[22] 



VIII. On destroying Slugs in Gardens. By Mr. John 

 Wilmot, F. H. S. 



Read May 12, 1812. 



y experience teaches us (and particularly in a season 

 like last winter) the injury we receive from the Slug, which, 

 if left unmolested, will frustrate our most sanguine wishes, 

 and too frequently, unperceived, not only injure, but totally 

 destroy a crop, which we cannot replace in sufficient time. 

 To exterminate those nocturnal depredators has been for 

 many years my study ; but I always failed in the attempt, 

 through the means not being properly applied. The usual 

 way at present practised is with lime strewed on the ground 

 very early in the morning, or late in the evening, when the 

 thermometer is not below 45° ; they are then found during 

 moist weather in abundance, on the surface of the soil, when 

 scattering lime fresh slacked, or pulverized, will destroy a 

 great number, excepting rain comes to their assistance, which 

 too frequently frustrates the design. As the principal time 

 of their committing their ravages is in a rainy or a moist 

 season, the very weather is unfavourable to the application 

 of the lime, as it will not act as a caustic, after lying on the 

 damp ground even for half an hour. At the suggestion of 

 my friend, Mr. Whately, I was induced to make a trial of 

 lime-water, which I found greatly to exceed my expectations. 

 I now not only propose, but strongly recommend it on an 

 extensive scale, as I can prove it a saving of nine pounds 



