34 
stramonium and tansy seemed the best, but the leaves had to be well 
drenched twice, and in some cases three times, before the insects forsook 
them or were all killed. 
I have also tried the effects of these washes on the Cabbage Louse 
[Aphis hrassiece). These seem easier killed now than about the begin- 
ning of this month. Each liquid seems to have a better hold of them 
than at first, and two applications killed them all on every head to 
which these washes were applied. I sprayed 12 heads, two to each 
liquid used. 
I also tried the power of these infusions on some cucumber vines, to 
see what effect they would have on the Striped Cucumber Beetle {Gale- 
n/ca), and find that unless these washes are very plentifully applied they 
will have but little effect on this bug. 
On the 24th of this month I procured six Cabbage Cut- worms, and pat 
one near the stem of each of six cabbage plants, and placed it about 
one inch under ground. I then placed a common tomato can over each 
plant and sunk it in the earth about one-half its depth. I had previ- 
ously cut off both ends smoothly with a pair of scissors ; then about 
one-half pint of liquid was poured into the can around each plant, and 
this wetted the ground, I should say, about three inches. The follow- 
ing night the plant wetted with elder was cut off by its worm, and the 
fourth*night, the 28th instant, another, marked ''Ailanthus,^' was cut; 
but since then no more have been cut. 
My object in this experiment was to find out, if possible, the real 
value of each of these infusions as a preventive to the Cut-worm ; for if 
some will not cut at all, after being starved, as it were, in prison, I think 
that wash may be depended on. 
These infusions have been taken on their merits alone, and I do say 
they all have some good properties as insecticides. I do not think much 
in general of tomato leaves, nor Elder alone ; nor do I think Mandrake 
will ever become popular, from the tact of the extra labor and difaculty 
of collecting and preparing it. Tansy, Ailanthus, and stramonium are 
the best, in my opinion, and of these three stramonium stands the high- 
est in mv estimation. 
I have to thank Professor Riley very much for assistance rendered 
in determining the species of many insects in these and many other 
tests performed by me. 
Most respectfully, 
THOMAS BENIs^ETT. 
Professor C. Y. Riley, 
Entomologist., &c. 
