbed a butterfly. “There goes Veonympha canthus,’ I said, but
in a moment the thoughts of the incongruities of time and place for this induced
me to leave my wagon and go in search of the insect, and soon I had the
great delight of securing for the tirst time, a living specimen of Debis Portlandia.
Gosse took this species many years ago at Compton, P. Que., and D’Urban in
Argenteuil county, on the River Rouge. It has since been taken by Mr. Caulfield
and Mr. Winn on Mount Royal, and by Mr. Fletcher in the neighbourhood of
Ottawa. The insect is, however, rare in the Province of Quebee. In the course
of a few hours I took two others specimens, dilapidated females. I found that
the ovary of one of these had been quite emptied, from the other I obtained by
pressure five pearly-white eggs, large for the size of the insect.

I did not find D. Portlandia difficult to catch. It has the habit of flitting
for a few rods, and then settling on the trunk of a tree a yard or two from the
ground, trusting it would seem for security to the similarity of its colours to
those of the lichens that cling about the balsam stems.

In the glades and open fields Argynnis Aphrodite and Argynnis Atlantis
were everywhere abundant, the latter being readily distinguished by their dusky
beauty from their brighter companions. Whilst I was watching thesé active
fritillaries, a butterfly of a different form came into the field. It proved to be
Grapta gracilis. It was the only one of its kind that I could discover. Another
good butterfly that I took on this occasion was Thecla Titus. This insect appears
to be very widely distributed in Quebec Province. I have found it on Mount
Royal, at Oka on the Ottawa,in the Eastern Townships and at Quebec, but
solitary, or in pairs only.

Amongst the moths that showed themselves on this occcasion, I noticed
two very perfect specimens of that showy insect Arctia Saundersii,(Fig. 7), also the
beautiful Plusias, Simplex and Precationis. On the trunks of the trees
Pretophora truncata was to be seen, and,
of course, that ubiquitous insect Drasteria
erecthea (Cram.) was constantly rising from
the grass at my approach. The hour for
luucheon having arrived, and my boy havy-
ing kindled a fire and made the tea, the
fruit gatherers were summoned and soon
appeared laden with their spoils, raspber-
ries, blueberries and the fruitof Amelanchier
Canadensis (Torr. and Gr.), called by the Fic. 7.
French-Canadians povres. Wesat down under a spreading beech, and amidst such

2 (EN.)

18

a beating of drums as the Queen of England holding high festival in Windsor
Castle never heard, for it seemed as if from every tree Cicada canicularis was
sounding its note. The tattoo of this insect increases in intensity for a while
and then breaks off with a few disjointed beats. Now and then a sudden whir-r-r
would be heard and the dark body of the bug would be seen shooting like a
bolt to fresh vantage ground, the transparent wings of the insect being invisible
against the blue sky.

After luncheon the most interesting discovery that I made was that of a
species of Gelechia inhabiting galls on the white aster (Diplopappus wmbellatus
Torrey and Gray). The galls were found well up the stems of the plant, from a
foot to two feet above the ground, and were smooth and onion-shaped. The
largest specimens were five-eighths of an inch across. On opening the galls I
found in several a brown chrysalis resting upon a web stretched across the
interior. At the bottom was some decomposed matter, and near the top a neat
round hole bitten through to the outer skin of the gall. In others of the galls I
found a number of white shining grubs, blunt at one end and tapering at the
other. Their length was about one line. I counted ten of these in one gall,
and they were evidently consuming the remains of their host. In some instances
the grubs had spun up into light drab cocoons.

In a few days I obtained from the galls four moths and two ichneumon flies.
The latter were black with orange legs. The following is the description of the
moths :

Length of body four lines, expanse of wings eight to nine lines. |

Head white, eyes black, labial palpi recurved—first joint large and white,
lower half of second joint white, upper brown with a white tip, antennz filiform,
light brown ringed with black.

Thorax reddish chocolate in colour; fore-wings rich chocolate red with a
white divided fascia near the hind margin, under side grey ; hind-wings pale
silvery grey; fringes grey with a faint brownish gloss.

Abdomen golden yellow on the upper side of the three first segments, the
rest light brown.

These moths differ considerably from those figured and described by Mr.
Kellicott in Vol. X. Can. Ent., p. 201, and from those described by Mr. Riley in
the First Missouri Report, p. 172. I would suggest for them the name of
Gelechia gallediplopappr.

The life of the Gelechia in its early stages is an interesting and sugges-
tive one. The creature lives and toils in the narrow area of its prison-house,
knowing nothing of the higher life and the glorious field for which it is des-
tined, yet impelled by its instincts to make preparations for the change.
Dire foes it has; and can it be that some violationof instinct,some erratic course on
the part of the larva lays it open to the assaults of these? We know not, but
possessed by these, it fails to attain to that nobler state of existence—which
things are an allegory, suggestive to us of joys for which we yearn and evils
which we fear.

Here as elsewhere this season I could not but notice the abundance of hairy
caterpillars, Arctians of various kinds. A large proportion of these caterpillars
had been overtaken with a strange disease—a sort of mange—and many had
already succumbed to it. The warts upon the caterpillars had dried up, the
bristles had blanched and loosened, the intestines had disappeared, and the outer
frame of the insect had become spongy, the annules parted at a touch. The
unfortunate insects were the prey of a fungus which has been identified by Dr.

Pe

19

Thaxter as Entomophthora grylli var aulica (Fres.) 1 am inclined to believe
that the intense heat following upon the long spell of wet weather that
we had in early summer induced the disease. Such an epidemic amongst
caterpillars I have not witnessed since the time—some years ago—that the larve
of Pieris rape were swept away by thousands.

Everywhere upon the choke-cherry bushes were to be found colonies of the
little yellow, black-headed larvae of the Tortrix (Cacecia cerasivorana, Fitch).
They bind the terminal leaves of the shoots together with a dense web, and carry
on their operations under its shelter.

Of the Coleoptera but few specimens presented themselves. I took several of
Coccinella novem-notata (Hb.), (Fig. 8) and one handsome Leptura, dusky yellow
with a distinct black cross on the elytra. This Mr. Moffatt has
identified for me as L. subhamata (Rand). The order of insects that
ws most numerously represented on this occasion was the Hymenop-
tera. Among the species I noticed were Bombus fervidus, (Cress),
Bombus ternarius, (Say), Bombus consimilis, (Cress), Anthophora
bomboides, (Kirby), Andrena nivalis, (Smith), Vespa media, (Oliv.),

Odynerus capra, (Sauss.), Humenes fraterna, (Say), Crabro singularis, (Pack),
| Hedychrum violacewm, (Lepelle), Ichnewmon grandis, (Brulle), J. letus,
(Brulle), and the males of Uroceros cyaneus, (Fab.)

By this time the sun was getting low in the sky, and the voices of my
young friends were, I fancied, a little less jubilant than they had been earlier in
the day, and feeling the wisdom of not driving pleasure into satiety, I gave the
word for the return. Besides my captures, we took back with us a large pailful of
raspberries, another of blueberries and a smaller one of poires. All of which were
afterwards preserved. So we hope that in the dark days of winter we shall be
reminded, frequently and pleasantly, of our day in the woods.

OBSERVATIONS FROM THE BOX OF A WHITE MOUNTAIN COACH.
BY FREDERICK CLARKSON, NEW YORK.

On a journey through the White Mountains of New Hampshire, en route to
Bar Harbor, Me., the past summer, I observed the following Lepidoptera: At
Franconia Notch, altitude 2,014 feet, P. Turnus was abundant, constantly fly-
ing along the drive and in the woods bordering the road. At the Flume, altitude
4,500 feet, by wet places on the road as many as fifty were found congregated
apparently enjoying the moisture. At greater elevations Turnus was rarely seen
and above the timber line I failed to discover
any Lepidoptera. At the Crawford Notch,alti-
tude 3,134 feet, and through the Glen, Turnus
was ever in sight, its brilliant yellow wings
contrasting beautifully with the luxuriant
green of these primeval forests. In thick
woody places, and where the sun _ shone
through in patches, the coquettish L. arthe-
mis frequently appeared, ever alighting with-
in your reach and ever darting away again
with hide and go seek playfulness. A. Aphro-
dite with wings of “Silver bells and cockle shells” delighted the eye in its graceful
flight along the road way between Jefferson and Fabyan, and C. philodice,
(Fig. 9), rising with the dust at the horses’ feet would encircle the coach, and
then wander away to join its companions at the roadside brook. D. archippus,

Fie. 9.

20

(Fig. 10), the universal beauty, though not numerous in the White Mountains as
early as the an of August, was occasionally seen flitting from Aluwer to flower

Fie. 10.

with all its well known elegance and dignity of motion. Ina small cabinet at
the Hotel Waumbek, at Jefferson, there is a single specimen of Chionobas
semidea, (Say), captured on the summitof Mount Washington. This butterfly,
says Seudder, feeds on sedges and lives upon the summit of Mount Washington; the
genus containing several species, is,according to Packard, found on Alpine sum-
mits, and in the Arctic regions and on ; subarctic mountains. It must be a hardy
insect to withstand the variable temperature of the mountain top. At the
Summit House on Mt. Washington, the mercury on the 15th of July, at 5 a.m.
stood at 47°, while a few days previous it was as low as 27°. At midday the power
of the sun is felt, and the temperature is as high as that at a much lower altitude.

The cabinet, already referred to, at the Hotel Waumbek, Jefferson, contains
the following Lepidoptera, the greater part being captures made at Bethlehem,
which is at an altitude of 1,450 feet :

P. Turnus. S. Alope.

D. Archippus. P. Cecropia.

L. Misippus. T. Polyphemus.

A. Aphrodite. A. Luna,

V. Antiopa. E. Grata.

G. Interrogationis. S. do.

C. Philodice. M. Quinque-maeulata.
P. Cardui. C. Piatrix.

The Profile House, at Franconia Notch, has also a collection of Lepidoptera.
The cabinet contains the following, all of which were captured in the vicinity of
the hotel, altitude 1,054 feet :

P. Turnus. P. Cecropia.

V. Antiopa, A, Luna.

P. Atalanta. S. Kalmiae.

D. Archippus. S. Drupiferarum.
P. Cardui. C. Ultronia.

L. Arthemis. A. Nessus.

A. Aphrodite. A. Octomaculata.

C. Philodice.
A stray setter followed our stage from Mount Washington to the Glen and
suggested an Entomological joke which I subjoin, and with which I close this record.

What is the name of your dog ?

Well, I call him Entomology.

Rather a queer name for a dog, i isn’t it?

No, I think it singularly appropriate.

Why, Entomology is a science, and means a discourse on insects, in short, it is wholly and altogether

a subject of insects.
That’s just the reason why I call my dog Entomology, for he is wholly and altogether a subject of

insects.

21

MEETING OF THE SOCIETY IN APRIL.

A meeting of the London members of the Entomological Society of Ontario
was held in the rooms, Victoria Hall, London, on Friday evening, Apri] 11th,
1890: the president, Rev. C. J.S. Bethune in the chair. The following resolutions

_ were adopted -

That with a view of increasing the usefulness of the Society and furthering
the study of Natural History and the kindred sciences it is desirable to follow
the method of the Canadian Institute and the American Association for the
Advancement of Science, and permit sections to be formed for the various branches
of Botany, Ornithology and Oology, Microscopy, Geology, and such others as may
from time to time appear to be desirable. The basis proposed is as follows:

1, All members of the sections shall be members of the Entomological Society and be governed by its

rules and regulations and entitled to all its privileges.
five members may, with the permission of the Council, form themselves into a Section devoted

to some special branch, and organize the same, appoint officers and make rules for the meetings, etc., the

same not being contrary to the rules of the Society.
3. One-half of the annual fee of each member of a section shall be refunded by the Entomological
Society to the Treasurer of that section for the use and benefit of the section.
4, All members of the Society shall be free to attend any meeting of a section and take part in its
discussions, but only those shall be entitled to vote who shall have signed the roll of that particular section.
A member may elect to be member of one or more sections, but the one-half of the fees returned

by the Society can only be paid to one section.
That it is desirable in the interests of the Society that some one should be
found who would keep the rooms open daily and be in charge thereof.

The meeting then adjourned.

ORGANIZATION OF SECTIONS.
The following report is taken from the London Free Press, of May 5th, 1890 *

A most enthusiastic meetiog of Naturalists was held in the rooms of the Entomological Society on
Saturday evening, for the purpose of organizing sections of the Society for the purpose of active work in the
kindred branches of natural history. Sections were formed in Botany, Ornithology, Geology and Microscopy,
with the following chairmen pro tem :—Botany, John Dearness ; Ornithology, William Saunders ; Geology,
Dr. Woolverton ; Microscopy, Prof. J. W. Bowman. Evenings were selected for organizing the sections
and the meeting then adjourned. The Botanical section met at once and elected officers as follows :—
chairman, John Dearness; vice-chairman, Prof. J. H. Bowman; secretary, Dr. Susannah Carson. The
following persons signified their intention of joining the section :—Dr. Jennie Carson, Mrs. W. E. Saunders,
Miss Edith McMechan, Miss Fowler, Drs. Hodge and Woolverton, Messrs. E, B. Reed, A. McQueen, A.
O. Jeffery, 5. H. Craig, Saunders, J. Balkwill, Kelley, A. Craig, R. Elliott and R. A. Gray.

The next meeting will be held on Saturday evening, 10th inst., at 8 o’clock, in the Entomological
rooms at which it is expected there will be a large attendance of ladies as well as gentlemen. Mr. Vearness
will give suggestions as to collecting and preserving plants, while the identification of plants collected dur-
ing the week will be an item of special interest. The Ornithological section meets to-night in the Entomo-
logical rooms and a general invitation is extended to all interested in the study of Ornithology and Oology
to attend so as to make the organization complete at once and ready for the season’s study.

ENTOMOLOGICAL CLUB OF THE.A, A. A.S.

The Entomological Club of the American Association for the Advancement
of Science, assembled in the State House at Indianapolis, Ind., on Wednesday,
August 20th, 1890, and began its regular sessions at 9 o'clock a.m., the President,
Prof. A. J. Cook, Agricultural College, Mich., in the chair.

There were present during the meetings: W. B, Alwood, Blacksburgh, Va;

Geo. F. Atkinson, Columbia, 8. C.; W. 8S. Blachley ; P. Carter; Prof. E. W. Clay-
ole, and K. B. Claypole, Akron, Ohio; F. 8. Earle, Ocean Springs, Michigan ;

. G, Evans, Evansville, Ind.; James Fletcher, Ottawa, Ont.; H. Garman, Lexington,
_Ky.; Mrs. O. Hanney ; C. W. Hargitt, Oxford, Ohio; Thos. Hunt; John Marten,

22

Albion, Ill.; Miss Mary E. Murtfeldt and Miss Augusta Murtfeldt, St. Louis, Mo.;
W. W. Norman; Prof. Herbert Osborn and L. H. Pammel, Ames, Iowa; R. S. F.
Perry ; C. Robertson, Carlingville, Ind.; Prof. J. W. Spencer, Athens, Ga.; James
Troop and Prof. F. M. Webster, Lafayette, Ind.; Dr. Clarence M. Weed, Columbus,
Ohio, and others.

THE PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS.

The President, Prof. A. J. Cook, delivered the following address on teaching

entomology :

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Entomological Club.—I congratulate you
that another year has passed, and our number has not been broken in upon by
death. While our ranks have been much enlarged, no one has been called to that
undiscovered country from whose bourne no traveller returns. I also congratu-
late you upon the great increment in our force of working entomologists. I think
{ may say, with no fear of contradiction, that no year in the history of America
has been so remarkable in this respect as has the last. This is a cause for special
felicitation, not only to entomologists, but to all our people. Ours is a tremendous
country—by ours I include, of course, our Canadian brothers, for we, as scientists,
know no line of separation—and to spy out the entire land needs an army of
workers or observers, all trained to keen sight and ready apprehension. But
more than this the magnitude of our country is fully equalled by the magnitude of
the insect hosts, and to know all of these, with their full life history, requires an
incalculable amount of closest research. But our business economy demands this
for all our species : for so wonderful is the balance of nature, so close the relations
of all species of life, that really we may hardly divide insects into those important
and those unimportant in our agricultural economy. All are important; and so
from an economic, no less than a scientific standpoint, it is desirable that all such
research be widely encouraged, and it is a most hopeful omen—the rapid increase
of earnest and trained workers. I shall not in this address occupy time by giving
the peculiarities of the season in respect to insects, nor yet call attention to inte-
resting discoveries, like the importation of the Vedalia cardinalis, All these
will be brought out in papers and discussions. I must, however, refer to the new
association for the advancement of economic entomology, which was organized at
Toronto a year ago, and which held its first meeting at Washington last Novem-
ber. This meeting, under the Presidency of Dr. Riley, was a valuable one ; and
that society promises much for the science of entomology, as well as for its
economic development. It is also a matter of much interest that a new paper—
Insect News is started at that great centre of entomology—Philadelphia—which
will also do much every way for our science. This, with the very excellent
periodical Insect Life, published by the Entomological Division of the Depart-
ment of Agriculture, can but give new impetus to entomological research. In
addition to these, we have an addition to Prof. Comstock’s admirable work, which
when completed will form a most valuable adjunct in the development of ento-
mology. If we may judge from what we already have, this will be invaluable in
every entomological laboratory. When the Society of Economie Entomologists
was organized a year ago it was remarked by one of our first entomologists that
that move sounded the death-knell of this Club. I then remarked that such
ought not to be the case. That Society is to be composed only of those interested
in economic entomology, and of course will only put emphasis in the direction of
the practical aspects of the science ; this more or less of entomologists in a wider
sense, and so will include those interested in practical entomology and also in

23

the science without relation to utility. The Club then may well continue. I
believe it will live and thrive, and will be most helpful to entomologists and to
our science. While the other Association will discuss economic questions, this
Club will place no limit on either its discussions or its membership, only so far as
entomology shall be its aim and purpose. No one doubts but that he who has a
thorough training in the science of entomology will be far better prepared for
practical work, and so there can be only the most cordial relations between the
Association of Economic Entomologists and this Club. Indeed, many of our
most active entomologists will be members of both. I have already stated the
truism that only can he do the best practical work in entomology who is
thoroughly well grounded in the general science of entomology. As we now have
a great call for entomologists in our experimental stations, agricultural colleges,
and as State entomologists, not to speak of the fact that every farmer and frait-
grower would be wore successful if he were well-informed in this science, it goes
without saying, that there ought to be in training men for just such work. It
seems to me that it needs no argument to show that our agricultural colleges are
just the places where this training should be given. They were founded to teach
those subjects which would be most serviceable on the farm. Entomology is one
of the chief of these. Thus it follows that every student of agriculture should
have a thorough course in this science, with the practical aspect of the subject
kept in the foreground. In thus presenting this science to large classes—I have
from thirty to forty each year who study this subject in the course—the
teacher will find some in each class who are specially fitted to succeed. They
enjoy the study and work most earnestly just for the love of the pursuit. They
have quick observation, and are very accurate and honest in all their work. It
needs no prophet to bespeak success in this field for such students. Our agricul-
tural colleges are just the places to discover the men who have great possibilities
in this direction ; just the places to give the training that shall best fit men to do
the most valuable work. It will be my purpose in the remainder of this address
to describe the equipment for such work, and to explain the method which I
believe will give the best results. Of first importance is a good library; this
should contain all the standard works, periodicals and monographs, so-that stu-
dents who may decide to study any insect or genus, may. find what has been
written on the subject. Of course this cannot be had at once, but it is so essen-
tial that no etfort should be spared to build up a complete entomological library
at the earliest possible moment. True the scientist should study things, not
books, but he will find a wide use of books most helpful in his study. Next to
a library, such colleges should have good collections, which are often of more
value than the library. A small show collection, illustrating the families and
orders, and the several stages of the most injurious species of the place as well
as the groups of beneficial ones should be open to the public. This will be studied
and appreciated by the practical farmer, who, as he visits the college, will find it
helpful, and will also interest and stimulate the under-class men, who will thus
have their attention called towards insects before they commence the regular
study, which will not occur till they are well along in the course. Drawing,
botany, microscopy, and French and German, if thoroughly understood, will be
great aids to the student who commences the study of entomology. Thus this
study will come late in the course and the show collection will be whetting the
appetite of the under-class men from the time they enter college until they com-
mence the study. I would also have what I call a student collection—this is a
pretty full collection from the locality of the college. This I would hang upon
the wall of the lecture room, which I would have dark, except when in use, so as
to preserve the colour of the specimens. I would have this in rather small cases,

24

with glass in front and also back where it is desirable, as in case of Diurnals, to ©
study both under and upper sides of the wings. This collection should show at
least types of each group in all stages, from egg to imago, as well as nests, co-
coons, etc. This is an object lesson ever before the student, is ever ready for use —
by the teacher to illustrate his lecture, and is at the disposal of the students in
naming their own collections or in closer study of any group. It seems to me
such a collection should be in every college. Lastly, I would have a laboratory
collection which should be a biological collection, and the fuller the better. This.
is in large, tight, glass-faced drawers. I use the Harvard case. This is for the
use of teachers and post-graduates who desire to study further in the science. It
is too valuable for general use by the student or to be kept to satisfy general
curiosity.

As I have before remarked, before the student commences the study of
insects he should have had a good course in free-hand drawing, should have
had instruction in the use of the microscope and in preparing microscopic speci-
mens and slides, and if he has a ready use of German and French it will be very
helpful to him in his study. It is also desirable that the student should have
had a full course in botany. The students of our college have had three terms of
botany, one devoted entirely to microscopic botany, before they begin the study
of entomology. I consider this very valuable preparatory work. Entomology
is very close precise work, and the Jaboratory work if carried on for a less space
than three hours at a time is not satsfactory. But three hours of such close work
is very wearying unless the student has had a fitting preparation. Thus I am
pleased that our students have had vertebrate dissection with human and com-
parative anatomy and physiology before they commence entomology. I know
this seems the reverse of the natural method; as nature proceeds from lower to
higher ; vertebrate dissection is lighter and less trying to eye and brain than is
the study of insect anatomy; thus I am pleased to have Anatomy and Physiology
of Vertebrates precede that of the Arthropoda in our course. In our college the
student attends a course of sixty lectures on the anatomy and physiology of
insects, systematic entomology and the economic bearing of the subject. These
lectures are illustrated by use of models, the student’s collection of insects, already
referred to, by microsocopie preparations, mostly prepared at the College, and
elaborate charts and drawings also prepared specially for our use. In connection
with this course there are 36 hours of laboratory. Each student works three
hours one day each week for twelve weeks. In this time they are able to study
the internal anatomy, and to examine carefully and accurately one insect of each
order. In connection with this several insects are traced to the genus by such
keys as Leconte and Horn, Cresson, Williston, ete. Besides the above, each stu-
dent makes a collection of from ten to twenty-five insects of each order, all neatly
put up with date and locality label; each order by itself and all labelled as far as
time will permit. Many students sueceed in naming a large number of their
specimens. Each student is also required to mount insects in all the approved
ways. Small insects mounted on triangular pieces of cardboard or rectangles of
cork with silver wires, while the larve are put in bottles of alcohol with rubber
corks and also prepared by eviscerating and drying, while distended with air, in
a heated oven. The students are also encouraged to prepare biological collections,
in which they preserve the eggs, larve after each moult, pupa, cocoon, imago of
both sexes, and of various sizes and the several variations. Some of our most
enthusiastic students work out several such life histories, describing not only the
separate stages, but the several parasites that work to destroy the insects. I
regard this work as very valuable. It is excellent discipline for the mind and
observation, gives accurate information of the most interesting kind, and arouses.

enthusiasm for the study as nothing else can. It is such work as this that will
tell for the future of entomological research, that will make entomologists, who
will honour alike the fields of pure and applied entomology. But such study
ought not and will not stop here. Post-graduates will avail themselves of the
opportunities which such laboratories offer. Last winter during our long vaca-
tion—ours is an agricultural college and our vacations must needs occur in winter,
when farm operations are largely at a standstill—I had ten special students of
entomology in my laboratory, one from South Dakota, one from Indiana, one
from Ohio, one from Japan, one from Wisconsin, and the others from our own
State. Nearly all were college graduates. Six special students, all graduates
from colleges, have spent the year in my laboratory in special entomological
study as post-graduate students. It seems to me that such are the young men
who are going to develop the entomology of our country. They are the young
men who can and will do grand work in our colleges and experimental stations.
These young men each take up some special family or genus of insects, to which
they give the major part of their time and study. They collect in all orders and
give special attention to biological work, tracing the life histories of insects,
identifying as far as possible the insects they capture and trying to become familiar
with entomological literature, so far as they are able. The students are mutually
helpful to each other. As the laboratory may be said to be a sort of perpetual
Natural History, or more accurately Entomological Society, thus the students
become familiar with the general laboratory work, in fact, they each become a
factor in some degree in carrying the work forward. Here I will close by ex-
plaining briefly the mode of ovr labaratory work, which differs in some degree
from the admirable plan which Prof. Forbes explained at the Washington meet-
ing of Economic Entomologists last November. Our labels give in compact space
locality, date, accession and species number. The accession number agrees with
a number—serial number—in our accession catalogue for the special year. Thus,
ac. 400 shows that the insect or insects bearing that label were the 400th col-
lected during that season. The sp. number is given as the insect is determined,
and is the number of the insect in the catalogue which we use. Thys, sp. 25 is
“Cicindela purpurea,” as the beetle is numbered 25 in Henshaw’s catalogue of
Coleoptera. In case the catalogue is not numbered, as is the case with Cresson’s
list of Hymenoptera, then we number it. We have a column in our accession
catalogue for date, collector, person who named the specimen, and also for remarks.

This last column is wide, and in it we can usually write all necessary informa-
tion which we received in the collecting. If we are experimenting with or study-
ing the insect, our notes are kept on cards. These are numbered to agree with
accession catalogue, and are kept in serial order until we know the species when
we add the species number as well. We now index the card and place it in its
correct alphabetical position in our card collections. Thus we can very easily
find our notes on any specimen, either by accession number or by the name of the
species. This plan works well, and, it seems to me, is very economical in respect
to time. Of course our students all see this scheme and become familiar with
its workings.

HESSIAN FLY, WHEAT-STEM MAGGOT AND OSCINIS.

Mr. J. Fletcher presented some notes upon injuries caused by the Hessian
Fly, the Wheat-stem Maggot and an undetermined species of Oscinis. He said
that the note was presented with the object of eliciting further information upon

a subject which had proved of great interest to him. During the past season he

had endeavoured to determine the number of broods of the Hating Fly for the

26

Ottawa district, aud had found, first, that the Hessian Fly, the Wheat-stem Mag-
got and Oscinis were all found at the same time and in the same plant, and
further, that, speaking generally, they passed through their stages contempor-
aneously. Of the three the last had proved much the most destructive. From
root shoots of wheat sown on the 14th of April he had bred Hessian Fly and
Oscinis at the end of June, and a month later Meromyza had appeared. He had
also noticed in some fields at Ottawa that a large- quantity of spring wheat was
attacked by Hessian fly in the ground shoots or stools in the same manner as fall
wheat is attacked in the autumn. It was frequently the case that on plants which
had made from fifteen to twenty stools but one would be left, all the others having
been destroyed by the insects. He had procured adult Hessian Flies at Ottawa dur-
ing this season in the beginning of May, at the end of June, and in August, and they
would probably appear again in September. He had not been able to find the
Hessian Fly breeding in any of the grasses, and would like to know if others had
done so. Meromyza and the Oscinis had been most troublesome pests in the ex-
perimental grass patches at Ottawa, some grasses being almost exterminated by
them. It was remarkable that the spring appearance of Meromyza had been so
enormous as to have caused fear of a serious destruction of the wheat crop. As
a matter of fact, however, there had been less injury, both to small grains and
grasses, than for many years previously. This diminution he could only explain
by the supposition that the eggs had been destroyed by some predaceous insect.
The eggs must have been laid in large numbers, but there was very little evidence
of the presence of the larve, either in the standing wheat or barley, or in the
root-shoots of barley. The Oscinis he had been unable to identify ; but, through
the kindness of Mr. John Marten, of Illinois, he had learnt of some work which
had been done by Prof. Garman in Kentucky, upon what was probably the same
species. This, Mr. Marten said, had been doubtfully identified by Dr. Williston
as O. variabilis.

~¥ Prof. Garman stated that he had studied what appeared to be the same
species, and had prepared an article for publication. He also gave some notes
upon the life history and anatomy of the insect.

Prof. Osborn had taken at Ames, Iowa, numerous specimens of Oscinis, one
of which closely resembled that exhibited by Mr. Fletcher.

Prof. Alwood had studied in Ohio an Oscinis infesting oats, and had pub-
lished his results in Bulletin 13, Division of Entomology. He had found the
egos, from two to eleven im number, were forced beneath the sheath of the leaf,
and that just prior to pupation the larve gnawed through the epidermis and the
pupa protruded so as to admit of the easy escape of the adult.

Mr. Fletcher, referring again to Meromyza, stated that in many instances he
had found the eggs deposited in the field upon the upper surface of the leaf some
distance from the stem, and asked if others had observed this to be the case else-
where,

Prof. Garman had found that the eggs were laid just above the sheath, or
sometimes pushed beneath it.

Prof. Webster stated that the eggs of the Hessian Fly, had, in the spring of
the present year, throughout Southern and Central Indiana, been deposited near
the roots, the “ flax-seeds ” being found in that portion of the plant; while in the
northern part of the State the case had evidently been different, as the “ flax-
seeds” were there almost invariably located about the second joint.

The Secretary read a paper by Mr. Edward L. Graef, of New York, upon
the American Silk Worm Moths or Spinners, in which a serious attack upon the

27

shade trees of New York by P. cecropia was recorded, and the suggestion made

that this and other species might be turned to account, if any means could be
devised for manufacturing and utilizing their silk. As a stimulus to this indus-
try, Mr. Graef generously offered a prize of fifty dollars for the best essay and
model of apparatus for carrying this suggestion into effect.

SECOND DAY’S SESSIONS.

The Club met on Thursday at 8 am. Dr. C. M. Weed read an interesting
paper upon the clover-stem borer, Languria mozardi. Fifteen species of plants
were reported upon which the larva had been found feeding. This paper was
discussed by Profs. Cook, Alwood, Osborn and others.

Prof. Alwood spoke of tobacco insects, of which he was making a special
study. He had observed a stem borer which was very injurious.

Dr. Weed had learned of a tobacco root-louse in Southern Ohio.

Prof. Garman spoke of the mouth parts of several species of some families
of Thysanoptera, and stated that some recent studies had shown him that the
figures published did not agree with his material. He then read the following
paper, entitled “An Asymmetry of the Head and Mouth Parts of Thysanoptera.”

In a brief paper in the Bulletin of the Essex Institute I have recently called
attention to peculiarities in the structure of the head and mouth parts which set
this group quite apart from other orders of Hexapoda. [This has no reference to
affinities upon which, I believe, we are not prepared to pronounce until this and
several other groups have been more completely studied.] In that paper it was

. claimed that the endocranium of the species examined was not symmetrical, being

deficient on the right side; that the labrum was one-sided; that there was a
developed mandible on the left side, with, at most, a rudiment on the right ; and
that the mandibles of authors were probably lobes of the maxille.

At the time the paper was written I had not examined sufficient material to
enable me to say whether the features pointed out were limited to certain species
or were common to all members of the group. Since then many additional forms
have been examined, all, however, belonging to the families Stenopteride and
Coleoptratidie, and in no case has there been found a departure in essentials from
the structure of the head and mouth parts as they were described in the paper
referred to. It is probably safe to assume, therefore, that the asymmetry noted
is characteristic of these two families at least.

Of the group Tubulifera no representatives have been studied, I shall not
be surprised, since this is the lowest of the suborders, if examples of Phleothrips
are found to be more nearly symmetrical.

As an interesting fact, though in no way related to the main purpose of this
commuuication, I may mention that the solitary mandible of Limothrips and
Melanothrips is perforate, like the jaws of larval Chrysopa, of Dytiscide, and of
Myrmeleon. In specimens of Coleoptratidee examined, both labial and maxillary
palpi are composed of three segments.

Note.—Since my return to Lexington from the meeting of the American Asso-
eiation I have secured a couple of very young Phlothrips. My examination of
these is not completed, but 1 have succeeded in demonstrating the single jaw on
the left side. The parts are greatly elongated, and remind one of the same
organs in Hemiptera. The styliform parts are especially long, extending, when

28

retracted, into the cranial cavity towards the eye, thence bending posteriorly and
extending along the posterior wall of the head to the mouth opening. Both
mandible and styliform parts are perforate (or possibly grooved).

Two unmistakable tarsal claws are present in this genus. From their
relation of position to the pads the latter would seem to be modified pulvilli.

Prof. Osborn was much pleased with what Prof. Garman had stated. He
had also observed some of the points mentioned in a special study which he had
made of these insects, and hoped Prof. Garman would publish his results as soon
as possible.

