PACKAui).] REMEDIES AGAINST THE LOCUST. 671 



consideration of all concerned, and I earnestly invoke tlie united and resolute action of 

 the pe()[)le in a inanfu) defl-nse against a common enemy: 



First. The crushing of the insects by rollers and other implements, and the catching 

 of them by bags and traps during the seasou of copulation or mating, when by reason 

 of their stupid and inactive condition they may be destroyed in vast numbers. This 

 is the first and vital step toward their destruction, andean be resorted to immediately, 

 the insects beiug in the condition named from about the middle of August variously 

 until the approach of cold weather. 



Second. The plowing under deeply of the eggs and the thorough harrowing of the 

 bare, dry kuolls and other comparatively small, warm spots where the eggs are depos- 

 ited, so as to dislodge tbom from their cells or pods, which destroys their germinating 

 power. New breaking beiug a favorite resort for such egg deposits, this mode of de- 

 struction is readily available in the ordinarj' course of farm-work, for which purpose 

 these operations should be delayed till as late a period in the fall as practicable. 



Third. Co-operative action for the preservation of the prairie-grass until the proper 

 season for its burning in the spriug, by means of extended fire-guards along township 

 boundaries or other large areas, to be accomplished by means of plowed strips or by 

 wide parallel farrows and the careful burning of the intervening space. The burning 

 of the grass thus preserved, when tilled with the young grasshoppers in the spriug, has 

 been found to be a very effectual means for their wholesale destruction. 



Fourth. The placing of loose straw on or near the hatching-places, into which the 

 young insects gather for protection from the cold in early spring, where they may be 

 destroyed by firing the straw at a proper time. To this end straw should be carefully- 

 saved and not needlessly destroyed at thrashing-time. 



Fifth. The construction of deep, narrow ditches, with deeper pits at intervals, as a 

 defense against the approaching insects in their infant condition. Into these the 

 j-oung, when comparatively helpless, accumulate in vast numbers and perish. 



Sixth. The sowing of grain in "lands" or strips, fifty to one hundred feet wide, 

 leaving narrow vacant spaces through which to run deep furrows and construct ditches 

 into which the young grasshoppers may be driven and destroyed. 



Seventh. The catching of the insects at various stages, and especially -when young 

 and comparatively inactive, by means heretofore employed, and by such improved in- 

 struments and processes as our experience may suggest. 



Eighth. And, finally, the driving of the winged and matured enemy from the 

 ripening grain by passing over it stretched roi)es continually to and fro, aided by 

 annoying smoke from burning straw or other smudges, and by loud and discordant 

 noises made by striking tin vessels, and by shrieking and yelling with the voice, which 

 are said to aid in disturbing the pests and inducing their flight. 



Let the common enemy be thus fought at every stage of his existence and at every 

 point of his attack. Each one of the modes here prescribed will doubtless aid to 

 reduce the grand total of the annual destruction, while all of them, faithfully pursued 

 in succession, together with other methods to be devised, it is confidently believed, 

 will achieve substantial exemption from loss, or avert its saddest effects. But should 

 all means fail, there will remain the consciousness of having made such helpful and 

 assiduous attempts as deserved success. 



The danger of weakening the habit of self-reliance among the people, as well as the 

 difficulty of reaching the most worthy recipients of public aid, renders the distribu- 

 tion of seed-grain and other assistance heretofore extended to the sufferers of very 

 questionable policy; and I feel it my duty to warn all persons against relying upon 

 public aid of this character. Whatever action may be taken by the next legislature 

 or by Congress should wisely contemplate future protection rather than indemnity for 

 past losses, and, if practicable, should discriminate in favor of such as evince a dispo- 

 sition to help themselves. At all events, if aid or succor of any kind or from any 

 quarter may reasonably be expected, it will be both better deserved and better em- 

 l)loyed after courageous and determined efl:brts shall have been made for self-protection. 



J. S. PILS13UKY, Governor. 



At the grasshopper conference, Prof. 0. D. TTilber made the follow- 

 ing important suggestions regarding the remedial measures to be taken: 



The objects sought to be attained by this meeting are two, viz : 



1. The securiugof national aid in prosecuting inquiries and research concerning the 

 locusts in the distant or mountain regions, where they are said to originate, with a 

 view of ascertaining such facts as may assist in exterminating them at their source or 

 native haunts. 



2. To discuss such plans as may be advisable in defending the localities now threat- 

 ened by them during the coming year of 1877, or such regions as are now occupied by 

 their eggs. 



There is no doubt as regards the assistance sought for from the Government. The 

 emergency is so great and applies to so many millions of inhabitants, and nearly one- 



