Bisbee daily review. [volume] (Bisbee, Ariz.) 1901-1971, 1909-10-19
GERMAN Tree PESTS
Electric Search Beams Lure
Moths Into Eeath Traps.
Measure Made Necessary by RaVages
Of Insects Known as "Nuns,"
Which Threatened to Destroy
conifers of Saxon Forests.


Berlin.-The foresters Of Germany
lure noxious insects to their doom by
the use of electric lights and other
fiery attractions.
The experiments OF the foreste-s
were made necessary by the rayages
OF moths, known popularity through
out Germany as the nuns" which
threatened to destroy the conifers OF
the forests of Saxony.
The moths IN question are uost ac-
tive between the hours of 10 p. N and
1 a. n, and they are then attracted
powerfully toward sources OF light.
Experiments demonstrated that the
"suns" were attracted by the fame of
burning wood; more strongly by ace
tylene or magnesium lamps, and most
powerfully by the electric arc.
The allnring OF the moths was ac-
complished at Zittau by cooperation
between the foresters and the munich
pal electric works. The entire stock
of are lamps was linked together. aft:
er the globes had been removed, and
set in activity after nightfall.
Although the forests were several
miles distant the effect of the total
illumination was sufficiently strong to
attract vast swarms of moths from
their leafy shelter
They futtered about the glowing
earbons and quantities fell to the
earth with singed wings. Although
great numbers we're permanently dis
sbled. it was evident that the destruc-
| tive factor must be greatly multiplied
to attain appreciable results.
Fer that reason another plan was
| tried. At IL p. m. the street lights
were turned eff. Electric searehlights
With current OF 40 amperes were
mounted and their powerful rays were
| directed upon the neighboring forests.
These searchlights exerted great at
| tractive force, which was increased
/ b. linking TO each two arc lamps with
| globes. Between these two lamps
| powerful suction ventilator was sta
toned. A piece of wire netting was
| placed opposite the outlet of the ven-
| tilator few inches distant
The results were startling. The
moths came from the forests in enor-
rlous numbers and sooner or later
were sucked into the ventilator and
hurled by it against the wire netting
with such force that the wings were
broken and the insects rendered help
less or killed outright
Four of these devices were installed
3! in the town of Zittau on the roofs of
buildings. A few minutes after the
7 searchlight is turned on scattered
moths appear. Then the number rap
Idly increases until thousands arrive
simultaneously and f1utter in and out
o. the great beam of light ..
Steadily they near its source until
suddenly they are within the grasp of
the unseen suction of the ventilator;
and in a second they pass through it
and fall crushed and helpless to the
bottom of the wire cage. The maxi
mum result attained in a single night
by this method was total weight If
I41 pounds. representing about 4O0,-
900 dead moths.
The outcome of. these experiments
has been so convincing that it will be
continued on a much more extended
scale. The officials of the United
States department of agriculture have
been greatly interested by the reports,
as the question of protection from in
sects enemies of shade trees in New
England and of American forests
generally has of late assumed much
prominence.
Experiments in America, 1t is report
ed, along the lines laid down by the
soresters of Zittau will probably be un-
dertaken under the auspices Of the de.
partnent of agriculture next year.
Saited Almond Sandwiches.
Heat Cne-fourth of cupful of best
olive oil in frying pan, add four
ounces of blanched almonds and fry a
pale brown color Drain on paper.
then toss them in a seasoning of salt,
red pepper and paprika mixed to-
gether. Dry in the oven, taking care
that they do not become parched.
Chop finely and sprinkle on to but
tered bread, coTer with another but
tered slice, and cut in fancy shapes.
These viii be found to be both novel
and delicious.