Dr. Weed presented a short paper on the oviposition of Listronotus lati-
usculus. The eggs are laid in clusters of from five to ten upon the leaf stalks of
Sagittaria variabilis, and are covered with small pieces of the epidermis which
are nibbled off by the adult beetle. This was discussed by Messrs. Garman,
Fletcher and Webster.

Mr. Charles Robertson, of Carlinville, Ill., read a most interesting note upon
the habits of the bee Emphor bombiliformis, which was originally described by
Creason as a Melissodes, but Paton, in revising the genus, raised it to Emphor-.
This bee, it was stated, confines itself almost exclusively to Hibiscus, chiefly
H. lasiocarpus. The appearance and habits of the bee were described. It was.
stated that in collecting these bees it is important to catch those flying around
the plant without alighting, as these were generally the males, whilst those visit-
ing the flowers for honey and pollen were the females. On August 5th, when
walking along a dam with water on one side, he had noticed a female standing
upon the water ; she then flew to a bank, and he observed that she was carrying
water to facilitate the excavation of hard ground, into which she was burrowing
to build her nest. Sometimes one pellet of earth would be taken out after such
an application of water, but at others three or even four. An interesting dis-
cussion followed which was participated in by Messrs. Osborn, Cook, Weed,
Fletcher and others.

Prof. Osborn read the following note “On a Peculiar Form of Coleopterous
larva”: Eleven years ago, while a student in college, I found a peculiar form of
larva boring in the twigs of ash trees, and it was described at the time in the
students’ journal at the college (The Aurora, May, 1879, page 5.) under the cap-
tion “ A Grub With Legs onits Back.” The description is as follows: “The speci-
men was found boring in the pith of a small twig on an ash tree near the road
west of the college, apparently beginning at or near the tip of the twig and work-
ing downward. Numerous twigs were found that had been inhabited in this
way, but only one specimen of the borer was found—this about a quarter of an
inch long, quite slim, and nearly white. Its great peculiarity consists in the dis-
position of its locomotive apparatus. The first three segments following the head
are provided with the usual pair of legs, each in the normal position—that is, on
the ventral surface. The following six segments are provided each with a pair
of pro-legs, similar to those found on many caterpillars, but, strange to say, these
are arranged upon the dorsul surface, exactly the opposite of the usual arrange-
ment, while the number six is different from either the caterpillars, where there
are four or five, or the saw-fly larva, which have eight. The remaining three
segments have no propellers whatever. The beauty of this arrangement, for the
conditions of the borer, can at onee be seen, for it has as much foot-hold above as
below. Placed upon a flat surface it could make no advancement, but wriggled
awkwardly about, evidently seeking its double foot-hold. Placed between two
thin plates of glass, it moved rapidly, using all its legs, and going with equal

29

' facility backward or forward, either side up. If provided with some support at
one side it was possible for it to travel by means of the legs on its dorsal surface
alone.”

During the present season an example of a similar larva has come to my
notice, specimens being first observed by Prof. L. H. Pammel, occurring in the
stems of Helianthus. Their possessing similar locomotive organs upon the back
called to mind the peculiar larvee noticed years ago. They differ, however, some-
what in colour as well as in the plant on which they occur, and I find that they
attacked voraciously dipterous larvae that were living in the same stems.
Whether they are normally carnivorous remains of course to be determined, but
there can be no question of their attacks upon these larvee, and apparently with
the intention of obtaining food from them. These specimens are of a light bluish
colour, possessing pro-legs upon segments 4-9, inclusive, and a pair of tubercles
on the ventral portion of the anal segment, as well as a dorsal tubercle on the
terminal portion of the same segment. In general appearance there is a striking
resemblance to the Langwria larva, as shown in figure exhibited by Dr. Weed,
but in his drawing there is no indication of the dorsal feet.

The Club convened at 5 p.m., and considered the following resolution :—

Resolved, That it is the sense of the Club that the meetings of the Association of Economic Entomo-
logists and of the Entomological Club would both be benefited by holding such meetings, if possible, at
the same time and place as the meetings of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

After discussion by Messrs. Fletcher, Osborn, Cook, Alwood, Weed and others,
the resolution was unanimously adopted.

The Secretary read a paper by Prof. D. S. Kellicott, of Columbus, O., upon
the “ Preparatory Stages of Hustrotia caduca.” He had collected the larva upon
Nuphar advena at Rives Junction, Michigan, in 1876. From these he had bred
a moth, afterwards named by Mr. Grote #. caduca in the Canadian Entomolo-
gist, Vol. 8, p. 207. During July of the present year he had again collected the
insect at Corunna, Michigan, and had succeeded in breeding and describing all the
stages, which were submitted herewith.

The larvze found in 1876 were feeding in the fruit but those studied during
this summer were found upon the leaves. If these latter were floating; the larve
were exposed on the upper surface, in other cases they were beneath or concealed
in folds. A different habit of swimming to that of Arzama obliquata, which
progresses by horizontal undulations, was noted. #. caduca swims strongly, but
by an entirely different motion. The postericr third of the body is bent down-
wards like the tail of a crayfish and then quickly pushed backwards, thus driving
the insect ahead by jerks.

Discussed by Messrs. Weed, Webster and others.

Prof. Cook reported having bred Agrotis C-nigrum through all its stages
upon black currant, the eggs having been laid in a cluster upon leaves of that
plant on 1st June—the perfect insect appearing on the Ist of August.

Prof. H. Osborn read a note on the “ Period of Development in Mallophaga.”
The habits of the species of Mallophaga render accurate observations upon the
time required in development of the eggs a matter of considerable difficulty.
While in some of the species upon very common birds it is possible to get an
abundance of material, in other cases the opportunities for obtaining such mate-
rial are very rare. But in the most common species the difficulty of determining
the exact time of deposition of eggs, and then of keeping individuals in such
conditions as to insure a normal development, makes positive observations diffi-
cult. This being the case, any observations which may add to our knowledge of the
subject seem of interest, and the present note is offered as one such contribution.

30

The species chosen in the present case is the Nitzschia pulicare, which is
almost invariably to be found in abundance on the common chimney swift
(Chetura pelasgia.), This bird is an abundant resident of the building in which
my laboratory is located, and being readily obtained on occount of its tendency to
fly in at the windows, I suggested to Mr. P. H. Rolfs, a graduate student in
biology, that he attempt the rearing of larvee from eggs with a view to determine
length of developmental period in connection with studies of its embryology.

For this first purpose he secured on two separate occasions a number of the
eggs, and kept them, part in a tight paste-board box, which was kept warm by
the heat of his body, the others were enclosed in cotton-plugged tubes under a
hen that was kept in the laboratory at the time for incubating eggs for embryo-
logical work. Of the first lot, all kept in pocket, secured July 27th, two eggs
hatched August 4th, five between August 8-13th, one August 16th, the last giving
twenty days, the longest period.

Of the second lot secured, August 3rd, six hatched between the 8th and
13th, four hatched August 14th (three in box and one in tube), two August 15th
(one in box and one in tube), part not hatching, and the longest period in this
case being thirteen days.

Assuming that those requiring the longest time had been deposited but a
short time before the experiment began, we should have from fifteen to twenty
days as the ordinary time required for the eggs to hatch for this species.

Mr. F. S. Earle presented some interesting notes upon the injurious insects
of the season in Southern Mississippi. Diabrotica 12-punctata was a very
abundant insect, and in addition to its well known food plants, it had been a
serious pest to peach trees and cabbages. Leaves of the latter, bitten by the
insect, at once decayed from the point of injury. Cut-worms were very
destructive in gardens, and cucumber and melon vines were much injured by a
plant-louse. Potatoes had been much attacked by a black flea-beetle, and the
tomatoes by the boll-worm in the fruit, and on the leaves by the sphinx larve.

Prof. Cook would like to hear the experience of those present as to a prac-
tical remedy for the attack of the boll-worm upon the fruit of tomatoes.

Prof. Osborn said that Mr. Tracy had tried arsenical mixtures with some
success, and also had attracted the perfect insects to light.

SOME EXPERIENCES 1N REARING INSECTS.

Miss M. EK. Murtfeldt read the following paper:

In rearing insects, as with many other enterprises in life, we climb the ladder
to success by the rounds of successive failures, having in many cases to exhaust
an almost infinite range of “how not to do it,’ betore arriving at its happy
converse.

Many and great are the disappointments of the entomologist; bnt does he
succumb? Never! What single point in the biology of a species has been
relegated to the absolutely undiscoverable? I do not know of one, no matter
how obscure the subject or how little advance has yet been made in the direction
of its elucidation.

“ Hope springs eternal” in the breast of the entomologist, and patience and
perseverance have in him their “perfect work,” until Nature relents, or is
caught “off guard,” and the secret, so carefully hidden, is revealed.

dl

Iam tempted to enumerate some of the discouraging circumstances encoun-
tered by the biologist in this field.

Among the Lepidoptera, a majority of the Bombycide, Geometride and
Noctwide adapt themselves readily to the conditions of the rearing cage. They
accept the food provided and make the best of it, even after it has become a
little dry, which must sometimes occur when the caretaker is pressed for time,
They thrive in the closer and darker air, and take such exercise as they require
within their narrow walls of glass and wire-cloth, and when the metamorphic
impulse comes, they contentedly weave their cocoons in the corners of their
prison, or bury themseves in the two or three inches of cemeterial earth in the
bottom of the cage, and safely pass those mysterious transformations which
give to this class of beings their pre-eminent interest.

But there is a great deal of individuality, or rather, specificality, in insects,
and not infrequently specimens of larvee are found for which the collector taxes
his ingenuity in vain to provide. Not the freshest of leaves, the cleanest swept
earth or the most well-aired of cages wiil seem to promote their development.
They wander about the cage with an exhausting activity that pathetically
suggests a realisation of their imprisoned condition. They nibble languidly at
their food, and aimlessly spin mats of web in inconvenient places, over the cracks
of the door or cover, for instance, and, before long, comes the morning, when
they are discovered dead and discolored in the bottom of the cage, aid no more
of them to be obtained until another season. Or perhaps the cocoons are spun or
the transformation to pupz safely effected under ground, and the entomologist
has full confidence that in due time he will obtain the much desired imago, and,
when it may be expected, watches hourly for its emergence, and is rewarded by
the appearance of an Ophion or a swarm of Tachina flies, or of some still
smaller enemy, whose existence he did not even suspect.

Again, the collector may be obliged to delegate his cares temporarily to
another, who, unused to the almost constant supervision necessary, suffers the
precious larva to starve, or, by an oversight, tosses it out with the withered
leaves, or crushes it in the hinges of the door, or, still more aggravating, thought-
lessly raises the cover and allows some long looked for imagine to dart out and
escape through an open window. All that he will remember for the benefit of
the person chiefly concerned, will be that it was a moth and “seemed something
peculiar.” As the entomologist cannot afford a separate cage for each species,
and as he had probably put his choice unknown in with some well known forms
of which he wishes simply to increase his duplicates, he probably grasps at the
hope that the escaped insect was one of the latter, and so defers the full realiza-
tion of his loss until weeks and months have passed and all his expected species
have emerged, and then he hopes for better success another year, and finds “ life
well worth living” for this and similar reasons, which only an ardent naturalist
can appreciate.

In some respects too much care is as subversive of success as too little. For
instance, the very natural curiosity which the student feels to examine into the
state of the insect after it has been buried for a short time in the earth. So he
sifts the soil in his cage; and though he handles it with all caution, the frail
earthen cell in which the treasure is enclosed falls in pieces, and the poor cater-
pillar in complete helplessness squirms in the loosened earth. Despairingly he
tries with clumsy fingers to re-inclose it in the fragments of its cell, or attempts
to form a substitute by packing the earth so that it may not be smothered. In
vain. In ninety-nine cases in a hundred he never sees the imago.

While the hardy pupz of most noctuids will bear any amount of handling,
and by their activity will beat hard the earth about them at any time, a few

32

species absolutely resent the least disturbance. I think that for seven or eight
successive years Dr. Riley and I tried in vain to obtain the imago of a beautiful larva
found every autumn in greater or less numbers on Gnaphaliwm, and occasionally
on the Asters and some other Composite. Not being able to associate it with
its species we designated it the “pretty cut-worm.” It was Dr. Riley’s practice
to have the earth in his cages sifted occasionally during late autumn and winter
to see how the pupz were faring, and to have each species collected into its
particular corner or side of the cage, which was designated by the label on the
door.

But in the case of this particular species this orderliness was fatal. After
Dr. Riley went to Washington, I resolved on the “let alone” policy. I put the
larvee into a cage with clean earth with an admixture of sand which I dampened
slightly and only at considerable intervals during the winter, kept the cage in a
very cool place, and the next summer was rewarded with several fine specimens
of Mamestra legitvuma, my only disappointment being that it was a species by no
means uncommon.

With me Scopelosoma sidus behaved in an almost equally capricious manner,
but was, after many trials, finally reared by adopting the same methods as with
leqgitima. I now make it a practice to sift or change the earth in my cages only
in the spring and autumn before the hibernating pupz are formed. Of course,
if I wish to note pupal characteristics, I have to run the risk of the disturbance,
but this is only occasional. Ihave found that frequent dampening when the cages
are kept in doors, is also detrimental, and that hibernating larvee and pupe are
far less likely to suffer from drought than from dampness.

In rearing the Micro-lepidoptera—in which I have an especial interest—
various tactics must be pursued, and the imagination is often vainly taxed to
suggest a provision which the delayed changes and general unrest of the insect
plainly call for.

Under natural conditions it is very difficult to keep track of these small
creatures. The leaves or flowers or fruits on which they may be found feeding
on one day will be deserted by the next, and during the darkness they will have
betaken themselves to parts unknown, the most assiduous search failing to
discover them. In the rearing jar some species adapt themselves very kindly ;
others will crawl about for days spinning threads of silk over sides and cover
and finally dry up without effecting their transformations.

An accident to which the student is liable, and against which he can with
difficulty make provision, is to have the larva, which he has perhaps just
described and figured, escape. How often have I taken up a bottle in which I
had been rearing a particularly precious unknown, and found a tiny hole in the
muslin cover, or perhaps a little flap cut at the edge of the bottle, telling only
too surely of the loss and delay which a further examination verified. The
annual brooded species which appear in the spring are the betes novr of the
Micro-lepidopterist, especially such species as pupate on or just beneath the
surface of the ground. They have to be cared for during the long, hot summer,
as well as the autumn and winter, and to keep the safe middle course between
the Scylla and Charybdis of drought and of the dampness which would promote the
equally fatal mould, requires most careful attention. The annual brooded species
which later fold or mine the leaves, or feed in the fruit capsules of various plants,
or bore the stems, are comparatively easily reared, with a few exceptions. It
was a number of years before I succeeded in obtaining the moth from an inter-
esting larva which fed in the capsules of Pentstemon. This was owing to the
peculiar change of habit during hibernation. After eating all the seeds from

a

33

both divisions of the capsule, it would thoroughly line one all with silk, after
cutting an aperture for escape, and ensconce itself, as might reasonably be
supposed, for its winter's sleep. But no; the neatly lined cell was only a tem-
porary abode, which, during the inclemency of mid-winter, was to be deserted
for an entirely different one. Where, in the state of nature, I have not yet been
able to discover. In my rearing jars it perished, year after year, to my inex-
pressible disappointment, until finally I wintered a number out of doors in a
small wire cloth box closed with a cork. From this collection I at last obtained
the moth—a beautiful Conchylis—from a larva that had bored into and trans-
formed within the cork. But for two or three years I had only the single
specimen, and next to the aggravation of utter failure I rank the possession of
an unknown unique. It may be new, and if sent to a specialist he will generally
feel somewhat aggrieved if you reserve the right of description and further
impose upon him the duty of returning the specimen. Then there is the danger
of its destruction, either in the mail or express, to be braved, and yet, so long as one
does not know the species, or be assured that it is new, one never can take full
satisfaction in having bred it.

Last year I had the satisfaction of obtaining nearly a dozen imagines of the
Conchylis in question by providing a number of bits of pith and cork in which
the larve bored after their desertion of the capsules where they had fed.

_ Whenever I can make satisfactory arrangements for keeping track of them,
I winter my Micro-larve and pupz out of doors. Such speeies as bore the pith
of stems are very easily cared for, and leaf miners and webbers I enclose on the
surface of the ground, in some sheltered situation, under wire sieves or covers,
bringing them in in the spring in order to have the little moths emerge where they
can more easily be chloroformed or transferred to the cyanide bottle.

I must confess that I have never had signal success in rearing such species
of the TYenthredinide as transform under ground. I have in mind more
than half a dozen species—the larvee of which are most interesting—of which I
have so far failed to obtain the imagines, in spite of my utmost care.

The eaf and root-feeding beetles have always developed satisfactorily for
me, but the Cerambycide, which feed on growing wood, have given me much
trouble, and, in many cases, failed me utterly.

Orthoptera require but little care, as also do leaf-feeding Hemiptera, but the
Cannibal species of both these orders are more difficult to cater to, and often
refuse a diet that one would think would be irresistible. This is especially true
of the carnivorous bugs which | have found require large space and ample
provision to preserve them from fraternal rapacity.

With the aquatic orders I have had but little opportunity for experiment,
but think they must furnish many very interesting subjects.

I believe that costly insectaries are being constructed by many entomologists,
and no doubt will afford room for much thorough study of forms and habits.
But such costly appliances are not absolutely necessary, and sometimes make
observations more difficult than when the conveniences are more primitive.

A secure enclosure, fresh food, fresh air and clean water in the bottles are
almost the only requisites in rearing the herbivorous species, and the more
constantly the cage or jar is under observation the more thoroughly of course
are the history and habits of the species revealed to us. When I wish to know
all about a species, I keep the cage or jar on one corner of my desk and watch
its occupant in the intervals of other work.

3 (EN.)

‘ 4
u
rf
Py)

ITecannot hope that I have conveyed much information in these notes to
those who have gone over the same ground, but I am at least sure that I have
recounted some of the experiences of every biological student of insect life, and
can sympathise in his disappointments and appreciate the satisfaction of his
successes.

o4

THIRD DAY’S SESSION.

The Club met on Friday at 8.30 am. Dr. Weed presented a short paper om
the habits of Livus concavus.

As reported in the bulletin of the Ohio Experimental Station, Mr. Alwood
had found this insect injuring the stems of rhubarb. During the past summer
he had bred it from all parts of the stem of the common curled dock.

Prof. Alwood stated that he had observed the larvee of Gortyna nitela eating
those of Livus.

Dr. Weed read a paper upon the habits of Psephenuws Leconte.

Prof. Webster and Mr. Fletcher also spoke on the habits of this beetle.

Prof. Hargitt read a note upon a large foliaceous gall which destroyed the
tips of the stems of various species of Solidago at Bloomington, Indiana. In
many instances as many as ninety-nine per cent. of the flower stems had been
destroyed. :

Prof. Hargitt read a note upon the Canker Worm. He said: “ My attention
was drawn to an orchard near Oxford, Ohio, which, for three or four years, had
been seriously affected by this pest. In May, 1890, I went to examine the
orchard and found it thoroughly over-run by the larve, many of the trees being
actually dead, and several.others in a very weak condition. The orchard, viewed
at a distance, had the appearance of having been burned, the leaves being brown
and dead. The trees were most attacked upon the outer rows, particularly
those adjoining a wood. I recommended spraying with one of the arsenites, but
it was too late for the present season. I observed several small birds in the
orchard actually engaged in feeding upon the larvee, amongst them the cedar bird,
blue bird, summer warbler, chipping sparrow and field sparrow.”

Prof, Hargitt also read a note upon Cermatia forceps. He had found that
this Myriapod had become abundant in houses and the college building at Oxford,
Ohio, during the past two or three years. He had experienced the same difficulty
in keeping the insects alive in captivity, as was mentioned by Dr. Lintner in his.
4th Report. He had succeeded in keeping them for several days and inducing
them to take prey by keeping them in dark quarters in a tiu canister during the
day.. When so confined they had fed freely upon house-flies, and other insects
supplied them.

Prof. Webster spoke of the predaceous habits of C. forceps, and its special
fondness for the Croton-bug (Helobia germanica).

Mr. Fletcher had observed the insect when visiting Mr. Howard at Washing-
ton, D.C., who had described to him its remarkable habit of capturing the
Croton-bug by springing over it and thus encaging it beneath its many curved
_legs. He was of the opinion that those who had failed to keep this insect in
captivity had done so trom omitting to supply a sufficiency of moisture, and
thought that Mr. Hargitt’s success in the instance mentioned, where the insect.
was put in a tin can, was more due to this cause than to the darkness. J/yria-
pods are general found in damp, dark places.

35

ELECTION OF OFFICERS.

The Club proceeded to elect officers for the ensuing year. Prof. Cook, the’
retiring President, congratulated the members upon the harmony which had
existed throughout the sessions, and was glad to find that, although some old and

pessimistic members of the Club had predicted that it had run its course and
would soon flicker out like a spent candle, he was glad to find that the present
meetings had not only been the best attended for many years, but that the
discussions and papers had been equally interesting to those of any meeting
which he had had the pleasure of taking part in. He wished the Club every
success and trusted that it would grow stronger and stronger every year. .The
following officers were elected :—

President, Prof. Herbert Osborn, Ames, Iuwa.
Vice-President, Miss Mary E. Murtfeldt, St. Louis, Mo.
Secretary, Dr. C. M. Weed, Columbus, Ohio.

CONTAGIOUS DISEASES OF INSECTS.

|
Prof. Osborn, at the invitation of the President, introduced the subject of
the use of contagious diseases in combating injurious insects. He said that he
had already published a paper in the Transactions of the Eastern Iowa Horti-
cultural Society for 1886, pp. 400-405, upon the subject; but that it was of such
importance that he desired to hear it discussed by the members of the Club.
He first mentioned the well-known fungus and bacterial diseases which attack
insects, as Muscadine, Grassen or Jaundice, Pebrine, Flacherie or Flaccidity,
Foul-brood of Bees, Fly and Grasshopper Fungus, and the White-grub Fungus,
and called attention to the fact that we were already able to control those which
affect important domestic species, as Silkworms and Bees, and that to some
extent at least we are able to control those available as agents in destroying
injurious species. After considering the various conditions limiting the Appli-
cability of this means, he drew the tollowing conclusions :—

(1) That there are diseases amply sufficient as a basis for economic work,
the bacterial forms giving the most promise for all cases where early results are
desired, while those due to fungi, so far as present knowledge goes, propagating
slowly, can only be used as slow but efficient checks to injurious forms, the
most that we can do with them being to introduce them in localities where
they are not already found.

(2) That the diseases can be controlled to the extent of preserving the
germs for a season and transporting them from place to place to use for inocula-
tion, but that their spread in nature will be affected by conditions beyond
control, while only such insects as occur gregariously, or live in mingled hosts,
can be attacked to advantage.

(3) That the cost of application would prevent its adoption except in certain
forms.

(4) That we must oonsider this method of contending with insects at best
as but one of a number of profitable methods to be used in certain cases where
other methods are insuflicient, and to supplement other methods when it ean
be done to advantage. With this end in view, the diseases of insects are worthy
‘of the most careful study, and will not, he thought, disappoint the investigator
in their final results.

36

Mees ae :

Mr. Fletcher thought that the chief difficulty with regard to these fungus
diseases was their cultivation so that they might be available at the time when
needed. One trouble with him had been carrying them over the winter.

Prof. Hargitt spoke of a fungus disease which had attacked the canker

worm.
Prof. Coek thought the greatest difficulty in aking use of contagious
diseases for the destruction of insects was the fact that the insects which it was
desired to treat were not always in a susceptible condition.
Prof. Garman thought that although fungus diseases were difficult to
introduce, bacterial diseases would probably be more controllable.

The meeting adjourned till 5 o’clock.

VARIOUS INSECTS.

Prof. Atkinson spoke on the “Injurious Insects of Alabama.” A bud worm
had been extremely injurious to young corn, piercing the central shoot and
destroying its growth. Diabrotica 12-pwnctata had also been injurious in the
same manner; and, if there were not sufficient food in the stem, the larve
descended to the roots and tunnelled out irregular channels on the surface. They
pupated in the ground. A new attack had been observed on the “ Irish potato,”
viz., by the Cabbage Plusia, which had attacked the leaves. The same insect had
been very injurious to cabbages. In the southern part of the State more had
been done by the Plusia than by the cabbage worm. At Mobile farmers had
complained that 50 per cent. of their melons had been injured by a worm.
Seolytus rugulosus had been very abundant at Auburn in the spring, attacking
trunks which appeared to be perfectly sound. Onions had been badly injured
by a species of Thrips. Another species had also been injurious to cotton plants.

Prof. Cook stated that he had also seen a Thrips injuring onions in Michigan.

Prof. Webster stated that he had studied Scolytus rugulosus and had found
that it invariably attacked trees which were injured. In a single instance, where
the beetles had commenced operations on a sound tree, he found that they
afterwards left it.

Prof. Cook made some remarks upon the effect of mild winters upon insect
presence. He had found cut-worms and saw-flies very abundant in Michigan
during the present season. He had also bred a new borer from the black currant,
i.e., the small longicorn beetle Hyperplatys maculatus. He had also found that
the larvee of Aegeria typuliformis had been largely destroyed by a fungus
crowth like that of the white grub. The leaves of cherry, pear and quince had
been badly attacked by the larvze of saw-flies, but they had been easily kept in
check by applications of road dust.

Dr. C. M. Weed presented a paper upon the “ Oviposition of Dectes sprmosus
upon Ambrosia trifida.” He also gave some account of the insect, in all its
stages, from specimens which he had bred.

During the meeting a most interesting set of photographs was exhibited by
Prof, Webster, showing a likeness of Thomas Say, his birthplace, the house where
he lived during the greater part of the time he was writing his works, his tomb
and an autograph. Prof. Webster had a few sets of the photographs struck off |
when his own were printed and is willing to let entomologists have them at the

actual cost of production.

)
}

37

———

' AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGISTS.

The second annual meeting of the Association was held at Champaign,
Illinois, in room 6 of the University of Illinois, beginning November 11th. The
following officers and members were present during the meeting :

President, C. V. Riley, Washington ; ist Vice-president, 8. A. Forbes, Illinois ;
2nd Vice-president, A. J. Cook, Michigan; Secretary, John B. Smith, New
Jersey. J. M. Aldrich, 8S. Dakota; W. B. Alwood, Virginia; G. F. Atkinson,
Alabama; M. H. Beckwith, Delaware; James Fletcher, Ottawa, Canada ;
Lawrence Bruner, Nebraska ; H. Garman, Kentucky ; C. P. Gillette, lowa; F. W.
Goding, Illinois; C. A. Hart, Illinois; F. L. Harvey, Maine; L. O. Howard,
Washington ; John Marten, Illinois; Herbert Osborn, lowa; F. H. Snow, Kansas ;
H. E. Summers, Tennessee ; Roland Thaxter, Connecticut ; F. M. Webster, Indiana ;
Clarence M. Weed, Ohio; C. W. Woodworth, Arkansas; E. F. Goff, Wisconsin.

Several others interested in entomology, not members of the Association, also
attended the meeting, giving an average attendance of about 20 at every meeting.

The secretary read his report and submitted some letters for action by the
Association.

On the motion of Prof. Cook it was decided that an assessment of 25c. should
be made from each member attending the meeting to defray the necessary
expenses.

The committee on co-operation (Profs. Riley, Cook, Forbes, Comstock and
Lintner) reported progress and was continued.

The requisites of membership were discussed and Drs. A. 8. Packard, D. 5.
Kellicott and Messrs. J. M. Aldrich, E. V. Wilcox, C. A. Hart and A D. Hopkins
were placed on the list of active members. Mr. E. W. Doran was elected an
associate member,

_ The constitution was amended by striking out the provision allowing special
meetings to be called at the request of members.

SECOND DAY’S SESSION. '

On November 12th 29 members were present, including some ladies, and the
Hon. Edwin Willits assistant secretary of agriculture for the United States.
The president, Prof. Riley, delivered his annual address on “ The Outlook in
Applied Entomology.” This address was a masterly effort and was intently
listened to by all who had the good fortune to hear it. It will be published in
full in the pages of Insect Life.

Mr. James Fletcher, of Ottawa, spoke in high terms of the paper. He said:
“You have drawn our attention to the fact, Mr. President, that this is the most
remarkable meeting of economic entomologists which has ever met together, and
I feel sure, sir, that everyone present will agree with me that your address is one
of the most remarkable we have ever had the privilege of listening to. You have
covered so much ground and spoken upon so many subjects on which we know
you to be the highest authority, not only from the exceptional advantages you
possess from your official position, but also from the experience you have gained
from earnest and close attention for a quarter of a century to this special subject
which we have gathered together to-day to discuss, that if we heard nothing else we
should be well repaid for the trouble of attending this meeting. This great know-
ledge makes you facile princeps the most eminent living economic entomologist—a
title to which, on account of the work you have done in developing the science of
practical entomology, no one will dispute your claim. The present meeting

38

‘being a joint one of the Association of Economie Entomologists and of the Entomo-
Jogical Committee of the U.S. Experiment Stations leads me to make these
remarks, because probably the question which is most engaging the attention of
many of us at the present time is whether any good purpose will be served by
maintaining both of these organizations. We know that the Committee of the
Experiment Stations must meet if the directors of stations order it; but I feel
confident that the necessarily limited number of entomologists in that committee,
even if every station eventually employs such an officer, cannot do such good work
for the science and give them equal opportunities, to those offered by an organiza-
tion of the nature of the Association of Economic Entomologists, which will include
many eminent men who are excluded from active membership by the rules of the
committee. I refer to such men as Prof. Riley and his assistants, Dr. Packard,
Mr. French, Dr. Lintner, and hosts of other economic entomologists in the United
States as well as the Canadian entomologists and many others who would be
pleased to join in various parts of the world. I submit to the meeting that there
is room for good work from both of these organizations and that it would be
extremely ill-advised to let either of them drop to the ground for each should be
of the greatest assistance to the other. I believe, too, that to no one can the
Association be of more use than to the Experiment Station Entomologists, and
therefore they should make every effort to sustain an association at the meetings
of which they must always have greater freedom than they can have in the com-
mittee, where the proceedings will always be subject to a certain degree of
restraint, both as to the time allowed for discussion and the subjects brought
forward. The Entomological Committee is specially a meeting of the Entomo-
logists of the Experiment Stations and any one else will always, to a certain
extent, feel himself an outsider no matter how cordially the hand of friendship
may be extended to him. The president has stated that he does not care where
the work is done so that it is carried on vigorously. This is probably the case,
and the gentlemen I have mentioned have very little to learn from the meeting
compared with the advantages which will accrue to us from having such men
present at the meetings. I cannot help thinking that we shall make a serious
mistake if we allow an organization to drop which will ensure us their sympathy,
attendance and services and will at the same time form a bond of union between
the economic entomologists of the whole world.

The address was also highly complimented by Prof. Cook, who spoke of the
advantage of co-operation between the Association and the Committee of the
Experiment Stations. He suggested some ways in which these two organizations
could be mutually beneficial.

Prof. John B. Smith thought there was no necessity to have two bodies
composed of nearly the same members mecting on the same days and at the same
place and covering the same ground. He strongly advocated an effort being
made to gain from the Association of Agricultural Colleges the same advantages
for the entomological committee as were at preseut offered by the Association of
economic entomologists. - This, he thought, would be of advantage to station
workers, at least, as it wonld give them a recognized place in the official body of
Agricultural Colleges and Experiment Stations.

Dr. C. M. Weed thought that there was some misunderstanding as to the
status of some of the gentlemen who had been mentioned. The Canadian
Experiment Station was represented in the main body and its officers have the
same rights and standing in committees as have those of the other stations. The
Department of Agriculture is equally represented both in the main body and in
the committees.

39

In reply to Prof. Smith, Mr. Fletcher said that there was no intention of
always having the meetings of the Association of Economie Entomologists at the
same time and place as the Committee of the Association of Agricultural
Experiment Stations. The place of meeting would be decided annually. As to
covering the same ground, if the Association of Economie Entomologists continued
to exist, it would draw into its membership entomologists from all parts of the
world while the committee could only contain the entomologists employed at the
various experiment stations. In answer to Dr. Weed he was sure that others
than experiment station entomologists would always feel themselves to a large
extent outsiders.

Prof. A. J. Cook of Michigan, read a paper on “ Work of the Entomologists in
Experiment Stations,” in which he gave his ideas of the manner in which bulletins
should be prepared and detailed his own method of reaching the agricultural
publie.
There was an interesting discussion on these subjects participated in by

Messrs. Woodworth, Harvey, Weed, Smith and Aldrich. Dr. Weed spoke of the
plan of furnishing articles to the manufacturers of the plates known as “ patent
insides,” which get a large circulation in rural papers.

Prof. Smith thought the best way to reach farmers was attending and deliver-
ing addresses at farmers’ institute meetings.

