GARDENING FOR ALL. 131 
TURNIP MOTH.—(Agrotis segetum). 
The caterpillar of this moth attacks auriculas, dahlias, 
asters, balsams, cabbage, cauliflowers, turnips, lettuce, 
radishes, beetroot, spinach, mangolds, &c. When very 
young the caterpillar feeds upon the leaves of some of the 
plants mentioned, and in that stage may be removed by 
hand-picking ; but, when it grows larger, it descends towards 
the earth, fixes upon the upper portion of the root, just where 
it joins the stem, and there gnaws a groove completely round 
the stem, the entire plant often dying from the injury. 
Rooks and moles feed upon these caterpillars. Various 
remedies may be suggested for destroying them, but none are 
both thoroughly effective and safe. Suggested remedies 
are :—watering with salt and water at the rate of one ounce 
of salt to one gallon of water; or with one pound of carbolic 
soap to sixteen gallons of water ; tobacco water; or mixtures 
of petroleum emulsion. Search for the caterpillars near the 
affected plants. 
DADDY-LONG-LEGS.—(Tipula longicornis). 
The larve of daddy-long-legs, or crane fly, is very 
destructive to many plants. In Worcestershire the larve is 
known as the ‘“ leather-jacket.’”” The crane flies should be 
destroyed and the larve diligently sought for. Starlings are 
great aids in their destruction. 
ASPARAGUS BEETLE.—(Crioceris Aspavagi ). 
The beetle and larve are very injurious to asparagus 
after it has passed the ‘“ cutting ” stage, consuming the young 
leaves and green colouring of the stalks and branches, and 
causing their death. The insect may usually be found upon 
the plant in three different stages at the same time: eggs, 
maggots, and perfect beetles. 
Syringing with petroleum emulsion at the rate of half-a- 
pint to six gallons of water usually destroys the eggs and 
maggots. Spraying with Paris green at the rate of one ounce 
to ten gallons of water will poison the beetles; or they may 
be shaken on to white cloths, or paper and then destroyed, or 
on to boards or trays covered with some sticky material. 
Small birds are useful allies in combating the pest. 
