Daily Los Angeles herald., 1884-05-30
The Moth Danger.

Through the politeness Of Col. c. II.
Howland manager Of the Los Angeles
Electric Company, we are furnished with
copy a letter from Matthew Cock,
ESQ.,, the ex-Chief Executive Horticul-
tural officer Of California. Col. How
land having noticed the myriads Of
moths that were attracted to the elee-
tric lights, and which were being de-
stroyed in immense quantities by the
lights, the destruction being some nights
several bushels, thought II would be for
the interest of science and horticulture
that the matter be scientifically investi-
gated. He therefore directed his en-
pioyes to gather in number Of the
dead moths, and forwarded them to Mr.,
Cook for examination. Col. Rowland
has always believed that electric lights
will eventually be used by horticultur.
lists as an aid to exterminate the many
pests that infest our orchards. 1t will
be perceived that Mr.. Cooks ideas are
10 a similar direction.
1t seems by the letter Of Mr.. Cook
that the moths which are so rapidly de.
stroyed by the electric lights are some
of the most dangerous enemies Of the
vine, aud therefore we cannot but feel
gratifcd at the aid our electric
lights are giving the horticulturists in
this neighborhood. The extension Of the
electric lights into the suburbs may be
Of such service to our orchards and vine
yards in exterminating these worm pests
as to more than repay the cost to our
people. to say nothing of the benefits as
light.
Councilman Hamilton, Of East Los
Angeles, claims that last season the elec.
tric light in East Los Angeles cleared his
orchard from Goblin moth. Other par.
ties in this vicinity are expressing them.
selves in like manner.
1t will be noticed that the moths sent
by Col. Rowland were collected from
the mast lights at an elevation Of $50
feet above tile ground. Were the lights
placed in vineyard or orchard on posts
only rs feet high. the effects would be
very destructive to the pests.
We shall welcome the visit Of Mr..
Cook to our vicinity, aud trust that his
observations may be conducive to great
benefit to our vineyards and orchards.
Such experiments often lead to great
benefit to horticulture.
SACRAMENTO. May 27th, 1884.
To tie Los Angeles Electric Light Com.
pany.
GENTLEMEN:-Your favor of the 22nd
at hand, also package containing speci-
mems Of moths captured in the vicinity
Of the electric lights. The specimens
ore int resting. as they represent some
Of the most injurious pests with which
the cultivators of the soil, especially
viney yardists, have to contend.
Flrst-The large gray moths ara the
lourato worm moths, "Macrosila Caro-
lina," or NJ. s. Maculateo. The Cater
pillar of this moth is very destructive to
the tomato vine and tobacco plant.
Second-The large moths with under
side Of wings a p'nkish red, and basal
part Of upper side of under wings
roseate color, are The months known as
the "Achemon Sphinx" "Philampelis
| Achemon, the translation Of PhilampeIis
being, II love the Vine" The cater
pillar Of this moth is very de-
structive to the foliage Of the vine.
For instance, the caterpillars of the
"Achemon Sphinr" appeared in q vine
| yard in this vicinity about three years
ago, and could only be exterminated the
second year by placing $50 men, armed
each with q pair OF scissors, in the vine-
| yard to examine each vine and cut the
caterpillar in two wherever found. This
method of warfare was kept up for six
| weeks and proved successful.
Thiid-The large moths with the
white line in center of fore wings, ex-
tending the en- ire length Of the wing, il
the "White-lined Sphinx, sDeiiephila
iieneata. This caterpillar is also de.
structive to grapevines.
Fourth-The small moths represent
two species of the cut-worm moths,
"Agrotis," and our species of "Arctia,
the moth of the salt marsh caterpillar
The caterpillars of these three species
are injurious to vegetation. One specie.
Of the small moths received is harmless
as far as know.
will be in Los Angeles about tn.
Goth of June and will call upon You, q.
have some experiments under way al
the present time, attempting to capture
injurious insects by the attraction ol
lights. Yours, etc.,
MATTHEW Cook.