There was considerable discussion as to the advisability of using old and
well known information in bulletins. It was, however, generally conceded that
this was necessary so as to make the bulletins of the greatest use to agriculturists.
Frequently well known insects appear in destructive numbers and it is necessary
to give their complete life history.

Prof. J, B. Smith spoke on “ Fertilizers as Insecticides,” giving his experience
with Kainit, and muriate of potash. He spoke highly of their use against cutworms

_and species of aphides which worked beneath the surface of the ground.

Prof. Riley gave some of his experience with ashes and other materials con-
taining potash. Mr. L.O. Howard read a valuable and extremely interesting paper
on “The Habits of Pachyneuron,” which demonstrated the good work which is
being done by the entomologists of the Division of Entomology at Washington,
The question of breeding these and other hymenopterous parasites was discussed
by Messrs. Howard and Harvey. In answer to questions from Messrs. Harvey,
Fletcher, Cook and Summers, Mr. Howard gave instructions as to the best method
of rearing, mailing and mounting specimens.

Mr: Smith read some notes on the Plum Curculio in which he gave the results
of some observations upon eggs laid in apples. He found that the larvee came to
maturity only in such fruit as fell from the tree. He was therefore of the
opinion that it was necessary for it to be in a state of partial decay. He had
found the characteristic injury and larve of the curculio in the young fruit of
Amelanchier Canadensis. He pointed out the importance of collecting and des-
troying all fallen fruit.

This subject was spoken on by Messrs. Beckwith, Harvey, Gillette,
Woodworth, Cook and Fletcher. Prof. Smith gave also “an experience with the
Rosebug,” giving an account of serious injury by this insect in Southern New
Jersey during the past season. All remedies tried had proved of no avail on
account of the enormous numbers of the beetles. Hehad used pyrethrum, copper
fungicides, kerosene emulsion, tobacco, whitewash. The greatest measure of
success had followed the use of a “slodge soap.” He believed the only remedy
for grapes was to bag the bunches.

Messrs. Howard and Alwood made remarks on this subject and the meeting
adjourned.

40

THIRD DAY’S SESSION.

On November 13, there was a morning meeting of the association; 21
persons present. The president announced that the first business of the meeting
would be the election of officers for the ensuing year. The following were elected :
President, Mr. James Fletcher, Dominion Entomologist of Canada; 1st Vice-
president, Prof. F. H. Snow, Kansas; 2nd Vice-president, Prof. Herbert Osborn,
Iowa; Secretary, Mr. L. O. Howard, Washington, D.C.

The advisability of all members of the association sending their bulletins to-
other members was brought up and there was a unanimous expression that this.
should be done. This will not only be a means of apprising each of what others

are doing, but will act as a bond of union amongst the members of the
association.

It was decided after some discussion to hold the next meeting of the associa-
tion at Washington, D.C., beginning just before the meeting of the American
Association for the Advancement of Science.

The constitution was amended by striking out the word “ official” in the
title, and an amendment was submitted abolishing the distinction between official
and non-official members as to rights and privileges.

Prof. Smith read a paper entitled “Some questions relating to Aphides.”
Great stress was laid upon the value of the poriferous system of the antenne of
the winged forms in distinguishing species. Only by these characters could the
adults of Aphis mali and A. maidis be separated. The poriferous system of a
wingless viviparous female of any species was always like that of the larval form
—from this Prof. Smith considered that the process known as “ gemmation ” was
a case of true reproduction by larvee.

The matter was discussed by Messrs. Webster, Howard and Osborn who.
agreed with this pretty generally accepted theory.

Prof. C. P. Gillette read a paper—‘“ Notes on the Plum Curculio and Plum
Gouger,’ in which he detailed his observations relative to the egg-laying habits
of the two insects. Mr. Lawrence Bruner spoke on “beet-root insects.” The
increased area under sugar-beet in the State of Nebraska had rendered a study of
the insects attacking this crop a necessity He gave a list of all the species he
had found attacking the plant.

Mr. Fletcher asked if any practical remedy had been devised for the
Anthomyian fly which mined in the leaves of beets and mangolds.

None of those present had had any experience with the insect in injurious
numbers.

Mr. Howard asked whether the European pest of the beet-root (Silpha
Opaca) had be enobserved by Mr. Bruner or any one else as occurring in America.

Mr. Bruner had not noticed it.

Mr. Fletcher expressed interest in the life-history of the Collops beetles and
asked if anything was known concerning them. He had only taken them when
sweeping grasses. Prof. Smith had taken them on Solidago.

Mr. Smith related his observations on “an invasion by the Clover-leaf
Beetle.” This had appeared in great numbers in New Jersey during the summer
but was entirely exterminated by a fungous disease.

Mr. Howard mentioned a similar attack in Pennsylvania where the insect
had developed a fondness for timothy (Phlewm pratense.) Specimens were sent to
Washington and caged over this grass, upon which they were observed to feed.

a" >

41

Mr. Woodworth mentioned that he had observed in Arkansas three epidemics
amongst insects which were so severe as apparently to exterminate the infested
species: one of these was the tomato worm.

Mr. Fletcher asked whether Phytonomus nigrirostris had been observed as
injurious to clover. He had frequently found the larvee feeding on the heads of
clover as well as the characteristic cocoons. He had found it in many parts of
Canada, but upon one occasion, as recorded in his report for 1884, it was
injuriously abundant at Dalhousie in New Brunswick. Mr. Gillette also spoke on
insects injurious to clover.

Prof. Smith gave an account of some experiments with preservative fluids.
He had found a mixture of equal parts of acetic acid and alcohol very satisfactory
both in regard to preserving form and colour of delicate insects.

The subject was earnestly discussed by all present as being a subject of much
importance. Mr. Woodworth gave as a method which he had found satisfactory
for larve, to kill in water heated to 90° centigrade: leave from 1 to 5 minutes ;
then put in alcohol 35° 1 to 2 hours, 50° from 6 to 8 hours, 75° for 24 hours or
more and then to absolute aleohol. This would usually preserve perfectly and
was a recognized process for hardening and preserving for histological purposes.

Mr. Fletcher asked whether in the case of large larve it was necessary to
puncture the epidermis so as to allow the preservative fluid to penetrate.

Mr. Woodworth answered that this was not often necessary.

Mr. Fletcher spoke of a large series of the larvae of Sphinw chersis which he
had taken during the past summer upon various species of Fraxinus. They varied
so remarkably in colour that he was able to separate about 40 which showed
different markings from the usual glaucous green to a rich vinous purple with
yellow epidermal dots. He had placed them iu a jar of 35° aleohol and had

‘found that those at the top were very much discoloured and that those lower

down were less so, those at the bottom being of good colour. On placing some
in stronger alcohol the discoloration was intensified. He thought the discolora-
tion was due to the gradual decay of the central portions of large larvee, but could
not understand why those at the bottom were less discoloured than thdse at the
top of the jar.

Prof. Forbes stated that he used the method described by Mr. Woodworth in
his laboratory and found it fairly successful. It does not preserve greens well,
but browns are preserved and the markings are well shown.

Mr. John Marten said that hot alcohol was a convenient way of preserving
specimens by this method and that it answered equally well as killing in hot water.

Prof. Forbes read a “Summary history of the corn plant louse.” This was
an intensely interesting paper and gave the results of continued observations for
some years by Prof. Forbes and his assistants. It gave the life-history both
above and below the ground. The relations existing between the aphis and the
ants which were always found in company with it were explained and suggestions
for remedies based on these observations were made.

The discussion on the paper was postponed until the next session.

At the afternoon session 18 persons were present. The president called for
discussioa of Prof. Forbes’s paper. Messrs. Howard, Riley, Fletcher and Forbes
discussed the points brought forward and the difficulties of getting at accurate
and final results were brought out. The question of possible relationship between

the apple plant louse and the corn plant louse was discussed by Messrs. Riley
and Forbes.

42

Mr. Howard asked whether Prof. Forbes considered his experiments with the
apple plant louse were satisfactory.

Prof. Forbes thought not entirely but they were the best they could do under
the circumstances.

Mr. Fletcher asked whether the habits of different broods in species which
migrated from one plant to another were not very different and therefore difficult
to experiment with—as, for instance would the hop inhabiting form of Phorodon
humuli live upon plum if placed there artificially and vice versa.

Prof. Riley thought it would not. It is very difficult to do artificially what
nature does in her own time and in her own way. Sometimes an insect will not
colonize upon a plant at a certain season, to which at another time of the year it
migrates naturally. He asked if the experiments made upon the root forms were
done carefully as there are many species which resemble each other which have
root forms.

Prof. Forbes stated that great care had been taken in carrying out the
experiments.

Prof. Forbes read a paper “ On the life-history of White-grubs, with descrip-
tions of new stages.” Current mistakes with regard to the life-histories of these
injurious insects were pointed out. Several species of Lachnosterna were observed
to reach the imago state in the autumn instead of in spring as usua lly stated and
the differences between groups of larvee were pointed out.

The paper was discussed by Messrs. Smith, Howard, Forbes and Riley, who
confirmed many of the points made in the paper.

Myr. C. A. Hart read a carefully prepared paper on “ The ee -history of Wire-
worms,” in which he drew particular attention to distinguishing characters by
which these larvze might be divided into groups.

The paper was discussed by Messrs. Cook, Gillette and Bruner.

Prof. Cook had found that one crop of buckwheat will not prevent injury the
next year.

Mr. Fletcher gave some “Notes upon Injurious Insects of the year in
Canada.” Cut-worms of various kinds had been locally abundant. <Agrotis turris
had been destructive in gardens to Howers and vegetables. Hadena arctica and
H. devastatriz had injured fall wheat and grasses in the spring. He was more
than ever in favour of the poisoned trap remedy for cut-worms. <Agrotis fennica
had injured clover. The caterpillar of Pieris rape had been very troublesome,
but was easily destroyed with pyrethrum powder diluted with four times its
quantity of common flour or slaked lime.

Plutella cruciferarum had also done much harm to cabbages in the
North-west Territories and British Columbia. This is much more difficult
to destroy with pyrethrum than the last named. The Cabbage Root-maggot
had attacked cabbages severely, but had been successfully destroyed by
syringing about half a cupful of hellebore tea round each root and then
hoeing the soil well up round the stem. He had made some interesting studies
of the Hessian fly which agreed in the main with those published by Prof.
Forbes in a late bulletin. Spring wheat sown in the end of April had been
attacked at the root in the same way as wheat is injured by the autumn brood.
From the same wheat plants he had bred the Hessian fly, the Wheat Bulb-worm
and Oscinis variabilis. Insects injurious to fruit trees had been represented by
the Plum Curculio, the Codling Moth, the leaf roller of the apple and the Canker
worm. All of these had been successfully treated with Paris green. Observa-

de ees

45

tions on forest insects had shown him that the large cerambycid larvae from eggs
laid early in the season produced the pertect insects the next year; but those laid
late passed two years before coming to maturity. He had taken a female of
Monohammus confusor with the abdomen filled with eggs as late as the middle
of September. The attacks of Nematus erichsonii on larches in the Provinces of
Quebec and New Brunswick were described.

Prof. Webster asked whether Agretis fennica had been observed feeding on
cereals,

Mr. Fletcher had found that it fed primarily on clover, but when occurring
in numbers is almost omnivorous. Asparagus beds, raspberries and strawberries
were injured and some young forest trees grown in nursery rows and of various
species had had the terminal buds destroyed.

Prof. Cook had found the larvee to eat everything. It had attacked blue
grass and timothy severely. He was not positive about its attacking grain but
believed it would.

Prof. Smith, speaking of the best way to use pyrethrum powder, said that he
had found it most satisfactory in water.

Mr. Beckwith had found it could be used most satisfactorily with lime.

Mr. Fletcher asked whether the dry powder was not asarule better than the
water mixture. He had found it so in his experience.

Prof. Cook and Prof. Gillette had found it so also.

Prof. Summers found that the difficulty with water mixtures was to make
them adhere to the plant: he asked whether the addition of soap would make
them stick better.

Mr. Fletcher said it would on such plants as threw off liquids by reason of a
waxy secretion on the leaves, as the cabbage, etc., ete.

Prof. Cook asked whether Mr. Fletcher still made up his cut-worm traps in
bundles. He had found it most satisfactory to put a supply of poisoned vegeta-
tion on a platform waggon and then pitch it off with a fork.

Mr. Fletcher answered that he did and not only that but he found that it paid
for the extra trouble to cover the bundles with shingles which kept them from
drying up so soon. He warned those who advised this remedy to mention that
the cut-worms do not lie under them in sight, but burrow beneath the soil and
are not seen unless looked for. They sometimes wander off to a distance of two
or three feet.

Prof. Cook confirmed this. He used clover largely. He sometimes sprayed
a patch with poison as it stood and then mowed it and used it as traps.

Mr. Fletcher had found that clover was not the most satisfactory plant for
him at Ottawa. It is frequently not far enough advanced in the early spring
when needed and did not hold the poison well. He always recommended any
succulent plant and was careful to tell farmers that they could use almost any
weed growing about their fence corners, He had found Lepidiwm Virgvnicum,
pepper grass, a very attractive plant. Chenopodium album, lamb’s quarters, is
also greedily eaten by cut-worms ; but it is difficult to make the poison adhere to
it. For such plants it is necessary either to dust them with dry powder after
damping them or to rub up some soap in the water.

Prof. Cook had found mullein to be a most attractive plant for cut-worms.
The meeting adjourned to meet again next year at Washington.

44

KITCHEN-GARDEN PESTS AND HOW TO DEAL WITH THEM.

BY THE REY. THOMAS W. FYLES, SOUTH QUEBEC.

In writing on insect pests I have not hoped to tell of any new discoveries.
My object has been to present in a concise form, for the use of husbandmen and
housewives, such particulars as I have thought might be interesting and useful
to them. I have wished to do my part towards the making of the annual reports
of the Entomological Society of Ontario handy repertories of practical informa-
tion.

I shall in this paper tell of kitchen-garden pests, grouping them as flies, lice,
beetles, butterflies and moths.

Fires (Order, Diptera).

THe RapisH Fiy (Anthomyia raphani. Harris)—This fly appears in the
end of June and the beginning of July. It is rather less than half an inch in
expanse of wings. Its colour is ash grey. The wings are transparent with a
yellowish tinge at the base. The halteres or balancers are yellow. The face is
silvery. The eyes are copper-coloured. The insect lays its eggs on the stems of
the radish near the ground. The newly-hatched maggots penetrate the swelling
roots, enlarging their mines as they grow and filling ‘them with frass, rendering
the radishes quite unfit for food. When full grown the maggots leave the root.
and change to pupe in the soil. The full grown maggot is about a quarter of an
inch long, truncated at the end and gradually tapering to a point at the head.
This is furnished with a pair of black nippers. At the truncated end of the
creature may be seen the outer prolongations of the two main trachez, and round
the edge of it a number of teeth or tentacule. The general colour of the maggot
is shining white.

I have found that radishes sown on rich soil as soon as the frost is out of the
ground—at Quebec, as soon as the snow disappears, that is to say in the begin-
ning of May—will generally attain a growth of an inch and a quarter in diameter
before they begin to show the operations of the maggot. I have this year made
three sowings. The first, in May, was a success. Of the second, made early in
June, about: half of the radishes were fit for the table. Of the third, made in the
end of the month, hardly any were eatable. They grew to a large size, but were
bored through and through by the maggots. These were operating as late as
October. On the 21st of November I had a number of roots dug up from under
the snow. They contained no maggots, but showed recent traces of them and.
holes at the lower side where the creatures had made their exit into the soil.

The remedies that have been suggested against the radish fly have been such
as by their foul smell are likely to drive the fly away, carbolic acid, gas-lime, etc.
I have not much faith in such protectives. It seems to me that those who would
raise late radishes must do so in frames covered, not with glass, but with fine
netting fastened to slats.

THE Onton Fry (Phorbia ceparwm, Meigen).—This fly (Fig. 11) also
appears in June. It is ash-coloured and is set sparsely with black

45

‘ hairs. It has an interrupted dorsal stripe on the abdomen. The wings are
clear. It measures half an inch in expanse of wings, and a quarter of an
inch in length of body. The mother tly
lays her white oval eggs on the edge of
the sheath of the onion, near the ground,
seldom depositing more than six on one
plant. The eggs hatch in a few days, and
the maggots, which in general appearance
resemble those of the radish fly, work their
way downward, inside the sheath, to the
bulb. Having devoured one bulb they will
pass on to another. They may often be
found clustered on the outside of the bulb.
It takes them a fortnight to attain their
growth, and in another fortnight the perfect
flies appear. While the onions are yet very
young soot and wood-ashes should be seat-
tered over the bed as a preventive, and
where the maggots are really working hot water should be applied to the bulbs
with a watering can. This will destroy the maggots without injuring the plants.

For a more full account of this pest see Dr. Bethune’s excellent article on
“ Remedies for Noxious Insects,” in the Society’s 19th annual report.

THE CABBAGE FLy (Anthomyia brassicew, Bouché).—The cabbage fly is ash-
grey. The male has three black longitudinal lines on the thorax, a black dorsal
line on the abdomen, and black bands at the edges of the segments. In the female
the lines on the thorax and the bands on the abdomen are wanting.

The female fly lays her eggs at the junction of the lowest leaves with the
stem. The larvz eat the rootlets and penetrate the main root and the stock.
The plant speedily withers away. In wet seasons especially the insects are often
very destructive.

It has been recommended as a preventive that, at the time of planting, the
roots and stems of the cabbage plants should be dipped in weak lye of ashes. As
a remedy Dr. Lintner tells us (1st Annual Report of Injurious and other Insects
of the State of New York. p. 190), “ Watering the plants with lime-water has
been found to be of service in killing the larve.”

THE Root FLY (Anthomyia radicwm, Linn).—The male of the root fly has
the thorax on the upper side, marked with three black longitudinal stripes and
‘three grey ones. The abdomen has a black dorsal line and is crossed with black
lines at the sutures. The female is lighter in colour and much resembles A.
brassice, but it has three fuscous longitudinal lines on the thorax. She lays her
eggs in the crown of the turnip or other root. These hatching, the ochre-coloured
maggots work down into the bulb. When full grown they leave the bulb and
pupate in the earth. The flies appear in the spring.

The use of superphosphate as a manure will preserve the turnips from the
attacks of the fly.

Tue Beet-Lear Miner (Chortophila betarum, Lintner).—This is a small
fly, expanding four-tenths of an inch only. The body colouris grey. The thorax
has three dusky stripes. The wings have a brownish tinge ; and the legs are
black. It appears in June, and lays its beautifully reticulated eggs on the under

46

surface of the leaves. The larvee work in the leaf, between the upper skin and
the lower, consuming the parenchyma. They are, when full grown, a quarter of
an inch long, translucent in appearance, pointed at the head, which is furnished
with black nippers, and truncated at the other extremity. To pupate they leave
the plant and enter the soil. The pupa-case (puparium) is chestnut brown. From
it the fly escapes in about twenty days. (See Dr. Lintner’s Ist Annual Report.
on the Insects of New York State.)

The method of dealing with this insect is plainly to break oft the affected
leaves and to crush them under foot, or throw them into boiling water.

Lice (Order, Hemiptera).

THE BEAN LoussE (Aphis faba ?).—A few years ago I found on some Mazagan
beans that I was growing in my garden at Cowansville, a cluster of plant lice.
They were lead-coloured and rather large. I had read of the marvellous increase
of the Aphis, and I resolved to let these specimens on my beans live out their
life and have their own way. The consequence was, that in a few weeks the
whole row of beans—and it was a long one—was blackened with Aphides. This
was quite in accordance with Reaumur’s statement that one aphis can produce
about 90 young ones, and that in five generations the increase from the one will
amount to 594,900,000. As the season went on great numbers of the larvee of one
or two species of Lady-birds (Coccinellidze) appeared on the scene and worked
great havoc amongst the hosts of the enemy.

In dealing with a pest such as this, watchfulness and promptitude are re-
quired. The first clusters of the aphis should be picked off and destroyed.

THE CaBBAGE Louse (Aphis brassice, Linnaeus).—This insect is often very
abundant. It is found on the under side of cabbage leaves, and has a whitish,
mealy appearance.

Dusting lightly with flour of brimstone has been recommended as a remedy
for it.

BEETLES (Order, Coleoptera).

THE CoLtorapo Potato-BEETLE (Doryphora decem-lineata, Say).—This, the
well-known Potato-Beetle (Fig. 12) needs no description. Under its normal con-

Fie, 12.

ditions, on the slopes of the Rocky Mountains, it fed upon the wild potato, Sola-
num rostratum. Access to the cultivated plant gave it that increase of vitality
and fecundity which has rendered it so formidable a foe to the gardener. - yj

47

Of the Solanacew, or Nightshade family, to which the potato belongs, there
are in North America six genera, not counting the South American genus,
Petunia, now so largely cultivated in flower gardens. They are (1) Solanum,
Nightshade; (2) Physalis, Ground Cherry; (3) Nicandra, Apple of Peru;
(4) Hyoscyamus, Henbane; (5) Datura, Thorn-apple ; (6) Nicotiana, Tobacco,
The first of these includes the potato, the egg plant, and the tomato, all of which

are eaten with avidity by the beetle. When stinted of its favourite supplies, the

insect turns to such other members of the family as may grow within its reach.
The tobacco plant is attacked by it, and f have found it also upon Physalis and
Datura.

It would seem that the forced vitality of the species is now diminishing.
There is a narrowing down apparently, lst, as to the number of broods, 2ndly as
to the number of individuals. Professor Claypole, of Akron, Ohio, brought the
diminution in the former case, under the notice of the American Association for
the Advancement of Science, at the Minneapolis meeting. He said :—< This
insect (the potato beetle) came as usual in middle Pennsylvania in the early sum-
mer. I was compelled to use poison as in previous years. In the latter portion
of the summer I observed, and noted at the time in the Canadian Entomologist,
that there was no second brood, or that it was so small as to pass unnoticed. It
was my intention to watch in 1883 in order to determine if this second brood
was again missing ; but to my surprise, in 1883 there was almost no first brood.”

In the neighbourhood of Quebee, late plowlng, by disturbing their hiberna-
cula, has destroyed great numbers of the beetles, and the lingering winter has
retarded the appearance of the survivors, so that the first brood of the year has
been both late and comparatively weak in numbers. For the last two seasons I
have not had occasion to use Paris green on the early potatoes grown in my gar-
den, but later-planted field crops have called for an application of the drug. The

decrease in the number of perfect beetles appearing in the fall has been very

marked.

THE THREE-LINED PoTaTO-BEETLE (Lema trilineata, Olivier) —This is a
buff-coloured beetle, (Fig. 15) having three black stripes on the wing covers. Its
length is a quarter of an inch. It appears in June, and attacks
the potato plants. It lays its yel-
low eggs in small clusters, and in
a fortnight the larve appear (Fig
14). They are of a dirty yellowish
grey, and are generally seen witha
thick coating of excrementa on

Fic 13. their backs. This filthy covering

is believed to serve for a defence

against their insect enemies, and as a protection

also from the heat of the sun. In about another

fortnight the insects bury themselves in the Fie. 14. va

ground and form cysts in which to undergo their pupal change. In a fortnight
more the perfect beetles appear and lay their eggs for a second brood.

Paris green applied in the usual way is the remedy for these pests.

THE CucuMBER BEETLE (Diabrotica vittata, Fab.).—The eu:umber jbeetle
is about two lines in length. It is vellow, and has a black head, and three black
lines running along the wing-covers. The larve feed on the roots, and the perfect
insects on the tender leaves of the cucumber, melon and squash, E

48

To destroy the larve water the plants with soapsuds, and to check the oper-
ations of the beetle sprinkle the leaves with hardwood ashes.

Tue SrripeD FLEA-BEETLE (Haltiea striolata, Illiger).—This minute beetle
(Fig. 15) is black, with a buff stripe on each wing cover. It
is beautifully formed, highly polished and very lively. It
hibernates in the imago state, and comes forth early in
spring to lay its eggs, and to enjoy itself at the gardener’s
expense. Its favourite food plant is the turnip. .

Lime water has been used successfully against its English
congener. To disappoint the “flea” sow late.

Tue AsH-CoLOURED BLISTER-BEETLE (Macrobasis wnicolor, *Kirby).—In the
Eastern Townships the Windsor beans and potato vines are often infested with
an ash-grey beetle of about three-fifths of an inch in length. The ash colour is
owing to a soft down which rubs off leaving the surface black. This beetle is
one of the Cantharides, and is as efficacious for medical purposes as the “ Spanish
Fly.” It may be easily shaken into a pan of scalding water, and afterwards dried
for medical use.

BUTTERFLIES AND Morus (Order, Lepidoptera).

THE CABBAGE BUTTERFLY (Pieris rape, Linnaeus).—That destructive pest the
cabbage butterfly (Fig. 16 the male, fig..17 the female) was first taken in Canada
by Mr. Wm. Couper of Quebec. This was in 1860. The insect had probably
been cast upon the shores of the St. Lawrence in the larval or pupal stage, with
refuse cabbages from the steamships. We are indebted to Mr. Scudder for a full
and most interesting account of the after progress of the species on this continent.
From this account it appears that in 1866 it had spread to Cacouna, where it was
taken by Mr. Saunders, to the Eastern Townships, where I captured it myself,

\ /
.

>

>

Fia. 16. Fig. 17.

and into the State of Maine. In 1867 it reached Montreal. In 1868 a fresh im-
portation by way of New York was made. The story runs that a German
naturalist in that city obtained chrysalides from Europe, and that the imagos
issued from these during his absence, and escaped through an open window. The
insects spread in ever widening curves, both from New York and Quebec, till, in-
1871, the two hordes met. In 1876 they had spread over the whole of Western
Ontario. In 1881 they covered the country from the seaboard to Texas, Kansas,
Nebraska, and Lake Superior ; and by 1884 they had been met with on the shores
of Hudson’s Bay and at the foot of the Rocky Mountains.

Pieris rape may be readily distinguished from the less common native
white (Pieris oleracea, Harris) by the black spots upon its wings. The female
may be constantly seen in the summer months hovering over the cabbages, curv-
ing its abdomen and attaching its eggs dispersedly upon the plants. The larve

are green irrorated with black. They have the habit of lying along the ribs of
the leaves where they are not readily seen.

49 )

Dr. Lintner recommends sprinkling with water heated to 130 Fahr, and up-
wards (1st An. Rep. p. 59).

THE CABBAGE PLusIA (Plusia brassicae, Riley).—This insect has at length
invaded the Province of Quebec. It has been taken at Metis by Mr. Winn. Its
numbers will probably increase. The fore wings of the moth are brownish grey,
and have yellowish, indistinct, transverse lines. In the centre of each fore wing is a
silvery, horse-shoe-like mark, with a silvery spot beyond it at the lower side.
The hind wings are yellowish, with smoky hind margins. The male moth is fur-
nished with conspicuous abdominal side tufts of a golden hue.

The larva is a half-looper, having only twelve legs. Its head is small and
flat, and the body is gradually enlarged from it to the anal segment, which appears
as if abruptly sliced off. In colour the caterpillar is translucent pale green, marked
with delicate longitudinal white lines, and with white spots. In each of the latter
is set a short dark hair.

The pupa is of a pale colour, yellowish or green, and is enclosed in a slight
cocoon.

Besides the cabbage, the turnip, lettuce, celery and tomato afford food for
this pest.

An application of hot water as recommended in the previous case, is prob-
ably the best remedy for the assaults of the insect.

THE Cut-Worm Morus.—These are a numerous family, including species be-
longing to the genera, Agrotis, Mamestra, Hadena, etc. They may be grouped
as climbing and surface cut-worms. It is with the latter I am for my present
purpose, more particularly concerned. I shall give a short account of a few repre-
sentative species of these, and for further particulars would refer the reader to a
valuable paper written by the late Mr. G. J. Bowles, which may be found in the
Society's Annual Report for 1879.

THe Devastatinc Dart-Moru (Hadeua devastatrix, Brace) —This moth
is one and three-fourths inches in expanse of wings. The fore wings are
dark brownish gray, and have several whitish transverse lines. Near the hind
margin is a row of arrow-headed black spots pointing towards the base of'the wing.
The hind wings are light brownish grey. The thorax is dark grey like the fore
wings and the abdomen is of the same colour as the hind wings.

The caterpillar, (Fig. 18) known as the “ Glassy Cut-Worm,” has a translucent

ie glassy-green body, a Venetian-red head, and a dark-
brown cervical shield. It has a few scattered spots
on each segment—each spot being furnished with a
single hair. The caterpillar hibernates in the soil,
and, coming out early in the spring, commences its
destructive work upon the newly-planted cabbages.
It feeds only at night, and lies hid in the soil, near
Fic. 18. the root of the plant, during the day.

THE BARRED-ARCHES Motu (Hadena amica, Harris).—This beautiful moth
expands about two inches. ‘The ground colour of its fore wings is rich Spanish
brown. Near the hind margin is a broad, wavy, bluish-grey band, and near the
base of the wing is a narrower and darker wavy band. The reniform stigma (Ikid-
ney-shaped spot in the middle of the wing) is large and distinct. The hind wings
are ash-coloured, clouded on the outer margin.

The caterpillar which is called the “ Yellow-headed Cut-worm,” is of a smoky-
brown colour, and the head, cervical shield, and anal plate are yellow, or chestnut-
coloured. This creature cuts oft the young corn below the surface of the ground,

4 (EN.)

50

THE Lance Rustic Morn (Agrotis telifera, Harris). (Ypsilon, Rott).—
Harris was the first to describe this fine insect, which
measures an inch and a half in expanse of wings.
(Fig. 19.) The fore wings are brown, dark along the
costa and through the middle. Near the hind margin
is a light-brown band, and at the base of the wing is
a light-brown patch, shaped like the head of a fish
with the mouth open. Pointing outwardly from the
reniform stigma is a black lance-shaped mark. The
hind wings of the moth are pearly white shaded
with brown.

The caterpillar known as the “Greasy Cut-worm,” is dull leaden brown,
spotted with shiny black. Its dorsal and side lines are yellowish. ‘The creature
is highly destructive to corn, tobacco, tomatoes, ete, eutting the plants an inch
above the ground.

THE CLANDESTINE OWLET Morty (Ayrotis clandestvna, Harris).—In expanse
of wings this moth measures an inch and three-quarters. It is a very sober-
coloured moth. The fore wings are dark ashen. In them the orbicular and reni-
form stigmata are connected by a black line. The hind wings are dirty brownish-
white, darker towards the hind margin. The fore part of the body is chestnut.
brown. The moth received its name from its retiring habits and attempts at
concealment.

The caterpillar (Fig. 20) is called the “ W-marked Cut-worm.” It is yellowish
grey in colour, lined with yellow, and finely sprinkled with
dark spots. On each side of the back, upon the abdominal
#= segments, is a row of black velvety marks. ‘lhese marks,
; ae > when viewed from the front, are suggestive of the letter W

Fic. 20. —hence the common name of the creature.

Nothing in the way of vegetables seems to come amiss to this cut-worm ;
beans, young corn, cabbage, pumpkins, etc., all are eagerly eaten by it. It has the
habit of dragging its food under stones or into the ground, that it may feed upon
it at leisure.

The methods to be pursued for protecting garden crops from the cut-worms
appear to me to be these :—Because the caterpillars pass from plant to plant over
the surface of the earth, and will not ascend a friable mound corn should be
“ planted im the hill.” Around each newly-planted cabbage a ring of salt should
be placed, a few inches from the stem. The larve will not pass over this, and
the salt will act as a fertilizer. Whenevera plant is found to be nipped off, the
cause of the damage should be dug for at the root with a knife or pointed stick,
and when found, destroyed. Growing corn, cabbages, cauliflowers, tomatoes, ete.,
should be earthed up several times during their period of growth.

“The Husbandman’s Own Insectide.” Take plants of “poison poke,”
(Veratrum viride, Aiton) roots, stems and leaves, cut them into manageable lengths,
make a decoction—a sap-kettle will be useful for the purpose—let the liquor cool,
and then apply with a sprinkler or water-can. This will be found useful where
the application of Paris green would be dangerous.

The gardener hasa multitude of insect foes to contend with, but prompt and
intelligent applications of preventives and remedies are very sure to be rewarded
with success against them.

51

AN OUTBREAK OF THE ARMY WORM IN MARYLAND.
BY J. ALSTON MOFFAT.

It is seldom that we get an account of a remarkable occurrence in any
department of life from a reliable eye-witness so competent to convey to others
the facts seen by himself as is to be found in the following extracts taken from
the report given by Mr. W. H. Ashmead to the United States Government, through
the Entomological Department at Washington.

Fic. 21. Fra. 22.

Although Lewcania wnipuncta (Fig. 21, the moth; Fig. 22, the caterpillar,) is a
permanent resident in Ontario, and is frequently found quite abundant, it has
never been reported as attracting special attention from its destructive effects on
farm products here; and yet there does not appear to be any reason why it may
not at some time do so.

