108 FIELD CROPS 



next to grass land or grain fields are usually attacked first. 

 Fall plowing is one of the most effective methods of prevent- 

 ing the ravages of grasshoppers. They may be killed in 

 large numbers by spraying a strip along the cornfield with 

 arsenate of lead, mixed in the proportion of 5 pounds to 100 

 gallons of water. The corn stalks thus sprayed can not be 

 used safely as feed for stock. 



134. Corn Earworm. This worm is usually found first 

 by its attack on the ear of corn. There are, however, three 

 generations of the worm during one season, and it is the last 

 generation that does the greatest damage. It is small, not 

 to exceed one-half inch in length and light green, sometimes 

 light brown, in color. Methods of combating the corn ear- 

 worm are not very successful, except that fall plowing will 

 destroy large numbers of them. 



135. Grain Weevil. Corn in storage is sometimes 

 attacked by the grain weevil. These insects eat into the 

 heart of the kernel and destroy the germ. In seed corn 

 they are most effectively controlled by putting the corn in a 

 tight box, can, or bin, and setting a shallow open dish of 

 carbon bisulfid on top of the corn. This can be obtained at 

 any drug store. It evaporates quickly and the gas, being 

 heavier than air, settles down among the grains of corn and 

 kills the insects in it. Care must be taken not to breathe the 

 fumes of this gas. Large quantities of corn may be treated 

 in the same way if tight rooms can be provided. 



136. Crows and Gophers often attack corn after it is 

 planted, digging up the kernels or young plants and de- 

 stroying them. The work of these birds and animals may 

 be checked to a considerable extent by treating the seed corn 

 with tar. The corn is put in a kettle slightly warmed and 

 moistened; then tar is applied and the corn stirred, just 

 enough being used to make a very thin film of tar about 



