444 



NEW TOEK STATE MU8EUM 



coming summer, the ravages of this year will probably be repeated, and 

 more disastrously, unless measures shall be taken for their prevention. 



To Prevent the Ravages. 



The investigations of the Rocky Mountain locust, by the commis- 

 sioners appointed by Congress to study its life-history and methods for 

 its control, have given us several means by which the injuries of any of 

 onr locusts, when occurring abundantly, may be greatly reduced. 



1. Destruction of the eggs. — The eggs are deposited in masses of 

 about one hundred, cemented in a " pod," in holes bored by the female, 

 at a depth of about an inch in the ground. Experiment has shown 

 that most of these will be destroyed by harrowing the ground to a 

 moderate depth in the autumn, or in mild winter weather. Rather 

 bare places along roadsides, and even in roadways, seem to be preferred 

 for oviposition. 



2. Plowing under. — Plowing the infested land in the spring, as the 

 grasshoppers are about hatching, to a depth of from four to six inches, 

 and following this with rolling, has proved a very satisfactory method 

 of killing the young hoppers and those about ready to emerge. 



3. The use of the hopperdozer. — Whenever the young insects appear 

 in sufficient numbers to warrant it, the "hopperdozer" — a long sheet- 

 iron pan containing tar or kerosene for catching and killing them, as it 

 is drawn over the field — may be effectually used. For its construc- 

 tion and manner of use in the Western States, and in the Merrimac 

 valley of New Hampshire, see the Annual Reports of the IT. S. Depart- 

 ment of Agriculture. 



4. The braa-mash poison. — When the above methods have not ac- 

 complished their purpose, or all active measures have been neglected 

 until the insects have become winged, the poisoned bait may be re- 

 sorted to, with every prospect, if we may judge from the testimony 

 borne, of its successful working. The bran-mash recommended by Mr. 

 Coquillett, after its use on the devastating locusts in San Joaquin val- 

 ley, California, may be made in the following manner: To a washtub 

 or half-barrel about three-fourths full of dry bran, add about five 

 pounds of arsenic and mix thoroughly with a spade or shovel. Dis- 

 solve five pounds of sugar in a pail of water, pour it on the bran and 

 arsenic, and stir thoroughly, adding more water until the mash is 

 entirely saturated . 



The mash may be distributed in spoonfuls throughout the field, in 

 such quantity as is eaten by the grasshoppers. Mr. Coquillett used a 

 teaspoonful for each tree, shrub, grapevine, or plant infested, at a cost 

 of less than 50 cents for each acre of orchard or vineyard, and as a 