The army worm has caused great loss in the Maritime Provinces, whilst in
New York State and Massachusetts, where the climatic conditions must very
closely resemble our own, it has been at times particularly destructive, whole
fields being utterly ruined by it. Mr. Scudder made a calculation from what he
saw, that there must have been at least two million worms to the acre, destroying
an entire field in ten or twelve days. Therefore Mr. Ashmead’s vivid description
of the tremendous power of a combined attack of these despised creatures, should
arouse those interested to the terrible possibility that may be awaiting them, and
to guard themselves as much as possible against it, for it is a well known fact
that slovenly farming is a great source of encouragement to all kinds of pests.

The army worm had a public reputation long before the moth, which gave
tise to the destructive hordes, was certainly known to be the parent of all the
mischief. lt was about the year 1861 that the late Prof. Fitch unmistakably
traced the connection between the two, and since then, by the careful industry
of others, its life history has been well worked out, but previously many
unfortunate moths had to bear the blame for that of which they were not cuilty ;
and even yet the justly dreaded army worm is at times reported to have made its
appearance and causes great consternation in a locality, where, if the nature and
habits of different insects were better known, it would be readily seen that the
army worm, at any rate, was not to blame, and that the fright had been caused,
not so much from the attack, as from a want of a knowledge of how to distinguish
between things that differ. If this had been possessed there might have been
ample evidence to show that there was no cause for alarm, as it Was not in the

- nature of that particular form to do any injury.

|

q
q

On one occasion I had an opportunity of witnessing an occurrence which
forcibly illustrates this very condition of things. I had gone on a visit to the
country about the end of wheat harvest, when a hot and dry spell was prevailing
and all vegetation was, more or less, exhibiting the effects of it, by a rusty tinge.

52 ; S 7

to the green. Amongst the first things that I heard of was that the whole locality
was overrun by the army worm, that they had eaten up every green thing and
were now devouring the Canada thistles for want of something better, and what-
ever was to become of the crops next year they did not know. On the first
opportunity I made personal observation—sure enough the thistles gave ample
evidence that they had been greviously ill-used, many of them with every leaf
gone and nothing but the bare ster left, and caterpillars everywhere. In one
locality where the road allowance ran between two farms with snake fences on
each side, there was, on the one hand, an old pasture feld, very brown and deso-
late to look at, on the other was a summer fallow, which had in places a luxuriant
srowth of Canada thistles, and I saw the worms crossing the road, in single and
double file, in colums and squares, platoons, companies and battalions of them, and
a toilsome march they had of it, especially when crossing the road-bed, which
was deep with hot dust, leaving the dried up pasture field and all making direct
for the fallow, apparently with a full knowledge of the fact that there was food
to be got when they reached it; and I observed that the thistles in the fallow
were being visibly reduced day by day. But it turned out that this all devour-
ing host which had been causing such consternation in that locality, was composed
entirely of the larvae of Pyrameis cardut, or the thistle butterfly ; and no doubt
but they had rigidly confined themselves all the time to their own natural and
proper diet. In due time they disappeared and nothing was heard of them
afterwards.

The following is Mr. Ashmead’s account of the outbreak of the army worm
above referred to:

In accordance with Professor Riley’s instructions, on May 31, accompanied
by Mr. Albert I. Hayward, of the Maryland Agricultural College, I started for
Salisbury, Wicomico County, and Princess Anne, Somerset County, Md., to make
such observations on the army worm (Leucania wnipuncta), then depredating in
the vicinity of these places, as the limited time at our disposal should permit.

During our journey we ascertained, in conversation, that the worms were
most numerous in the immediate vicinity of Princess Anne, and we took the most
direct route for that place.

As we approached our destination we began to see the effects of the worms’
work ; just before entering the town we passed by a large field of corn, owned
by Mr. H. H. Deshields, containing about twelve acres, that had been devastated
by them, and only a few green plants could be detected here and there in the
field.

This field was in marked contrast with another corn-tield adjacent, which
had been saved from attacks by ditching, as recommended ia the third report of
the U.S. Entomological Commission. Another thing observed was that this field
was flanked behind with a wood that evidently prevented their ingress that way,
whereas the former was contiguous to grass and wheat fields, in which the worms
are said to originate,

Just before entering the town we passed another ten-acre corn-field, owned
by Mr. John L. Lormer, that but a short time previously presented a most pro-
mising appearance, but which to-day is completely “cleaned out” by the worms.
It may be worthy of record, as the theory has been advanced that insects originate
in just such places, that in an adjoining field were three old hay-stacks, Contrary
to our expectations we found the reports of their numbers not at all exaggerated,
and the damage done is even worse than we anticipated—the wheat, corn, barley
and timothy of many of the farmers being totally ruined by them.

we

53

One of the most interesting places for observation we visited was that of
Wm. J. Porter, a practical and energetic farmer, who, although he has fought the
worms most vigorously, has suffered severely from their attacks. By means of
ditching and by burning straw, he has been able to save part of his crops, but
several of his fields of corn, timothy and wheat, were already ruined. He
reported the worms much less numerous than they had been, but we saw many
thousands in his fields.

During our rambles Mr. Porter took us to one of the ditches he had dug to
keep the worms out of a large corn-field. In this ditch he had sunk every two
or three yards apart, deeper pits, where we found the worms two and three inches
deep, and the rest of the ditch was black with the dead ana living worms. From
the dead a fearful stench arose in such strength as to attract the buzzards, which,
as we viewed the scene, were proudly sailing overhead.

Mr. Porter informed us that the worms always originated in the wheat and
old grass-fields, and during the morning hid themselves from observation, never
appearing in numbers until after 3 o’clock p.m., which accorded with our own
observations and with those of the other farmers visited.

They ate up the timothy and corn clean, and after devouring the blades
of the wheat congregated, three or four together, on the heads ; after devouring
several of the lower grains they ate the husks and nipped off the upper portion
of the kernel of the rest, thus almost entirely destroying it. If the grain is well
advanced and somewhat hard it escapes destruction ; but as most of the wheat
visited was still in the milk the destruction was great, and not less than 75 per
cent. of the crop had been already destroyed.

Although several parasites are known to prey upon the worms, and we kept
a sharp lookout for such, none were seen except a few cocoons of an Apanteles
which were discovered, together with the worms, under old trash and logs in a
wheat-field. A few were gathered and forwarded to the Department, some of
which have since hatched, and proved to be Apanteles militaris, Walsh.

On a neighboring farm, owned by Mr. Z. Rouch, almost as much damage had
been done by the army worm as on the former place. A large corn-field and a
field of timothy were totally ruined. A wheat-field, farther advanced than that
of Mr. Porter's, was less seriously affected, although it did not escape entirely, the
blades of the wheat and the young timothy being entirely eaten up by them.

It was on this place that we saw the effects of the worms on barley. Quite
a large field already in head was completely ruined.

In the afternoon we visited probably the largest farm in the county, that of
the Hon. D. N. Dennis, comprising 500 acres or more.

No better place existed for the proper study of the pest, as the worms were
swarming in all the fields by the millions, and we had hit upon the proper time
of day to see them most advantageously, 4 o’clock pm. The ground was literally
black with the crawling worms. Mr. Dennis had made no special efforts to
destroy them, although, like some of his neighbours, he had surrounded some of
his fields with ditches in an attempt to keep them out of adjoining fields. I
believe it would have been quite practicable to have destroyed many thousands
with poisonous washes, or, as Mr. Potter did, by burning straw in the ditches, as

the bottom of the ditches were black with worms.

This farm is divided by a central lane, on either side of which are fields of
wheat, corn, grass, oats, etc., and in passing through this lane we found the worms
quite plentiful, crawling almost invariably in the direction of the prevailing
wind.

54

One of the first fields we passed was an immense wheat-field already in the
head, and the worms could be plainly discernible on the ground all through it
and on the stalks and heads. The worms having already devoured the young
timothy and other tender plants usually found growing there, the blades of the
wheat, the husks, and a goodly portion of the kernels, evidently could not find
sufficient food and were now migrating to pastures new, the sides of the field
being black with moving hosts seeking more nutritious food.

These, as well as all the others observed, were moving in a south-westerly
direction, the direction of the prevailing wind. They were apparently in all
stages of growth, from little fellows not more than a quarter of an inch long to
the fully matured larve, and all got over the ground and every obstacle in their
way with the most surprising rapidity. The fences, posts, and other obstacles in
their way were no obstruction to their migratory instinct, or their search for
food. The fence rails and posts were often covered with crawling worms, some-
times not less than a dozen worms being found on the top of a single tall post,
while others were seen going up on one side as others were going down the
opposite. Some specimens were even found under the loose bark on the posts
and rails, where they had probably crept for shelter. One specimen thus found
was in the jaws of a large hairy spider, Salticus sp.

Adjacent to this wheat-field was a large field of timothy, containing 17 acres,
the blades of which had been cut off by the worms as clean as cattle could have
done. Mr. Jones, the overseer, informed me this field would have harvested not
less than three tons of hay to the acre, but now it would not pay for the cutting.

At one side of this field, the side next the wheat, the worms had congregated
in countless numbers, every square foot having not less than 30 to 50 worms.
The worms were now coming out of this field and going into the adjoining wheat-
field and crossing the lane into the opposite fields in great numbers, and it was
here that we observed a flock of the common English sparrows and a few robins
picking out the smaller worms and feeding on them. Mr. Jones informed us the
English sparrows had been thus busily engaged all the past week, and it gives us
pleasure to record here this fact in favor of the despised bird.

Some distance off froia this field was another one of wheat, containing prob-
ably 20 acres, in which the worms were even more numerous, and they had
already sufficiently injured it to render the crop unprofitable to harvest. A deep,
broad ditch had been dug along one side, and it was now, about 5 o'clock p.m.,
black with worms. It seemed to usa pity that these worms were not killed, as
many of them were able to crawl up the sides and escape into adjoining fields.

Facing this field was a large corn-field of probably 75 acres, of which 50
acres had already been destroyed, and there was but a slight chance that any of
the corn still left would escape, although by ditching an effort was being made to
save it. Of the 50 acres destroyed 30 acres had already been replanted, and in
the newly plowed portion the worms were seen moving about in all directions,
having just entered it from the adjoining wheat; it is probable that most of these
will die of starvation or from the effects of the hot sun in the middle of the day.

55

’
TORYOISE BEETLES.
BY F. B. CAULFIELD, MONTREAL.

The tortoise beetles as they are called, from their resemblance in shape to a
turtle or tortoise, belong to the great family of leaf-eating coleoptera, the Chry-
somelide, but were formerly classed as a distinct family, the Cassidada@, a term
signifying a helmet, the fore part of the thorax generally projecting over the
head like the front of a helmet. In the members of this family the body is
generally of a broad, oval form, flattened beneath, convex above. The antennz
are short and thickened at the tip, presenting somewhat the appearance of a club,
The head is small and generally hidden beneath the overlapping edge of the
thorax, and the legs are very short, not extending much beyond the margin of
the wing covers, so that the resemblance to a tortoise is really striking. The
larvee of many kinds of insects are protected from the burning sunshine and the
attacks of their enemies by a coat of hair or prickly spines, or else conceal them-
selves beneath leaves or in crevices during the hotter parts of the day, but the
insects in question adopt an entirely different plan, and shelter themselves beneath
umbrellas, covered, not with silk or cotton, but with a mass of their own excere-
ment.

In most of these creatures the body resembles the perfect insect in shape,
being broad and flattened, but they differ in having a row of spines on each side
and in being provided with a tail, and a very remarkable tail at that. This
instrument resembles in form a fork, with a rather thick, rounded handle, from
which project two long prongs. This forked tail is curved over the creature’s
back, and upon the prongs and lateral spines the excrement is heaped until a mass
almost as large as the creature’s body is accumulated. Our Canadian species of
tortoise beetles belong to three genera—Physonota, Coptocycla and Chelymorpha.
Physonota helianthi, Rand, lives on the wild suntlower (Helianthus), and soon
after these have leafed out in spring, such of the beetles as have survived the
winter gather upon them. They are now of a bright, golden-green colour, and are
exceedingly beautiful, gleaming and flashing like gems in the sunshine. Soon
after this the eggs are deposited in an irregular cluster, covered with a gummy
exudation which hardens on exposure to the air. This cluster is placed on the
upper surface of the leaf, and near the tip just where it tapers to a point.

The larvee are oblong-oval in shape, and when full grown measure nearly an
inch in length. The general colour is dark olive green, and on the back are three
short yellow stripes, that in the centre being a little the longest. On each side
is a row of ten simple spines. When undisturbed these slug-like larvae keep the
tail curved over the back, and both body and tail are constantly wet with semi-
fluid excreta, so that the form of the creature can hardly be seen. From the
middle of July to the end of August these larvee change to chrysalids, and by the
end of the latter month and during September the beetles emerge, and may be
found resting quietly on the leaves of their tood plant. They are now dressed in
a coat of sober black, irregularly spotted with creamy white, very pretty little
fellows in a neat evening dress, but very different to the magnificent marriage
garment worn by their parents amidst the fresh green leaves and glowing sunshine
of the early summer.

The beetles appear to eat very little, but the larve are hungry creatures,
te numerous holes in the leaves, and when abundant almost stripping the
plants.

56

When young the larvee are of social habits, and huddle closely together, the
heads all in the centre, surrounded by a ring of curled up tails, presenting a most
curious appearance. When nearly full grown they separate and scatter over the
plants, each one shifting for himself. The perfect insect measures about five-
eighths of an inch in length.

The species belonging to the genus Coptocycla are smaller than Physonota,
and differ somewhat in some of their habits. The eggs are deposited singly on
the leaves, and when the larvze moult, the cast skins are slipped into the forked
part of the tail, whereas the larve of Pysonota leave their discarded garments
sticking to the leaves.

The golden tortoise beetle, Coptocycla aurichalcea, Fab. is very common on
the Morning Glory, and often disfigures and injures it by eating holes in the
leaves. They also attack the sweet potato. Prof. Riley states that they are often
sufficiently numerous to destroy whole fields of this esculent, and they are especi-
ally severe on the plants when freshly transplanted from the hotbed. When
freshly emerged from chrysalis the beetles are of a dull orange color, but in a few
days this tint changes to bright gold color, when they present a most beautiful
appearance as they glisten in the sunshine. The larva resembles the beetle in
general shape, being broad and flattened, but on each side there is a row of sixteen
barbed spines; it is of a dark brown colour, with a pale shade upon the back.
Prof. Riley says that it carries its falcifork directly over its back, and the excre-
ment is arranged in a more or less regular trilobed pattern.

The mottled tortoise beetle, Coptocycla guttata, Oliv.,is also common on, and
injurious to, the morning glory and sweet potato. It varies considerably in
colour, some specimens being very dark—almost black, others are mottled with
black and gold, and occasionally examples are found altogether of the latter colour.
The larva is green, bluish on the back. Prof. Riley states that it carries its dung
im irregular broad masses, often branching out into long shreds and ramifications.

Another species, the clubbed tortoise beetle, Coptocycla clavata, Oliv. is found
on the true potato. It is given in the Society’s list of Canadian beetles, but so
far as known to me, has not been found in the Province of Quebec. ;

The “shell” of this species is thin and semitransparent, with patches of
darker color, some of which extend to the margin of the wing-covers. I have
seen no description of the larva.

Chelymorpha argus, Licht., is of a dull, yellowish-red colour, ornamented with
nineteen small black spots, six on the thorax and thirteen on the wing-covers.
It measures about three-quarters of an inch in length. Packard states that “the
larva differs from that of Coptocycla awrichalcea, not only in its greater size, but
the body is thicker and narrower, the head is freer from the thorax, and the
spines are simple, not spinulated. The body is yellow and less protected by the
cast skin. When about to transform the larva attaches itself to the leaf by a
silken thread, a few segments from the end where the end of the body of the
future pupa is situated. It is .45 of an inch long. The pupa is broad and
flattened, dark and spotted with yellow, and covered with a whitish powder,
causing the yellow portions to appear more prominently ; along each side of the
abdomen is a row of five spines, and there are four spines on the anterior edge of
the prothorax; it is .40 of an inch in length.” He further states that he has
found it in all its stages on the silk-weed late in July and early in August, and
in one instance in Salem it occurred in abundance on the leaves of the raspberry.

I have myself found it in all stages on the morning glory at Montreal some
years ago, but have not met with it recently.

ur
bo f

SS —=

Tortoise beetles may be destroyed with Paris green, but as they often hide
beneath the leaves, they are not so easily killed as the Colorado potato beetle.
The plants should be closely watched when set out in spring, as at this time the
beetles are comparatively few in number, and could be killed before the eggs are
deposited, which would save much future trouble and expense. “ An ounce of
prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Tortoise beetles appear to be remarkably free from parasites. I have bred
numbers of Physonota helianthi, but only raised one parasite, a small dipterous fly.

QUEBEC REPRESENTATIVES OF THE GENUS PLUSIA.

BY THE REV. THOMAS W. FYLES, SOUTH QUEBEC.

Following are the characteristics of the genus Plusia :—

Imago, antennz setaceous, thorax and abdomen crested, fore-wings acute,
eurved on the hind margin, glossy, and often ornamented with metallic markings.

Larva, loops somewhat in walking, having twelve legs only ; attenuated
anteriorly ; feeds exposed on low plants.

Puwpa, inclosed in a slight cocoon.

Insects belonging to the genus Plusia may be readily distinguished by the con-
spicuous crest which they bear on the shoulders, the tufted abdomen, and the bill-
hook shaped curve of the inner margin of the fore-wings. These are more or less
striking in them all. Some of the species are very abundant, individuals of them
may be seen in our gardens, even in the hot sunshine, hovering over the blossoms
or passing from plant to plant with easy rapid motions.

The largest, and I think the most beautiful of our Quebec species is

. ah gma DP. balluca (Gey.) Fig. 23, whichis one and

; three-fourths inches in expanse of wings.

The splendid bronze-green of its wings,

@a shining with the richest gloss of satin, will

7make it known to the veriest tyro in
Entomology.

P. Putnami (Grote) may also be
readily distinguished by its burnt-sienna
coloured fore-wings with their golden apical
streak, and theit two central golden spots,
sometimes united.

P. thyatiroides (Guen.) is very rare in the Province of Quebec. To those
who are fortunate enough to meet with it, it may at once be known by the
patches at the base and inner angles of its fore-wings, which are of a delicate
pink, resembling in colour those on the wings of the English * peach blossom
moth” (Thyatira batis). It is to these that the insect owes its name. The only
specimen I have was taken at Cowansville in the Eastern Townships.

P. mortuorum (Guen.) also may be readily known. Its fore-wings are dark
_ brown approaching to black. They are embellished with silvery lines and washes
near the hind margin. Extending from the base to the centre of the wing are
conspicuous plume-like silvery-white markings. This is one of the smallest
species in the genus, expanding about one inch and a quarter. — }

The fore-wings of P. ampla (Walk.) are ash-brown with a rosy tinge.
Extending from the inner margin to the middle of the wing is a well-defined
dark-brown velvety patch, the inner side of which has a deep curve and is finely
outlined with gold colour.

58

In P. viridisignata (Grote) the fore-wings are dark rosy-grey with numerous
brown zig-zag lines. In the centre of the wing is an obscure bronzy-green figure,
resembling a 3 or an 8 laid on its back.

One of the finest insects in the genus is P. bimaculata (Steph.). In expanse
of wings it measures an inch and three-eighths. Its fore-wings are rich rosy-brown
variegated with dark markings and with a patch of chestnut red in the centre.
In this patch are two golden spots, the upper somewhat resembling the letter v.
I have noticed that the Eastern Township’s specimens of this moth are larger and
brighter than the more northern specimens.

- P. precationis (Guen.) is one of the most common species we have. Its
fore-wings are of a rich purple brown with a golden sheen. They have a few
pale wavy streaks, and a distinct silvery y in the middle of each.

In P. simplex (Guen.) Fig. 24 the fore-wing is of a dark ash-grey. It has a
brown apical dash, and a brown shade on the inner
margin. This shade is separated from the ash-grey
base and basal portion of the costa, by a fine white
line, which joins the inner arm of the silvery y-like
central mark.

In P. falcifera (Kirby) the arms of the y are long
and attenuated, and the tail lacks the terminal knob
that is characteristic of Precationis and Simplex.
Falcifera has rosy-brown fore-wingsstrikingly marked
with curved and dentated rosy-white lines, having
dark brown finer lines imposed. I captured several specimens of this insect at
Como, P. Que. They were hovering over flowers on a sunny afternoon.

P. brassicw (Riley, Ni Hubn) has been taken at Metis, P. Que. by Mr.
Winn. This moth Fig. 25 expands
about one and a half inches. It has
dark greyish-brown fore-wings, with
irregular, pale yellow cross lines, and
in the centre a silvery w or horse-shoe
like mark followed by an oval silvery
dot. The underwings are yellowish
clouded towards the outer edge.

Of P. mappa (G. & RB.) only a
few specimens have been taken in the
Province of Quebec. The insect may
be known by the numerous dark brown
wavy lines upon its tawny fore-wings.
In the centre of each of these wings is
a silvery w, or horse-shoe-like mark,
followed by a dot or annulet.

P. U-awrewm (Boisd.) is a small
species expanding one and one-fourth
inches. Its fore-wings are dark brown, and bear in the centre a‘golden or silvery
mark resembling a squat capital V. On the fore-wings also are several irregular
transverse golden or silvery lines.

Besides Balluca we have two species that have no metallic spots in the
middle of the fore-wing, P. wrea (Hubner), and P. wreoides (Grote). In the former
the wings are dark brassy-brown and in the latter, pale brassy-brown. Both
have darker transverse markings. ®reoides has also, near the hind margin, a pale
brassy transverse band.

59

TABLE OF QUEBEC SPECIES OF THE GENUS PLUSIA.

1.—Having white or metallic markings in the middle of the fore-wings.
A. Having y-like markings in the middle of the fore-wings.
a. Having two golden marks as if the tail were cut off from the y,
PuTNAMI, which has a golden apical streak.
BrmacuLata, which has a brown apical streak.
b. Having the y complete.
1. Tarsi of front legs banded brown and white.
Faucrrera, which has no knob at the end of the y.
PRECATIONIS, which has the tail of the y knobbed.
2. Tarsi of the front legs plain.
SIMPLEX.
B. Having markings of other forms in the middle of the fore-wings.
a. Like N. U-AUREUM.
b. Undulating, like a small snake. AMPLA.
c. Like the figure 3 lying on its back. VIRIDISIGNATA.
d. Plume-like. Morruorum.
e. Like a small v followed by a dot or annulet.
1. Having pink spots on the wings. THYATIROIDES.
2. Having tawny wings. Mappa.
3. Having greyish-brown wings. Brassic#.
II,— Having no metallic markings in the middle of the fore-wings.
A. Having the wings glossy-green. BALLUCA.
Bb. Having the wings glossy-brown.
a. Dark brown, AMREA.
b. Light-brown. ASREOIDES.

ORIGIN AND PERPETUATION OF ARCTIC FORMS.
BY J. ALSTON MOFFAT.

The subject of Arctic Forms is one of special interest in biology, and the
frequent reference to it in natural history literature, keeps it constantly before
the reader, and has made the theories concerning the origin and preservation of
such forms well known, whilst to us as entomologists, it is of the very first im-
portance in our efforts to obtain correct knowledge concerning the geographical
distribution of insects. Grant Allen says —

“On or near the summit of Mount Washington, a small community of butter-
flies belonging to an old glacial and Arctic species still lingers over a small area,
where it has held its own for eighty thousand years that have elapsed since the
termination of the great ice age. This same butterfly is found in two other
localities on this continent; Long’s Peak, Colorado, is eighteen hundred miles
distant; Hopedale, Labrador, is probably a thousand miles away ; in the intervening
districts there are no insects of the same species. Hence we must conclude, that
a few butterflies left behind in the retreating main-guard of their race, on that
one New Hampshire peak, have gone on for thousands and thousands of years,
producing eggs, and growing from caterpillars into mature insects, without once
affecting a cross with their congeners.”

60

I learn from the writings of Mr. W. H. Edwards, that the name of that
butterfly is Chionobas Semidea (Say.) The description given by Mr. Seudder of its
terrible struggle for existence, tends to arouse one’s interest in it, and-draws out
one’s sympathy for it, as we contemplate the dreary and joyless life it is doomed
to lead in its inclement home, so opposite to what is considered to be the typical
life of a butterfly. Grant Allen’s conclusion is in perfect harmony with the
theories prevailing on this subject, but there is another view that can be taken of
it, which appears to me to be more in harmony with nature and observation,
although it may spoil the romance, and give less play to the imagination ; and
that is the one contained in the well-known principle of the power of environment
to modify the external appearance of living forms, and their ability to accommo-
date themselves to altered conditions.

To illustrate the principle that I wish to apply in this case, I shall draw upon
Mr. Edwards’s article on “ Pieris Bryoniz and its derivative forms,” to be found in
Papilio, for June, 1881. Hesays:

“The species, of which Bryoniz is one of the forms, is known as Napis
having in Europe three manifestations, Bryonizw, Napi, and Napzez ; the last of
these was until recently regarded as a distinct species.” Then quoting Dr.
Weisman who says of Bryoniz: “This is to acertain extent the potential winter
form of Napi. This type Bryoniz, in polar regions is the only form of
Napi. Bryonie produces but one generation a year, and must, then,
according to my theory, be regarded as the parent form of Napi.” He then states
that in the Alps and Jura, Napi swarms everywhere, and crossing takes place,
which causes variability in Bryoniz, but in Lapland Napi is never met with; so
Bryoniz preserves its constancy, and concludes thus: “ Pieris Bryoniz should be
elevated to the rank of a species, and ordinary winter and summer forms should
be designated varieties Napi and Napee.” Then Mr. Edwards, after a description
of the markings of the various forms, says, “There are therefore the three forms
under which the species manifests itself in Europe, Bryonie, Napi, Naps ; of
which Bryoniz may be considered the present form.” Now to get myself into
harmony with nature, I have to reverse this order. We all know that
butterflies are lovers of the sun; and that they are most numerous in kinds and
examples in warm countries where they flourish most luxuriantly, the conditions
being more congenial to them. Therefore the natural inference is, that butter-
flies would first appear on this scene of life, in localities that were most favourable
to them, and spread from these into those that were less so. We are all familiar
with the restlessness of butterflies, and with what eagerness they will investi-
gate every spot, seemingly with a determination to establish themselves there if
possible ; they succeed if the conditions are at all favourable, and some of them
succeed even where the conditions are most unlikely. Now as Bryoniz is a darker
form than Napi, and Naps being lighter still, and taking the result of Mr.
Edwards’s experiments in this direction as a clue to some of nature’s methods in
this matter, which goes to show that cold has the effect of darkening the colour
of some kinds, I infer that Napzee was the first to appear and to spread into a
locality with a cold winter. This acting on the chrysalides, Napi appears as the
spring form, and Naps as the summer one. As the distribution goes on it
reaches a yet colder climate, where Nap disappears and Bryoniz is the spring
form, with Napi as the summer one. Pushing yet onward it gets into a locality
where the season is too short for two broods, when the single brooded Arctic and
Alpine Bryoniz is alone to be found, and consequently constant, and there does
not seem to be the slightest reason to doubt, that if every Bryonize was swept
out of Europe in one season, their place would soon be filled from the warmer

61

‘plains below, and that they would be just as true Bryonie as those of the present

—the result of the influence of climate on an impressionable organism, and the
power of that organism to accommodate itself to altered conditions.

Now, then, let us return to our poor old friend Semidea, who has been having
such a weary time of it on top of Mount Washington, for the last eighty thousand
years. J do not know the form of Chionobas that flies on the plains of New
Hampshire. Iam dealing with one of the laws of nature that controls life, a far
more reliable guide to correct conclusions, than the changeable external appear-
ance of insects. But whatever they may be like, or by whatever name they may
be called, 1 am quite confident, that upon investigation one of them will be
found to stand in the same relation to Semidca that Napi does to Bryoniaw, and
will be found capable of pushing its way up Mount Washington and to be modi-
fied by the changed conditions, and by the time it has established itself on the
top it has become true Semidea; so that if at any time Semidea had been obliterated
from Mount Washington by the severity of the conditions, and it would seem
little short of a miracle if it never has been, its place could yet be filled from
below.

Then there is Semidea in the Mountains of Colorado. The Chionobas of the
Colorado plains, will undoubtedly be different-looking from those of New Hamp-
shire and discerned by bearing different names, and from one of them the Semideas
have come which are found on tbe mountains; the same principle governing
one as the other. We turn to Labrador and the same principle is at work there,
only the conditions for the production of Semidea are obtained without the neces-
sity for the elevation. So that from Labrador within the Arctic circle. to Long’s
Peak, Colorado, an unbroken chain of that species extends across the 2,800 miles
that lie between, every link of which may differ somewhat from the one next
to it, according to the conditions in which it lives,and be entitled to a distin-
guishing name, yet all united by the laws of consanguinity. At these three points,
Labrador, Mount Washington and Long’s Peak, Colorado, the conditions being the
same, like results are produced and Semidea is the natural outeome. And according
to Mr. Edwards, when specimens are brought from these widely separated locali-
ties and compared, they are not known io differ by a scale or a hair. . I see that
Mr. Scudder does not consider the Labrador form quite the same as the others,
if so it would indicate that the conditions are not quite identical.

Mr. Edwards inform us that the Satyrinz are a very numerous family, with
many genera, these having numerous species, which I take as an indication that
they are sensitive to external influences and readily modified thereby, and pro-
bably a full series might exhibit the gradations to be slight.

This, then, is the view I take of the way in which Arctic forms have been
originated and perpetuated, and the principle at work in producing them is
that which has been so carefully elaborated with such a wealth of illustration
and knowledge of facts by Wallace in his Island Life; only he calls the forms
produced by changed conditions “species” instead of varieties of a species, a
mode of using the term that is ever liable to lead to confusion and misun-
derstanding.

62

ee SS eee

FULLER’S ROSE-BEETLE.—(Aramigus Fulleri, Horn).

BY JAMES FLETCHER, OTTAWA.

From time to time complaints come to us of injuries done to greenhouse
plants by some insect which gives abundant evidence of its presence, by the
nibbled state of the leaves ; but which is seldom detected. When such com-
plaints are received, it is suggested that a light be taken into the greenhouse and
search made at night. In most instances the culprit is found to be a small brown
snout-beetle, shown at Fig. 28. This is knownas Fuller’s Rose-Beetle. There is
no doubt that this insect is far commoner than is generally supposed. Its habit
of feeding at night and hiding during the day time, added to the protection
afforded it by its colour, saves it from detection until it attracts notice by its ex-
cessive numbers.

This is a comparatively new enemy, having only been described in 1876,
when Dr. Horn named it after Mr. A.S. Fuller, who first brought it to his
notice. It had however, been sent to Dr. J. A. Lintner, State Entomologist of
New York, two years previous to that date.

A good deal has been written in different journals and reports upon the best
way to overcome this pest ; but it still keeps turning up in new localities every
year, and is now reported as a greenhouse pest from the Atlantic to the Pacific
coast.

