Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1908-02-05
Gypsy Moth Eggs Are
Hard to Kill.
Society For Prevention Of
tuberculosis Holds Meeting.
Ice Fishing Not Allowed on Harrows
Pond, Winthrop.

1t has recently been demonstrated at
the bureau of entomology connected
with the department of agriculture
that cyanide of potassium, while it is
destructive to nearly every form of in
sect life, has no effect whatever on the
egg of the gypsy moth, even after the
egg clusters have been contained for
days in an air-tight jar in which there
was also liberal allowance OF
cyanide. This treatment will kill the
eggs Of the brown-tail moth and those
of such other insects as have been
subjected to the treatment, and any
insect confined in such a jar quickly
perishes. but the gypsy moth egg
matches Just as readily after having
been subjected to the cyanide treat
ment as if it had not been treated at
ali.
Included in the large collection Of
chronological specimens at the bureau
are number of the egg clusters of
the gypsy moth, the majority of which
came from the infested section of the
town Of kittery, and owing to the dan-
gerous nature of the insect these egg
clusters have been closely watched
ever since their arrival, being sub
jected to frequent examination by the
clerk at the bureau. On their arrival
the egg clusters We're confined in a
jar with cyanide for nearly a week
with a view of destroying their fer
tility, after which they We're arranged
or mounts for exhibition purposes. but
Notwithstanding the fact that the eggs
were supposed to be destroyed the
clusters have been frequently ex-
amired to make sure that the destruc-
ton was complete.
A few days ago. however, il was dis
covered that some of the eggs were
Matching. and that the little caterpil-
lars were beginning to make their APP
pearance on the outside of the clusters.
The little fellows were but just large
enough to be seen and the holes they
made IN coming out of the cluster were
mere pin-pricks. but their appearance
meant trouble and no time was lost in
immersing the entire lot of egg clus-
ters in bath of formaldahyde.
This did the business and no more
trouble is anticipated from the hatch
ing OF the balance of the eggs in the
exhibit. The tenacty to life which is
Possessed by the germ in the egg of
the GYPSY moth may be understood by
the fact that when the eggs are killed
by being placed i'll an oven it is neceS-
sary that they be subjected to strong
heat for four hours before the danger
of Matching is removed.
The caterpillar of the gypsy moth is
also tough customer when it is
sought TO encompass his destruction
by spraying. 4 spray Of paris green,
which is extensively used in the de-
structiOn of insects, and which will
quickly put the broWn-tail caterpillar
and others out OF business. is said to
be as so much rose-water to the Gypsy
caterpillar, and in order to kill him it
is necessary to use a solution of arSen-
ate Of lead. all of which goes to show
that while the gypsy moth is the worst
pest IN the insect line which has yet
Waited Maine, he is also in the various
stages OF his life history one of the
most difficult to destroy
DR. A. G. Young. secretary of the
State Board of Health. was at Port
land Monday. where he attended q
meeting Of the board of directors Of
the State Association for the Study
and Prevention of Tuberculosis, viii n
was held at the Hotel Lafayette in the
afternoon. In speaking OF the meet
ing yesterday morning Dr. Young said
that it was very interesting one and
that a large amount of interest was
manifested.
The meeting was called for the pur-
pose of making arrangements for an
exhibition which should be of such Il
nature that it could be given In every
city and town of the State. the object
which it is sought to obtain by these
exhibitions being that all of the
people in the State may be given an
opportunity to see for themselves just
how the disease should be treated. by
what methods it is best combatted,
what the environments of patients
should be in order to secure the best
results, what foods have been found to
be the best adapted and most success
fully employed for the nourishment
and upbuilding Of patients. and now
in the majority Of cases patients can
be advantageously treated in their
own homes.
Included in the business which was
transacted at the meeting was lne
passage Of Il vote to cooperate Win
the various other anti-tuberculoSiS
agencies throughout the country III
preparing material for their exhibits.
1t was also voted to urge upon the city
government of Portland the necessity
of continuing the appropriation voted
last year for the tuberculosis nurse
whose work was warmly commended