﻿196 SEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE STATS ENTOMOLOGIST. 



even in corn-fields, where plowing was done so as to injure the roots and cause the corn 

 to wilt, they left the more vigorous growth and attacked the injured. I have observed 

 a number of them get around the base of a growing corn-stalk an inch in diameter, 

 and gnaw it off close to the ground, like a lot of beavers gnawing off a tree ; and as 

 soon as the corn fell to the ground, there was a rush for it by others that seemed to be 

 in waiting, and the fallen stalk would disappear at an astonishing rate. 



Of course they do not confine themselves to this kind of diet, and yet they seem to 

 prefer it, as is shown in the eagerness by which they feed upon any vegetable growth 

 that is wilted or on the decline. They show this disposition towards their own family, 

 for whenever any of them get killed or disabled, others go to work and eat them up, 

 the one being devoured by the others will kick and struggle as long as life remains, 

 (and they have a wonderful tenacious life,) but it is all of no use, the length of life only 

 depends on how long it will take the others to cat it up. Young plants just comin? 

 from the seeds, being weak and easily destroyed, are also particular objects of the 

 tastes and appetites of these insects. 



Having learned that their favorite places, or their resorts of choice, are hard, dry, 

 warm places, and their preference in food such as is not strongest in vitality, the reme^ 

 dies most successfully employed against them here are early planting, good and 

 thorough cultivation, and the production of thrifty and vigorous growth in crops. 



In wet or cool weather they are comparatively harmless, being scarcely able to fly 

 or eat ; in clear weather the air is filled with them, (after they commence flying); in 

 cloudy weather few can be seen flying, and on wet or rainy days they do not fly at all. 



Their habits seem to be restless and migratory ; they show this disposition as soon 

 as they hatch out in the Spring, first collecting on patches of May-weed and smart- 

 weed, and other things suited to their tastes and natures. They will move in bodies 

 from one point to another in search of food to suit them. While young, and before 

 they have wings to fly, they move in a peculiar manner, by walking a short distance 

 and then jumping. In their travels they prefer hard ground, as it is somewhat difficult for 

 them to travel (walk and jump) on loose ground. Thus it is that corn-fields of consider- 

 able size, when well cultivated, generally escape destruction, especially if the corn gets a 

 good early start in growth. And I think there is no doubt but that a continuous and 

 thorough working of ground by horse power, is a good safeguard against these insects 

 from the time they hatch out until they fly. It may not be practical to save small 

 tracts or lots of ground in this way, because they may encircle from all sides and over- 

 run it. 



I am one of those who believe there is a final remedy for every evil, and to know 

 how to overcome them is simply a matter of time and study, and we may as well get 

 right to work and prepare ourselves to meet and overcome, as well as we can, every 

 calamity and misfortune that is likely to come in our way. 



That the insect in question is one of the greatest scourges this splendid country is 

 subject to, too many have the misfortune to know, and the past gives but little reason 

 to hope we will not be troubled with them in the future, unless some organized practi- 

 cal method be adopted to destroy their power for harm. 