Accounts of its life-history and habits are given in the Annual Report of the
United States Entomologist for 1878, and Dr. Lintner’s report for 1885. From
these accounts we find that this insect injures greenhouse plants of many kinds;
but its favourite food is undoubtedly the rose, and after this perhaps various
kinds of lilies. The injury done by the mature beetle is how-
ever slight, compared with that of the larva (Fig. 26), which
is a thick white legless grub, when full grown 3} of an inch
in length, the body curved, wrinkled above and flattened be-
low, covered with short tawny bristles. Head yellow with
dark, black-tipped, sharp mandibles, with which it consumes

Fig. 26. the young rootlets of various greenhouse plants, and by the
destruction of these fibres with which the plant takes its

food, soon destroys the vitality of the plant. Prof. Riley says :—(Ann.
Rep., 1878, p. 256). “The most serious injury is done by the larve, which feed
principally upon the more tender rootlets and thus attack the plant in its most
essential parts. I have had a quite healthy rosebush totally destroyed in three
weeks’ time, by about three dozen of the larvee, which were placed in the pot con-
taining it.” When plants are attacked at the root by larve they have generally
a characteristic appearance. The new wood is weak and spindly, the colour is
unhealthy and very few flowers are produced. When this is the case they seldom
recover. I have seen plants of which every one of the young rootlets were
destroyed, and which threw out new roots close to the surface ; but these never
did much good, and florists tell me that it pays better to throw away such plants
and replace them with young, vigorous bushes. There is frequently much care-
lessness amongst florists in not appreciating the serious nature of an introduction
of this pest into their premises, and it is not at all uncommon to see plants
destroyed by the larvee, simply pulled out and other healthy plants set in the
same soil. This of course is agreat mistake, and is a practice which should never
be followed. When roses are grown under glass in the usual way, viz.:—in beds,
if the soil is found to be infested by the larve of this insect, it must all be

63

removed and fresh soil put in its place. There are several instances on record of
rose-growers having given up the cultivation of this queen of all flowers, on
account of the attacks of this insect ; but this is not necessary, if they will learn
something of its life-history and apply remedies accordingly. Prof. Riley has
worked out the life-history and finds that the eggs are laid in flattened batches of
from 10 to 60, the individual eggs being smooth yellow and ovoid and about one
millimetre in length. They are laid by the female at the base of the plant just
above the ground, and are generally pushed between the loose bark and the stem,
or are laid between the earth and the main stem, just at the surface of the ground.
They are so firmly glued together and to the place where they are deposited that
they can only be detached with difficulty. After about a month the eggs hatch
and the active little larvee at once burrow down into the ground and begin their
work of destruction. When full grown they turn to pupa, Fig. 27, from which
the mature beetles emerge in about three weeks. The perfect
beetle, Fig. 28, is a brown weevil, a little more than } of an inch in
length, with a short thick snout and long slender antenne or feelers,
bent abruptly in the middle. The wing-cases are indistinctly striate,
and bear rows of large punctures and minute hairs. A whitish Fig. 27.
stripe runs along the sides of the thorax and half way down the sides where
it terminates as an oblique white dash, reaching to the middle of each wing-case.
Prof. Riley says: “The parent beetles, like most other snout beetles, live for a
considerable time, as I have kept them in confinement for
nearly three months. They are nocturnal in habit, beg quite
active and feeding only after dusk. They shun the light during
day-time and hide under the leaves or cling tightly to the

Fig. 28. branches or in some fork near the base of the plant, always in
such position as not easily to be observed. They drop to the ground when
disturbed, draw up their legs and ‘play possum, remaining motionless for some
time and looking very much like a small lump of dry earth, the colour adding
greatly to the resemblance. This habit of simulating death upon disturbance is
common to many other insects of this family. They feed upon the leaves, but do
more injury by severing them than by the amount of foliage consumed.”,

“The beetle seems to be purely American, and the genus Aramigus was in fact
erected for it and another species (A. tesselatus), of about the same size, but of a
silvery white colour, with faint green hue, which I have found in Kansas upon
the well-known ‘resin weed.’ The beetle belongs to the same family, and is
pretty closely allied to a well-known European beetle, Otiorhynchus sulcatus,
Fab., which is larger and darker in colour, and is also very injurious to green-
house plants, as well as to some grown out of doors. This species also occurs in
this country.” The last-named beetle has been taken by Mr. Harrington at
Sydney, Cape Breton, but has never yet been reported as an injurious insect in
Canada.

Remedies.—Probably the most satisfactory remedies for this pest are those
which are directed towards the destruction of the mature beetles. As stated
above these are very retentive of life. They can, however, certainly be con-
quered by constant watchfulness and by keeping the plants in the house where
they occur frequently sprayed all the time the perfect beetles occur with weak
arsenical mixtures. Paris green of the strength of 1 Ib. to 300 gallons of water
is strong enough to destroy the beetles and will not injure the plants if kept well
mixed all the time it is being used. Mr. Alderman Scrim, of Ottawa, an exten-
sive grower of roses and other plants for winter cut-flowers was very successful
in trapping the beetles by means of the small bamboo canes commonly used by
florists for supporting potted plants in greenhouses. These were cut so that there

Was &n Open joint about three inches in length at the top. Into this chamber so
formed the beetles would crawl to hide during the day, and were easily and
quickly crushed by pushing a small rod down the cane every morning without
removing the cane. In this way Mr. Scrim destroyed large numbers at a time
of the year when it was inconvenient to renew all the soil in his rose-houses.
Prof. Riley quotes in his 1878 report from an account written by the late Mr.
Peter Henderson, of New York, of the work of this beetle. After stating his
belief that the failure of many to grow roses is due to the unknown presence of
the larvee at the roots, he says as follows: “Mr. John May, the gardener in charge
of Mr. Slaughter’s rose-growing establishment at Madison, New Jersey, which is
probably the largest in the vicinity of New York, has given great attention to
the rose bug, his roses for four or five years being much injured by it; but by
persistent efforts in destroying the perfect insect, he has now got entirely clear
of it.”

Experiments to destroy the larvee and pupz in the ground by means of bisul-
phide of carbon were unsuccessful.

Prof. Riley having discovered the habits of the insect as to the deposition of
its eggs suggested the value of placing traps, composed of rags, tape or paper tied
round the stems of the plants or round short sticks placed close to the plants. In
these the females would lay their eggs. The eggs take about a month to hatch,
and by scalding the rags at short intervals all the eggs would be destroyed. If
the plan of tying rags to sticks be adopted these can be dipped in scalding water
and again replaced at once without untying the rags.

With this as with most of the other injurious insects the most important thing

is for the florist to recognise the serious nature of the attack and the necessity of
carrying on the war unceasingly until every appearance of the enemy ceases.

HYMENOPTERA PARASITICA.
BY W. HAGUE HARRINGTON, OTTAWA.

In his excellent work entitled a “Synopsis of the Families and Genera of the
Hymenoptera of America, north of Mexico,” Mr. E. T. Cresson gives the following
concise statement of the general characters of the order Hymenoptera.

Wines four, membranous, the posterior pair almost always smaller than the
anterior, with comparatively few nervures.

MovutH mandibulate, and with a lower lip or tongue, sheathed by the
maxillee.

TARSI generally 5-jointed, rarely 3 or 4-jointed, very rarely heteromerous.

ABDOMEN of the female furnished with a multivalve saw ovipositor, a borer,
or a sting.

LARVA vermiform and footless, except in the Phyllophaga and Xylophaga.

Pura incomplete and inactive.

Keeping these definitions in view it will be seldom difficult even for those
who are not entomologists to decide whether a certain insect belongs to the
Hymenoptera. Many flies (order Diptera) have a close superficial resemblance to

species of Hymenoptera, but they may at once be distinguished on an examina-
tion of the wings, of which they invariably have only two.

65

Again insects may be found with four membranous transparent wings, as
dragon flies (order Pseudoneuroptera) or cicadas (order Hemiptera), but in these
orders the wings have a great number of nervures, or veins, forming a close net-
work, and in all hemipterous species (bugs) the mouth is transformed into a pro-
boscis, and lacks the mandibles or jaws common to Hymenoptera, and which are
very apparent in large species like the bees.

We are informed that the abdomen of the female is furnished with a saw
ovipositor, a borer, or a sting, and the order can be roughly divided into three
sections based upon these differences in the sexual organs. The first section may
be styled Phyllophaga (leaf-feeders), and contains the well-known saw flies, the
larvee of which are caterpillar-like and possessed of feet. The second section
includes the Xylophaga (wood-feeders), generally known as horntails, the larvee
of which infest the trunks of trees, and the Parasitica (parasites) to which beloug
the long-stings and numerous allied forms. The third section Aculeata (sting.
bearers) « contains the bees, wasps, ants, ete.

Of the first and third sections as above indicated I have in former reports
treated briefly, and I will now endeavor to outline the Parasitica, which consti-
tute almost the entire second section, and which by reason of their great number
and complexity of structure will make my task a difficult one to undertake in a
single paper.

The section Parasitica contains at least half of the described species of our
Hymenoptera, and the number of undescribed forms must be very large, as many
of them are extremely minute and require more careful collecting and study than
many entomologists can devote to them. They are divided into several families,
of which some contain a large number of genera and species, and which will be
briefly treated of in systematic order.

Cynipip#.—This family coutains a moderate number cf small species (often
minute) and is divided into two sections, one containing three and the other two
subfamilies. The species contained in the first section are in the larval state
chiefly producers of galls, or dwellers therein, instead of being truly parasitic in
their mode of life. There is reason to believe, however, that the few species
which constitute the first subfamily (Ibaliinz) are true parasites upon the larvie
ot wood-boring insects. The principal Canadian species is Lbalia maculipennis
Hald., which occurs somewhat rarely on maple and beech. The structure of the
insect is such as to attract attention, for though of moderate size (hardly three-
fourths of an inch in length) it is still the largest of our Cynipide, and is easily
distinguished by its strongly compressed or knife- shaped abdomen. Within the
abdomen, which constitutes merely a sheath for it, is coiled a delicate ovipositor,
much longer than the insect itself, with which it deposits its eggs in the decaying
trunks of the beech and maple, where the larve when hatched probably exist
upon other insects infesting the wood.

The subfamily Cynipinze contains species producing galls upon plants. The
trees most subject to their attacks are the various species of oak ; the galls occur-
ring upon them and the insects produced therefrom being in themselves a suffi-
cient study for an entomologist. Some of the galls, such as the oak-apple, are of
enormous size as compared with the minute or ub which occupies the central cell
therein, and which by some mysterious influence upon the growth of the plant
structure causes this wonderful abnormal development. The various species of
roses are also very liable to the attack of these insects, the galls chiefly occurring
being large potato-shaped ones upon the roots, oval woody enlargements of the
_ Stems and clusters of pea-shaped swellings fpon the leaves. Although various
plants, including the raspberry and blackberry, are subject to these attacks there
is not space to enumerate them here,

5 (EN.)

66 4

The subfamily Inquilinz as its title indicates contains species which are
inquilines or guests in the galls of the preceding species, which in structure and
appearance they closely resemble.

The truly parasitic species of the Cynipide are comparatively few in
number.

Evaniip&.—The species belonging to this family are easily distinguished, as
the abdomen is attached to the dise or base of the metathorax, instead of to the
apex as in the other families. The species found in Canada belong chiefly to the
genus Aulacus, the members of which frequent decaying trees, in which they may
be found ovipositing. We have also two species of Fcenus—insects with a curious
sickle-shaped abdomen—of which one (F. incertus) has a short ovipositor, while
the other (F. tarsatorius) has a very long one. They may frequently be seen
flying about trees, telegraph poles, etc., examining and entering insect burrows
and crevices, and also upon golden-rod and other flowers in autumn. They are
said to be parasitic upon certain bees. The species of Evania, which have curious
hatched-shaped abdomens, are said to infest cockroaches.

TRIGONALID&.—This family contains only one genus (Trigonalys) and the
four species therein are of rare occurrence and not as yet recorded from Canada.
Habits unknown to me.

IcHNEUMONID&.—This family is a very extensive one and contains our largest
‘and best known parasites. It is divided into five sub-families of somewhat equal
size. Of the sub-family Ichneumonine there are more than two hundred species
credited to the typical genus Ichneumon, and
of these at least fifty occur in the vicinity of
Ottawa. These ichneumons are somewhat
wasp-like in form, but more slender ; our largest
species (J. grandis) is sometimes an inch in
length, but some of the smaller species are less
than one-third of an inch and the average size
is about two-thirds. The ovipositor is short
and retracted within the abdomen so as to be
rarely visible, but the females may be dis-
tinguished by their stouter abdomens, and
frequently by the antennz being rolled, while
those of the males are longer and straight.
The anterior wings have a small pentagonal cell
called an areolet, which occurs also in many
other Hymenoptera, (see wing of Cryptus,
i Fig. 29) although the areolet is incomplete,
Fie. 29. triangular, rudimentary or wanting in many
genera. Many of the ichneumons are entirely black (or with a few white
markings,) others have the abdomen red, others again are banded with black
and yellow, or are ferruginous with black markings. They are parasites of the
caterpillars of our butterflies and moths. The genus Amblyteles contains a num-
ber of species almost identical in appearance with those of the preceding genus
and of similar habits. Hoplismenus is distinguished by having pointed tubercles
or spines upon the metathorax. A common and well marked species is H.
morulus, which is a parasite of certain butterflies. The genus Trogus contains
a few large species of which 7’. exesorius, a yellow species with smoky wings, is
a common parasite of the caterpillars of our Black Swallow-tail butterfly,
Papilio astervas.
OCryptinaz.—Cryptus, the typical genus of this sub-family, contains species

Pree 8”,

-very similar in shape and colouring to those of the preceding sub-family, but
of smaller size and having the ovipositor exserted and sometimes quite long. A
common species is Cryptus extrematis which I have
frequently bred from the cocoons of our large moth
Telea polypkhemus. Figure 29 shows the female and
Figure 30 a cross-section of the moth’s cocoon, indi-
cating how the cocoons of the parasite lie side by side
within it closely packed. The genus contains a great
many species, as does also the genus Phygadeuon,
the species of which differ chiefly in having the
ovipositor shorter. The genus Hemiteles contains small Fira, 30.
species with incomplete areolet, which are said to be secondary parasites; ‘.e.
parasites of parasites, while the species belonging to Pezomachus are wingless
and ant-like in shape and may be found upon the ground or on foliage.
OPHIONIN2.—The species included in this ‘sub- family usually have the
ovipositor short, and they differ from the rest of the Ichneumonide in having
: the abdomen compressed laterally, so that it
becomes sickle-shaped. Some of the larger
forms show this in a marked degree. The
typical genus Ophion contains large yellow
insects of which some are very abundant. Our
largest species is Ophion macrurwm (Figure 31)
which is a parasite of the caterpillar of the
large American silkworm moth (Telea poly-
phemus). The larva of the ophion is a large,
stout grub, which when full grown spins a
dark brown cocoon which almost fills the
cocoon of the moth, and from which the fly
emerges by cutting a circular door at one end.
O. bilineatum infests the White Miller moths,
Fig. 31. while 0. purgatwm (which has two yellow
ee in one of the cells of the anterior wing) is a parasite of the army worm.
yreodon moro is a fine insect of nearly ‘the size and shape of O. macrurum,
but ete leep black colour, with dark,smoky wings and yellow antenne. The genera
Exochilum and Heteropelma contain a few large species of the same general
appearance, while Opheltes glaucopterus might be mistaken for Ophion
macrurum, except that there is an areolet in the anterior wing and that the
terminal segments of the abdomen are black. This fine species has been bred by
my friend Mr. Fletcher from the cocoons of
Ovmbex Americana, the great Willow Sawfly.*
Anomalon and Campoplex contain a large
number of species of moderate size, with the
abdomen long and very thin. They are
parasites of caterpillars, such as_ the de-
structive Tent caterpillars, and they do good
service in keeping down _ such pests.
Another large genus of very beneficial species
is Limneria, but in this and the remaining
genera of the sub-family the species are mostly
small. Figure 32 shows Thersilochus conotra-

Fia. 32.
cheli a parasite of the plum weevil. In Banchus the seutellum is often armed
with a sharp spine.

* Canadian Entomologist, Vol. XIX, p. 80.

68

TRYPHONIN®.—In this and the following sub-family the abdomen instead of
being compressed laterally and thus being more or less knite-shaped, is cylindrical or
flattened vertically, especially the basal segment, which instead of forming a
slender petiole, is in the majority of genera attached to the thorax by its
full width. In the present sub-family the ovipositor is short and not exserted.
There are a number of genera, of which Mesoleptus and Tryphon are the most
important, but without figures it would be difficult to satisfactorily describe any
of the species. Euceros is distinguished by its flattened antenne and Chorinzus
by having one or two segments of the abdomen longitudinally keeled above, as
in the genus Rhogas of the Braconide.

PimpLin&.—This sub-family contains many fine species, including the largest
and most striking of all our Hymenoptera. The structure of the abdomen is
generally as in the preceding sub-family, but the exserted ovipositor is usually
at least half the length of the abdomen, and not unfrequently is much longer
than the whole body of the insect. This development of the ovipositor is due to
the fact that the victims of those species in which it is very long are usually
wood-borers, dwelling in burrows in the wood or under the bark of various trees
and apparently secure from the attacks of the enemies of more exposed species.
Arotes contains several handsome species; black, with markings of yellow or
white, and with the ovipositor about the length of the insect. I have found them
ovipositing in dead hickory, infested by Saperda discoidea, ete. Of Rhyssa there
are five species recorded from Canada, of which R. persuasoria is also found in
Europe. This is a large species, the female (with ovipositor) being 2} inches in
length. The general colour is black, with white markings, but the legs are
rufous. Provancher states that this species is an especial parasite of the large
pine-borers, Monohammus confusor and M. scutellatus. I have not recognized
the species at Ottawa yet, but have a male apparently belonging to it from Rey.
G. W. Taylor, of Victoria, B.C. The closely allied genus Thalessa contains the
giants of the Parasitica, those large species popularly known as “ Long-stings.”
Two species, atrata and lunator, are common, while three others, which may be
perhaps varieties, are recorded. The specific name of Thalessa atrata signifies
that the species is black, and this is true of the female, with the exception of the
head, the antenne and portions of the legs. The male, however, has the legs
almost entirely yellow, the thorax much varied with the same colour, and the
abdomen much lighter than that of the female. A large female measures fully
an inch and a half from the head to the tip of the abdomen, beyond which the
ovipositor extends five inches. The legs, wings and antennz are developed in
proportion, so that the motions of the insect are active and she flies strongly. The
size of these insects and their curious method of oviposition (egg-placing) have
made them objects of much interest to entomologists. Their larve are parasites
(feeding externally) of the grubs of the wood boring “ Horn tail” called Tremex
columba. I am sorry that space does not permit me to give a fuller account of
their habits, which have been very carefully worked out by Prof Riley. In 7.
lunator, which is asomewhat smaller species and more variable in size, the thorax
and abdomen are largely marked with yellow. To those who wish to observe
these insects I may say that they can generally be found about old maples and
beeches in midsummer. ,

The genus Ephialtes contains several fine species having the abdomen
tuberculate along the sides and the ovipositor as long as the insect itself. L.
irritator, which I have taken on dead hickory in June has the abdomen and legs
red, but other large species such as gigas and occidentalis are black, with the
exception of the legs.

69

Pimpla, the genus from which the sub-family takes its name, contains a num-
ber of very useful species of which P. conquisitor (Figure 23) is a great aid in
checking the ravages of the
Forest Tent-caterpillar. I
observed it to be very abund-
antin 13889. This species has
the segments of the abdomen
margined with white, but in
our other species the thorax
and abdomen are entirely

7 black. The legs, however,
Bx. 8, as in this species, are usually
red, and more or less variegated with black and white.
Our largest species, P. pedalis, also an enemy of
Clisiocampa, has the legs red, with the exception of
the hinder tibiz and tarsi, which are black, while P.
pterelas, which can be bred in large numbers from
pods of iris infested by the beetle Mononychus vulpeculus, has its legs entirely
red. A very closely allied species P. annulipes (Figure 34) is said to be a parasite
of Carpocapsa pomonella, the Codling moth, whose larvee do such enormous
damage to our apples.

Differing from Pimplas chiefly in colour are two yellow species belonging to:
the genus Theronia. In Victoria, B.C., in May, 1888, I observed 7. fulvescens to
be very abundant and as it is a parasite of the western Tent-caterpillar, which
was then in immense numbers, I have no donbt that the insects were then
engaged in the good work of depositing their eggs in the obnoxious caterpillars.
The species which occurs here is called Theronia melanocephala from its black
head, and I have bred it from cocoons of Halesidota maculata.

The sub-family contains many other genera, some of which, as Xorides,
Xylonomus, Ecthrus and Odontomerus, include large handsome species.

Fic. 34.

STEPHANIDH.—This family only contains two genera, and the: American
species described are only four in number. They are rare in collections, and none
are yet reported from Canada I think. In appearance they much resemble some
species of the next family, and having long ovipositors are probably parasites of
wood-borers.

Braconip&.—The described species of this family are not so numerous as
those of the ichneumonide, nor are they so large, but they include many inter-
esting forms, and many of great use in keeping down noxious insects. The
braconids are distinguished from the ichneumonids by the venation of the
anterior wings, which lack the cross-vein known as the second recurrent nervure.
On examining the wing of Cryptus, for instance, (see Fig. 29) there is seen just
below the areolet (or little pentagonal cell) a cross-vein, but if the wing of a
Bracon (see Fig. 35) is examined it will readily be seen that there is no trace of
a corresponding cross-vein. In the braconids also (except in one small section)
the second and third segments of the abdomen are rigidly connected, instead of
being flexibly jointed. They are separated into five divisions, which are further
divided into sub-families.

Cyciostomi.—In this division the clypeus (or portion of face just above the
mouth) is emarginate, thus forming a semi-circular opening above the mandibles
or jaws. There are nine sub-families, but the majority of the species are con-
tained in the genera Bracon and Rhogas.

70

The larger species of Bracon are usually black, with bright red abdomen,
dark, smoky wings, and a long ovipositor. They
may be seen upon dead trees, and are largely para-
sitic upon the larvae of beetles which infest the
trees. The larva of the Bracon spins a tough oval
cocoon, perfectly flat above and below. Such
cocoons can frequently be found under the bark of
maple, cedar, ete. in the burrows of the beetles
upon which the parasites preyed. The smaller

dipterous and other larve. Fig. 35 shows Bracon
charus which is said to be a parasite of Chrysobo-
thris femorata, the flat-headed apple tree-borer.

The species of Rhogas differ from Bracon in
having the ovipositor short, the wings transparent, |
and especially in having the first segments of the
abdomen carinate. KR. intermedius is a medium
Fia. 35. sized yellow species which I have frequently bred
from a handsome caterpillar (A cronycta sp.)

Many larve live in one caterpillar, which dies from the attack when it is about
full grown. The victims may frequently be seen exteuded on stems of grass, appar-
ently at rest, but on closer examination are found to be stiff and hard, and per-
haps riddled with minute holes from which a score or more of the flies have
issued.

CRrYPTOGASTRES.—The species included in this division are easily recognized
by the form of the abdomen which, instead of consisting of several segments,
with sutures (or joints) between them, seems to be in one piece. This shield-like
abdomen, however, consists of the first three segments welded together. It con-
ceals the ventral segments, and thus gives the name to the division, which con-
tains the two sub-families, Sigalphinz and Chelonine.

Fig. 36 shows very clearly the male and female of Sigalphus curculionis,
which is one of the parasites of the
plum-curculio.

AREOLARI.—In this division
the distinguishing feature is in the
venation of the wing, in which the
second submarginal is minute, form-
ing a small triangular areolet, or often
imperfect. There are two subfamilies
as in the preceding division. The
first includes the well-known genera
Apanteles and Microgaster ; each con-
taining many species, which, though Fra. 36.
small, are of great benefit in holding
lepidopterous larvae in check. Mr. Howard (in Scudder’s Butterflies of the United
States and Canada) mentions no less than sixteen species of Apanteles as para-
sites of butterflies.

PoLyMorPHI.—This division contains several subfamilies, and includes some
large species, such as Helcon, but it is almost impossible without illustrations to
give any satisfactory idea of the numerous genera. Fig. 37 shows, greatly enlarged,
Macrocentrus delicatus, a parasite of the Codling moth.

species are reddish or yellowish, and infest |

71

EXxopONTES.—This division is very poorly represented in Canada, or at
least in collections. The species are
small, but may be distinguished by an
examination of the mouth parts ; the
mandibles have the tips turned outward
(as the name of division indicates), and
cannot therefore be used for biting.

FLEXIVENTRES.—This division con-
tains species which differ from all the
other braconids in having the segments
of the abdomen freely articulated, so
that it can be bent under the thorax.
There is only one sub-family, the Aphid-
iinze, and the species are very small, yet
they are of great economic importance,
as they are parasites of various species
of aphides, or plant-lice. The larva
feeds inside the aphis, which becomes
swollen, and finally is found fixed to
the plant on which it has been feeding,
a mere dead shell from which the tiny
parasitic fly has escaped. The grain
aphis is said to be kept in check by one
species, which alone must save an
immense sum to our farmers.

Fie, 37. CHaLcIDID&.—Here we have an-
other very extensive family ; the species
differing greatly in structure and in habits. They are always small, but
frequently are very brilliant in appearance, glittering with bright tints and
metallic lustres. It will only be possible to glance at a few of the forms, as the
great diversity of structure which obtains among them, and their minuteness
make their study and identification difficult except for one who can devote much
time to it. The wings have scarcely any traces of venation, except the vein
along the front edge.

Leucospis afinis is our largest species; a black and yellow fly about one-
fourth of an inch long, with its ovipositor curved up over the abdomen in a
curious manner. It is frequently found on golden-rod, and is a parasite of bees.

Fic, 38,

Smicra and Chalchis contain species remarkable for the development of the
hind legs. Fig. 38 shows Smicra marie, which is a parasite of the Cecropia
caterpillar, and Fig. 39 gives Chaleis flavipes which attacks the larva of the
cotton moth.

72

The genus Torymus contains a number of species, which may be bred from
different galls. The females have the abdomen flattened ovate, and sometimes.
prolonged to an acute point; the abdomen of the males is very small, and the
insects are black. A not uncommon species is 7. gigantea, which is bred from
the large globular galls produced on stems of golden-rod by a fly (T'rypeta solid-
aginis), about the size of a house fly, with mottled wings.

The closely allied genus Isosoma contains species which depart from the para-
sitic habits of the majority of the family, and become themselves noxious insects.
LIsosomu hordei (Fig. 40) is the well-known
Joint-worm of wheat and barley straw,
making gall-like swellings at the joints,
in which several cells may be found, each
containing a little grub.

The sub-family Pteromalinz contains,
amid a great complex of tribes and genera,
a correspondingly great number of species.
The typical genus, Pteromalus, alone con-
tains more than 30 species, of which some
are well-known parasites of butterflies.
P. puparum is recorded as bred from
eleven species of butterfly, and is a com-
mon destroyer of the chrysalids of the
cabbage white butterfly (Pieris rape) and
of Vanessa antiopa. I have counted

Fic. 40. more than 450 flies from one pupa of the

latter, and sometimes scarcely an unin-

fested chrysalid can be found. The species of Tetrastichus are also frequently

parasites of butterflies, while 7. eswrws (Fig. 42) has been bred from the cotton moth,

The genus Trichogramma (which constitutes a sub-family) also has similar habits,
and 7. minutum (Fig. 41) is a parasite of our

large Milkweed Butterfly (Danais archippus). orn,

PROCTOTRUPIDE—This family has been but ¥%= as
meagrely investigated in Canada, although the “*=i+"Z
species are numerous, and often of interesting a9.“

ae : Dp a
structure. They are not so varied in coloring as TTT
the Chalcidide, to which they are closely related, R®
but are usually brown or black. Many of them Rain A Xt
are wingless, living among low herbage and moss, ¢
and some of the genera consist of species so Fic. 41.
minute that they live and mature in the eggs of
other insects. I have found clusters of moths’ eggs from each of which, instead of
a young caterpillar, has issued a perfect winged
fly (Teleas orgyiw.) Those of Scelio infest, I
believe, the eggs of grasshoppers or crickets.

PELECINIDZ—This family is a very easy one
to study, as it contains only one species, Pelecimus
polyturator, the shape of which is so different.
from all other hymenoptera that it can be quickly
recognized. This fine insect is of a glossy black,
with short wings, containing few veins. The male
has a club-shaped abdomen, but the female has hers
greatly elongated—about five times the length of
her head and thorax—her total length is about two inches. The females are

73

not uncommon, and generally fly near the ground, but their habits are otherwise
unknown. I have taken them as far eastward as Nova Scotia, but I do not know
how far westward their range extends. The male is exceedingly rare, and I have
only seen one specimen that was captured in Ontario.

Although this review of the great complex of insects embraced in the Para-
sitica has been a very rapid and incomplete one, I hope that it has at least given
some idea of their great number, their diversity of structure and their economic
importance. We see that egg, larva and pupa are alike subject to their attacks, and
that scarcely any form of insect defence appears to be sufficient to prevent their
attacks. The grub gnawing his hidden burrow in the tree, and the scale insect
adhering firmly to the twig, alike have their parasitic foes differing in size and
method of attack.

It will be observed further that the value of any species in destroying
obnoxious forms does not depend upon its size or strength. The greatest benefits
are often effected by atoms so minute as almost to escape our search, but which
by their numbers work wholesale destruction to their victims. The tiny fly that
destroys a cluster of eggs is a greater helper than the larger one that might later
destroy the brood of caterpillars, because in the latter case a certain amount of
depredation is committed before the labours of the parasite are fulfilled. The
diminutive devourers of aphides are of unknown value, as plant-lice increase so
enormously by rapidly succeeding generations that if it were not for such pro-
vidential safeguards they would swarm everywhere working devastation.

INSECTS INJURIOUS TO THE ELM.
BY F. B. CAULFIELD, MONTREAL.

First are insects injurious to the trunk.

1. THE Common ELM-TREE Borer, Saperda tridentata, Oliv, Order Coleop
tera, Family Cerambycidee.—aA very destructive insect, boring in the inner bark
and the surface of the wood of elm trees. Fitch states that the eggs are deposited
in June and that the young larvee nearly complete their growth before winter,
and soon after warm weather arrives in spring they pass into the pupa state.
Packard, who has found the larva in abundance in spring in Providence, under
the bark of old dead elms, describes it as follows :—* White, snb-cylindrical, a
little flattened, with the lateral fold of the body rather prominent; end of the
body flattened, obtuse, and nearly as wide at the end as at the first abdominal
ring. The head is one-half as wide as the first prothoracic ring, being rather
large. The prothoracice segment, or that next to the head, is transversely oblong,
being about twice as broad as long; there is a pale Worsal corneous transversely
oblong shield, being about two-thirds as long as wide, and nearly as long as the
four succeeding segments ; this is smooth, except on the posterior half, which is
rough, with the front edge irregular and not extending far down the sides. Fine
hairs arise from the front edge and sides of the plate, and similar hairs are
scattered over the body and especially around the end. On the upper side of
each segment is a transversely oblong ovate roughened area, with the front edge
slightly convex, and behind slightly arcuate. On the under side of each segment
are similar rough horny plates, but arcuate in front, with the hinder edge
straight.

74

It differs from the larva of Saperda vestita, Say, in the shorter body, which
is broader, more hairy, with the tip of the abdomen flatter and more hairy. The
prothoracie segment is broader and flatter, and the rough portion of the dorsal
plates is larger and less transversely ovate.”

These destructive grubs by tunnelling and undermining, loosen large portions
of the bark, stopping the flow of sap, weakening and finally killing the tree.

The perfect insect is a flat-bodied beetle, measuring from four to six-tenths
of an inch in length. It is of a rather dark brown colour above, with a grayish
tinge caused by a coat of very short downy hairs. The under surface blueish
gray. The basal joints of the antennez are blackish brown, the remainder paler.
A line of orange encircles each eye, and a stripe of the same colour runs from the
antennz to the hind margin of the thorax, and is continued along the edge of the
wing-covers where they are bent down over the sides of the body, getting
narrower gradually until it reaches the tip. From this border, three branches or
teeth run obliquely towards the inner edge of the wing-covers, the middle one
being the longest. There are six small black spots on the thorax, two on top just
behind the antenna, and two on each side below the orange stripe, and at each
angle of the stripes on the wing-covers, there is a small dark patch or spot.

Any trees known to be attacked by borers should be cut down in the fall or

during the winter, and used for firewood, care being taken not to leave any ex-
posed during the summer; particularly in June and July, as at this time most of
our borers deposit their eggs. It follows, therefore, that no freshly cut, or fallen
trees, or branches should be left lying about, and if cordwood is piled, it should
be covered, as the borers will surely find all newly felled wood if left exposed,
and where such carelessness is permitted, will congregate and multiply year after
year. ;
2. Tae LaTeRAL Em Borer, Saperda lateralis, Fab, Order Coleoptera, Family
Cerambycide.—This beetle very closely resembles the preceding species, and its
habits appear to be the same; it differs somewhat in markings, as the orange
border on the wing-covers wants the three teeth running towards the inner mar-
gin. It bores in the inner bark of the elm, appearing in June, but seems to be
less common than Saperda tridentata.

3. THE SIX-BANDED Dryostus, Dryobius sexfasciatus, Say, Order Coleoptera,
Family Cerambycidee.—According to Dr. Fitch, the larva of this species is similar
to that of Saperda tridentata, and is found along with it; it is, however, larger
than that species.

The perfect insect is a black beetle measuring from three-fourths to seven-
eighths of an inch in length. The general colour is black, the thorax deeply

margined with yellow, and each wing-cover is ornamented with four oblique’

bands of the same colour; the scutel, as entomologists name the little triangular
piece at the base of the wing-covers, is also yellow. The antenne are reddish
brown, the legs reddish, the thighs being dilated or swollen, the abdomen is banded
with yellow. Ido not find this species on the Society’s list of Canadian beetles,
but think I have seen it recorded by a Canadian entomologist.

4. THE SHORT-LINED Dutartius, Dularius brevilineus, Say, Order Coleoptera,
Family Cerambycidze.—This is a large black longicorn beetle, with dark blue wing-
covers, not covering the whole of the abdomen ; a rounded thorax, flattened above
and the thighs very much swollen. “The antenne are about two-thirds the
length of the body, flattened towards the end, and somewhat serrate. The body
above is velvety black, and brown black beneath. The head is black and coarsely
punctured, and the prothorax is covered with short, dense, black hairs, like velvet.
The wing-covers are Prussian blue in colour, bent, corrugated, with an interrupted
ridge just outside the middle of each cover. They are covered with fine black

—S ee

75

hairs, bent over. There isa pair of parallel short honey-yellow lines in the
middle of each wing-cover, with a third one a little in front, making in all six
streaks. The legs and feet are black. It is a little over eight-tenths of an inch
in length.” (Packard).

