Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1905-04-29
NATURAL HISTORY TALKS.
Prof. Hitchines Speaks on "lnsects" to
Highly Pleased Audience.

The first in a series of Natural History
Talks" a departure in the work OF the
y<ennelec Historical Society, was given
by Prof F.. F. IIitchings, Friday even
ing, at Library hall Although the audi
enc. was not as large rs could be desired.
there was a good degree of interest minl-
tested and the lecture. while Of an IN
formal nature. was at the same time sys-
t..rlatic and instructive.
President Frank T. Noble of the Histor-
ical Society. is stimulating wholesome
interest in the study of the various
branches of natural history, being an en-
th,siastic student himself. and IN indtic-
ing Prof. Hitchings to assume control OF
the entomology division he has assured
the Success of the movement in this lire.
When the meeting was called to ordcE'
last evening, Pres. Noble IN few SYM
pathetic remarks introduced Prof Hitch
iDss 70 speak on the subject of insects
A the insect which is receiving the
greatest share of attention throughout
the State ut the present time is the brown
tail moth. Prof. Hitchngs naturally con-
fined his talk in the main to that and its
co-partner in destrrctivenes;. the gipsH
moth To make his talk even more inter
-$ting and instructive, the speaker had
specimens of the gypsy and brown tails
In the various stages of development,
from the eggs to the catcrIillars and II
n;,lly the moth itself. as well as sample
nests of the latter pest.
A valuable explanation was given in re-
gard to The theory of poison properties
being attached to the hairs OF the rloths
As 4 matter of fact the hairs are covered
with minute barbs. at which they ar"
easily broken. In coming In contact with
the skin these barbs naturally tend to
work under the cuticle, thus causing irri-
tation and eruption. Eut as far as pois-
onins is concerned, it has been proven
ny filtering 4 solution containing tn"
hairs that no poisonous properties actual
ly exist.
Prof litcnirgs showed that tho appro-
fpriatiOn made by the Legislature ut tn"
instisatcn OF the State PomolOSical So
cictv for fighting the pest could easily
HAY" been expended in one town. as nj
York alone 10000 nests were brought in
within n period of two weeks. An excel
lent field for village Improvement socie-
ties, the speaker argued. was opened liz
the way of clearing roadsideS of the
growth of bushes. which furnish such a
ready nesting place for the moths. The
only means of fighting the insects is that
OF destroying the nests. rs no parasite
has yet been found that will attack the
moth AS II has been declared impossi-
bile to eNtcrminatc the brown tnil in
Massachusetts. it is probable that Maine
will have to keep up steady fight every
year to prevent becoming infested with
them.
At the close of the lecture questions
on the subject of insects in general wer"
referred To the lecturer and n discussion
held in regard to forming classes for the
study Of the various branches Of cnto-
mology under Prof. ITitchngs' direction.
a beginning was made i'm this direction
and the work will soon be under way.
All who are interested in the subject
should make an effort to become connect
ed with one of these classes at once. Pres.
Noble stands ready to give any desired
information in regard to the steps neces-
Sary to becoming n member.