Nofe^ on Wheat. 289 



in any stage of its existence, be found ; to discover what will 

 kill, or banish it. The change of one species of wheat for 

 another, does not seem effectually to answer the purpose. I 

 have thrown in my mite towards the relief of those who suf- 

 fer ; let other members of the society contribute their assist- 

 ance. The ravages of those insects are not abated ; and may 

 spread to places, wherein their appearance is the least ex- 

 pected. The Hessian fy began its desolating march, at a 

 great distance from us : but its progress, though slow, 

 brought a scourge, which will never cease to chastise us. 

 It compels us, however, into good husbandry : as the only 

 means of resisting it. The southern " decay of the rooty'' most 

 certainly owing to insects, may oblige the farmers af^icted 

 with this misfortune, to banish many bad habits, such as 

 sowing wheat among Indian corn, and labouring over a vast 

 surface, for very little proportionate profit, &c. It appears 

 by the papers published in the pages following Mr. Hol- 

 lingsworth's former letter, that I am not singular in my 

 opinion of the cause of the misfortune he complains of. Its 

 appearing the most " xvhere land is 7nanured xvitk scrapings 

 about doorSy or ivhere old buildings^ fodder -houses j^ stacks of 

 hay'''' have been ; is, to me, a decided proof, that insects, 

 bred in such nurseries for them, are the enemies to be sub- 

 dued. If manure, from the places described, must be used^ 

 let it (and the earth which had been the site of buildings, 

 fodder-houses, stacks, &c.) be composted ; and mixed with 

 lime, salt, or plaister ; as advised in our former volume. 

 Mere change of one wheat for another, will not eventually 

 cure the evil. Nothing likely to succeed should be left un- 

 tried. Those who have access to them, might (as is done on 

 the sea shores of New-Jersey) spread the hay, grass or sedge 

 of salt marshes, sea weeds, or even salt water. These are 

 hostile to worms or insects ; and are in themselves powerful 

 manures. See vol. 1, pages 171, 2, 322. 



R. Peters. 



VOL. II. O O 



