STATE HOKTIOUI.TURAI. SOCIETY. o3 



It is two -brooded, and the young wheat in this case is evidently furnish- 

 ing it the means of completing its larval state, thus carrying it over the 

 winter; whereas, without this aid, it would probably have perished. 



Corn is certainly much less objectionable, and has the advantage of 

 requiring frequent stirrings of the soil. Looking at the matter from my 

 standpoint, I can not but think that root crops would perhaps be least 

 objectionable, but there may be, and probably are, counterbalancing rea- 

 sons against this on the plant side. It is more than probable that there 

 is a difference in regard to the applicability of the crop according to the 

 nature of the orchard ; that is to say, it does not necessarily follow that 

 a crop which is least objectionable in an apple orchard, is also least objec- 

 tionable in a peach or pear orchard. But this is a point which needs 

 further investigation. 



Late fall plowing has often been discussed in this connection, and 

 has its advocates, as well as those who think it useless ; but I must say I 

 am decidedly of the opinion that, as a general rule, it is beneficial not 

 only in the orchard, but also on the farm and in the garden ; and I be- 

 lieve this is the verdict rendered by experience. Leaving you to weigh 

 the evidence derived from experience, I give my reasons for my faith in 

 this remedial agency, which are drawn chiefly from the entomological 

 side. All such insects as pass the winter in the pupa state, but a few 

 inches below the surface of the ground, are certainly largely destroyed by 

 bringing them to the surface and exposing them to the frost ; and there 

 are a number of such species, among which we may mention as one of 

 the most prominent, the Canker-worm ; there are also some of the cut- 

 worms, etc. If the plowing is deep it may also reach many of the grubs 

 or their pupae, as these usually retire to a greater depth than the other 

 species mentioned. But it is the pupai that are chiefly affected by this 

 operation, as they are unable lo work their way back into the ground 

 after being once exposed to the cold ; and, as has been well stated by 

 Prof. Riley, plowing at this time breaks up the fragile cocoons of such 

 insects as the Canker-worm. 



I know not how much digging about the roots the trees will bear in 

 the fall, but if it can be done without injury to them, I think it would be 

 well to practice it occasionally. I see it was recommended several years 

 ago as a means of destroying the Rose-bug, and has since been suggested 

 in reference to other species which attack orchard trees. 



I am not prepared at this time to give full lists of species under these 

 different heads which I think would be affected by the measures proposed, 

 as I have not had time "to go over them and classify them since I con- 

 cluded to present this subject to you in this form ; my object now being, as 

 before stated, simply to present to you a plan for systematizing operations 

 against your insect enemies. But if you should deem it worthy of action, 

 I propose, after thorough consultation with a committee you may appoint 

 for that purpose, to prepare a paper in accordance with the i)lan agreed 

 upon, in vvhich the species will be named under the different heads, with 

 more particular specifications than can be given at this time. 



