268 PRINCIPLES OF GARDENING. [CH. VIII. 



Another general result of experience is, that the 

 ambury is most frequently observed in dry seasons. 

 This is also what might be anticipated, for insects 

 that inhabit the earth, just beneath its surface, are 

 always restricted and checked in their movements by 

 its abounding in moisture. Moreover, the plants 

 actually affected by the ambuiy, are more able to con- 

 tend against the injury inflicted by the lan-a of the 

 weevil by the same copious supply. The dev elope- 

 ment of their parts, their growth, is more rapid ; 

 consequently the maggot has not to extend its 

 ravages so extensively in search of food, as in drier 

 seasons, when the stem is less juicy, and of smaller 

 growth. In wet periods also the affected plants 

 shew less the extent of the injury they have sus- 

 tained; for their foliage does not flag, because 

 their transpirations of wateiy particles are less, and 

 their supply of nutriment from the soil is more free. 

 In wet seasons I have, in a veiy few instances, 

 known an infected cabbage plant produce fresh 

 healthy roots above the swelling of the ambuiy. 



These facts, being premised, better qualify us for 

 the consideration of the best modes of preventing 

 the occurrence of the disease and pdliating its 

 attacks. It is apparent that any addition to the 

 soil that renders it disagreeable to the weevil, will 

 prevent the visits of this msect. The gardener has 



