SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION LIBR 
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Eggs are deposited in the earth in more or less scattered ciusters of 
three to ten, and at a depth varying from 1 to 6 inches, all being placed 
about the roots in a space a few inches around each hill. 
The developing larve live entirely beneath the surface, feeding on the 
roots, which they mine either upward or downward, and seem capable 
of traveling from one root to another. Pupation also takes place under- 
ground, and pupz may be found in considerable numbers, at the proper 
period, about infested corn roots. When the beetles begin to issue, 
toward the latter part of August, they are first noticeably abundant on 
thistle blossoms, and afterward on other plants blooming at this season. 
Like the twelve-spotted cucumber beetle, they show a disposition, late 
in the season, to disperse before seeking quarters for hibernation or the 
deposit of their eggs, flying from one field to another. 
PREVENTION AND REMEDY. 
This species is more readily controlled than the Southern corn root- 
worm ; in fact, losses can be prevented by simply following crop rotation. 
Since the insect, as far as observed, feeds in its larval condition only on 
corn, the planting of infested land to any other crop leads to the star- 
vation of the young when they hatch in the spring. This is no mere 
inference, but has been tested time and again. In Illinois, according 
to Forbes, it is ordinarily safe to plant corn two years in succession, but 
it is unwise to plant it again without an alternate. It is also impru- 
dent to plant corn in fields or meadows in which the beetle has been 
observed in great abundance on clover and certain weeds in late Octo- 
ber the previous year. 
One other measure is to be recommended, as a general farm practice. 
It consists in the maintenance of the fertility of the soil by the use of 
manures and other fertilizers. Although this does not diminish attack, 
it sometimes enables the plants to withstand injury. 
Approved : 
JAMES WILSON, 
Secretary of Agriculture. 
WASHINGTON, D. C., March 23, 1905. 
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