INSFXTS INJURIOUS TO STORED GRAIN. 



J. M. STEDMAN. 



INTEODUCTION. 



In the Southern States more particularly, the stored grain 

 and seeds are usually greatly damaged, if not entirely de- 

 stroyed in one season, by the attack of insects, principally 

 weevils. The amount of damage needs no comment. It has 

 been stated that grain affected with insects is injurious to 

 stock ; but whether this be true or not, it is of little conse- 

 quence compared with the injury done to grain used for 

 seed. When injured grain is planted, there will be a poor 

 "stand," since the essential part of the seed is usually eaten 

 away and germination rendered impossible ; or else if the 

 seed germinates, it has been robbed of much of the nourish- 

 ment placed there by nature to enable it to attain a healthy 

 and vigorous start, and such seeds will yield a small crop. 

 Instances have come under my observation where whole 

 graineries of corn have been entirely ruined ; and it is al- 

 most impossible to purchase peas that are not badly 

 effected. 



Fortunately we have methods by which we can destroy 

 these pests in our graineries, and there is no excuse now for 

 suffering any considerable loss from insects in stored grain. 

 I find, however, that few understand these methods, and how 

 easily and cheaply they may be applied. There are nine 

 different species of insects that may attack stored grain in 

 Alabama, and in all cases the method of combatting them is 

 the same. 



In order that one may determine the kind of insects 

 found in stored grain, I have given a figure of all but 

 one, and a short description. 



