342 JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY [Vol. 12 



distributed broadcast in the same manner as baits are distributed for 

 grasshoppers was tested against a common alfalfa pest, the granulated 

 cutworm (Feltia annexa Tr.)- The mixture consisted of one-half sack 

 (32| pounds) of bran, one pound of Paris green and water to give proper 

 consistency for broadcasting. This was used at the rate of eight 

 pounds (dry bran) to the acre. A hard rain fell during the night fol- 

 lowing the application of the first batch but a few days later in the 

 portion of the field treated with this batch as well as in parts of the 

 field where the appHcations were not followed by rain no Hve cutworms 

 were found as a result of a search by the writer and two other observers 

 with a total time of about 30 minutes. In a nearby field where no 

 poison had been apphed the cutworms remained in destructive num- 

 bers, no dead specimens being found. 



Early in May of the present year a severe outbreak of variegated 

 cutworms (Lycophotia {Peridroma) saucia Hbn.) occurred in alfalfa 

 fields near Gilbert, Arizona. In one instance an eighty acre field was 

 severely damaged, in fact all growth was prevented until the cause 

 was discovered and the remedy applied. Poisoned bran mash made 

 according to the formula used against the granulated cutworm a few 

 months previous, was used by Dr. O. C. Bartlett, assistant state ento- 

 mologist, with results which showed practically 100 per cent efficiency. 

 Apparently only those worms which had ceased feeding in preparation 

 for pupating escaped the effects of the poison. 



Conclusions 



At the present time it may be considered as established that molasses 

 or syrup of any kind is absolutely unnecessary as an ingredient of 

 poisoned baits against many of the common cutworms. On the other 

 hand some investigators have found that the addition of molasses 

 increases the attractiveness of the bait to some species under certain 

 conditions. Evidence is accummulating to the effect that against 

 some species of grasshoppers the use of molasses or syrup is an unneces- 

 sary expense. Owing to the differences reported from different sec- 

 tions it would not be safe to assume that the same ingredients will be 

 found equally attractive to the same species of grasshoppers in different 

 localities. Neverthless it would seem logical to accept the results of 

 experiments with any one species in any locality until such time as 

 similarly conclusive experiments in other localities have proven a 

 variabilty in results. Whenever molasses or syrup can be omitted 

 there is not only a material saving in the cost of the bait but the 

 simplification of the directions for its preparation leads to the more 

 ready adoption of control measures by the farmers. While the value 



