174 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



In communication with Dr. Briofo-s the followins: interest- 

 ing items were learned : — 



In North Rochester the first appearance of the vine worm 

 in 1883 was on the 28th of May, and it continued there until 

 the 13th of August. During this time the doctor had 

 his vines examined every day, and sometimes twice a 

 day. 



The worms appeared very easily atfected by any slight jar 

 or concussion of the earth or foliaoe near them. When 

 found crawling loosely upon the leaves, as they often were, 

 if disturbed in the least they would immediately roll them- 

 selves up and drop to the gi'ound. Thus making it very 

 difficult for one to detect so small a creature actually at 

 work upon the vines themselves. 



The young worms were often found coming out of the in- 

 volucre. They webbed up the leaves about where the bud 

 was to appear, and then seemed to eat everything green 

 within their enclpsure. There they seemed to complete a 

 sort of artificial cocoon, and to turn to the pupa or chrysalid 

 state within it, from which they appeared in due time as 

 the miller, who then laid its Qgg^ for a new crop of worms. 

 I am informed, that it takes a great deal of practice to en- 

 able one to find these worms, as they are so insignificant 

 looking, and lie so well concealed within the foliajje ot the 

 vines, — adding also the above-mentioned fact of their drop- 

 ping off the vines at the slightest jar. 



A cranberry bog is often regarded as something that will 

 take care of itself, and needs little or no laying out and 

 tendino; • but so far is this from beina: the case, that some of 

 our best bogs are laid out carefully in beds, well and evenly 

 prepared, and trenched, with a near outlet or rather inlet 

 from some brook or ditch, whence the water can be let on or 

 off the meadow as desired. Such care was taken in spraying 

 the vines that the spray was thrown over the plants with a 

 watering-pot, and a little practice will soon enable the boys 

 or men to cover every part. Even after the vines were 

 flowed, the men went over the patch and sprinkled the tops 

 of the vines remaining out of water. The solution used was 

 a watery mixture of paris green. August 14th there was 



