148 



FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. 



and other attendant circumstances were just that best adapted to their 

 need. A combination existed, in which heat, cold, drouth, rain, dews, 

 snow, frosts, other insect and animal life, were factors, in such asso- 

 ciation, as, on the doctrine of chances, may not be again presented for 

 many years to come. 



Were we to base an opinion upon seasonal conditions, we would 

 predict that the unusual high temperature of the month of Decem- 

 ber last, has been unfavorable to the lethargic repose, during the early 

 winter-time, of the young Crambus caterpillars, which repose we believe 

 to be essential to their safe hibernation; and that an almost entire ab- 

 sence of snow has exjiosed them in their retreats to destruction from a 

 prolonged activity of predaceous insects, from birds, and from other 

 enemies. It seems, therefore, probable that from the above causes, the 

 number of the hibernating brood has already been greatly reduced. 



Preventives and Remedies. 

 Burning. — If grass lands which the Crambus has infested can be 

 burned over, either by setting fire to straw scattered over them, or 

 otherwise, in the late autumn or early spring, before the starting of 

 the new growth, a large proportion of the caterpillars hibernating 

 among the roots or blades of grass would be destroyed. 



Applicaiiou of ashes, lime, plaster, dust, etc. — As soon as an exam- 

 ination shows that the young caterpillars have commenced feeding in 

 the spring, the recommendations made on page 131 should be resorted 

 to and their efficacy tested. 



Rolling the ground. — The question should be settled as soon as pos- 

 sible, if the caterpillars feed only by night. 

 This can be done where they are abundant, by 

 an examination with a lantern. If nocturnal 

 only, large numbers could be killed by rolling 

 the ground after dark. 



Attracting and droivning. — The moths may 

 be attracted to lights and destroyed — perhaps 

 in larger numbers if a bait of molasses and 

 vinegar or beer be used with the light. Fig. 38 

 shows an arrangement which has been success- 

 fully used for destroying similar insects, and 

 which will doubtless prove serviceable with 

 this species, as experiments at Potsdam have 

 shown it to be readily drawn to light. A 

 bright-burning lantern is ^ilaced upon a block 

 of wood in the center of a pan containing the 

 ^^S liquid for attracting and drowning the moths. 



Fig. 38. Lantern and Pan, fastened to the top of a post or stake inserted 



for attracting and killing . 

 moths. JW 



the ground. The cost of such an arrange- 



