June 1895.] mJtTRlOUS INSECTS AND FUNGI; 



It is certain that some of the weevils pass the winter in 

 weevil form. Probably, in other cases hibernation takes pl^ce 

 in the pupal state, though this is not definitely known. 

 Nordlinger observes that many weevils come from the pup?e at 

 the end of August, and without doubt hibernate in weevil 

 shape. Fi'om observation, it is plain that these insects hibernate 

 in the perfect, as well as in the pupal state. Larvae have also 

 been found at all seasons of the year among the roots of 

 clover. A favourite resort of the hibernating weevils is in the 

 straws of stubble. They are also carried in quantities with peas 

 and beans into ricks and barns. These weevils feed by night as 

 well as by day. 



Methods of Prevention and Remedies. 



Lime, soot, and lime and soot mixed, may be advantageously 

 distributed over infested plants while the dew is upon them, or 

 after rain. Finely -powdered guano also may be used in this 

 way. 



Applications of weak solutions of paraffin, with a little soft 

 soap, would make infested plants distasteful to these insects. 

 These and other solutions can be put on with knapsack-macbines. 

 Fine powdery materials also can be easily applied and well 

 distributed with knapsack-machines specially constructed. 



When peas and beans are attacked it would be desirable to 

 press the earth tightly and firmly close round the plants, in 

 order to prevent the beetles from coming up from the earth. 

 This might be done by men and boys walking with a foot on 

 either side of each row of plants. 



Summer-fallowing of land after an attack would be very 

 desi}'able. Wheat after clover ley is often infested by swai-ms 

 of weevils. In this case it would be dangerous to sow trifolium 

 at all. If it is sown the land should be " broad -shared," or 

 cultivated and ploughed. The stubble should be burnt. The 

 burning of stubble, weeds, roots, and rubbish, is comparatively 

 seldom adopted in these days. It is believed that the inf requency 

 of this practice is one cause of the more frequent and more 

 destructive visitations of insects injurious to crops. . 



Infested clover leys should be deeply ploughed, with a " skim " 

 coulter on the plough, and thoroughly well pressed. Roots on 

 th^ top should be removed and bui'^t, not carted to the. outsides 

 and left in lumps. 



