44 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



Dr. Jenkins. We find it is a disadvantage to try rotating 

 or taking up new land. About Hartford and Sufiield that 

 is the feeling of all growers. We cannot expect a first-class 

 crop on new land. We have fields on which tobacco has 

 been grown for forty } r ears, and it is of the best quality. 

 We find it a damage to try rotation. Stick to tobacco. 

 In Sumatra they cut down the jungle and put in tobacco for 

 a. year, and then let it go back to jungle for several years. 

 They are having some trouble in Florida with raising tobacco 

 on the same land year after year. Here we raise it on the 

 same land to the best advantage. 



Mr. Dexter Hager (of Whately). The cut-worm is 

 the greatest insect enemy we have in this region, I think. 

 I wish some one could tell when the esrff is laid in the soil. 

 I was informed by Cyrus Hubbard that if we kept the land 

 perfectly clear of weeds all through the autumn there would 

 be very little trouble from cut-worms. He alleged that the 

 insect laying the egg was guided by its instinct to places 

 where vegetation existed. I followed his advice, and we 

 have had very little trouble since. 



The Chairman. Will Professor Fernald give his opinion ? 



Professor Fernald. If I should say anything in this 

 matter, it would be a conjecture from what I know of all 

 cut-worms. Until I have exact knowledge of the insect, I 

 feel that I had better not say anything. 



Secretary Sessions. Would the Professor like the in- 

 sects sent in next year? 



Professor Fernald. If there is a demand for informa- 

 tion, I shall be glad to study this insect. 



Mr. Halsea Searle (of Northampton). I would like to 

 ask the Doctor if in damp weather he opens his sheds for 

 pole sweat. 



Dr. Jenkins. At such a time, whichever way you do, 

 you wish you had done the opposite. The conditions out- 

 side the shed and inside are so nearly alike that you cannot 

 change the air. Everything is absolutely dead. If you put 

 lamps in the shed you can dry the air and get a circulation 

 so that there is a chance of getting the water away from the 

 leaves. 



