THE ARMY WORM. 231 



appearance in unusual num 

 bers, they can be checked 

 by digging in their path deep 

 trenches,with perpendicular 

 sides, into which they will 

 fall and may be disposed of. 

 After they reach their full Fig- 85. 



size they suddenly disappear, and may be found an inch 

 or two below the surface of the ground in the shape of a 

 mahogany-colored pupa, (Fig. 86.) 

 After remaining in this state about a 

 fortnight, they emerge in the moth form, 

 and may be killed by building fires after dark about the 

 fields that were injured by them, into which they will fly, 

 or by suspending on the trees in the vicinity, wide- 

 inouthed bottles of sweetened water. 



815. The plant-lice are a numerous family, and often 

 very injurious to young shoots, by sucking the sap and 

 causing the plant to wither. They are found usually in 

 clusters, with and without wings, and may be distinguished 

 by their rounded bodies, slender legs, and delicate pointed 

 beak, which is bent underneath the body when 

 not in use. Figure 87 is a good representation 

 of the male of one of the most common 

 species. In some seasons vast numbers may be found 

 collected upon the heads of wheat, oats, and other grain 

 crops, and by depriving the fruit of its requisite amount 

 of nourishment, they cause it to shrivel and ripen pre 

 maturely.* 



* For the most exact and valuable information upon Insects Injurious to 

 Vegetation, reference should be made to the superbly illustrated edition of 

 Dr. Harris treatise on Insects, just published. No fanner s library is complete 

 without it, and it ought to be kept for reference in every school-room. 



