Twelfth Report op the State Entomologist 213 



Poisoned brail mash. — This was used in dififerent localities in the State 

 the present year with considerable success in infested fields. It was re- 

 ported in several instances that the caterpillars would even leave the 

 corn upon which they were feeding and descend to the ground for the 

 purpose of eating the attractive bait. Large numbers were killed by its 

 use and the crops were protected to a considerable extent. The recipe 

 for its preparation is as follows: 35 lbs. wheat bran, i gallon of molasses 

 and I lb. Paris green mixed to a proper consistency with hot water. It 

 should be distributed just before nightfall, as then the caterpillars are 

 usually beginning their feeding. 



Ditching. — This method is of value only in keeping the army-worms 

 out of fields comparatively free from them, and it is quite effective if 

 properly conducted. The ditch may be made by plowing a rather deep 

 furrow with its perpendicular side towards the field to be protected. At 

 intervals in the ditch of fifteen or twenty feet, holes of about two feet in 

 depth should be made (easily done with a post-hole auger) into which 

 the caterpillars, unable to climb the wall, will fall and die. As often as 

 the holes become filled they may be easily killed and removed. The 

 furrow or ditch should have the perpendicular side clear of all weeds, 

 roots, and other matter that might aid in climbing out. An improve- 

 ment on the single furrow has been recommended by a resident of 

 Dutchess county. The first furrow is turned towards the crop to be 

 protected, and then returning with the plow in the furrow, the perpendic- 

 ular wall is made next to the crop. By this means soft 'crumbly earth is 

 obtained on both sides of the furrow, which will be more difficult for a 

 caterpillar to climb than a smooth firm surface. If the one ditch should 

 by any means prove insufficient, a second, a short distance in advance of 

 the other, could be made. 



Bands of tar. — Broad bands of tar have been used in some of the 

 Western states in lieu of ditches, but, as they require to be renewed as 

 often as they become bridged or the tar hardened, this method would 

 doubtless be more expensive than the ditching. Another method is the 

 tarring of boards and setting them up on edge as barriers. This is more 

 effectual than bands of tar, but it is more expensive. 



Poisoned strips. — A field may often be protected by spraying an ex- 

 posed strip heavily with Paris green and water, or by sprinkling it with 

 land plaster and Paris green. In either case it should be heavily poisoned. 

 The poisoned portion of the crop should be carefully destroyed after it 

 has served its purpose, in order to prevent the chance of its being eaten 

 by stock. 



