CODLIN MOTH.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2418, 10 January 1888, Page 2

CODLIN MOTH.

10 THB KDITOR. Sir,—Having read your article on the codlin moth in last Thursday'* issue, and the means yon recommend for catching the grub, made ma think, would it not also be possible to catch tho moth. Believing this to be feasible, I determined to experim/Hit- • lise with a view to carry out my idea. Everyone is aware how generally moths are attracted by a strong light so I thought that must be iny Rtarting point. I took a lamp out that night and placed it in the garden, and it was immediately surrounded hy moths ot all descriptions. I noticed- f -hat 'inrnn of them flew straight at the lartip; and directly they struck it they dropped to the ground, while others continued to fly round and round, only occasionally touching it. I then placed two panes of glass, one on <;ther side of the lamp, so that they projected at right angles, and fnund tliat immediately these moths struck the glass they also fell to the ground. Then I felt convinced that, with a proper apparatus I could by this method catch I them. To further test it, I next placed the lamp—a small one —in a large soup plate tilled with water and • tut four panes of glass equi-distant, and at right-ancles to it. I found that from whatever direction moths came, they struok one of the panes or the lamp, and fell into the water. Now, Sir, if that water had been treacle, or any other sticky substance, it would have rendered tho whole plate full of moths unable to fly, and probably killed thein. Any practical tinsmith could easily, from the directions as above, make a lamp with the necessary accessories that would inswer the purpose at a trifling cost; but lie must provide for a supply of air to the burner, and, also, something to prevent the moths eoing down the chimney, or they may, as happened in my case, extinguish the light. Feeling convinced that every measure ought to be taken to stamp out this dreadful scourge to fruitgrowers, I forward my idea for insertion in your journal, knowing it will thereby be distributed ' throughout tho Waikato and neighbouring counties. I must apologise for trespassing on your valuable space, and trusting the idea may be given a trial.—l am, yours truly, Anti-Codun. Cambridge, January 7th, 1888. P S. —I am astonished t» find that not one in a hundred have oven seen a codlin moth, though they have seen the grub by thousands.