Note, on Wheat. 289 
in any stage of its existence, be found ; to discover what will 
kill, or banish it. The change of one species of wheat for 
another, does not seem effectually to answer the purpose. I 
have thrown in my mite towards the relief of those who suf- 
fer ; let other members of the society contribute their assist- 
ance. The ravages of those insects are not abated ; and may 
spread to places, wherein their appearance is the least ex- 
pected. The Hessian fly began its desolating march, at a 
great distance from us: but its progress, though slow, 
brought a scourge, which will never cease to chastise us. 
It compels us, however, into good husbandry: as the only 
means of resisting it. The southern “ decay of the root,” most 
certainly owing to insects, may oblige the farmers afflicted 
with this misfortune, to banish many bad habits, such as 
sowing wheat among Indian corn, and labouring over a vast 
surface, for very little proportionate profit, &c. It appears 
by the papers published in the pages following Mr. Hol- 
lingsworth’s former letter, that I am not singular in my 
opinion of the cause of the misfortune he complains of. Its 
appearing the most “where land is manured with scrapings 
about doors, or where old buildings, fodder-houses, stacks of 
hay” have been; is, to me, a decided proof, that insects, 
bred in such nurseries for them, are the ene..ies to be sub-~ 
dued. If manure, from the places described, must be used, 
let #% (and the earth which had been the site of buildings, 
fodder-houses, stacks, &c.) be composted ; and mixed with” 
lime, salt, or plaister; as advised in our former volume. 
Mere change of one wheat for another, will not eventually 
cure the evil. Nothing likely to succeed should be left un- 
tried. Those who have access to them, might (as is done on 
the sea shores of New-Jersey) spread the hay, grass or sedge 
of salt marshes, sea weeds, or even salt water. These are 
hostile to worms or insects ; and are in themselves powerful 
manures. See vol. 1, pages 171, 2, 322. 
R. Peters. 
VOL. If. 0 0 ’ 
