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Green Apple Leaf-tier

Green Apple Leaf-tier (detail)
Green Apple Leaf-tier (detail)

The larvae of this insect feed in the early spring upon the young leaves of apple-and pear-trees, which they crumple up and tie together with threads of silk. Under the folded leaves they live and at last undergo their transformation into the pupal state. The caterpillars are green in color, and very nimble when disturbed, dropping to the ground or lowering themselves quickly upon a strand of silk. The chrysalis, as shown in the annexed cut, has a peculiar horn-like boss or projection at the upper end. The insect does much damage in the spring by preventing the proper expansion of the leaves in the terminal buds and by devouring the blossoms. The writer has for several years been greatly interested in observing the manner in which these pernicious little creatures have steadily robbed him of all fruit upon a couple of dwarf pear-trees which are growing at the rear of his city home. It has been found that a thorough spraying with a strong infusion of tobacco stems and slaked lime brings their work to a speedy end, and it is recommended to fruit-growers to resort to the application of this old-fashioned remedy when needed.