lo Dec. 1909.] Vegetable Pests. 77 "^ 



As a deterrent, spraving with coal tar water or a weak kerosene emul- 

 sion is recommended. A good hosing with cold water is also beneficial. 

 The formula for coal tar water is as follows: — Boil one pound of coal 

 tar in two gallons of water, and while hot add from 50 to too gallons of 

 ivater. 



RuTHERGLEN BuG. — This is another insect which, at the present time, 

 is causing a lot of trouble to the vegetable grower. Tomatoes, beans, peas,, 

 potatoes, and other such vegetables are favourite foods of this pest. Ben- 

 zole emulsion and coal tar Avater give good results if sprayed on the 

 infested plants. 



Cut Worms. — Caterpillars belonging to the genera Agroiis, Heliothis, 

 Plusla, are the chief members of this group. The\ are most destructive, 

 and attack tomatoes, capsicums, beans, onions, cabbage, lettuce, &c. The 

 caterpillars hide amongst the debris and soil during the day time, and at 

 night come up to feed. ^Nlanv gardeners cannot understand how it is^ 

 that a whole plant laden with tomatoes can be destroyed in one evening, 

 when they can see no trace of any insects. If the ground around the 

 plants be turned up the grubs, usually curled up, will be discovered about: 

 an inch under the soil. The moths hide in the daytime under grass, 

 wood, stones, bags, &c., and when darkness is setting in they fly about 

 from plant to plant, depositing their eggs as they go. 



The arsenate of lead spray has proved one of the Ijest remedies yet 

 discovered for these pests j but cabbage, lettuce, and other such vegetables- 

 should be washed before using. Poisoned baits are also used with suc- 

 cess, the formula being as follows: — Bran, arsenic, and sugar mash: The 

 best proportion to use is i part (by weight) of arsenic, i of sugar, and 6 

 of bran to which is added a sufficient quantity of water to make a wet 

 mash. This preparation is usually made in wash tubs or half barrels. 

 One of these is filled about three-fourths full of dry bran, and to this ^.5 

 added about 5 lbs. of arsenic, which is thoroughly stirred through the 

 bran with a spade or shovel ; 5 lbs. of sugar is next thrown into a pail, 

 which is then filled with water, and the sugar is stirred until it dissolves. 

 When the sugar water is added to the bran and arsenic, and the three 

 well stirred, more water is added, and the stirring continued until every 

 portion of the mash becomes''thoroughly' saturated. About a teaspoonful' 

 of this mixture is placed at the foot of each plant or shrub infested, 

 dropping it in the shade when this can be done. Care must be taken that 

 this bait is placed beyond the reach of children and domestic animals. 



Snails and Slugs. — These pests appear to be more numerous this- 

 year than for many years past, and persons having vegetable gardens have 

 had, and are still having, a fight to keep them under control. Ordinary 

 remedies, such as soot, lime, carbolized sawdust, salt. &c., are, of course, 

 of much assistance, but of themselves ^are not sufficient protection. Tn the 

 arsenate of lead sprav we have a mixture which will soon drive them out. 

 Pumpkin Beetle. — Last vear this destructive insect caused much 

 damace to melon, cucumber, and pumpkin plants and others of the same 

 group. A few spt -^imens have been noticed alreadv this season, but they 

 are usuallv verv prevalent from Decernber until February. A very 

 common mistake is made b\ confusing this pest with the beneficial Ladv- 

 hird, and several correspondi^nts write asking for advic^e as to the destruc- 

 tion of the latter insect, under the impression that it is destroying their 

 vegetables. The distinctive feature about the oumpkin beetle is that it is 

 an elongated beetle, while the ladybird is almost round in shape. The 

 following are preventives : — Coal tar water. Paris green, kerosene emul- 

 sion, and arsenate of lead. Inspector E. WalHs, of Wangaratta. states 