Bores in elm trees. Mr. George Hunt has observed this species inserting its
eggs in the crevices of the hark. Occurs in Ontario and Quebec, but apparently
is not abundant.

5. THE RED-HEADED CLytus, Neoclytus erythrocephalus Fab, Order Coleop-
tera, Family Cerambycidee.—This pretty little beetle bores in the elm and also in
hickory, ete. “ It is about one-third of an inch long, and hardly one-tenth of an
inch wide, the thorax being very cylindrical and as wide as the wing-covers.
The colour is a rusty red, the head being of a lighter red, whence the name
erythrocephalus, from two Greek words signifying “red-head.” The antenne are
about one-half as long as the body ; the elytra have four narrow vellow bands
across them, and the legs are long and slender, especially the hinder pair, which
are almost twice as long as the body. This beetle is exceedingly quick in its
movements, and is difficult to capture as it runs swiftly, and take to flight in-
stantly, if disturbed.” (Harrington). This species has been taken on hickory by
Mr. W. H. Harrington and has been bred from that tree by Drs. Leconte and Horn.
It has been found under the bark of an old sugar maple by Mr. G. Hunt, and
bred from oak by Dr. Riley. It has been tound boring in dead elms in Michigan
by Hubbard, and I have myself found it at Montreal on a fallen red oak, so that
it appears to infest. various kinds of forest trees.

At least two species of bark-beetles are known to infest the elm. The
Scolytide, to which family they belong, are all of very small size. The female
drives a long gallery between the bark and the wood, depositing an egg at inter-
vals as she progresses ; each larva when hatched drives a tunnel at almost a right
angle to the main gallery, and when its transformations are completed, cuts a hole
through the bark, through which it escapes. A tree infested by these insects,
looks as if it had been riddled with shot, and the surface of the wood is scored in
all directions with their burrows, loosening the bark and destroying the tree.

6. THE ELM Bark-BoreER, Phle@otribus liminaris, Harris, Order Coleoptera,
Family Scolytidze.—According to Dr. Harris this little beetle “is of a dark-brown
colour ; the thorax is punctured, and the wing-covers are marked with deeply
punctured furrows, and beset with short hairs. It does not average one-tenth of
an inch in length.”

7. THE BLAcK ELM BARK-BORER, Hylesinus opaculus, Leconte, Order Coleop-
tera, Family Scolytide.—This is a stoutly built pitechy-black beetle found under
the dry bark of elm and ash trees. Both these species are given in the Society’s
list of Canadian beetles.

8. According tu Packard, THE SNowy TREE CRICKET, Weanthus niveus, Ser-
ville, deposits its eggs in the corky bark of the elm in the Southern States. The
perfect insect, Fig. 43, is a slightly formed pale green cricket,
with ivory white wings; the

female, Fig. 44, with a long ovi- ae
positor. Very common in Ontario Sc. vhs
and Quebec, as far east as Mon- -

treal. Fig. 44.
Second are insects injuring the leaves.
9. THE ANTIOPA BuTTERFLY, Vanessa antiopa, Linne,
Order Lepidoptera, Family Nymphalidze.—Every one who has
Fig 43. walked through the woods in early spring, must have noticed a
large dark-colored butterfly, that dashing up when approached, after circling

76

around for a few moments, now fluttering, and anon gliding on motionless wing,
settles down again in some sheltered spot where it sits opening and closing its
wings, enjoying the balmy air and bright sunshine that once again awakens
nature from her death-like sleep, to renewed life and activity. This is the well-
known Antiopa butterfly, the “ Camberwell Beauty ” of the English entomologists.
Antiopa passes the winter in any convenient shelter that it can find. Dr. Harris
tells us that he has found it sticking to the rafters of a barn, and in the crevices
of walls and stone heaps, huddling together in great numbers. Italso hibernates
on the ground, clinging to the under surface of stones in dry situations. The
female deposits her eggs in a cluster around a twig of elm, willow or poplar ; and
until nearly full grown, the caterpillars keep together. The mature larva is black,
thickly dotted with white giving it a grayish appearance. On top of the back isa
row of eight brick-red spots, and the body is armed with a number of strong branch-
ing spines. The first brood of caterpillars appears in June, the second in August,
and the butterflies from the last brood hibernate. "The butterfly is dark maroon
brown on the upper side of the wings, with a broad border of yellow, thickly
dotted with brown ; on the inner side of this border there is a band of black, in
which is set a row of blue spots ; the front edge of the wings is marked with fine
yellow lines and two spots of the same colour. A variety is occasionally met with,
in which the yellow border is unusually broad, and the dark band with the blue
spots is wanting.

If numerous enough to be troublesome, these caterpillars may be killed by
shaking them off the branch on which they are congregated, and crushing them.
This should be done while they are small, as when nearly full grown, they scatter
over the trees and wander about in search of a suitable place in which to undergo
their transformations.

10. THE INTERROGATION BUTTERFLY, Grapta interrogationis, Fah, Order
Lepidoptera, Family Nymphalide.—This is a dimorphic species, the hibernating
form being known as Fabricii, the other as Umbrosa. Fig. 45 represents @.
progne, a closely allied species.

Farther to the south there are about four
broods in a season, but with us only two,
and while the last brood gives the pale form
which hibernates, the other broods are more
or less mixed, Fabricii has the upper surface
fulvous, spotted with black and clouded with
warm brown ; onthe hind wings the brown pre-
dominates, the lighter colour being restricted
to a patch on the upper angle, and a row of
spots a little inside the outer edge ; the edges

Fig. 45.

of all the wings are light purplish blue. The front margin of the fore wings is
convex, the tip cut squarely off, the outer margin concave. Hind wings tailed.
Under surface marbled and clouded with various shades of brown and purple, and
with an interrupted C. inthe middle. Umbrosa has the upper surface of the hind
wings almost entirely black, the submarginal row of spots being absent, the fore
wings are not so falcate, and the tail on the hind wings is shorter.

“The young larvie are whitish yellow, somewhat marked with brown, head
black. After the first moult their colour is black, more or less specked with white,
and they begin to be clothed with short spines, all black except those on the
eighth and tenth segments which are whitish. After the second moult they be-
gin to assume the type they retain to maturity. The spines are in seven rows,
fleshy at base, slender and many-branching at extremity ; the dorsal and first

lateral on joint 3 are black, on joints 2, 4, and 11 russet, the rest yellow; the
second laterals black throughout, the lowest row greenish , head bilobed, black,
with short black spines on vertices. After the third moult the larve vary great-
ly both in colour of body and spines. Some are black, finely specked with yellow-
ish ; others are yellow-brown, specked with yellow tubercles ; others gray-brown
with indistinct reddish lines between the spines on the dorsal and two lateral
rows, and much tuberculated ; others are black with fulvous stripes and profusely
covered with yellowish tuberculated spots and points. The spines vary from
black to fulvous and green and yellow. (French). Feeds on elm, basswood, hop,
nettle and false nettle.

Grapta comma, Harris, closely resembles the. preceding species but is
smaller, and the wings are not so decidedly faleate, Food plants the same.

11. THE SPRING CANKER WorM, Anisopteryx vernata, Peck, Order Lepidop-
tera, Family Phaleenidse.—Late in autunan when the leaves have fallen and the
insect tribes have almost entirely disappeared, this fragile looking moth, Fig. 46,

may be seen flying slowly through the de-
AE io serted woods. “The fore wings of the male

~ are ash-coloured and semitransparent, with a
: 3 ee broken whitish band crossing the wings near
pit ne / | = 77, 2 = the outer margin, and three interrupted
’ JAG brownish lines between that and the base.
There is an oblique black dash near the tip
of the fore wings and a nearly continuous
black line before the fringe. The hind wings are plain, pale ash-coloured, or
very light gray, with a dusky dot about the middle of each.” (Saunders.)

A second species, A pometaria, Fig. 47, very closely resembles vernata, but
the wings are less transparent and are a little darker in colour, and the hind
wings are generally crossed by a white band. The females of both species are
wingless. The eggs are deposited in masses,
generally in crevices in the bark. The larvee SQ
vary in colour from greenish yellow to gray
and dark brown. When fully grown they ,..
leave the trees by creeping down or else lower §
themselves by means of a silken thread and
enter the ground to change to chrysalis. The Fig. 47.
moths generally emerge late in the fall, but some individuals do not appear until
spring. To prevent the females creeping up the trees, strips of canvass or stiff
paper, covered with tar or printers’ ink, should be applied to the tree, renewing
the covering from time to time to keep it soft and sticky, and as the moths may
deposit their eggs below the band care must be taken to leave no crevices through
which the young caterpillars might pass.

Fig. 46.

Canker worms are widely distributed, occurring in Canada as far east as
Montreal at least. They feed on many kinds of leave es, and where precautionary
measures are not adopted often prove exceedingly injurious.

12, THE NovemsBer Motu, Lpirrita dilutata, Hubn, Order Lepidoptera,
family Phalzenidee—This moth, like the Canker worm, flies late in autumn and
would be easily mistaken for that insect. The body and wings are pale ash
gray, the fore wings with eight wavy black lines and double row of black dots
next the margin. Fringe whitish. Hind wings with four faint wavy lines.
Wings expand about an inch and a quarter. Although generally not common in
this neighbourhood, it is occasionally quite abundant.

78

The following insects are also known to feed on the elm:

Coleoptera.—Galeruca calmariensis, Linn ; Chrysomela scalaris, Leconte ; Monocesta caryli, Say ; Grap
todera chalybea, Ill; Cotalpa lanigera; Linn ; Magdalis armicollis, Say.

Hymenoptera.—Tremex columba, Linn; Cimbex Americana, Leach,

Hemiptera.—Colopha ulmicola, Fitch; Eriosoma Rileyi, Thomas; Schizoneura Americana, Riley ;
Callipterus ulmicola, Thomas.

Lepidoptera.—Papilio turnus, Linn; Ceratomia quadricornis, Harris; Hyphantria textor, Harris ;
Telea polyphemus, Hubn ; Hyperchiria io, Fab; Halisidota carye, Harris; Orgyia nova, Fitch; Orgyia
leucostigma, Abb and Smith ; Datana ministra, Drury ; Tolype velleda, Stoll; Edema albifrons, Walk ;
Clisiocampa Americana, Harris ; Clisiocampa sylvatica, Harris ; Apatela vinnula, Grote; Apatela occi-
dentalis, Grote ; Apatela morula, Guen ; Apatela ulmi, Harris; Paraphia unipunctaria, Haw ; Metanema
quercivorana, Guen ; Hibernia tiliaria, Harris ; Sicya mucularia, Guen; Metrocampa perlaria, Guen ;
Eugonia subsignaria, Hubn; Nephopteryx undulatella, Clem; Nephopteryx? ulmi-arrosorella, Clem ;
Bactra? argutana, Clem: Lithocolletis argentinotella, Clem; Lithocolletis ulmella, Clem; Argyresthia
austerella, Zeller.

Mr. A. F. Winn informs me that Pyrameis atalanta, Linn, feeds readily on
elm in confinement and that he has seen Grapta j-albwm ovipositing on it.

THE ENTOMOLOGY OF SHAKESPEARE.
BY THE REV. THOMAS W. FYLES, SOUTH QUEBEC.

Some time ago, in a list of books upon Shakespeare and his works, I noticed
that there was one upon the Entomology of Shakespeare. ‘ihe book was beyond
my reach. It occurred to me that it would be an interesting study to examine
for myself and find out what particulars the great moralist and prince of poets
had gathered concerning insects from the folk-lore of his day and his own obser-
tion, and to what account in his plays he had turned the knowledge he had gained.
Accordingly, as leisure was afforded me, I read over the plays carefully and noted
down the allusions to insects that I discovered. I found that the plays contained
at least 168 references to insects, viz.:—To honey-bees, 18; humble-bees, 5;
wasps, 8; ants, 3; stinging-insect undesignated, 1 ; butterflies, 6 ; moths and their
larvee, 24; beetles and their larve, 11; gnats, 10; fleas, 6; brize-flies, 2; bots, 1;
blow-flies, 11); flies, 22; sheep-tick, 1; louse, 8; cricket, 4; locust, 1; grasshop-
per, 1; spiders, 17; scorpions, 3. Grouped according to orders these would give :
Hymenoptera, 35; Lepidoptera, 30; Diptera, 58; Coleoptera, 11; Hemiptera,
7; Orthoptera, 6; Arachnida, 20. The references which I discovered are thus
distributed: The highest numbers are in Troilus and Cressida, 11 notices refer-
ring to 9 species; Romeo and Juliet, 11 notices referring to 8 species ; and 2nd Part
of K. Henry VI., 10 notices referring to 6 species. Midsummer Night’s Dream,
K. Henry V., Cymbeline, and King Lear have 8 notices each; Ist Part of K.
Henry IV. and Hamlet have 7 each; The Tempest, 2nd Part of K. Henry IV..,
Coriolanus, Antony and Cleopatra, Titus Andronicus and Othello have each 6
notices; The Winter’s Tale has 5; The Merchant of Venice, Taming of the Shrew ;
8rd Part of K. Henry VI, and Pericles Prince of Tyre have 4 each; The Two
Gentlemen of Verona, Love’s Labour’s Lost, King John and 1st Part of K. Henry
VI. have 3 each ; Merry Wives of Windsor, Comedy of Errors, Macbeth, King
Richard II. and Julius Cesar have 2 each; Measure for Measure, As you like it,
All’s well that ends well, King Richard III, King Henry VIII. and Timon of
Athens have each a solitary reference; and in Much ado about nothing I could
find none. The number of species mentioned is over 30. We will take them
according to orders.

79

HyMENOPTERA.—Shakespeare’s ideas of the honey-bee seem to have been
somewhat confused. He was misled probably by the old-world learning newly
revived in his day; and, in his allusions to the ° ‘magnanimous leaders, the man-
ners and employments, the tribes and battles of the race,” he seems to have fol-
lowed in the footsteps of Virgil (Georgics, Book IV.), or of writers who were
acquainted with Virgil. His Archbishop of Canterbury in King Henry V. speaks
of the head of the hive as a “ King.” The passage in which this occurs is very
fine; and I am tempted to give it in its entirety.

So work the honey-bees ;
Creatures, that, by a rule in nature, teach

The act of order to a peopled kingdom.

They have a king, and eHicara of sorts:

Where some, like magistrates, correct at home:
Others, like merchants, venture trade abroad ;
Others, like soldiers, arme] in their stings
Make boot upon the summer’s velvet buds ;
Which pillage they with merry march bring home
To the tent-royal of their emperor :

Who, busied in his majesty, surveys

The singing masons building roofs of gold ;

The civil citizens kneading up the honey ;

The poor mechanic porters crowding in

Their heavy burdens at his narrow gate ;

The sad ey’d justice, with his surly hum,
Delivering o’er to executor’s pale

The lazy yawning drone.

Act I. se. 1.

It would seem too that the strange story told by Virgil—how Aristzeus, son
of Cyrene, sacrificed cattle and left the carcases exposed till, “ wondrous to relate,
bees through all the belly hum amidst the putrid bowels of the cattle, pour forth
with fermenting juices from the burst sides, and in immense clouds roll along,
then swarm together on a top of a tree and hang down from the bending boughs”
(Georgies, Bk. [V.)—had left an impression upon his mind, for he puts in the
mouth of King Henry IV., who is lamenting the behaviour of Prince Henry of
Monmouth, the words:

Tis seldom when the bee doth leave the comb
In the dead carrion.
Act IV., sc. 4.

His observations of the bees however were, in many points, correct. He
noticed that they “ gather’d honey from the weed” (Henry V., Act IV., se. 1);
that they took “ toll from every tlower” (2nd Part K. Henry IV., Act IV., se. 4);
that “drones” rob the hives (Pericles, Prince of Tyre, Act IL, sc. 1; Merchant of
Venice, Act II., se. 5; 2nd Part K. Henry VI., Act IV., sc. 1); that the wasps
steal the honey and kills the bees (Two Gent. of Verona, Act I., sc. 2, and Titus
Andronicus, Act II., se. 3); that the swarm deprived of its leader becomes vindic-
tive:

The commons like an angry hive of bees
That want their leader, scatter up and down

And care not who they sting in his revenge.
2nd Part K. Henry VI1., Act III., sc. 2.

With the methods pursued by the bee-masters of his day he was acquainted.
Bolingbroke says:

like the bee tolling from every flower the virtuous sweets,
Our thighs pack’d with wax, our mouths with honey

We bring it to the hive; and like the bees

Are murder’d for our pains.

2nd Part K. Henry IV., Act IV., sc. 4

And Talbot in Ist Part of K. Henry VI., Act L., sc. 5:

So bees with smoke and doves with noisome stench
Are from their hives and houses driven away.

The “ Red-hipped humble-bee” of Shakespeare is Bombus lapidarius. This

80

species makes its nest very commonly under stone-piles by the road-side. Itisa
handsome and courageous insect ; and Nick Bottom the Weaver gave the fairy
Cobweb no light task when he bade him:
Monsieur Cobweb: good monsieur, get your weapons in your hand; and kill me a red-hipped
humble-bee on the top of a thistle ; and good monsieur, bring me the honey-bag.
Midsummer Night’s Dream, Act IV., sc. 1.
It is to be hoped that Oberon interposed in behalf of the bee, for

Full merrily the humble-bee doth sing
Till he hath lost his honey and his sting ;
And being once subdued in armed tail
Sweet honey and sweet notes together fail.
bid, Act V., sc. 2.

Other passages in which bees are mentioned are The Tempest, Act L, se. 2,
and Act V., sc. 1; Midsummer Night’s Dream, Act IIL, se. 1, Love’s labour’s lost,
Act IIL, se. 1; All’s well that ends well, Act IV., se. 5; Comedy of Errors, Act
IL, sc. 1; 2nd Part K. Henry VI., Act IV., sc. 2; Troilus and Cressida, Act I., se.
3, Act II., se. 2, and Act V., sc. 2; Cymbeiine, Act IIL, se. 2; and Titus Androni-
cus, Act IV., se. 1.

Shakespeare’s allusions to the Wasp (Vespa vulgaris) convey the ideas of :
(1) Petulance—Tempest, Act V., sc. 1:

Mar’s hot minion is returned again
Her waspish-headed son has broke his arrows.

See also Winter’s Tale, Act I, se. 2; 1st Part K. Henry IV., Act I, se. 3;
and Julius Cesar, Act IV., se., 3.

(2) Injustice—Two Gentlemen of Verona, Act I., se. 2:

O hateful hands to tear such loving words

Injurious wasps ! to feed on such sweet honey,

And kill the bees that yield it, with your stings.
(3) Vengeance—Titus Andronicus, Act IL., se. 3:

When you have the honey you desire
Let not this wasp outlive, us both to sting.

In the 3rd Part of K. Henry VI., Act IIL., se. 6, it is said of the defeated
Lancastrians :

For though they cannot greatly sting to hurt,
Yet lcok to have them buz to offend thine ears.

The commonest species of English ants is Formica rufa. This probably is the
species mentioned in 1st Part of K. Henry IV., Act I. se. 3 by Hotspur:

Why, look you, I am whipp’d and scourg’d with rods,
Nettled and stung with pismires.

Among the “skimble-skamble stuff” that angered Hotspur was Glendower’s
talk of “the moldwarp and the ant” (Ib. Act III, sc. 1). The ant also is men-
tioned in King Lear, Act IIL, se. 4.

LepIDoPTERA.—To butterflies there are but few references in Shakespeare,
but the few shew that the great dramatist had closely observed these beautiful
objects. He knew of their metamorphoses, and says :

There is a difference between a grub and a butterfly, yet your butterfly was but a grub.
Coriolanus, Act V., sc. 5.

In his choice of an adjective to describe their wings he could not have found
a more appropriate word than he has in

Men like butterflies
Shew not their mealy wings, but to the summer.
Troilus and Cressida, Act ITI., se. 3.

81

_ There is a charming suggestion of the shape of the butterfly’s wings in Mid-
summer Night’s Dream, Act II., se. 1, where Titania bids the fairies :

Pluck the wings from painted butterflies
To fan the moon-beams from the sleeping eyes.

(of the strange being with whom she is enamoured),

An adjective that Shakespeare applies on two occasions to the butterfly is
“oilded”:

And laugh at gilded butterflies.
: King Lear, Act V., sc. 2.
I saw him run after a gilded butterfly.
Coriolanus, Act I., sc, 3.

What particular species he is alluding to in these passages we cannot tell—
probably to one of the Fritillaries, and possibly to the “High Brown” (Argynnis
adippe). In connection with this insect Morris writes:—“It has been well

observed that all the best and highest enjoyiments of man are those which, com-
ing as they do direct from the bounteous hand of the Omnipotent himself, are
not purchasable with money or any other human commodity. Every aspect under
which nature is viewed throws light upon this remark and gilds it with the
unmistakable lustre of truth.” The under side of the hind-wings of Adippe are
gorgeous with their large silver spangles and their rusty red spots. The combi-
nation of these as the insect flutters by certainly gives the idea of gilding. Other
adjectives used by Shakespeare in relation to butterflies are “ painted” (as above),
and “summer” (Coriolanus, Act IV., se. 6), both appropriate enough.

To moths and their larve we find many allusions. The canker-worm
especially afforded the poet many apt and beautiful comparisons. Several of these
refer to love. Who is not familiar with the words of Viola in Twelfth N ight
telling of the effect of unrequited love upon health:

She never told her love
But let concealment, like a worm i’ the bud
Feed on her damask cheek.
Act IT., se. 4.

There is wisdom quaintly expressed in the advice given by the suspicious
Laertes to his sister:

The chariest maid is prodigal enough,

If she unmask her beauty to the moon:

Virtue itself ’scapes not calumnious strokes ; :

The canker galls the infants of the spring,

Too oft before their buttons be disclosed ;

And in the morn and liquid dew of youth

Contagious blastments are most imminent.

Hamlet, Act I., se. 3.
In the Two Gentlemen of Verona we have a playful conversation upon the

effect of love upon the understanding :

Valentine.—Love is your master, for he masters you :

And he that is so yoked by a fool,

Methinks should not be chronicled for wise.

Proteus.—Y et writers say, As in the sweetest bud

The eating canker dwells, so eating love

Inhabits in the finest wits of all.

Valentine.—And writers say, As the most forward bud

Is eaten by the canker ere it blow,

Even so by love the young and tender wit

Is turn’d to folly ; blasting in the bud,

Losing his verdure even in the prime,

And all the fair effects of future hopes. .

In another passage beautiful and pathetic “grief” is the canker. The unhappy

Constance speaks of her little son Arthur, who is in the toils of his wicked uncle
John:

But now will canker sorrow eat my bud
And chase the native ee from his cheek,
ing John, Act ITI, se. 4.
6 (EN.)

82

In the 2nd Part of K. Henry VI. (Act I. se. 2) the canker is “ambition.” The
Duke of Gloster, replying to his wife, says:

O Nell, sweet Nell, if thou dost love thy lord,
Banish the canker of ambitious thoughts.

In another part of the same play (Act III., se. 1) it is disappointment. The:
unfortunate Henry exclaims, when ill news comes from France:

Thus are my blossoms blasted in the bud
And caterpillars eat my leaves away.

In Hamlet it is overwrought feeling. The gentle Ophelia, mourning for the
strange behaviour of her lover, says (Act IIT., se. 1):

And I, of ladies most deject and wretched,

That suck’d the honey of his music vows,

Now see that noble and most sovereign reason,
Like sweet bells jangled, out of tune and harsh
That unmatched form and feature of blown youth,
Blasted with ecstasy.

And in Romeo and Juliet it is death:

Two such opposed foes encamp them still

In man as well as herbs, grace and rude will ;
And, where the worser is predominant,

Full soon the canker death eats up the plant.

Other passages in which reference to the canker is made are Midsummer
Night’s Dream, Act IIL, sc. 2; 2nd Part of K. Henry IV., Act II., se. 2, and Act
IV., sc. 4; 1st Part of K. Henry VI., Act II, se. 5; Coriolanus, Act IV., se. 6;
Romeo and Juliet, Act L, se. 1.

In England the larva of one of the plume moths, Pterophorus rhododactylus,

feeds in the buds of the rose. There is a variety of small moths that infest the
blossoms, leaves and young shoots of the Queen of Flowers. Among them are:

GEOMETRINA. TORTRICINA. TINEINA.
Articlea badiata. Antithesia cchroleucana. Lampronia quadripunctella.
of derivata. Pardia tripunctana. Colophora gryuphipennella.

Cideria psittacata. Spilonota roborana.
“ fulvata. ns rosecolana.

Hedya pauperana.,

Cresia Bergmanniana,
es holmiana.

Peronea variegana.

Of larvee that feed upon the flower-buds of the apple, one of the most destruc-
tive is that of the Figure of Eight Moth (Diloha ceruleocephala), one of the Bom-
byces. This insect is so destructive that it was called by Linnaeus, the “Pest of
Pomona.” The larve of the Winter Moth (Cheimatobia brumata) are also very
injurious. Immediately after they are hatched they make their way to the
unopened buds and burrow in them, concealing themselves from sight. The
Green Pug (Hupithecia rectangulata) is another objectionable insect :—“The
larva feeding in the young buds of the apple-trees, devouring the stamens and
pistils, and protecting itself by tying together the petals” (Stainton’s Manual,
Vol. IL, p. 92). By the caterpillars of a tiny moth Hyponomeuta padellus,
belonging to the Tineina, the apple-trees are not unfrequently entirely stripped
of their foliage. Besides the insects already named, at least 15 species, belonging
to the groups Tortricina and Tineina, infest the English orchards.

In King Richard II., by a striking metaphor England is represented as a.
disordered garden, over-run with caterpillars (Act III, sc. 4). Twice the word
“caterpillar” is used by Shakespeare as one of contempt; in 1st Part of K. Henry
IV., Act II., sc. 2, and in 2nd Part of K. Henry VI., Act IV., se. 4.

I find the word “moth” used three times: In the Merchant of Venice,
“Thus has the candle singed the moth,” Act IL, sc. 9; in Othello where Desde-

Pe 83

mona speaks of herself as a “moth of peace,” Act I, se. 3; and in Coriolanus,
“You would be another Penelope, yet they say all the yarn she spun, in Ulysses’
absence, did but fill Ithaca full of moths,” Act I., se. 4, The reference in this last
passage is probably to the tapestry moth, Time tapetzellu.

. DiererA—tThe most numerous of Shakespeare’s entomological allusions are
to the two-winged flies. As a fitting image of littleness and meanness he makes
use of the gnat, as where Simonides says that princes who are not given to hos-

; Are like to gnats which make a sound, but killed,

Are wondered at.
Pericles, Prince of Tyre, Act IL., sc. 3.

And where Biron mocking at the love-sick King of Navarre:

O me, with what strict patience have I sat
To see a king transformed to a gnat.
Love’s labour’s lost, Act IV., sc. 3.

But the diminutive is used with much feeling and affection, where Imogen,
speaking of the departure of her banished lord, says :

TI would have broke my eye-strings ; crack’d them, but
To look upon him ; till the diminution
Of space had pointed him sharp as my needle,
Nay, follow’d him, till he had melted from
The smallness of a gnat to air.
‘*Cymbeline,” Act I., sc. 4.

There is knowledge both of human nature and of natural history, in the re-
buke which Antipholus of Syracuse administered to Dromio of Syracuse.

Because that I familiarly sometimes
Do use you for my fool, and chat with you,
Your sauciness will jest upon my love,
And make a common of my serious hours.
When the sun shines, let foolish gnats make sport,
But creep in crannies, when he hides his beams.
Comedy of Errors, Act II., se. 2.

The Flea (Pulex irritans) is spoken of in at any rate seven passages :—“Henry

Vz,” Act II., se. 3,and Act IIL, se. 7; “ Merry Wives of Windsor,” Act IV.,” se.

2; “Twelfth Night,” Act IIL, sc. 4; “ All’s Well that Ends Well,” Act IV., se.3;
“Taming the Shrew,” Act V.,sc. 3, and Ist Part K. Henry IV., Act II, sc. 1;
always in a trifling sense.

Shakespeare’s allusions to the breeze-fly or gad-fly of the ox (Tabanus
bovinus) are forcible. In Troilus and Cressida Nestor, replying to Agamemnon,
to illustrate the difference between “ valour’s show” and “ valour’s worth,” says
that in Fortune’s

ray and brightness

The herd hath more annoyance by the brize

Than by the tiger; but when the splitting wind

Makes flexible the knees of knotted oaks,

And flies flee under shade, why then the thing of courage
As rous’d with rage, with rage doth sympathize.

Act I., se. 3.

And in Antony and Cleopatra, Scarus cries out against the Egyptian Queen
who was hastening from the fight off Actium:
Yon ribald-rid nag of Egypt

The brize upon her like a cow in June
Hoists sails and flies.

__ Of the many allusions to flies made by Shakespeare, some are used ina
slighting and contemptuous sense, as when Timon of Athens calls his false friends

Most smiling, smooth, detested parasites,
Courteous destroyers, affable wolves, meek bears,
You fools of fortune, trencher friends, time’s flies.
Act IIL., se, 6.

84

—————

Or when La Pucelle says of the dead Talbot, whom Sir W. Lucy had en-
quired for under many sounding titles :

Here is a silly, stately style indeed !
The Turk, that two and fifty kingdoms hath,
Writes not so tedious a style as this. —
Him, that thou magnifiest, with all these titles,
Stinking, and fly-blown, lies here at our feet.
ist Part of K. Henry VI., Act IV., sc. 7.

Occasionally the references are made vindictively, as when Jago exclaims :

‘**Call upon her father,

Rouse him ; make after him, poison his delight,
Proclaim him on the streets, incense her kinsmen,
And though he in a fertile climate dwells,

Plague him with flies.”

Othello, Act I, se. 1.
At one time the fecundity of flies in hot weather, affords the poet an apt
simile to denote the fickle populace:

Impairing Henry, strength’ning, mis-proud York,
The common people swarm like summer-flies ;
And whither fly the gnats but to the sun?
And who shines now, but Henry’s enemies ?
8rd Part of K. Henry VI., Act IT., se. 6.

At another it serves to indicate excessive conceit. Biron says of “ figures
fantastical :”

These summer flies
Have blown me full of maggot ostentation.
Love’s Labour’s Lost, Act V., sc. 2.

Often the allusion has a tragic ring, as when poor blinded Gloster eries in
his despair :
As flies to wanton boys are we to the gods ;

They kill us for their sport.
King Lear, Act IV., sc. 1.

And when, in Cymbeline Sicilius Leonatus, addressing Jupiter, Says:

No more thou thunder-master show
Thy spite on mortal flies.
Act V., sc. 4.

Among the references to flies are two that show how closely Shakespeare
had observed these insects. In K. Henry V., Act V., sc. 1, he places in the mouth
of the Duke of Burgundy the words:

Like flies at Bartholomew-tide, blind, though
They have their eyes; and then they will-endure handling,
Which before would not abide looking on.

St. Bartttolemew’s day comes on the 24th of August ; under the old style it
would be September 4th, when the flies in the cool English autumn would be
growing dull and sluggish. But an allusion shewing more close attention even
than that is found in Othello, Act IV., se. 2.

——O, ay, as summer flies are in the shambles,
That quicken even in blowing.

It is not every one who knows that the flesh-fly, Sarcophaga carnaria is
ovo-viviparous ; but Shakespeare knew it.

The sheep-tick, Melophagus ovinus is mentioned once in the plays.

I would rather be a tick in a sheep than such a valiant ignorance.
Troilus and Cressida, Act III., se. 3.

Other references to flies will be found in The Tempest, Act III, se. 2; As
You Like It, Act 1V., sc. 1; Winter’s Tale, Act IV., se. 3; King John, Act IV.,
sc. 1; 2nd Part K. Henry IV., Act IIL, se. 1; 2nd Part of K. Henry VI, Act '
sc. 2; Troilus and Cressida, Act II, se. 3; Antony and Cleopatra, Act IL, se. 2
and Act III., sc. 2; Cymbeline, Act IV., sc. 2; Titus Andronicus, Act III, se. 2,
and Act V., sc. 2; Pericles, Prince of Tyre, Act IV., sc. 1, and Act IV., se. 4;

85

King Lear, Act IV., sc. 6; Romeo and Juliet, Act IL, se. 8, and Act IL, se. A;
Hamlet, Act IL, sc. 2, Act IV., se. 3, Act V., se. 1, and Act V., se. 2, and Titus
Andronicus, Act IV., se. 1.

CoLEOPTERA.—Shakespeare’s allusions to beetles are very fine and telling.
_ What can be more so than this:

Ere to black Hecate’s summons
The shard-borne beetle with his drowsy hum
Hath rung night’s yawning peal, there shall be done
A deed of dreadful note.
Macbeth, Act ITTI., se. 4.

