CORN CULTURE 11 



the roots of the growing corn, burrowing back and forth 

 just under the outside covering. Half a dozen worms are 

 sometimes found in the one root, and as many as two hun- 

 dred in a single hill. The worm destroys the tender part of 

 the root, which turns brown and rots off, leaving only the 

 stubs of roots. As a result, the stalk of corn is deprived of 

 its means of securing moisture and nourishment. It seems 

 to stand still instead of making a vigorous growth, and 

 fires badly during the dry weather of July and August. 

 It is easily blown over, especially after a rain when the 

 ground is soft. The yield is greatly reduced, and the ears 

 are light and chaffy; many stalks are barren. The growth 

 of the plant is retarded, and the crop is later in maturing. 



There is no way of stopping these pests once they begin 

 on a field of corn. But the remedy is simple for the next 

 year wherever possible plant the field to some other crop. 

 For this will leave the young worms with no food, and 

 they will all die. The field can then be planted to corn 

 again, and should be free from root worms for at least 

 the first year. Usually corn should not be raised for 

 more than two years in succession on the same field. Es- 

 pecially if the corn goes down in spots in August, and if 

 the roots show the working of these worms, should corn 

 not follow the next season. If proper rotation of crops is 

 practised, there will be little or no loss from the root worm. 



The corn-root aphis or louse. Second to the root 

 worm, the worst enemy of corn is the corn-root aphis. This 

 is a small louse, no larger than the head of a pin, and of a 

 bluish-green color. These lice are found in groups on the 

 roots of corn, from which they suck the juices intended for 

 the growth of the plant. 



The corn-root aphis is always found accompanied by 

 ants. Indeed, it is the ants which carry the lice to the 



