78 PROTECTION OF PLANTS, 1915-16 



A PRACTICAL METHOD FOR THE PROTECTION OF PLANTS 



P. Fontanel, S. J., St. Mary's College, Montreal. 



The title of this paper may be misleading but I have not been able to 

 find one more appropriate. I trust, however, that its meaning shall be clear- 

 ly understood as I proceed. 



I had intended at first to treat of the little be ngs that eat up millions 

 every year, but after serious reflection I. decided to leave such matters to 

 more competent students of Economic Entomology and Botany. 



As a matter of fact, the study of insects and fungi^ their life and evolu- 

 tion, is an excellent one and has already been partially accomplished; 

 the study of plants, their needs and diseases, is not less excellent. As 

 this work is being done regularly by specialists, little by little, working 

 hand in hand, we shall have it completed. While we are studying, however, 

 caterpillars are eating up the leaves and worms are boring deeper and deeper. 

 We know what means should be employed against a large number of insects, 

 but who of us shall go into the battle field. Our daily tasks make this im- 

 possible. And while we are widening our range of knowledge, the foe is 

 rapidly increasing in countless numbers. Who, then, shall fight? Will 

 those really interested, the victims, ever even know that we are thinking of 

 them? They, and they only, can effectively destroy the insects and hinder 

 the development of the fungi if they will. They will no doubt desire to do 

 this but what do they know of this branch of science? For every one 

 possessing some knowledge in this matter you will meet a thousand woefully 

 ignorant. It is only right then that they should be instructed and the soon- 

 er this is done, the better. 



But they will not come to us; we must go to them. The old will be 

 reached with difiiculty, the young will be found in the schools. It has 

 been my experience that from the Natural History standpoint our youth 

 behave as if they were totally deprived of the sense of observation. At 

 their sports and amusements they notice everything, forget nothing, but 

 if there be question of plants or insects their eyes seem to lose all their 

 keenness, their brain its attention and memory. In my humble opinion, 

 the fault should be imputed to the education received. The mind is not 

 trained, not urged on in this direction and consequently remains inactive. 

 Should we not come to their aid? When grown up they would be our best 

 friends and co-workers. 



