21 
Again, as a “ first crop,” after clearing off the timber, it is in general 
use for new land. Few plants are so sensitive to the attacks of the 
Anguillula, and few have roots so badly infected with these worms, and 
this common custom of planting the Cow-pea is mentioned only to be 
condemned, as, if continued, in time all groves and gardens in these 
sandy soils will be failures. 
The Lespedeza striata (Japan Clover), Desmodium molle (Beggar 
Weed), and Richardsonia seabra (Mexican Clover), will prove fine sub- 
stitutes for the Cow-pea as forage and fertilizer. If the Cow-pea must 
be grown, keep it away from garden and orchard, and at planting time 
use large quantities of some strong alkaline fertilizer on the soil. The 
economical habit of planting market gardens in orchards should be dis- 
couraged. 
It is easy to see the reason and the danger from the use of ammo- 
niaeal fertilizers so necessary to induce rapid growth of vegetables, and 
the spread of the Anguillule from the roots of the Melons, Cucumbers, 
ete., to the trees. Many instances of this sort can be seen over the 
South, and should serve as warning to our horticulturists in the fature. 
I believe that in badly infeeted grounds some relief could be given 
by drilling the Cow-pea, and, when in bloom, cutting off the stems for 
forage; then to plow and carefully rake up the roots in piles for burn- 
ing when dry enough. This method of destroying the infected roots of 
Okra, Melons, ete., and the roots of the Chenopodium, etc., would no 
doubt be of great value in small areas, and even ip larger fields, by 
the aid of improved machinery for gathering the roots. 
It needs only the mention that planting of trees from infected local- 
ities should be avoided; even those not liable to the disease themselves 
may carry soil containing Anguilluiz among the roots. 
I have noted that the Peach and Fig obtained from Northern nur- 
series seem extremely easy to take the disease, far more so than the 
native stocks. I only mention the fact, but have not ascertained tie 
reason. 
7. INSECT ENEMIES. 
I have found but one, the small blackish-brown ant that inhabits rot- 
ten wood and decaying roots—very common in this section—the Sole- 
nopsis xyloni. 
This, when the roots of the Okra, Pea, etc., begin to decay, burrows 
into the tissues and drags out the pregnant Anguillule for destruction. 
I was puzzled at first to find the dead roots of the Okra, Melon, Peach, 
and Fig free from cysts or pregnant worms, though in partially rotting 
enlargements [ found plenty of Anguillula. 
Closer and extended examination showed this ant in the act of de- 
vouring the enlarged worms, and its service to the orechardist is be- 
yond value in this respect. 
Inasmuch as a dry soil is favorable to ant life, it will be readily seen 
how drainage is useful in aiding the propagation of this tiny destroyer. 
