INSECTS INJL'KIOUS TO THE GRAINS AND GRASSES. 77 



ones seem to be fully as effective as those more complicated 

 for which fancy prices are charged for royalty. 



Destroy ing the Adults. — The destruction of the winged 

 insects is an entirely hopeless task, for, though even large 

 numbers are caught, so many will remain that the damage 

 done the crops would be but very slightly diminished. 

 One of the most promising means for averting the swarms 

 of v/inged migratory locusts from alighting in the fields is 

 by a dense smudge, in which some foul smelling substances 

 are placed. Where strictly attended, and with favorable 

 winds, this has often proved highly successful. To 

 accomplish the best results farmers over an extensive area 

 should combine in its use. 



The South African Fuugns. — In 1900 Prof. Morgan 

 made a test of a fungous disease which had been found to 

 destroy large numbers of grasshoppers in South Africa, 

 to determine whether, after starting it by artificial proim- 

 gation, it would spread sufficiently to destroy any consider- 

 able number of locusts. The weather was favorable, rains 

 being frequent. Early in August it was found that " over 

 the areas where the liquid infection was spread diseased 

 hoppers were abundant." *^ As many as a dozen dead 

 grasshoppers could be found upon a single plant, and some 

 upon nearly every weed on ditch-banks where grasshoppers 

 were numerous. From the centres of infection great areas 

 had become inoculated, spreading even beyond the planta- 

 tions first infected." The property upon which it was 

 placed became thoroughly infected with the fungus. 

 Strangely, though many other species of grasshoppers 

 were abundant, only the Differential was killed by it. 

 Dr. Howard states that this disease has also spread and 

 done effective work in Colorado. 



