258 THE PEA CROP. 



more particularly, destroy a large proportion of the seed. 

 The plants that have escaped the attacks of these insects 

 have to encounter another, directly they appear above the 

 ground, where they are immediately visited by the 

 weevils Sitona crinita, the spotted pea -weevil, S. 

 lineata, the striped pea- weevil, and the Otiorhynchus pi- 

 cipes. These are all well-known enemies to the pea, 

 which they prefer to the bean, or any other leguminous 

 plant, devouring the entire leaves of the young plant, 



1 and 2. Sitona crinita, natural size and magnified. 4 and 5. S. lineata, natural 

 size and magnified. 5. Leaf notched by Weevils. 



and thus effectually destroying it, or injuring it by 

 nibbling and notching, if more fully grown. The "striped 

 weevil/' however, is the one most commonly met with in 

 our fields. Many remedies have been suggested. That 

 recommended in reference to beans is the most practicable 

 and effectual, viz., to send the light seed harrows over the 

 field early in the morning, when the dew is on the plants, 

 so that the soil may adhere to the leaves, which will at 

 once stop their work, as they never venture on a soiled or 

 dirty leaf. Broadcasting soot or lime, or any finely pul- 

 verized substance, when the leaves are moist, would have 

 the same effect. 



When the plant has attained a moderate growth, you 



