73 



the trunks of Box-elder and other trees will make it comparatively easy to operate 

 against. It may be destroyed by crushing with a stiff brush or broom or by apply- 

 ing strong kerosene emulsion or hot water. — [April 7, 1890.] 



The Joint Worm in northern Ne^w York. 



I send you some pieces of straw that contain maggots of some kind. I have heard 

 of their being in but one piece of wheat and that man did not find them until this 

 winter while feeding the straw. My wheat was very much injured by frost and this 

 man thought that was what was the matter with his wheat crop, but it proves to be 

 something else. I write to hear if you have seen or heard of anything like it, what 

 you call it, and what you think it will amount to ?— [K. W. Russ, York, Living- 

 ston County, N. Y., March 13, 1?90. 



Reply. — The insect damaging your neighbor's wheat is the common Joint Worm 

 Isosoma hordei, which does considerable damage to the wheat crop in some parts of the 

 country, but which has not been a serious pest in your State. From past exjjerience, 

 therefore, it is not likely that you will have much trouble. In case the insect in- 

 creases, however, so as to do any appreciable damage, the farmers over a given terri- 

 tory should unite in burning stubble, screenings, and straw for one or more seasons. — 

 [March 17, 1890.] 



The Grain Toxoptera in Tennessee. 



In your letter of January 21 you state that you wish me to keep you informed as to 

 the increase or decrease of Toxopiera graminum. I inclose two clippings from our 

 county paper, and am happy to state that they have not been able to survive the 

 heavy rains and frosts of this month, so far as I can see. We are greatly relieved, 

 for, although you say you doubt whether much damage would be done, the wheat- 

 fields seem to show the contrary, and patches in size of an acre or more were appar- 

 ently dead. I have one field which I doubt will ever recover from the damage done. 

 So much for T. g. at present. Should they make their appearance again I will let you 

 know.— [P. C. Newkirk, Jalapa, Monroe County, Tenn., March, 1890. 



Reply. — Your letter of recent date inclosing clippings duly received. Thank you 

 very much for your further information relative to the grain plant-lice. I am glad 

 that my anticipations were verified and that the lice have disappeared. — [March 14, 

 1890.] 



Prevalence of the Grain Toxoptera in Texas. 



I ship by to-day's mail some insects that are infesting our wheat fields of this 

 county, many fields being almost ruined. The effect is just the same as the Chinch 

 Bug on corn. When the first crop has matured they look very much like the ^' Pha- 

 raoh," or seventeen-year locust. They are about one-eighth of an inch long and can 

 jump or fly. The young one I send you seems to be doing the mischief, there being 

 as many as three to each branch of wheat. No one seems to know what these insects 

 are or how they are likely to terminate. We would be pleased to have your Division 

 examine them and advise us at once, and give us all the information you can, as 

 wheat is the main dependence for a large part of the State. — [J. L. Fookes, Era, 

 Cooke County, Tex., February 26, 1890. 



Reply. — Your letter of recent date, inclosing specimens, duly received. The in- 

 sect in question is one of the grain plant-lice known as loxoptera graminum. This 

 insect, although hitherto comparatively^ rare, has been very abundant in the wheat 

 fields in Kentucky and Tennessee the past winter, although in these States the re- 

 cent frosts have almost entirely destroyed it. The life history of the species is not 

 well known and no remedy can be suggested at this time. I shall be glad to hear 

 from you as to the amount of damage done by this insect, and as to how long it is 

 abundant in your fields.— [March 18, 1890.] 