The expression “shard-borne,” is not quite correct. The elytra of the beetle
are uplifted during flight, it is true; but the gauzy wings that ply beneath them
are the sustaining and propelling instruments. What particular species of beetle
(if any), Shakespeare had in his mind when he penned these words we cannot
tell. The Dor-beetle, Geotrwpes stercorurius, is a striking object, and flies in the
dusk, and may have attracted his attention. :

Scarcely less beautiful than the reference given above, is that to Lampyris
noctiluca : ‘

The glow-worm shews the matin to be near
And ’gins to pale his ineffectual fire.
fbid, Act I, se. 1.

Another fine passage is found in Measure for Measure, Act IIL, se. 1.

Dar’st thou die ?

The sense of death is most in apprehension ;
And the poor beetle, that we tread upon,
In corporal sufferance finds a pang as great
As when a giant dies.

Here, of course. the intention is not to give an increased idea of the pains of
the beetle, but to make us think less of the death-throes of the giant—the giant
suffers as little as the beetle.

What a conception of depth is conveyed to us in the words:

2 How fearful
And dizzy ’tis to cast one’s eyes so low! — ;
The crows and choughs that wing the midway air

Show scarce so gross as beetles.
King Lear, Act IV., se. 6

By Caliban in The Tempest, Act I., se. 2, and by the fairies in Midsummer
Night’s Dream, beetles are spoken of as things to be dreaded. :

In the 2nd Part of King Henry IV., Act IL, se. 4, there is a very curious
metaphor : ;

His face is Lucifer’s privy kitchen,
Where he doth nothing but roast malt-worms.

The malt-worms are the larve of Tenebrio moliter and Tenebrio obscurus.

Other references to beetles will be found in Midsummer Night’s Dream, Act
IIL, se. 1; Taming of the Shrew, Act IV., se. 1; Antony and Cleopatra, Act IIL,
sc. 2; and Cymbeline, Act IIL., se. 3.

Hemiprera.—In the Merry Wives of Windsor, Act I, se. 1, is an an
play upon the word “luce.” Slender exalting Robert Shallow, “ Justice )
the Peace and corwm,” and “ cust-alorum,” and “ratolorum,” and“armgero, says:

All his successors, gone before him, have done ’t; and all his ancestors that come after him, may;
they may give the dozen white luces in their coat.

To which Sir Hugh Evans, the Welsh chaplain replies:

The dozen white louses do become an old coat well, itagrees well passant ; it is a familiar beast to
man, and signifies—love.

The passage shews that Shakespeare had not forgotten his early escapade,
and angry slur upon Sir Thomas Lucy of Charlecote :

If lousy is lucy, as some folks miscall it,
Then Lucy is lousy whatever befall it.

86

The “luce” is, of course, the fleur-de-lis, or flower-de-luce, and the “ coat,”
Robert Shallow’s coat of arms. In the association of: the “ familiar beast,” with
“love,” we are reminded of the “lousy and lecherous” of one of our modern
ballad-writers.

Shakespeare makes at least eight allusions to the louse. One of them con-
veys the strongest expression of contempt that can possibly be imagined: “TI
care not to be the louse of a lazar.” (7. e. of a man afflicted with “loathsome
diseases). Troilus and Cressida, Act V., se. 1.

ORTHOPTERA.—“ Shall we be merry ?” asks Prince Henry in Ist Part of K.
Henry IV., Act II, se. 4. “As merry as crickets,” answers Poins. The cheerful
note of the cricket (Acheta domestica), produced by the rubbing together of the

notched edges of the insect’s upper wings, must have been a familiar sound to

Shakespeare. When all is quiet around the hearth the note arises in many an
English dwelling. But a very slight noise will startle the insect, and cause a
cessation of its music. So the little Mamillius in a Winter’s Tale, says that he
will tell his story so softly, that “ yon crickets shall not hear it,” Act IL, se. 1.

Amongst the equipments of Queen Mab is a “ whip of cricket bone.” Romeo
and Juliet, Act I, sc. 4. The “ winter cricket” is spoken of in the Taming of the
Shrew, Act IV., se. 3.

I find but one allusion to locusts—that made by Iago when speaking of
Othello and his countrymen.

These Moors are changeable in their wills:—fill thy purse with money ; the food that to him now
is as luscious as locusts, shall be to him shortly as bitter as coloquintida. —Othello, Act I, sc.

The species mentioned here is doubtless H@dipoda migratorius, hice often
visits Morocco, and is used for food.

The grasshopper is mentioned in Romeo and Juliet Act I, se. 4, where the
cover of Queen Mab’s wagon is said to be made of the wings of orasshoppers.

ARACHNIDA.—In the Merchant of Venice we have an instance of the skill
with which the great poet could draw, even from the work of a disgusting insect,
a fitting illustration to enhance the attractions of an admired lady.

Here, in her hair,
The painter plays the spider, and hath woven
A golden mesh, to entrap the hearts of men,
Faster than gnats in cobwebs.

- Act III., sc. 2.

A different kind of weaving is spoken of in the 2nd Part of K. Henry VI,
Act IIL, se. 1:

My brain more busy than the labouring spider
Weaves tedious snares to trap mine enemies.

And in Othello, Act IL., sc. 1, where Iago says to himself,

With as little a web as this
Will I ensnare as great a fly as Cassio.

And yet again in K. Henry VIII, Act, I, sc. 1, where it is said of Wolsey :

Spider-like
Out of his self-drawing web, he gives us note
The force of his own merit makes his way.

With wonderful effect Shakespeare makes use of the Spider in shewing the
power of imagination.

There may be in the cup
A spider steep’d, and one may drink, depart,
And yet partake no venom ; for his knowledge
Is not infected : but if one present
The abhorr’d ingredient to his eye, make known
How he hath drank, he cracks his gorge, his sides,
With violent hefts :—I have drunk and seen the spider. :
Winter’s Tale, Act II., sc. 1.

.

\

87

In Troilus and Cressida, Act V., sc. 2, is a reference to Arachne. Arachne,
according to the ancients, was the daughter of Idmon, a Lydian. She was a
skilful spinner, and contended with Pallas. Defeated and: chagrined, she hanged
herself, and was turned into a spider.

In King John, Act IV., se. 3, Hubert suspected of murdering Prince Arthur,
is told that

The smallest thread,
That ever spider twisted from her womb,
Will serve to strangle thee.

Other passages referring to spiders may be found in Midsummer Night’s
Dream, Act IT., se.3; King Richard II., Act III., se. 2; King Richard IIL, Act
I., se. 2, and Act II., sc. 4; Cymbeline, Act IV., sc. 2; King Lear, Act IV., se. 6;
Romeo and Juliet, Act I. se. 4, and Act IT., se. 6.

Scorpions are spoken of in Macbeth, Act III, sc. 4; 2nd Part of K. Henry
VI., Act III., sc. 2; and Cymbeline, Act V., se. 5

It is evident that Shakespeare, in his walks around Stratford and on the
pleasant banks of Avon, had found food for reflection in the appearances and habits
of the commoner insect tribes. His were the observing eye and the contempla-
tive mind; and with marvellous power he turned the knowledge of insect-life that
he acquired to account, for the instruction and amusement of the men of his own
day, and of after generations. He was one who could find

Tongues in trees, books in the running brooks,
Sermons in stones, and good in everything.

And we are happy in that he has, in so many instances, interpreted these
tongues, translated these books, written down the sermons and pointed out the
good for us.

ENEMIES OF THE GRAIN APHIS.—Prof. H. Garman, Entomologist and Botan-
ist of the Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station, in a paper on the grain
louse (Siphonophora avenz) has the following to say about its natural enemies :

The helplessness of plant lice makes them the prey of many predaceous and
parasitic insects. A visit to infested wheat fields in June showed great numbers
of these present among the lice. Undoubtedly the injury to grain was
very much lessened by the work of these friends of ours, yet, as we have shown,
lice still exist in the fields, and they are liable again to assume destructive
numbers.

Chief among the enemies of the grain louse are certain small, dark-coloured,
four-winged flies, which belong to the same order as the common honey bee.
These little flies deposit their eggs in the bodies of the plant lice, placing a single
egg in each louse, and from the eggs come small grubs which live in the interior “of
their host, finally emerging after its death as ega-laying flies. Grain lice infested
with these grubs become swollen, assume a brown colour, and by some means are
fastened to the plants, where they remain as empty skins after the parasite
emerges.

Small two-winged flies, about five-sixteenths of an inch long, with brassy
brown thorax, and with the abdomen striped crosswise with black and yellow,
also do good service in destroying the lice. They scatter their eggs among the
colonies, and from these hatch greenish larvee, which destroy the lice by seizing
them and sucking their juices.

The lady bugs in both larval and adult stages devour the lice bodily. Several
species of these beetles were common in the fields, but the most conspicuous from

88

size and abundance, was thé nine-spotted lady bug ( Coccinella 9-notata). It
may be recognized by the arrangement of the nine black spots on the brown
wing covers—four on each side, the ninth just behind the thorax and overlying
the middle line. It is very nearly a half sphere in shape. The other species are
like it in general shape, but differ in details of colourand markings. A small list.
of other insects which do more or less good in destroying the aphides could be
given, but this will suffice to give an idea of the more abundant and useful of our
insect friends.

Birds have been thought to destroy the lice, but I have seen no evidence of
their doing so. Most birds depend on larger insects, and it is only occasionally
that the small species, such as warblers, eat plant lice of any kind. Excepting
the Maryland yellow-throat, birds of this family rarely occur in our grain fields,
so that we can hope nothing from their help. The English sparrow, with its
clumsy beak and grain-eating propensity, certainly does no good in this direction.

EXPERIMENTS WITH ARSENITES.—In the Bulletin of the Iowa Agricultural
Experiment Station for August, 1890, Prof. Gillette gives an elaborate and inter-
esting account of a series of experiments that he carried out for the purpose of
testing the use of a1senites in the warfare against noxious insects.

‘Paris green, he says, was brought into prominence as an insecticide for the
first time in this country in 1869, and London purple in 1877. Arsenious acid
(white arsenic) was successfully used for the destruction of the Canker-worm as
early as 1875 and is still frequently recommended for the destruction of insects.
During these years the arsenites have arisen to the first rank as insect destroyers.
They have been largely experimented with by entomologists and widely used by
farmers and fruit-growers, and yet there is much difference of opinion as to the
proportions in which each may by safely applied to different plants for the des-
truction of insects. In fact a serious obstacle in the way of a more free and
successful use of the arsenites has been their liability to injure tender foliage,
even when applied very dilute. In the experiments of the past two seasons,
herein reported, I have given much attention to the finding of some method of
applying these poisons so as to prevent injury to foliage without lessening their
effectiveness in destroying insect life, and the success met with in this direction
has been most gratifying. I also give the results of experiments to determine rela-
tive injuries to foliage from applications of the arsenites when freshly mixed and
when allowed to stand a few days before being applied; to show the effect upon foli-
age by adding paste or soap to arsenical mixtures; to show the effects of sun, dew
and rain upon foliage treated with arsenical mixtures; to show whether or not.
it is practical and safe, so far as injury to the plant is concerned, to mix the ar-
senites with insecticides that kill by external contact ; and to show the effects of
combining the arsenites with fungicides.” ok

After giving a detailed account of his various experiments, he arrives at the
following conclusions :— =~ -

“I. The oldest leaves are most susceptible to injury from arsenical applica-
tions. They often turn yellow and drop without showing the burnt spotted
appearance.*

2. Dews, and probably direct sunlight, increase the injuries done by the
arsenites to foliage.

* [have put in italics those conclusions that seem to me to be well proven from the experiments here
reported. Concerning the others there is some doubt, and further experiments are necessary to determine >
positively the facts.

89

3. Leaves kept perfectly dry can hardly be injured by the arsenites, even
when they are applied very abundantly. —

4. Applications made in the heat of the day and in the bright sunlight do
not injure foliage more than when applied in the cool of the day.

6. The only effect of a heavy rain or dashing shower following an applica-
tion of one of the arsenites is to lessen the injury to foliage.

6. Leaves suffering from a fungous disease are more susceptible to injury
than are healthy leaves.

7. When freshly mixed and applied, London purple is most and white
arsenic is least injurious to foliage.

8. White arsenic in solution should not be used wpon foliage without first
adding lime, Bordeaux mixture or some other substance to prevent its injurious
effects wpon foliage. .

9. White arsenic, if ollowed to stand many days in water before being
applied, will do fur greater harm to foliage than if applied as soon as mixed

10. Lime added to London purple or Paris green in water greatly lessens
the injury that these poisons would otherwise do to foliage.

11. Lime added toa mixture of white arsenic in water will greatly in-
crease the injury that this poison would otherwise do to foliage. IPf the arsenic
as all in solution, the lime witl then lessen the injury, as in the case of London
purple or Paris green.

12, London purple (Paris green and white arsenic have not yet been
tried) can be used. at least, eight or ten times as strong without injury to foliage
if applied in common Bordeaux mixture instead of water.

I3. The arsenites cannot by any ordinary method be successfully mixed im
a kerosene emulsion.

14. The arsenites mix readily in resin compounds and do not seem to be
more injurious to foliage than as ordinarily applied in water.

15. The arsenites in strong soapy mixtures do considerably more damage
to foliage than when applied in water only.

16. The arsenites mix readily in carbonate of copper solution and do not
seem to do more harm than when applied in water only.

17. London purple in sulphate of copper solution does vastly more harm
than when applied vn water only.

Honry BrEES AND ARSENICALS USED AS SprAys.—Mr. H. O. Kruschke, of
Juneau county, Wisconsin, in the American Garden for January, 1890, p. 57,
warns prospective sprayers that the first man caught applying arsenic to trees in
full bloom will be prosecuted—reasoning that the spraying of such trees will result
in the storage by the bees of poisoned honey, the consumption of which will be
dangerous.

In our Report for last year, (1889, page 87) we quoted from Insect Life an
account from Prof. Webster of the spraying of fruit trees without any ill results
to either bees or honey. “The prevailing belief,” says Insect Life, “is, however,
the other way, and cases are on record where serious destruction of bees has
resulted from spraying. In the case of the apple, particularly, the application
should not be made until the bloom has begun to fall, when no injury will be

90

likely to result. It was because of the possibility of danger that in the beginning
we were very slow to recommend the wholesale spraying of orchards with the
arsenical mixtures, but experience has shown here, as in other cases, judicious
and cautious use is attended only with benefit, and that the possible harm is re-
duced to such a minimum as to almost justify its being left out of consideratlon.”

Ant HILLs AND Situcs.—I have resorted to many expedients to get rid of
the ant hills that disfigure my lawn and sometimes seriously injure plants and
shrubs, and have finally succeeded in conquering them. I first hive them,—
break up the nest pretty thoroughly and if it is near the roots of a plant draw as
much of the débris as possible a little way from it and turn over it a large plant
jar. The ants will promptly appropriate the jar, remove their larve to it, and
fill it with pellets of earth. I then drench this with kerosene emulsion reduced
to a strength of 2 to 3 per cent., which will kill every ant thoroughly drenched
with it. It is more destructive to them than pure kerosene, which does not
adhere to them. In this way I have thoroughly conquered the ants.

The rose slug and the currant worm I keep completely under by use of
hellebore, a tablespoonfui to a gallon of water, and forcing it violently among the
foliage with a hydropult. Commencing in the spring before J ean find aslug ora
worm, and repeating the drenching once a week for three or four weeks, I can
destroy them completely before they do any damage. On one hundred roses I
was able this spring to find only two slugs, while the foliage of some common
sorts I did not spray was completely destroyed—[M. C. Read, Hudson, Ohio,
n Insect Life.

Goop InsEctTivorous Brrps.—The following birds are to be classed among
the most helpful kinds in the general warfare against insects: Robins, for eut
and other earth worms. Swallows, night-hawks and purple martins, for moth
catchers. Pewees, for striped cucumber bugs. | Wood thrushes and wrens, for
cut worms. Cat birds, for tent caterpillars. Meadow larks, crows and wood-
peckers, for wireworms. Blue-throated buntings, for canker worms. Black, red-
winged birds, jays, pigeons, doves, and chippies—strawberry pests. Quail, for
chinch bugs and locusts. Whip-poor-wills, for moths. Hawks, all night birds, owls,
tanagers, black-winged summer red birds, ete.—curculios. There may also be
mentioned the following insect pest destroyers: Indigo birds, nut crackers, fly
catchers, chimney swifts, chipping and song sparrows, black birds, mocking birds
and orioles.

There is little doubt that for every bird which is injurious to fruit that is
killed, there are a hundred killed that are beneficial. Of course the whole life of
the bird must be considered, for very many are fruit eaters. The only question
is, does the bird, on the whole, do most damage or good ?

The man who indiscriminately kills the birds in his orchard and berry patch
is not fit to live, and he will surely lose more than he will gain even from a

al

financial point of view.—Prairie Farmer.

RESISTANCE TO COLD BY A CATERPILLAR.—Mr. Otto Dugger, St. Anthony
Park, Minn., gives in Insect Life the following instance of resistance to extreme
cold by a caterpillar of the Dusky Spilosoma (S. fuliginosa, Linn) :—* December
3, 1889. Found to-day in a little depression of the soil a clear cake of ice, and

91

imbedded in it the larva of the above species. By means of a hot iron I separated
a cube of ice with the inclosed larva, and took it to my office. The caterpillar
was entirely and solidly inclosed by the ice; no air-spaces could be detected
among the hair. How !ong the caterpillar had been inclosed I could not say.
Left the cube of ice in front of my window, where the temperature sunk for two
days to 11° below zero. Later the weather moderated, and during the day a little
ice would melt near the caterpillar, but never exposing it to the air. After being
inclosed for fourteen days, I carefully melted the ice and removed the caterpillar
to a piece of blotting paper. In less than thirty minutes the larva was crawling
about, not injured in the least. Yet, to escape further experimentation, it has
shown good sense and spun up, and transformed into a pupa, healthy to all
appearances.”

Saw-FLty Borer IN WuHeEAT.—Prof. J. H. Comstock, Entomologist, Cornell
University, Ithaca, N. Y., describes a new saw-fly working in wheat, known as
Cephus pygmzeus, order Hymenoptera, of the family Tenthredinidae as follows

An insect destructive to wheat, but previously unknown in this country, has
appeared in considerable numbers on the Cornell University farm. I do not
know of its occurrence anywhere else in this State ; but as it is extremely abun-
dant here, it is doubtless spread over a considerable area. It was first observed
in this locality two years ago by one of our students, the late Mr. S. H. Crossman
while making an investigation of wheat insects. Mr. Crossman’s studies, how-
ever, were sadly terminated before he had carried his investigations of this
species very far; and it has fallen to me to continue the work begun by him.

On examining the stalks of wheat at harvest time by splitting them through-

- out their length, it was found that some of them had been tunnelled by an insect

larva. This larva had eaten a passage through each of the joints so that it could
pass freely from one end of the cavity of the straw to the other. In addition to
tunnelling the joints they had also fed more or less on the inner surface of the
straw between the joints; and, scattered throughout the entire length of the cav-
ity of the straw, except the smaller part near the head, were to be seen yellowish
particles, the excrement of the insect.

If infested straws be examined a week or ten days before the ripening of the
wheat, the cause of this injury can be found at work within them. It is at that
time a yellowish, milky-white worm, varying in size from 1-5 inch (5 mm.) to 4
inch (12 mm.) in length. The smaller ones may not have bored through a single
joint ; while the larger ones will have tunnelled all of them, except, perhaps, the
one next to the ground.

As the grain becomes ripe the larva works its way towards the ground, and
at the time of the harvest the greater number of them have penetrated to the root.
Here in the lowest part of the cavity of the straw they make preparations for
passing the winter, and even for their escape from the straw the following year.
This last is done by cutting the straw circularly on the inside, nearly severing it
a short distance, varying from one-half inch to one inch from the ground. If the
wheat were growing wild, the winter winds would cause the stalk to break off at
this point, and thus the insect after it had reached the adult stage in the following
year could easily escape; while but for this cut, it would be very liable to be
imprisoned within the straw. But under ordinary circumstances the straw is

.cut by the reaper before it is broken off at this point, and consequently that

breaking off does not occur. If, however, there is a strong wind just before the
harvest and after the straws have been cut in this manner by the insects, they

92

are very liable to break off; the lodging of the grain may, therefore, be largely
due to the injuries of this insect. In one field just before the harvest I observed
a large number of isolated straws lying in a horizontal position; there was not
the general breaking down of the grain characteristic of wind and rain; but
distributed through the grain that was standing there was a large number of
isolated straws that were lodged. A careful examination showed that this
breaking down of the grain, in 45 per cent, of the cases, was directly due to the
injuries of this insect. In many cases the straws had been broken off a consider-
able distance above the ground, and before the larva had made the characteristic
circular cut near the root. An examination of these straws showed that the
larva had eaten all, or nearly all, of the softer inner part of the straw for a short.
distance, thus making a weak place which was easily broken. As a rule, how-
ever, the larva obtains a greater part of its nourishment by tunnelling the joints
of the straw and does not eat enough of the straw in any place to cause it to
break until it makes the circular cut near the ground described above.

After the circular cut has been made, the larva fills the cavity of the straw
just below it for a short distance with a plug of borings. Between this plug and
the lower end of the cavity of the straw there is a place measuring about one-
half inch in length (10 mm. to 15 mm.) It is here that the insect passes the
winter. Immediately after cutting the straw and making this plug the larva
makes a cocoon by lining the walls of this space with a layer of silk. This layer
is thin but very firm and more or less parchment-like ; it can, however, be broken
with slight difficulty, being somewhat brittle.

Within this cocoon, which remains in the stubble after the grain is cut, the
insect passes the winter, in the larval state. It changes to a pupa during March
or April; and sometime during the month of May the adult insect appears.

The exact date of the appearance of the insect depends upon the nature of
the weather. This year from pupe collected on the 23rd of April and brought
into the Insectary, the adults emerged from the 8th to the 10th of May; while
the insects left in the fields were ten days later in emerging.

The adult insect is a four-winged fly belonging to the order Hymenoptera,
the order that includes the bees, wasps and ants ; and it is a member of the family
Tenthredinidae of this order, a family comprising the insects commonly known
as saw-flies. This popular name refers to the fact that in this family the female
insects are furnished with a more or less saw-like organ. This arises near the
caudal end of the body, and is the ovo By means of it the insects are
able to make incisions in the tissues of plants for the reception of their eggs.

In the Canadian Entomologist, 1890, p. 40, Mr. Harrington records the
occurrence of this insect at Ottawa, Ont., and also at Buffalo, N. Y.

THe Hasits or A GrounD-HoRNET.—Stizus speciosus is the largest native
groand-hornet, and its formidable appearance and great activity generally secure
it undisputed possession of the square rod where it happens to alight. It is from
an inch to an inch and one half in length; the head and thorax are brown and
the abdomen is black with six irregular yellow blotches. These markings are —
discernible as it flies swiftly about its business and give it a particularly tiger
like appearance. It seems to be afraid of nothing, and if you walk near its
burrow it flies with a menacing buzz in circles about you, and its brown, black
and yellow body gleams in the ‘sunlight.

In constructing its burrows it usually selects a country road side or a dry
barren hill, where a freedom from roots makes digging less laborious.

93

On the hill back of Richmond village, on Staten Island, I have seen them
varrying heavy harvest flies to these burrows, several of which are dug there
nearly every summer. The task of carrying so great a burden as a Cicada is a
particularly laborious one, and they do not fly very fast when thus heavily laden,
Sometimes they drag the harvest-flies a distance along the ground, and sometimes
they resort to an ingenious method to finally get them to their burrows.

In August, 1889, I observed a Stizus carrying a Cicada and ftying slowly up
a hill side. It lit at the base of a black birch on the hill top, and dragged the
harvest-fly, holding the smooth dorsal surface to the bark, to the topmost branches
finally disappearing among the leaves. I did not see it leave the tree, for I was
unable to command a view on all sides at the same time, and then there was a
neighboring birch whose branches interlocked with the one where the hornet was.
I satisfied myself that it did leave, by climbing up and violently shaking the
branches and tree top, Stizus employs this method of transporting the heavy
Cicada ; it climbs the tree with the insect, and then fties from the branches, the
excessive weight gradually bringing it to the ground again but nearer to its
burrow.

Professor Morse, in his annual address before the American Association in
1887, notices the following:—Dr. Thomas Meehan describes a hornet that was
gifted with great intelligence. He saw this insect struggling with a large locust
in unsuccessful attempts to fly away with it. After several fruitless efforts to
fly up from the ground with his victim, he finally dragged it fully thirty feet to
a tree, to the top of which he laboriously ascended, still clinging to his burden,
and having attained this elevated position he flew off in a horizontal direction
with the locust.”

Commenting upon this, Mr. C. G. Rockwood, jr.,in Science for August 19th,
1887, gives an account of a large insect evidently of the wasp family, that carried
a Cicada for a distance of twenty feet up a maple tree and then flew away with
it as described above.

Wishing to ascertain the relative weights of these insects, I had dried speci-
mens, including pins, weighed in a druggist’s scales. Cicada tibicen weighed
thirteen grains and Stizus speciosus seven and one half—W. T. Davis, Tompkins-
ville, Staten Island, N. Y. ;

EXPERIMENTS FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF CHINCH BUGS.
BY PROF, F. H. SNOW, UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS, LAWRENCE.

These experiments have been continued through the two seasons of 1889
and 1890 and have been remarkably successful. As entomologist to the Kansas
State Board of Agriculture I had prepared an article for the annual meeting of
that Board in January, 1889, stating what was known at that time upon the
subject, and calling attention to the investigations of Professors Forbes, Burrill
and Lugger. In June, 1889, a letter was received from Dr. J. T Curtiss, of
Dwight, Morris County, Kansas, announcing that one of the diseases mentioned
in the article (Entomophthora) was raging in various fields in that region, and
stating that in many places in fields of oats and wheat the ground was fairly
white with the dead bugs. Some of these dead bugs were at once obtained and
experiments were begun in the entomological laboratory of the University. It
was found that living healthy bugs, when placed in the same jar with the dead

94 . “

bugs from Morris County, were sickened and killed within ten days. A Lawrence
newspaper reporter learning of this fact published the statement that any

farmers who were troubled by chinch-bugs might easily destroy them from their

entire farms by sending to me for some diseased bugs. This announcement was
published all over the country, and in a few days I received applications from
Agricultural Experiment Stations and farmers in nine different States, praying
for a few “ diseased and deceased” bugs with which to inoculate the destroying
pests with a fatal disease. Some fifty packages were sent out during the season
of 1889, and the results were in the main highly favorable. It was my belief
that sick bugs would prove more serviceable in the dissemination of disease than
dead bugs. I accordingly sent out a circular letter with each package, instruct-
ing the receiver to place the dead bugs ina jar for 48 hours, with from ten to
twenty times as many live bugs from the field. In this way the disease would
be communicated to the live bugs in the jar. These sick bugs being deposited
in different portions of the field of experiment would communicate the disease
more thoroughly while moving about among the healthy bugs by which they
would be surrounded. This belief was corroborated by the results. This disease
was successfully introduced from my laboratory into the States of Missouri,
Nebraska, Indiana, Ohio and Minnesota, and into various counties of the State
of Kansas. A report of my observations and experiments in 1889 has been
published in the transactions of the Kansas Academy of Science, vol. XII., pp.
34-37, also in the report of the proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the Kansas
State Board of Agriculture in January, 1890.

The next point to be attained was the preservation of the disease through
the winter, in order that it might be under my control and be available for use
in the season of 1890. To accomplish this result, I placed fresh healthy bugs in
the infection jar late in November 1889, and was pleased to note that they con-
tracted disease and died in the same way as in the earlier part of the season. I
was not able to obtain fresh material for the purpose of testing the vitality of the
disease germs in the spring of 1890, until the month of April, and then only a
limited supply of live bugs could be secured. I quote the following from my
laboratory notes:

April10: twenty-five chinch-bugs that had hibernated in the field were put in the infection jars,
They were supplied with young wheat plants. The bugs appeared lively and healthy.
April 16: some of the bugs were dead and all appeared stupid.

April 20: all of the bugs were dead.

One week later, a new supply of fourteen bugs was put into the jar ; they were supplied with growing
wheat. ‘Chey ran substantially the same course as the first twenty-five. ‘Some had died at the end of the
first week and all were dead by the end of the thirteenth day.

The chinch-bug seemed to have been very generally exterminated in Kansas
in 1889, and only three applications for diseased bugs were received in 1890 up to
the middle of July. On aceount of the limited amount of infection material on
hand, I required each applicant to send me a box of live bugs, which I placed in
the infection jars, returning in afew days a portion of the sick bugs to the
sender. The three applicants above noted reported the complete success of the
experiments. I give the following letter from Mr. M. F. Mattocks, of Wauneta,
Chautauqua County, Kansas:

Wauneta, Kansas, July 7, 1890.

Dear Sir :—I received from you a few days since, a box of diseased chinch-bugs. I treated them

according to instructions, and I have watched them closely, and find that they have conveyed the disease
almost all over my farm, and bugs are dying at a rapid rate. I have not found any dead bugs on farms

adjoining me. I here enclose you a box of healthy bugs that I gathered 14 miles from my place; I do.

not think they are diseased. Yours, M. F. Marrocks.

‘i 95

I also quote the following clipping from the Cedar Vale (Chautauqua Co.)
Star:

Inrrctinc Cuincu-Bucs.—There is no longer any need of having our crops destroyed by chinch-bugs.
A remedy that is sure as death and costs nothing, has been discovered and is used in this country with
complete success. Mr. M.F’. Mattocks, living a mile and a half east of Wauneta, on the H. P. Moser
farm, is entitled to the credit of demonstrating in this part, the efficiency of the remedy. He was about to
lose his corn crop by the bugs that were swarming into it from the stubble. He sent to Chancellor F. H,.
Snow, of the State University at Lawrence, and from him received a box containing a half-dozen
diseased bugs. With them he exterminated a forty acre field full of the pests. They have died by the
millions, in fact, they have about all died from the infection of those six bugs. A little circular of
instructions, which he followed out, came with them. The six bugs were placed in a bottle with three
or four hundred from the field, and were left together thirty-six hours and, then turned loose, both the
living ones and the dead, in the field. Devastation followed, and Mr. Mattocks will be troubled no more
with chinch-bugs this year. If your crop is in danger you can save it by the same means of getting
the diseased bugs in your field. It will cost you nothing and isadead sure remedy. He has been
eta dead and infected bugs to others in the country and to Prof. Snow, whose supply was running
own,

I personally visited Mr. Mattocks’s farm and verified the above statements.

The difficulty of obtaining enough live bugs to experiment with in the
laboratory led to the sending out of the following advertisement, which was sent
out to twenty prominent papers with requests for its publication ;

WANTED! CHINCH-BUGS!

Prof. F. H. Snow, of the University of Kansas, is in great need of some live and healthy chinch-bugs
with which to carry on his experiments in chinch-bug infection, Anyone who will send a small lot of bugs
to Prof. Snow, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, will confer a favor on the investigator, and, it
is hoped, on the farmers of Kansas.

This request for live bugs was given wide circulation and resulted in keeping
the laboratory fairly well supplied with material for experiment.

Before the close of the season of 1890, it became evident that there were at
least three diseases at work in our infection jars, the “ white fungus” (Ento-
mophthora or Empusa), a bacterial disease (Micrococcus), and a fungus considered
by Dr. Roland Thaxter to be Jsaria or perhaps more properly Trichoderma.

The following report which describes the bugs as “collecting in clusters”
points to the bacterial disease as the cause of destruction :

Piqua, Weodson Co., Kansas, 7th December, 1890.

Dear Srr.—Since writing you from Humboldt, Ks., the 6th inst., I have made the happy discovery
that the germs of contagious diseases sent me were vital. On Sunday last upon examination of the millet
_ field I found millions of dead bugs. _ They were collected in clusters. My idea is that dampness facili-
tates the spread of the contagion. The first distribution of diseased bugs two days after I received the
package by mail apparently produced no results. A part of them were retained in the infection jar
(quart Mason fruit jar); half a pint of bugs were collected from the field ; three days later a foul stench
was found to emanate from the jar, and a part of the bugs in it were dead. On July 3rd I took advantage
of the cool damp evening and took a few buckets of cold water and sprinkled the edge of the millet and
distributed more infected bugs. On the 6th I found millions of dead bugs. I think the night and sprinkl-
ing the millet caused the disease to spread. We have had no rain in this neighborhood since June 17th
if [ remember correctly. The depredations of chinch-bugs are always more serious in dry, hot weather.
You have conferred a lasting benefit on the farming interests of the United States, the value of which can-
not be estimated in dollars and cents. It was estimated that during one of the visitation years of this
insect the damage in the Mississippi valley amounted to ten millions of dollars. I have no doubt that by
a proper manipulation of the contagious disease in the hands of intelligent persons it will prove an effective
remedy. I think the contagion should be introduced among them early to prevent the migration of the
young brood. In my case [ received it too late. Early sown millet presents a favorable place to infect
the bugs, as they seem to collect in the shade and die. Hoping that when the next Legislature meets
an appreciative public will suitably reward you for your beneficient discovery, I am gratefully yours
W. =. McCormick.

