OF THE FARM AND GARDEN. 63 



leaves, on account of their color and large size, may be 

 crushed between the thumb and finger. If any of the 

 patches of eggs have been allowed to hatch, the habit of 

 the young bugs to stay around in clusters, allows these to 

 be readily destroyed. If any have escaped destruction in 

 these early stages, an examination of the vines, after the 

 insects have scattered, will allow of their being gathered 

 and destroyed before they can go into winter quarters. 



THE 12-SPOTTED SQUASH-BEETLE. 

 (Diabrotica 12-punctata, Fabr.) 



This beetle is own brother to the Striped-Beetle (D. 

 vittata), already described under Cucumbers. While the 

 colors are much the same, this (see fig. 30, p. 45) is much 

 broader, and instead of having its black marks in lines, 

 they are in dots, 12 in all, upon the wing covers. It is, 

 fortunately, not very common, but where it occurs, it is 

 most destructive. It seems to take special delight in 

 eating through the strong ribs of the leaves, near where 

 they are attached to the leaf-stalk, thus allowing the rest 

 of the leaf to fall down and wither. Hand-picking has 

 hitherto been relied upon, but if in great numbers, Paris 

 Green may be used. 



THE SQUASH-BORER. 

 (JEg&ria \Trochilium\ cucurbitce.) 



At midsummer, or soon after, in the Eastern States, 

 especially, large and vigorous Squash-vines are seen to 

 suddenly wilt and die without apparent cause. Upon a 

 careful examination of the vine near the root, by split- 

 ting it lengthwise, there will generally be found a cater- 

 pillar, and if the exterior of the vine be carefully exam- 

 ined, probably the wound caused by the entrance of the 



