234 ENEMIES OF THE CORN CROP 



of the lice. A heavy dressing of stable manure is gener- 

 ally preferable for this purpose. A dressing of kainit 

 drilled in the row, at the rate of ioo pounds per acre at 

 the time of planting has been found to almost completely 

 protect the plants from the attacks of the lice. This 

 material is used quite largely in some sections. 



As the ants protect the eggs in their nests during win- 

 ter, it is a good plan to plow the field which is intended 

 for corn the second or third year, as late in the fall as 

 possible, and as deeply as possible, in order to break up 

 the ants' nests. This will also assist in destroying the 

 weeds which serve as a starter for the lice in the spring. 

 By dipping the seed corn in a solution of wood alcohol 

 and oil of lemon before planting, the number of lice and 

 ants may be greatly reduced, but this will prove true only 

 when the weather conditions are just right. If heavy 

 rains follow the planting, the material is washed off and 

 so loses its force. With our present knowledge, there- 

 fore, rotation, late fall plowing, early and thorough cul- 

 tivation, and the use of kainit are recommended. 