The tield experiments were apparently equally successful in the months of
July, August and September. The following August field-report is inserted as a
fair sample of the manner in which the farmers themselves regard these experi-
ments :

FLORENCE, Marion Co., Kansas, November Ist, 1890

Dear Sir.—On the 20th of August (I think it was) I wrote to you to send me some infected chinch
bugs, and on the 30th of the same month you sent me a small lot of infected bugs, I suppcse about
thirty in all. I then put with these about twenty times as many healthy ones and kept thein forty-
eight hours, and then deposited them in and through my field—I have about 55 acres under cultivation.

96

At the time I wrote for bugs my place was all in corn and a very large crop of chinch bugs. Iam safe in
saying that there were more bugs on my farm than on any two farms with the same amount of land under
cultivation. At the time of sending to you for bugs I told two of my neighbors of my intention, and
they laughed at the idea, nevertheless I sent. When I put them in my field it had rained fully a half
day, and after noon I commenced to place them about in different places in my field. I noticed no change
in the bugs for three days, it being cold. On the fourth and fifth days the weather was more warm, and it
was then that the destruction of the enemy commenced with great satistaction to myself and great surprise
to mylaughing neighbors. One of my neighbors, Mr. George Winchester, said that there ought to be a sub-
scription raised and donated tome. I told him not to me but to you the praise belonged. I think that
it took about eight days after the five from the time that I placed them in my field before they were all
destroyed. The fifth day after I put out the diseased bugs I noticed that a great many bugs were flying
away from my place. I cannot say if the disease spread in this way or not, or if it spread at all. ree
or four persons said they would come and procure of me some of the dead bugs, but no one came. This
much I can say, with me this experiment has been a complete success. It has done me a great deal of good.
I cannot give it a money value, but am satisfied that had it not been for the infected hugs obtained of you
that I would have lost twenty-seven acres of wheat and eight acres of rye, and when I wrote to you for
bugs I then contemplated putting out considerable wheat, and I was at that time considerably troubled
about the bugs in my corn, thinking that if I put out any wheat at all it would be destroyed by bugs ; but
thanks to you my wheat is now safe from bugs, at least those that were on my place before sowing my
wheat. I only wish that I had written to you sooner than this. I will send by express one bottle of
bugs that I gathered after they commenced to die. Respectfully yours, JoHN KNOBLE,

The following report from R. L. Stangaard is inserted as being of a more ~
scientifically circumstantial character than most of the other reports:

FLorENck, Kan., Aug. 22nd, 1890,

Dear Sir.—In reply to your favor of July 27th, I would say that infected bugs were applied, after
they were kept with live ones about forty-two hours. Most of the bugs mixed were dead when taken out
of the box. They were applied in seven different hills, being put into every ninth hill. I marked every
hill with a number so as to be better able to watch the progress. Examined after forty-eight hours ap-
plication with the following results :—No. 1, mostly dead. No. 2, bugs mostly alive, seemingly very rest-
less. No. 3, bugs seem to be sick. No. 4. bugs mostly dead. On hills around this one bugs seem to be
restless. No. 5, not examined. On hills around it the bugs seem to be sick. Examination eight days
after application with the following results :—No. 3, bugs seemingly in a dying condition. On the hills
around it the bugs seem to be well with exception of one hill where they seem to be dying and some dead.
No. 4, not a live bug in the hill. No.5, apparently dying, also dying in the hills around this, No. 6, bugs
dying in hill. No.7, apparently not dying. | On August 16th, twelve days after application, I found the
bugs to be dying and dead all through the field—twelve acres. On August 20th, I again found the bugs
to be dying rapidly. A field being forty rods distant had sure marks of bugs in a dying condition. What I
mean by bugs being in a dying condition is this: they lay on their backs, almost motionless, and others
lay in same position, moving limbs violently. This remedy was applied on A. G. Rosiere’s farm on Bruno
creek, Marion Co., Kansas, being nine miles east and three miles south of Marion. Thanking you for your
avors, I remain, yours truly, Kk. L. StranGAARD.

The laboratory experiments have been continued through the season, Of
the three diseases identified, that produced by the Trichoderma appears to be
less fatal than the other two, as is indicated by the following laboratory notes:

September 28th, dead chinch-bugs showing no signs of fungus externally were taken from the in-
fection jars and crushed on a glass slide in distilled water. Oval hyphal bodies of a fungus (Trichoderma)
were found in considerable number. These were put under a bell jar.

September 29th, some of the hyphal bodies had put out slender mycelial growths; others in im-
mense numbers were multiplying by division.

October Ist, the hyphal bodies were still multiplying by division. The mycelial growths had become
much longer and in some instances had variously branched.

October 3rd, a dead chinch-bug taken from an infected field was crushed on a glass slide in distilled
water. Both round and oval hyphal bodies were found in considerable numbers. The sewere put undera
bell jar to prevent dying.

October 4th, both round and oval hypha! bodies were multiplying by division and were putting out
mycelial growths.

October 5th, fresh chinch-bugs from an uninfected field were immersed in the liquid containing the
above fungi and were put in a new jar with young corn plants.

October 16th, many of the bugs were dead ; the others apparently Bick The dead bugs were found
to contain hyphal bodies similar to thuse with which they were infected. A live chinch-bug from the same
jar was crushed and found to contain round hyphal bodies; but these refused to germinate.

November 5th, not all of the bugs are yet dead. The few remaining are apparently lively.
The following is a summary of the results of the field experiments in the
season of 1890:

Number of boxes of diseased bugs sent out, 38. Seven of these lots were
either not received, or received and not used. Reports were received from 26 of

97

. the 31 remaining cases. Of these 26 reports, 38 were unfavorable, 19 favorable,
and 4 doubtful, concerning the success of the experiment. These doubtful cases
are not to be looked upon as unfavorable, but more evidence is needed to transfer
them to the list of favorable reports. These 19 out of 26 reports, or 75 per cent.,
were decidedly favorable. The experiments will be continued during the season
of 1891.

In presenting this paper I wish to acknowledge the invaluable aid continu-
ally received during the progress of the work from my assistants, Messrs. W. ©.
Stevens and V. L. Kellogg.

BOOK NOTICES.
BurrerrLies oF NortH AMERICA. Third Series—Part X. By W. H. Edwards,

The last part of Mr. Edwards’s superb work has just come to hand. It is of
exceptional beauty and interest. Special attention has been lately called to the
American species of the genus Argynnis, by the publication of Mr. H. J. Elwes’s
“Revision of the genus Argynnis.” (Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond. 1889. Part IV.)
and Mr. Edwards’s “ Notes” thereon (Can. Ent. XII. p. 82.) The present number
contains plates and descriptions of three species of this genus, the validity of
two of which has been questioned by Mr. Elwes. Plate I. illustrates the com-
plete life history of A. Alcestis by which it is shown that not only is it distinct
in the imago state from both Aphrodite and Cipris but also in its preparatory
stages.

Plate Il. Argynnis Adiante (male and female). This is a local Californian
species of which Mr. Elwes had only male specimens taken many years ago—from
what material he had hewas inclined to regard it as merely avariety of either Zerene
or Monticola. It appears, however, that it is not such a rare species as he
supposed, and Mr. Edwards had ample material to show that this species is valid.
The male is figured from’ Dr. Boisduval’s actual type. Dr. Behr, the well-known
San Francisco lepidopterist, writes of it that it is common in its season at the
proper locality, and further that unlike many Californian Argynnides it is very
constant. On the same plate as A. Adiante is figured another interesting species A.
Atossa (n. sp.) the male of which has been in Mr. Edwards’s collection for twenty
years ; but the female was only discovered in 1889. From the figure it appears
to be very distinct from anything we have in our fauna.

Plate III. shows Satyrodes Canthus in great detail. The text of this plate
is very complete. Mr. Edwards has adopted Mr. Scudder’s genus for this species
but believes the name Lwrydice does not belong to it.—J. F.

THE Cave Fauna oF Norra AMERICA, with remarks on the Anatomy of the
Brain and Origin of the Blind Species. By A.S. Packard, M.D. Vol. IV.:
First Memoir—National Academy of Sciences. 4to., pp. 156.

The author of this admirable volume is everywhere known throughout the
scientific world from his numerous works, especially on entomology, and has

. . . . + . dr +t
obtained a deservedly high reputation in Europe as well as in America. This
reputation will, we are confident, be, if possible, enhanced by the elaborate mono-
graph before us. It contains many original observations of cave animals, some
careful scientific investigations, and a very interesting chapter of philosopuic

7 (EN.)

98

considerations. It is also fully illustrated by a map of the Mammoth Cave in
Kentucky, a number of wood cuts and a series of twenty-seven beautiful litho-
graphs, nearly all of them drawn by the author himself. The work begins with
a description of the Mammoth Cave and others in the neighbourhood, and gives
lists of the various animals found within them ; an account of the Wyandotte
and other caves in Indiana, Clinton’s Cave in Utah, and one in Colorado; a
discussion of the geological age of the caves and their inhabitants, the mode of
colonization and the source of their food-supply. The second chapter describes
the vegetable life of the caves, which is naturally of the most meagre description.
Then follows a systematic description and list of the invertebrate animals found
in North American caves, among which spiders are the most numerous. Insects
are represented by eight species of Thysanura, four of Orthoptera, two of
Platyptera, ten of Coleoptera and nine of Diptera—a by no means extensive
list, but one that includes some very curious and interesting forms. The beetles
of the genus Anophthalmus are especially remarkable and attractive to the
ordinary entomologist. Lists are also given of the European and North American

cave animals, and of the blind, eyeless creatures which do not live in caves, and |

which, strange to say, almost equal in number their cavernous relatives. The
next chapter gives a careful account of the anatomy of the brain and eyes (when
partly developed) of certain blind Arthropods. The chief interest of the work
culminates in the final chapter where the author discusses the origin of the cave
species as bearing upon the theory of evolution. We have not space for any
abstract of his views, which are well-deserving of study, but must refer the
reader who desires fresh evidence on the subject of evolution to the work itself.
We entirely agree with the author in his closing words: “In the case of too many
naturalists the dogma or creed of natural selection has tied their hands, obscured
their vision, and prevented their seeking by observation and experiment to
discover, so far as human intelligence can do so, the tangible, genuine, efficient
factors of organic evolution.”—c. J. S. B.

AMERICAN SPIDERS AND THEIR SPINNING Work. A natural history of the Orb-
weaving Spiders of the United States, with special regard to their Industry
and Habits. By Henry C. McCook, D.D. Vol. I. Published by the Author,
Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, 1889. 4to., pp. 372.

The author of this sumptuous volume is so well known from his valuable
and interesting works on the natural history of various kinds of ants, and his
charming little book “The Tenants of an old Farm,” that any productions of his
pen are looked forward to with lively anticipation and keen interest. We are
quite sure that no one of the subscribers to this, his latest and greatest work,
has been in the least degree disappointed by this first volume of the promised
three. Though spiders are not insects, we have no doubt that every entomolo-
gist, and indeed every lover of natural history in any of its departments, will
deeply enjoy the perusal of this volume. We cannot give a better idea of its
contents than by mentioning the subjects treated of. They are, first, the general
classification, structure and spinning organs of spiders; the construction and
armature of Orbweavers’ snares ; the characteristic forms and varieties of snares ;
unbeaded orbs and spring snares; the engineering and mechanical skill and
intelligence of spiders; their modes of procuring food and habits in feeding ;
their fangs and poison bags ; their modes of nest making and its development in
various tribes; and finally the “genesis of snares.” All these different subjects
are fully illustrated with more than three hundred and fifty wood cuts. The
second volume is to treat of the mating and maternal instincts, the life of the

—"

99

young, the distribution of species, ete. ; and the third will be devoted to deserip-
tions of the orbweaving fauna of the United States, with coloured illustrations
of a number of species. The whole will form one of the most complete works
of the kind in the English language. Entomologists will need to have long
purses if they wish to possess ali the literature of the day, and to procure for
themselves such costly and beautiful books as Scudder’s and Edwards’s Butter-
flies and McCook’s Spiders. We trust that all who can possibly afford it will aid
the authors in their self-sacrificing enterprises by subscribing for their books, but
those who cannot do so should use their influence with their local Scientific
Societies and Public Libraries and induce those in charge to purchase these
valuable works for the general benefit. Weare glad to say that the Public
Library in Toronto and our Entomological Society have set a good example in
this respect and rendered these works available for many of our readers.—c. J. 8. B

Report ON INSECT AND FunGus Pests. No. I. By Henry Tryon, Assistant
Curator of the Queensland Museum. Published by the Department of
Agriculture, Brisbane, Australia, 1889. 1 Vol., 8vo., pp. 238.

We have perused with great interest this first work that we have seen on
the Economie Entomology of Australia. Some of the pests referred to are very
familiar to us here, for instance, the Codling Moth and the Woolly Aphis of the
apple tree, while others are species closely allied to those which are very destructive
with us. The report takes up different fruits, vegetables and field crops that
are most commonly cultivated in the colony, and describes the insects which
especially attack them ; as far as possible the life history of each pest is given
and remedies are suggested. The work is very carefully and thoroughly done, and
will, no doubt, be of great value to the fruit growers and farmers in that part of
the world. Its usefulness would of course be greatly enhanced by illustrations o¢
the insects treated of, but evidently there were difficulties in the way of procuring
these that could not at first be overcome. Future reports will doubtless be made
popular in this way. The author deserves much credit for the valuable book he
has produced. We trust that the Queensland Government will give him all the
assistance and encouragement possible in the prosecution of his studies in prac-
tical entomology, and enable him to continue a work that is of the utmost
economic importance.—Cc. J. s. B.

THE BUTTERFLIES OF INDIA, BURMAH AND CEYLON. By Lionel de Nicéville,
Calcutta. Vol. 3. 12+503 pp. 6 pl. 1890. 8o.

Some three years or more ago, we noticed a work on the above subject by
Marshall and de Nicéville, of which two volumes had been published, the last by
de Nicéville alone. A third volume of over 500 compact pages has just come
to hand, the most notable thing about which, at least to a dweller in temperate
regions, is that it is wholly concerned with the Lycaenide, of which eighty-two
genera and over four hundred species are described. Such wealth in these pigmies
among butterflies is a striking fact. The author, however, beyond the generic
collocation has made no attempt to classify this immense assemblage, contenting
himself with only distinguishing certain groups of genera by the name of one
of the included genera, as the “Thecla group,” ete., which groups are character-
ised in a general but not formal way in the body of the work. These agree
tolerably well with the groups Doherty had previously characterised from the
egg alone, but are about twice as numerous and are established mainly upon the

100

structural features of the imago. This is better than Distant’s artificial divisions
but there is plainly an open field here for investigation, and one which there is
apparently no need for great delay in occupying, since (excepting the egg) the
early stages of Lycaeninz appear to offer less service to the systematist than in
any other group of butterflies.

What will surprise one in this volume, is the very considerable addition to
our knowledge of the early stages of the Lycaenine, for excepting the Hesperides
this group is in general the least known of butterflies. Yet something is
recorded of no less than thirty-four genera, much of it new, and in many a good
deal of interesting history is related. This is a great improvement on the
preceding volumes. One particular case, that of the pomegranate butterflies, whose
history was briefly and partially given by Westwood, seems valuable enough
to reprint for the benefit of American readers ; and another, Curetis thetis, may
well be mentioned here :—“ The twelfth segment [of the larva] bears two most
extraordinary structures, which consist of two diverging, cylindrical, rigid pillars,
arising from the subdorsal region and of a pale green color. When the insect
is touched or alarmed, from each pillar is everted a deep maroon tentacle as long
as the rigid pillar, bearing at its end long parti-coloured hairs, the basal third of
each hair being black, the upper two-thirds white. The maroon tentacle with
its long hairs spread out like a circular fan or rosette is whirled round with great
rapidity in a plane parallel to the body, its use being almost certainly to frighten
away its enemies, as this larva, as far as I am aware, is not attended by protecting
ants and lacks the honey-gland on the eleventh segment present in so many
lyczenid larvee which are affected by ants.”

Ants have been found attendant upon half a dozen genera, and in many
cases they have been identified by Dr. A. Forel, of Switzerland. At least a dozen
species are concerned, and they are about equally divided between the Formicide
and Myrmicide.

Spalgis, it appears, is another instance of a carnivorous lycenid comparable
to our Feniseca, the larva associating with and feeding upon the “ mealy bug”
of the planters, a species of Dactylopius. De Nicéville in no way favours
Edwards's belief that Feniseca belongs to the Lemoniine, and adds nothing, as
we had hoped he might be able to do, to Holland’s suggestions that Liphyra, too,
might be carnivorous, though he points out that the two genera differ in their
perfect state in the number of subcostal nervules, and are therefore not so closely
allied as Dr. Holland thought.

The seasonal dimorphism of many Indian Lyczenide is well brought out, the
dry and wet season taking the place of our spring and summer ; indeed, it occurs
in no less than eighteen genera, and this will be a revelation to many, and seems
to bid fair to renovate the study of tropical butterflies. But while in India
proper “the seasonal forms seem to be chiefly restricted to two, a wet anda
dry,” in the Himalayan district of Sikkim “the dry season form which occurs
at the end of the year differs somewhat from the dry season form which occurs
in the spring, so that with regard to some species there may be said to be three
forms—a spring, a wet season, and a winter form.” Sexual dimorphism on the
contrary is very rare among tropical Lycenide, de Nicéville stating that he
does not know positively of any case, though he suspects it in a species of
Zephyrus. On the authority of Doherty (a native of Cincinnati by the way,
working most industriously in the east), he credits half a dozen or more species
as mimicking others of the same or neighboring groups of Lycznide. Much
attention is also paid to the secondary sexual characteristics so far as their gross
appearances are concerned, and they are noted in no less than nineteen genera.

)

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101

Finally, we may call attention to the very interesting general chapter on the
Lycenide at the beginning of the volume, which is of more than usual interest
and rather exceptional in a work of this kind. The work itself must serve a
very useful purpose ; its execution is remarkably even and shows great skill and
balance on the part of the author. There are half a dozen plates like those of
‘the former volumes and executed by the same parties, excepting that two of
them are chromo-lithographs, but we could wish that some plates of the early
stages might have been added, and the direct purposes of the book for the Indian
student would have been served by others giving structural details —s. H. s.

MANUAL oF InJuRIOUS INSECTS AND METHODS OF PREVENTION. By Eleanor
A. Ormerod, Second Edition, 1890.

The enlarged and thoroughly revised edition of Miss Ormerod’s Manual of
Injurious Insects which has lately appeared, is a work of such importance to all
engaged in agricultural pursuits, that it is thought well to place a notice of it in
our Annual Report so that such of our readers who have not seen it may know
of its publication. We feel confident that a perusal of this work would well re-
pay all those engaged in the cultivation of farm, orchard or garden crops. The
study of economic entomology has made great progress during the decade which
has elapsed since the appearance of the first edition of Miss Ormerod’s Manual in
1881, and this progress is to a large measure due to the unceasing labours of this
talented lady. Her annual reports are eagerly looked for by thousands of farmers
in Great Britain and by scientific students in all parts of the world. They give
4 concise account of the insect attacks which have occurred in the British Isles
during the year which has followed the issue of the previous report. A feature
of these reports is their practical nature, every attention being given to the best,
not the largest number of, remedies for each insect mentioned. This character is
also very manifest, as might have been expected, in this more important work of
Miss Ormerod’s. There is no writer upon the practical science of combating the
ravages of insects which attack crops, in Australia, India, South Africa, the
United States, Canada, or elsewhere, who dves not quote her opinion as the high-
est authority upon any subject which she has written about. This is due to the
careful and thorough manner in which all of her investigations are carried out.
In the last number of “ Insect Life” issued by the United States Department of
Agriculture and edited by the highest living authorities upon economie entomo-
logy, the following complimentary notice of this work appears :—*“ On account of
its convenient size, admirable arrangement, plain language, and abundant illus-
tration, it is almost a model of what such a work should be.’—“ Miss
Ormerod’s work cannot be too highly commended.”

Now the merits above enumerated are just the points which render this work
so valuable, for it is perfectly intelligible to anyone who can read, and thus
becomes almost indispensable to every farmer, gardener, or fruit grower, who
would carry on his work in the most successful manner. Nor is this the case in
England alone, where the work was written, for so many of the actual insects
treated are common as agricultural pests both in Europe and in North America,
and moreover the general principles recommended for the prevention of injury
are applicable all the world over. Besides this from the fact that most of our
most injurious insects are imported species, we know not at what moment any of
those so well treated of in this work, may not appear in our midst as a serious
tax upon our cultivated crops. The different kinds of attacks are arranged
alphabetically under the three headings, Food Crops, Forest Trees, and Fruit.
Some new attacks not mentioned in the first edition and which appeared sub-

102

sequently to its issue, are now. paid particular attention to, amongst these are the
Hessian Fly, Stem Eel-worms and the Wheat Bulb-fly. The information concern-
ing all the attacks treated of in both editions_has been largely augmented and
the special subjects of Wireworms, 'furnip-flea-beetle, Mustard Beetle, and Hop:
Aphis are entered on at length.

Special attention has been given to the presentationof the latest developments
in the way of preventive measures. Attention is drawn to the use of chemical
manures which are highly beneficial as plant-stimulants (but by no means so to
vegetable-feeding grubs and maggots), and the many kinds of agricultural imple-
ments, by which the soil can be more completely broken up on the surface, or the
surface more thoroughly buried down than was formerly the case, these are of
great assistance to us. As an Appendix to the Manual is given a short and
copiously illustrated “ Introduction to Entomology,’ where, in the plainest
possible language, the structure and changes of insects are described, and illustra-
tions and definitions of the various natural orders into which they are classified
are given, so as to “ enable the observer of a crop attack to tell at least what kind
of insect is before him,” and also “in the list of the orders of insects, notes are
given of the most observable of the characteristic points by which the insects
composing these different orders may be distinguished from each other.”

A glossary of terms and a full index render this work very complete. It
contains 410 pages, and is illustrated with 155 excellent figures, many of them
from the authoress’s own pencil. The frontispiece is a portrait of the authoress
which has been prefixed by desire of many friends and will be of interest to many
in this country who have not had the pleasure of meeting Miss Ormerod. The
manual is well printed, neatly bound in cloth, and the small price at which it is
published ($1.25) brings it within the reach of all.

There are many articles in the manual which are of interest to Canadian
readers as they describe insects which also occur here—amongst these the follow-
ing may be mentioned :

THe BEAN WEEVIL (Bruchus granarvus).—tTreating the seed with a solution
of sulphate of copper and carbolic acid are recommended, also soaking the seed
beans for some time before they are sown, or dropping them for one minute into
boiling water.

THE CapBaGEe APHIS (Aphis brassicw).—In garden cultivation drenching the
infested plant with soap-suds is practicable, syringing with an infusion of tobacco
in lime-water has been found useful and dusting with caustic lime and sovt are
stated to be very effective in getting rid of the aphis.

THE SMALL WHITE CABBAGE BUTTERFLY (Pieris rape).—The greatest confi-
dence seems to be placed in strengthening the plant, so as to enable it to outgrow
the attacks of the caterpillars. In this country this is insufficient and undoubtedly
the best remedy is pyrethrum powder reduced with 4 times its weight of
common flour or finely sifted lime and then dusted over the plants.

CABBAGE Fiy (Anthomyia brassicw).—The use of barn-yard manure imme-
diately before a cabbage crop seems to induce attack, also the continuous culti-
vation of cabbages on the same ground. The value of lime and ashes are
emphasized by the experience of correspondents.

Carrot Fry (Psila rosw).—This is an uncommon insect in Canada; but is
found here and is liable at any time to develop in numbers. The remedies suggested
consist chiefly of, careful cultivation of the soil so as to induce a vigorous growth,
care at the time of thinning the rows and the use of obnoxious materials to deter
the females from egg-laying.

a
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103

Stem Eetworm (7'ylenchus devastatria)—* Clover sickness” and “ Tulip,
root” in oats are caused by small nematode worms. We have not so far observed
these in Canada, but they have been studied in the United States and we should
be on our guard, Some points in the life-history of the species are given in re-

d to which some common-sense remedies are suggested, such as not planting
a crop liable to attack upon infested ground. It is shown that several plants are
injured by the worms and that they can survive the operation of digestion in
animals fed on infested fodder. It is the same species which causes stem-sickness
in clover and “ tulip-root ” in oats. Grain Aphis Siphonophora granaria, Kirby.
Early maturing varieties of grain are recommended, The full life-history of this
insect is still unknown.

Dappy LoNGLEGs (7'ypule@).—These troublesome insects are treated at some
length. Amongst measures to be taken to lessen the quantity of eggs laid, are
mowing down coarse vegetation in places suitable for the females to lay eggs, and
feeding sheep on infested pastures. Draining of low land and the use of quick-
acting fertilisers are suggested.

Hessian Fry (Cecidomyia destructor).—This well known pest has been
specially studied by Miss Ormerod. The chief remedies are burning infested
stubble and screenings, the selection of varieties least attacked, and the use of
special fertilisers in the spring to strengthen injured plants.

Wueat Mince (Cecidomyia tritici)—Deep plowing directly after harvest

and the destruction of screenings seem to be the best remedies.

Tarips (Thrips cerealvuwm).—Deep ploughing and clean farming are thought.
to be the best remedies.

WIREWoRMS (larvee of the Click Beetles)—* Wireworms may perhaps be said
to do the greatest amount of mischief of any of our farm pests ; they destroy root
grain and fodder crops.” So Miss Ormerod begins her article and it is almost as
true for some parts of Canada. Great stress is laid on the preparation of the land
before a crop liable to attack. Autumn feeding with sheep and the use of gas-
lime and salt are highly spoken of. Sir Richard Keene writes “If the lea is
broken for oats (our general crop) it is sure to be attacked more or less by wire-
worms; I top-dress with 4 cwt. agricultural salt, 2 ewt. superphosphate and
sometimes 1 cwt. nitrate of soda. i have never known this to fail if applied in
time. If the lea is broken in autumn, to have green crops in the following year,
T have the land worked as much as possible and apply 8 tons hot lime to the
statute acre ; lime as hot as possible. I always sow the seed with a liberal dress-
ing of farmyard dung, for such crops as mangold, turnip, cabbage, carrot, and
parsnip, and I use the following dressing of artificial :—2 ewt. best bone meal, 1
ewt. nitrate of soda, and 3 ewt. common salt. I find the plants are soon forced
up beyond the reach of damage.

Hop Apuis (Phorodon hwmuli).—This is another insect which sometimes
does enormous injury in Europe, and which has received particular attention from
both the authoress and Prof. Riley whose studies have supplied important links in
the life-chain of this insect. The remedies most to be relied on are the treatment

of plum trees early in the season to destroy the first brood of aphis and after-

wards “ washing or spraying the hop plants when they are found to be infested.
Rep Spier (7'etranychus telarius).—This is another of the dire enemies of
the hop as well as many other plants. Washes containing sulphur or kerosene
are suggested.
MANGOLD or BEET FLy (Anthomyia beiw)—The remedy most spoken of is
high cultivation ; but the benefits of a kerosene emulsion are suggested by the
experience of one of the correspondents quoted.

104

ONION FLY (Anthomyia ceparum) —The remedies offered for this well-known __

pest are careful preparation of ground which has not borne onions the previous
year, growing them in trenches so that the bulb may be kept covered, the re-

Let

moval of diseased bulbs, and the treatment of infested plants with what is

practically a kerosene emulsion or simply with soap suds.

SLuGs.—These troublesome mollusks are not insects but are treated in the
manual because so frequently sent in by people who suppose they are. Gas-lime,
lime, and salt if applied frequently at short intervals are sure remedies.

THE DIAMOND-BACK Mota (Plutella cruciferarwm).—This insect frequently
so injurious to cabbages in this country is spoken of as an occasional pest of

turnips. A dry dressing of gas-lime, one bushel ; lime from the kiln, one bushel; |

sulphur, 6 pounds ; and soot, 10 lbs., was found useful.

In Part II. “ Forest Trees and the Insects that injure them,” there are no
insects which actually injure our forest trees in Canada although the general
principles of prevention and remedy give valuable suggestions.

In Part 11. “ Fruit Crops and Insects that injure them,” we find many too —

well known enemies of the orchardist.

THE WooLLy APHIS (Schizonewra lanigera).—Of the many remedies given
it seems to us that the treatment of the stem inhabiting form with soap-washes
or kerosene emulsion will be the most effective, and the latter is probably the
best remedy for the root inhabiting form which is so difficult to reach. .

APPLE ApuHIs (Aphis mali).—Syringing with soft-soap and other washes is.
recommended.

CopLine MorH (Carpocapsa pomonella).—Scraping, banding, and washing
the trees, form the chief remedies. Spraying with Paris green. This is the first
mention of this now universally used American remedy. Up to last year Paris
green aS an insecticide was unknown in England. Now however at Miss
Ormerod’s suggestion it has been tried and has proved so successful that there is
no doubt that it will rise rapidly in public favour. Probably some from careless-
ness or recklessness, in not following the instructions closely, will put on the
washes too strong and injure the foliage ; but the benefits which will follow its.
adoption will be so enormous that Miss Ormerod will speedily be recognised as a
public benefactor by thousands of the ignorant educated people in Great Britain
who “did not know that grubs and creeping things were of any interest to them.”

MussEL ScaLeE (Mytilaspis pomorwm).—This is our familiar oyster-shell
bark louse. The usual soap washes in spring and the mechanical removal of the
scales are recommended.

GOOSEBERRY SAW-FLY (Nematus ribesii, Curtis).—Great stress is laid on the
value of removing the surface soil from beneath bushes which have been infested
by the larve. Mention is made of some mixtures containing soot or sulphur.
We are surprised to find that “ white hellebore ” is not mentioned.

SHoT Borer “ PEAR Buicut” (Xyleborus dispar).—A most complete article
is given on this insect which has been very injurious in our Maritime Provinces.
for some years ; preventive remedies in the shape of washes to prevent the females
from laying eggs are given.

MoTrLeD UMBER Motu (frybernia defoliaria).—This moth is interesting to
us from the fact that it has been taken on three occasions in Vancouver Island
by Rev. George W. Taylor—whether indigenous or introduced is uncertain.

This is one of several moths which have been very injurious for many years.
in England but which have been successfully treated during the past season with
Paris green. A long article detailing the experiments of the Evesham Fruit
Conferenee with Paris green, under Miss Ormerod’s guidance, gives an account of
the successful introduction of Paris green into England as an insecticide. J. F.

105

THE RUSSIAN PARASITE OF THE HeEsstIAN Fiy.—Miss Eleanor A. Ormerod,
the eminent consulting entomologist of the Royal Agricultural Society of England,
in a communication to the Mark Lane Hxpress, thus refers to the discovery of
this parasite :—

_ “Tt is announced in the United States that Professor C. V. Riley, the well-
known entomologist to the United States Department of Agriculture, has intro-
duced into that country living specimens of Semiotellus nigripes, a Russian
parasite of the Hessian fly, in order to acclimatize it. By its aid he hopes to
practically exterminate the pests in that country. Curiously enough he obtained
this parasite from England, and it is said that quite a number have been reared
for the purpose. If this is the case, there should be no difficulty in the way of
adopting the same means of getting rid of the Hessian fly in this country, and
it would be interesting to have Miss E. A. Ormerod’s opinion on the subject.”

My opinion is that, quite certainly, it would be worse than useless (in this
country) to make any such attempt. In the United States of America things
are on a very different footing. There are differences in temperature, conditions
of climate, and also of area of cropping, and other agricultural arrangements
which must affect this question. Likewise there are special arrangements at the
Government experimental stations for rearing insects, and skilled Government
entomologists who can trustworthily examine the collections before they are
turned loose on the conntry.

The parasite fly (the Semzotellus nigripes) is only about onel line long, and
without the help of a magnifying glass and some technical knowledge it would
be impossible for any but skilled entomologists to be certain whether many pests
were not included amongst the parasites which they set free. Also it is to be
remembered for the most part insects pair, lay eggs, and die very shortly after
they make their appearance from the chrysalids, but even supposing these
minute creatures lived on awhile, where are they to be taken to ?

We do not know what corn is infested until attack is thoroughly set up, for
the most part till the mischief is so advanced that the time for action of the
parasite is past; and at a vast expense the intended destroyers would in many
cases be carried where there was nothing to destroy.

This work of rearing could not be done on a broad scale—that is, by collec-
tions from the threshing machine by farmers—and the payment to a staff of
collectors. rearers, and distributors would involve enormous outlay.

The present plan of destroying the Hessian fly chrysalids in the fine
screenings is much the safest, and also has, for this country, the stated approval
of Prof. Riley himself. It is easily done, costs scarcely anything, and causes no
loss; and thus, though we destroy the parasites (of which there are several
kinds), we also quite certainly destroy the pest.

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