INSECTS. 79 



The wireworms usually eat into the stalks just about the roots, 

 and sometimes separate it from the root altogether ; they seldom, 

 however, remain so long engaged upon the one spot or portion of 

 stalk. When they attack potatoes, they penetrate into their very 

 hearts, and thus frequently wholly destroy the seed potatoes when 

 newly planted; to obviate which it has been recommended to 

 plant whole potatoes. 



Amongst the green crops, turnips may be regarded as the 

 greatest sufferers, and the tender young plants are, of course, most 

 victimized in autumn. Multitudes of these ravenous grubs may 

 then be found gnawing at the roots of the young turnips, and 

 even biting off their extremities. They also frequently attack the 

 stalk, bite it across, and when the stems fall, attack the leaves. 

 This is, however, one of the least formidable of the robberies of 

 this persevering pest, and if the wireworms were satisfied with the 

 leaves alone, they would not be so injurious. 



We should possess some acquaintance with the natural history of 

 such animals as we desire to destroy. Such knowledge facilitates 

 our operations, by informing us of their haunts and habits, of their 

 dispositions and predilections, and, consequently, not only of where 

 we are to seek for the pests, but of how we can best set to work 

 to accomplish their destruction. Recollect, I may remark, in pass- 

 ing that the BEETLES, whence the wireworms are produced, are, 

 although not necessarily mischievous themselves, to be regarded as 

 the grand source of your annoyances. Let it be your care, there- 

 fore, to have these caught and destroyed ; they will be chiefly 

 found, during spring and summer, upon nettles, hemlock, fools* 

 parsley, and other such herbs. Let this be one of your cares. 



The eggs are chiefly deposited in pastures where the surface has 

 been undisturbed, and in clover layers and fallows. Where, there- 

 fore, they make their appearance, you will find it a good plan to 

 have your pasture eaten close by sheep. Rolling, in early spring, is 

 also recommended, and is, in my opinion, very likely to prove ser- 

 viceable, having been preceded by a top-dressing of lime. I re- 

 commend a top-dressing of lime, salt, and soot. The proportions 

 recommended are as follows : Lime, 2 parts ; soot, 3 parts ; salt, 

 1 part. The salt may be purchased from salt works, or extensive 

 dealers in that article, as spoiled salt there being accidents which 

 will render it unfit for market as salt, without at all militating against 

 its value as manure, or a top-dressing. The lime should be quick- 

 lime pounded, ahc the mis 4 ire should be applied to the land as 



