DISEASES AND INSECTS ATTACKING WHEAT. 67 



when the grain is wet with dew, or rain. 



THE GRANARY OR BARN WEEVIL. 



The Weevil ( Calandra granaria) is an insect which in- 

 fests grain in the granary. The weevils prey upon all 

 kinds of grain in the bin and the corn-crib, and being 

 very small, about one-eighth of an inch in length, they 

 are not readily seen, particularly in a dark bin. Their 

 mode of mischief is by piercing minute holes in the ker- 

 nel, and there depositing their eggs, from which are 

 hatched small maggots which eat out the heart and flour 

 of the grain. 



An agricultural journal remarks in regard to it : 

 " Wheat in the granary is subject to injury by the weevil 

 and the grain moth. This damage may be prevented, to 

 some extent, by shifting the grain and running it through 

 the fanning-mill. Corn cribs are almost always infested 

 by rats and mice. A vermin-proof crib may be made by 

 covering the posts and lower corners with tin or sheet- 

 iron, which may be painted for preservation. The loss 

 by these causes will average eighteen per cent, and often 

 more, of the value of the grain, but it may be in part or 

 wholly avoided by care and precaution." Fumigation 

 with sulphur or tobacco has been found useful. 



But, as has been and is maintained by many old prac- 

 tical growers, deep, rich, thorough cultivation of the soil, 

 with care in selecting and preparing the seed, is largely a 

 security from serious injury by any of those diseases and 

 insects, by producing plants with vigor and strength to 

 resist or overcome ravages by either. Slim growth and 

 feeble conditions induce and invite ravages by disease and 

 insects, while luxuriant growth and healthy conditions of 

 soil are, as a rule, favorable to security. 



