THE CABBAGE MOTH. 



33 



THE CABBAGE MOTH. 

 Mamestra brassicae, Linn. 



During 1904 and 1905 the larvae of this moth have caused 

 considerable loss In some districts they were present in such 

 numbers as to constitute a plague. Where they settled in market 

 and kitchen gardens, they very quickly attacked cabbages, lettuce, 

 etc., later feeding generally, even on rhubarb leaves. 



The life-history was given in my last Report (p. 35). The 

 preventive and remedial measures it will be well, perhaps, to repeat. 



FIG. XVI. THE CABBAGE MOTH (Mamestra brassicae}. 



PREVENTIVE AND REMEDIAL MEASURES. 



On small areas much good may be done by hand picking 

 early in the year. 



Wherever an attack has been observed, the ground should be 

 well turned over in the winter, and poultry turned on to the land. 



FIG. XVII. CATERPILLAR OF THE CABBAGE MOTH. 



Dusting with gas lime, which has been exposed to the air for 

 three or four months, is often recommended, but is far from satis- 

 factory, often spoiling such plants as cabbages for culinary pur- 

 poses. Watering with liquid farmyard, manure, one part to three 

 parts of water, has proved very beneficial. 



