Season of 1816. 197 



been, overwhelmingly destructive and numerous ; so as occasion- 

 ally to baffle every human effort. But there is no justification 

 for our neglecting any thing, which has been successful, in mul- 

 titudes of instances; or practicing bad tillage, by what is called 

 listing; or throwing up a few furrows of the sod, and leaving the 

 rest of the field unploughed. This may be sometimes apparent- 

 ly warranted by the event, as to the grub; but, to meet one oc- 

 casional misfortune, we should not establish a reprehensible ha- 

 bit of permanent hostility to the foundation of all good husband- 

 ry, — complete and frequent aration. Good farming, manuring, 

 and late sowing, do not always guard against the fly. Yet in a very 

 great majority of instances, as in the one mentioned by our cor- 

 respondent, they are successful. The chastisements we experi- 

 ence from both the grub and the fly, correct bad habits ; and force 

 on us amendment in our agricultural practices, and sedulous at- 

 tention to the destruction of vermin. R. Peters, 



