28 INSECTS INJURIOUS TO STAPLK CROPS. 



should be cut and fed to stock. Another crop should have 

 been planted near by, or in alternate rows with the 

 previous one, so as to mature a little later, and it should 

 be handled in the same manner. Even a third will prove 

 to be of considerable value. In this way the worms will 

 be trapped in the corn, and the more valuable crop pro- 

 tected. Sweet corn is the best to use, and a few strips will 

 often be found to be of great value when properly used. 



Numerous other instances of the successful application 

 of this principle might be cited, and several are mentioned 

 under the discussion of individual insects. AVith a correct 

 knowledge of the habits of a given pest, the ingenious 

 farmer will often find the method one of great value. 



Time of Planting. 



The proper time of planting is of importance in the 

 protection of many crops from insect attacks. Late-sown 

 wheat is usually exempt from the attack of the Hessian 

 Fly. Late-planted corn is much less affected by the 

 Stalk-borer than that planted earlier in the season. 



Rotation. 



A very important, if not indeed the most important, 

 factor in insect control is the rotation of crops in such a 

 manner that no single crop shall be continuously grown 

 on the same land, or any two crops nearly related botani- 

 cally. Allowing land to remain in meadow for some time 

 forms a breeding-ground for White Grubs, Cutworms, and 

 Wireworms, and if it is then desirable to cultivate the land, 

 it should be planted in ^^otatoes or some such crop 

 unrelated to the grasses. It may then be planted with 

 small grains, and then with corn; for if the number of 



