78 



CRAJS^BERKY CULTURE. 



vines with water just before they blossom^ while the fruit- 

 buds are showing plainly, and hold it on for twenty-four 

 hours^ but no longer, as the water injures the crop of 

 friut if left on too long while the vines are in this state. 

 The latter expedient can only be resorted to when a copi- 

 ous stream is at hand. 



Plantations that have, to all appearances, become worth- 

 less by the ravages of the fire worm, may be restored by 

 flooding. This was illustrated on the " Willow Farm," 

 near Medford, IST. J. Upon this tract osier willows had 

 been planted among the cranberry vines, with the object 

 of obtaining a double crop. But, like one who aims too 

 high, and hits nothing, this planter lost both basket ma- 

 terial and cranberi'ies ; for the worms, attacking the wil- 

 lows, soon spread over the vines beneath, and spoiled all. 

 The meadow remained in an unprofitable condition for 

 several years, when, as a last resort, dams were construct- 

 ed at considerable expense, and a head of water raised, 

 whieh resulted in exterminating the worms, and shortly 

 after (in 1867) a crop averaging one hundred bushels per 

 acre was produced. This was quite a recommendation 

 for the farm, and enabled the owner to dispose of it to 

 good advantage. The next year a light crop was general 

 throughout New Jersey, and the Willow Farm was not 

 an exception ; but, in 1869, it again yielded handsome re- 

 turns, and now no danger is apprehended from the ''fire 

 worm." 



In locations where water cannot be commanded for 

 winter flooding, other means must be adopted to destroy 

 these insects. Professor Agassiz recommends building 

 fires at night around the meadow, while the moths are in 

 exi>;tence. The dazzling light attracts them, and many 

 fall victims to the devouiing flames. 



The same principle is sometimes applied more efiectu- 

 ally in the following manner, viz. : a large ball of cotton 

 is tight' y wrapped in fine wire, and saturated with kero- 



