THE SQUASH-VINE BORER, 5 
exceptional cases completing their transformations late in August 
or September; that in the latitude of the District of Columbia the 
species is partially double-brooded, a larger portion of the moths, 
we may assume, developing as a second generation here than in 
New Jersey; and that in the Gulf States this species is undoubtedly 
fully two-brooded. 
PREVENTIVE AND REMEDIAL MEASURES. 
This borer is an exceptionally difficult insect to control, as ordinary 
insecticides are of no value after the msect has once entered the vines, 
and repellents are also practically useless. We are, therefore, depend- 
ent upon cultural methods for relief. 
Knowing that the insect passes the winter in the fields which it has 
ravaged, it should be superfluous to caution growers against planting 
squashes in the same ground in successive years. 
EARLY SQUASHES AS TRAPS. 
Good results have been obtained by planting as a trap crop and 
as early as possible a few summer squashes, such as crooknecks and 
early cymlings, before and between rows of the main crop of late 
varieties. The summer squashes attract the insects in such num- 
bers as to leave a smaller number to deal with upon the late or main 
crop. As soon as the early crop is gathered, or earlier if the ground 
is needed for the main crop, the vines are promptly raked up and 
burned to destroy all eggs and larve which they may harbor, and 
the same treatment is followed after gathering the late varieties. 
This method, according to the late Dr. J. B. Smith, has proved prof- 
itable where used in New Jersey and should produce good results 
farther north. Southward, where two well-defined broods appear, 
it might not be so productive of good, but it should be given a 
thorough test. 
FALL HARROWING AND DEEP SPRING PLOWING. 
Experiments conducted by Mr. F. A. Sirrine, of the New York 
Agricultural Experiment Station at Geneva, N. Y., show that this 
species can be greatly reduced by lightly harrowing the surface of 
infested squash fields in the fall so as to bring the cocoons of the 
vine borer to the surface, where they will be exposed to the elements, 
and then plowing in the spring to a uniform depth of at least 6 inches, 
so that the adults will not be able to issue. : 
OTHER CULTURAL METHODS. 
When the vines have attained some length parts of them should 
be covered over with earth, so that secondary roots will be sent out 
to support the plants in case the main root is injured by the borer. 
Keeping the plants in good condition, free from other insects and 
from disease, and well nourished with the assistance of manure or 
