136 Second Report on Economic Zoology. 
“ Clover ley and grass lands are always full of these larvae, and 
the result is that when the land is broken up the first few crops are 
generally a complete failure, unless proper steps are taken to free the 
land from the Wireworm. 
“ Land previous to being ploughed up should be fed off by sheep, 
the sheep being penned and fed so that not only all surface vegetation 
goes, but the land becomes well trodden down and saturated with 
their urine, etc. It should then be ploughed up and a crop of 
mustard grown. This should be allowed to live to half its growth, 
and should then be ploughed in green. Wireworm will not feed on 
growing mustard, and when ploughed in green it seems to have a 
very marked effect in decreasing their numbers. 
“ In young crops where Wireworm are working, such as wheat, 
heavy rollings with a ring-roller do much good, consolidating the soil 
and so preventing the Wireworm from moving rapidly from plant to 
plant. 
“ Mustard and rape cake and dust (nibs) have been much 
employed as a Wireworm remedy. It is thought that these 
substances get rid of the pests ; no such thing, for they form a 
palatable food for Elater larvae. 
“ They act by drawing the Wireworm away from the plants, and 
in young crops good is no doubt done pro tem. by allowing the plants 
to grow away from the Wireworm. It has no lasting effect, and 
moreover probably encourages Wireworm in the land. There is no 
doubt that the use of such (rape dust) as manures in hop gardens has 
tended to the great increase of these pests there. 
“ Neither gas-lime, lime, nor salt, so often recommended, have any 
definite effect upon the young larvae in the ground, but the first- 
named now and then seems to act as a deterrent, and may be used to 
advantage on [Wirewormy] land prior to its being broken up. Gas- 
lime must be left for at least four weeks before it is worked into 
the land. The quantity depends entirely upon local conditions, 
soil, etc. 
“ Stimulating manures should always be given when the crop is 
seen to be attacked by Wireworm. Soot lias been found to answer 
well, and under certain conditions seems to have even a definite 
effect upon the insects. 
“ In districts where seaweed is used as a manure, it is said 
Wireworm do very little harm. 
“ Trapping the larvse may also be carried out with marked 
success. This is done by placing pieces of mangold, potatoes, or, best 
of all, beetroot under the earth near hop-hills, garden borders, and so 
