60 PRIZE ESSAY I 



called, fitted to arrest the devastations of the Hessian fly alto- 

 gether, could ever be put in general operation, even were such a 

 remedy found to exist. 



99. We can check, and partially avoid, their ravages, but we 

 cannot obtain entire immunity at all seasons from the attacks of 

 this insect. Where good husbandry prevails, we may indeed so 

 far diminish their depredations that they will cease to be regard- 

 ed with anxiety ; but we shall be at all times liable to temporary 

 invasions from other quarters where a careless, selfish or igno- 

 rant system of farming practice obtains, and also when seasons 

 remarkably favorable for insect multiplication occur. (Par. 24.) 

 These contingencies need only compel that degree of watchful- 

 ness which every farmer should continually exercise upon all 

 natural phenomena. 



100. I now propose to enumerate the different methods which 

 have been adopted in the United States and elsewhere to arrest 

 the progress and destructiveness of this insect, and to state in a 

 few words the nature of the result obtained. As this part of the 

 subject is one of much importance, I have not scrupled to dwell 

 upon each so called remedy according to its merits. We must 

 bear in mind too, that while endeavouring to secure a way of 

 escape from the depredations of the Hessian fly, we do not blindly 

 point out the road to certain destruction from the wheat midge 

 on the one hand, and rust on the other. 



101. 1. A fertile soil. "We regard this as a primary and 

 indispensable measure and one which must accompany others in 

 order to their full success." W From what has been said in pre- 

 ceding paragraphs (84), good husbandry must necessarily play 

 the first part as a remedial measure. And good husbandry im- 

 plies a fertile soil. In other words the application of manure, 

 deep ploughing, and the introduction of a judicious rotation of 



(1) Fitch. 



