[159] 



Report of tee State Entomologist. 



301 



of carbon (manner stated). Plant no weevil-eaten peas. For severe 

 weevil attack, stop cultivation throughout the infested district for a 

 year. Late planting, from June first to tenth, is believed to be a prevent- 

 ive of attack. 



The Elm-Leaf Beetle. (Country Gentleman, for March 29, 1888, p. 

 249, c. 2-3 — 20 cm.) 



To inquiry from New Jersey of the best protection from the beetles, 

 and how early the remedies should be used, reply is made that London 

 purple, one pound to 200 gallons of water, with eight quarts of flour 

 (prepared as directed), should be applied with a force-pump, fitted with 

 a "cyclone nozzle," or one of the finest " Nixon nozzles," in a fine spray 

 or mist. For high trees, the nozzle may be applied to the end of a long 

 hose, tied, for elevation, to a bamboo rod." The tallest elms should be 

 sprayed from the principal branches, by carrying into the tree a longer 

 hose or a portable spraying apparatus. Spray as soon as the deposit 

 of eggs is commenced — in New Jersey early in June. Repeat in a 

 fortnight if necessary. [See pp. 239, 240 of this Report.] 



Our Worst Enemies — The Bugs. (Country Gentleman, for April 5, 

 1888, liii, p. 269, c. 1-2 — 38 cm.) 



In the subject as announced for remarks at the Chatham, N. Y., 

 Farmers' Institute, bugs must be accepted, in popular American usage, 

 as including all orders of insects. They may be regarded as the worst 

 enemies of the agriculturist, for these reasons : They are so numerous, 

 so prolific, so ravenous, such epicures, so wasteful, so small, so omni- 

 present, so secret, so regular in occurrence, and have such wonderful 

 instincts for finding their food-plants and for self-protection. 



They are to be fought by making their acquaintance through observa- 

 tion and the published literature, and learning of the best insecticides 

 and how to apply them ; what these insecticides are, and instruments 

 used with them. Importance of the study of economic entomology 

 urged, and cooperation in it solicited. 



The Striped Flea Beetle. (Country Gentleman, for April 12, 1888, 

 liii, p. 289, c. 1-3, figure — 64 cm.) 



The insect, Phyllotreta vittata (Fabr.) is described and figured in both 

 larva and imago. For killing the larva among the roots of its food- 

 plants, solutions of pyrethrum, soap and carbolic acid, tobacco water, 

 and kerosene emulsion may be used. For preventives of egg-deposit, 

 strongly odorous substances, as kerosene mixed with sand, gas-tar on 

 sticks or corn-cobs, tar water, drainage from pig-styes or the manure. 

 Popular measures are dusting with lime, soot, ashes, snuff, tobacco dust, 

 sulphur, and plaster. Dr. Fitch, of these, found ashes the best, as in 

 experiments cited. He also recommended keeping young chickens and 

 toads in gardens for hunting the beetles. Paris green or London purple 

 sprayed over the young plants may be the best way to kill the beetle. 

 Pyrethrum powder has been found effective. 



