96 STATE BOAKD OF AGKICULTUHE. 



well harrowed or spaded for some weeks before setting the plants, and if possi- 

 ble the chickens should be given free access to tlie same. We shall thus be rid 

 of Michigan's Avorst pest to the strawberrjr.grower, the white grub. 



Here, then, I liave given in brief space rules which, if followed, will remove 

 much of our anxiety as to losses from injurious insects. Should you desire to 

 know more of the insects that do the mischief, and how the advice serves for 

 protection, I would refer you to my pamphlet published last year, which also 

 occuj^ies a place in the Eoport of the State Board of Agriculture for the year 

 1874. 



May we iiot hope that you who are directly interested will do your duty to 

 yourselves and neighbors by using eveiy projier effort to secure a general appli- 

 cation of the means explained above, Avhilc ave who are investigating will 

 endeavor to keep you informed as to the latest discoveries, not only of new 

 insect pests which ever and anon will come among us, but also of new and im- 

 proved methods whereby we may circumvent both new and old. By tlius work- 

 ing together we may assuredly triumph over the greatest obstacle and discour- 

 agement that at present confronts the farmers and fniit-grov/ers. 



Wm. Gumming, Saugatuck. — Is it the same kind of cut-worm v;hich destroys 

 our corn? 



Prof. Cook. — There are twehe species of cut-worms wliich work in this 

 State. Pour species climb fruit trees and eat the buds, and eight species cut 

 the corn, cabbages, etc. After the moths pair, which produce these ciit-worms, 

 they lay their eggs wherever grass or weeds are found, and the eggs hatch out, 

 and all during the fall the young cut-worms are busy eating the roots of the 

 grass and sometimes the blades, but their depredations this time of year attract 

 but little attention. The next spring they are nearly groAVu, and then the work 

 of destruction goes on. The climbing cut-worm is kept from destroying the 

 buds of the ti'ces by placing tin bands around the trees. These bands are from 

 2^ to 4 inches in width. 



Mr. Gumming. — In our part we have tried making a ferule of an old oyster 

 can, j^lacmg it around the roots of a young tree and packing the earth tight 

 around it. This we found to work effectually, and Ave think it an improvement 

 on the tin bands, especially on small trees. 



Prof. Cook. — I am glad this has been mentioned, for Judge Eamsdell of 

 Traverse City told me that he found this plan an excellent way to fight the 

 peach-borer. The only fault I haA'e to find with this way of dealing Avith the 

 cut-worm is that the pests might come up in the dirt between the tree and the 

 band. 



Mr. Gumming. — There is another fact I Avould like to state in regard to these 

 borers. Mr. Gerber of Douglas says that when he j^lauted his orchard two years 

 ago, around a portion of the trees he put tan-bark. The trees which had no 

 tan-bark around them were im'ested with the borers, Avhile those surrounded by 

 the bark escaped injiiry. 



Prof. Cook. — I think very likely the tan-bark may do good, as it has a certain 

 odor, and may serve to keep the borer aAvay. I liaA-e neA^er seen it mentioned 

 before. 



G. W. Griggsby, Trowbridge. — Will soft soap keep them aAvay? 



Prof. Cook. — I cannot say as to that. I knov/ positively that soft soaj) will 

 destroy bark lice, and should think it might preyent the borers from laying their 

 eggs, as we knoAV it does the apple-tree borers. 



