VEGETABLES ASPARAGUS. 



97 



age value can hardly be given ; some of our growers here 

 claim that it pays an annual clear profit of 81000 per acre, 

 while others say that it does not pay them over 8200 per 

 acre. During a period of ten years, counting from the 

 time the bed was planted, it is safe to say that, in this 

 vicinity, the average profits per acre will be $4:00. It is a 

 crop that never fails to sell, is one that is always produc- 

 tive if it has been properly treated, and as it has a great 

 value for its weight — a ton often being worth from $200 

 to $400 — it is, in all respects, a valuable crop for the mar- 

 ket gardener. 



In some localities, especially on Long Island, the As- 

 paragus-beetle has injured the crop to such an extent as 

 to cause whole plantations to be plow- 

 ed under. When the beetle first ap- 

 pears, it may be controlled ; but if 

 allowed to become established, the 

 l:\sk is hopeless. The engraving, (fig. 

 20), shows the insect in its different 

 stages. The lower figure is a part of 

 a branch with the small black eggs 

 attached by their ends; these are 

 given of the natural size, and magni- 

 fied. The larva, or caterpillar, as 

 well as the perfect beetle, are shown 

 at the top of the engraving ; the nat- 

 ural size of these is indicated by the 

 lines drawn at the side. Whenever the eggs or the larva? 

 appear, cut and burn the plants, as long as any ti-aces of 

 the insect are to be seen; this must be done if it destroys 

 every vestige of vegetation. 

 5 



Fig. 26. — ASPAHAGIS 

 BEETLE. 



