212 On the Insects affecting the Turnip Crop. 



in the spring, when they destroy the two first leaves, called the 

 cotyledons, or seed leaves. 



There are five or six broods in a season. 



These insects are most to be feared in fine seasons. 



Heavy rains, cold springs, and long droughts, destroy them. 



Their scent is very perfect : the beetles fly against the wind, 

 and are attracted from a distance. 



To extirpate them during the first three stages is apparently 

 most difficult. 



The beetles are sheltered in hedges^ banks, under baric of 

 trees, &c. 



Their parasites have not yet been discovered. 



First appearance of the beetles to be punctually observed, as 

 affording the best chance in applying remedies. 



Manure to render soil obnoxious to the insects scarcely to be 

 expected. 



Rapid growth of the plant the best security : 



To secure which sow plenty of seed, and of the same age. 



Burning beneficial, by destroying the chrysalides. 



Sheep-folding must destroy the insects in every state. 



Deep-ploughing excellent when the chrysalides are in the soil. 



Drilling far superior to broad cast, and believed in Scotland to 

 keep away the beetles. 



Dangerous to sow on a stuhhle-crop ; and long raw manure 

 harbours the beetles. 



Lime and soot, the benefit derived from them in this way very 

 doubtful. 



Mangold wurtzel not favourable to the beetles ; and swedes pro- 

 bably less attractive than white turnips. 



Mixing white turnips with swedes not desirable, as the beetles 

 may be attracted by the strong scent of the former. 



Early sowing attended with disadvantages. 



Destroy charlock, and all cruciferous weeds in fields and hedges, 

 as they afford support to the beetles before the turnips come up. 



Hoeing and rolling harass and destroy the beetles. 



Watering the crops, especially with weak brine, beneficial. 



Paul-net and painted boards useful in destroying the beetles. 



Fumigation by burning stubble, &c., will keep off the beetles. 



There are many other remedies proposed, some of which it 

 might be well worth trying ; and if we be defeated in our en- 

 deavours to vanquish this insect enemy, we must take the field 

 again with fresh vigour until our efforts are crowned with success, 

 and neither despair from disappointments, nor rest in listless 

 security from the apparent inertness of our foes. If we look back 

 for one instant to experience, we shall find that after violent at- 

 tacks of disease in the animal^ or of blights in the vegetable king- 



