288 On Wheat. 



chafF, being injured by this pernicious insect, more 

 than other wheat. Hoping some abler hand may make 

 farther discoveries, on this pernicious insect. It appears 

 all sorts of wheat are exactly alike, but the bearded 

 dont recover as other wheats do. Rye is proof against it. 



Your most humble servant, 



Z. HOLLINGSWORTH."^ 



To the PhilacL Agric, Society. 



*' Conceiving then, as I now do, that the malady in the 

 wheat was occasioned by insects ; soon after Mr. Hollings-^ 

 wortfi's information to the society. (See our first volume 

 124, 5.) I wrote to him, suggesting some experiments for the 

 destruction of these very pernicious vermin, of which we 

 have no complete entomological description. I proposed 

 that, on a small scale, every endeavour should be made to 

 find out the means of their destruction. But I see not that 

 any thing has been attempted ; and therefore conclude that 

 my suggestions were deemed unimportant. 



1. The best remedy would be to discontinue, by general 

 consent of a neighbourhood infested with the worm, or in- 

 sect, the culture, of wheat. It may be an indication of na- 

 ture, that a change of crops is indispensable. And they may 

 as well do willingly, that to which necessity will compel. 



2. I proposed fall, or winter, ploughing; and frequent win- 

 ter harrowing ; to expose the worm, or larvae of the insect, 

 to the severity of frosts. 



3. To lime lands infested ; and to spread salt (Marine) 

 plaister of Paris, or any other substance known to destroy 

 insects or worms. 



4. To try experiments on the living worm, or insect, be 

 it a moth, beetle, fly, or in whatsoever shape the enemy may. 



