16 INJURIOUS INSECTS OF 1903. 



served mating from May 28th as late as June 26th. On May 

 27th they were extremely abundant on the farm ; still more 

 so on June 4th. On June 25th their numbers had very mate- 

 rially decreased, being much less numerous than they were 

 three weeks previous. 



In accordance with a plan made the previous year, a strip 

 of millet the width of the seeder was planted as an experiment 

 about a wheat field April 22d, the same date at which the 

 wheat was sown. This millet did not come up, and a second 

 sowing was necessary, which brought the millet up so late 

 that it was no protection to the wheat ; it was so far behind 

 that it did not serve as a catch crop, the bugs preferring the 

 succulent grain in the center of the field. In view of the fact 

 that only in exceptional conditions can millet be made to 

 grow when planted at the same date that wheat is planted, it is 

 evident this, as was anticipated, is not a practical thing for the 

 farmer. 



What shall be done, then, to combat this evil? Practically all 

 entomologists have abandoned the use of bugs infected with 

 fungus, "diseased bugs," as they are called, because it has 

 been found to be not practical. We have then at present no 

 successful means of combating them when spread through a 

 large field of grain. We must turn our attention, therefore, 

 to methods of farm practice which,- supposing we are troubled 

 one year, will lessen the danger for the following year, and to 

 certain means of procedure to save our corn. 



1. A thorough cleaning up of all rubbish in the late 

 autumn is desirable, in order to do away with all places favor- 

 able for hibernation, and as far as possible to destroy the 

 hibernating adults. 



2. If the bugs remain on weeds in stubble in great num- 

 bers, after wheat is cut, and if no grass crop is growing 

 thereon, plowing the stubble deep immediately after cutting 

 would probably destroy very many of the pests. Whether 

 such action is desirable or necessar}- must be left to the indi- 

 vidual farmer, who best knows the conditions he has to meet 



It is an observed fact that corn neglected as to cultivation 

 has escaped injury, although in close proximity to infected 

 wheat fields. In other words, where pigeon grass has been 



