314- THE VEGETABLE CULTIVATOR. 



In respect of that destructive insect, the fly, 

 which so greedily devours the young turnip plants, 

 the author has but little to say, as what has been a 

 preventive one year may be of no avail the next ; 

 and numerous as have been the hints, suggestions, 

 and receipts, for the prevention of this insect, none 

 that have come to the author's knowledge have 

 proved effective, though they may have partially 

 stopped their depredations. 



After a number of years' observation, the author 

 has found the most effective plan in dry seasons to 

 consist in first soaking the seed in soft water, and 

 immediately sowing it, after the ground is newly 

 broken up. Another method is, previously to sow- 

 ing the seed, to get a coat of well-consumed manure 

 strewed over the ground on which the seed is to be 

 sown, and harrowed or raked in, and afterwards 

 trod in, or to have a light wooden roller drawn over 

 it. A third method, which has been found of much 

 service, is soot mixed with slacked lime, to be strewed 

 over the piece or beds early in the morning ; this 

 method the author has found, after many years' 

 practice, to be very efficacious. But there are two 

 circumstances which he has observed to be more 

 efficacious than all the rest, viz. a moist season and 

 a clouded atmosphere. 



66. VEGETABLE MARROW. CUCURBITA. 



Cucurbita ovifera, is the English name of this 

 plant, which it retains only from its recent introduc- 

 tion. Cucurbita is the generic name of the gourd, 

 and ovifera the specific, from the oval shape of 

 the fruit. 



