270 [Assembly 



DESTRUCTION OF INSECTS. 



The ravages of insects is one of the most formidable annoy- 

 ances witli wliicli the cultivator, in every department of agricul- 

 ture, and particularly horticulture, has constantly to contend. 

 It is undoubtedly true that the subject has been much neglected; 

 it seems to be important now, when it is admitted that some of 

 the most destructive species are greatly on the increase, that ev- 

 ery available method, calculated to arrest their multiplication, 

 should be put in requisition. And unless there is a very gener- 

 al concert of action among cultivators, it cannot be expected 

 that much good will be accomplished. 



The terror, at one time created by the ravages of the Hessian 

 fly, if it has not abated, we are glad to believe has not increased, 

 and we do not despair of the discovery of an effectual remedy 

 yet. Many other species are increasing with great rapidity, and 

 their ravages are very great. It will be well to consider in what 

 state of the existence of insects they may be most readily and 

 effectually destroyed. A large number of insects deposit their 

 eggs beneath the surface of the ground, but it is believed that by 

 far the greater portion are left above ground. In the egg or iri 

 the larva state we have heard of no application which has proved 

 very efficacious. These must generally be left, therefore, to the 

 care of birds, which should always be protected, caressed, and 

 encouraged by every means to congregate unmolested throughout 

 the land. The eggs of insects with their larva, constitute a large 

 portion of the food of birds. With few exceptions, those insects, 

 which, when they reach their perfect state are furnished with 

 wings, fly from one to twenty days, after which they deposit tlieir 

 eggs and die. During their winged state, therefore, would seem 

 to be the proper time to attempt their destruction. 



We are not prepared to recommend anything, for w^hich we 

 would claim a preference, as being the best melhod, but simply 

 design to awaken attention to this important matter, and state 

 such methods as have been suggested, with a hope that those 

 more experienced will follow, until something, promising good 

 results, may obtain general attention. 



