Injurious insects of the farm and garden : With a chapter on beneficial insects

Front matter

22101850966

:.*• £ 1 1

IN I U RIO US INSECTS

Preface To New Edition

each one snatching off a bug as lie passed. And not only the rose bug falls a victim to his appetite, but he even stoops to * take the Colorado potato beetle. This has been seen by others in our town as well as by myself. Put up boxes for the martins, and see that the English sparrow does not get possession.

The oriole is another great helper. He knows how to pull the bag worm from his case, and does it systematically and rapidly. The tent caterpillar and fall web worm he also has a liking for. He ruthlessly tears the tents and webs to pieces and destroys untold numbers. Allow no gunner to shoot one of these beautiful, gaily dressed birds on your premises — not even if the lady of his choice is pining for a skeleton to perch on her hat.

For several years past, the leaves of our elm trees have been ruined by the elm beetle. Last year I noticed the cedar bird devouring the beetles and larvae. This year our elms are con paratively free from the pests. The leaves are scarcely injured at all, and the cedar birds are obliged to look close to find a beetle. They hunt over the trees in small flocks. They also destroy many other injurious creatures. This bird likes cherries. Raise enough for them, as well as for yourselves, and they will pay you back with interest.

The catbird and red-eyed vireo both eat the unsavory pear slug. But it is not necessary to mention the good services rendered by our more common birds, such as the robin, brown thrush, catbird, bluebird, and wrens, as all observing horticulturists are aware of the good they do. Our winter birds are also doing good work. The seed-eating ones pick up great quantities of the seeds of noxious weeds, while our wood-peckers, jays, and chickadees are constantly on the lookout for hibernating insects. Spare and encourage the birds, both winter and summer, about your grounds.

Mary Treat.

Vineland, N. J., September , 1887.