INJ URIO US INSECTS. 3 1 9 



us destructive for a time, and then have almost entirely van- 

 ished. We may reasonably hope that the insect enemies of this 

 beetle, which are rapidly increasing, will lessen its numbers 

 yearly; but that we shall ever be rid of it is -reckoning with- 

 out our host. It will probably remain with us for all time, 

 though as its natural enemies become more numerous they 

 will doubtless hold it in check so that some years the evil will 

 be very slight. Still it is safe to conclude that we shall have 

 to be ever ready to give it battle, and well may we be grateful 

 that such efficient weapons are at our command. 



REMEDIES. Inasmuch as Paris green is so practical, so effi- 

 cient, and so cheap a remedy for this pest, I shall, in this place, 

 do what every farmer had better do on his farm ignore all 

 other means, such as hand picking, machinery, etc., as too ex- 

 pensive, and not sufficiently thorough. Paris green, or London 

 purple, which is just as efficient, are entirely safe if care is 

 exercised in their use, and are sovereign remedies. As these 

 arsenites are very useful as specifics against many other nox- 

 ious insects, I will give the methods of application once for all. 

 The poison may be used dry, when it may be mixed with plas- 

 ter, one part to twenty, or even fifty, of the adulterant, or if 

 the weather is wet and rainy, mixed with flour, one to eight, 

 and put on when the plants are dry, and in such small quanti- 

 ties as just to show on the plants. The quantity is sufficient 

 to kill the insects, though the amount is so small as not in the 

 least to injure the vines. The flour with the first de\v. forms 

 a paste which can not be washed oft' by even a heavy ruin. This 

 is sifted on when there is no dew on the vines, either through 

 a muslin bag suspended to a convenient handle, that it may be 

 carried and shaken over the vines, the person making the appli- 

 cation walking upright, or with a pail, the bottom being of fine 

 wire gauze or finely perforated tin. Another way to apply the 

 arsenites is to mix with water, one pound to one hundred gallons 

 or an even table-spoonful to two gallons. This is a mixture, not 

 a solution, and as the poison tends to settle, must be frequently 

 stirred. To apply this we may use a common sprinkler with a 

 fine rose, or a Whitman's fountain pump. This pump is very 



