AGRICULTURAL REPORT. 
66 
and not being able to fly out again, they will come in contact with 
the heated glass chimney, and thus be precipitated into the vessel 
beneath, in which they will perish. 
Another plan, which it is hoped may, upon experiment, be found 
applicable to the enemies of the cotton-plant, has lately been reported 
as having proved efficient as a means of destroying the tobacco-worm, 
in h lorida. This worm is the larva of a large moth commonly known 
by the name of the “tobacco-fly,” ( Spliynx Carolina,) which is in 
the habit of feeding upon the nectar, or honey, contained in flowers, 
over which it may often be seen in the evening, poised in the air in a 
manner similar to that of the humming bird, making a buzzing noise 
with its wings, and busily employed in extracting the sweets by means 
of its long trunk. 
As it had been previously observed that these moths are particu- 
larly fond of the Jamestown weed, ( Datura stramonium ,) a plan 
adopted in Florida as an effectual means of destroying them, and 
which it is said has succeeded to a considerable extent, has been com- 
municated to this Office by Mr. Jesse Wood, of Mount Pleasant, in 
that State, who says: — 
“About five years ago, Mr. Igdaliah Wood, of this vicinity, en- 
deavored to poison the fly that produces the horn-worm, by applying 
a preparation of cobalt and sweetened water to the flower of the 
tobacco-plant. He found some difficulty in consequence of the cup 
of this flower not being in a favorable position to retain the poison. 
Mr. George Sunday next tried the bloom of the gourd-vine with bet- 
ter success. Mr. E. Johnson afterwards used the Jamestown weed, 
which answered the expectation of the most sanguine. The prepara- 
tion consists of about a pint of water, a gill of molasses or honey, and 
an ounce of cobalt. After inserting a quill through the cork of the 
bottle, he let fall a few drops of this mixture into the cup of the flower 
about sunset. As this poison will soon kill the stalk of the James- 
town weed, the best plan is to break off the blossoms, make a hole in 
the ground, and place them in it. It is thought that the flies find 
them quicker than when left upon the stalks. It is certain to destroy 
the moths, although they frequently live until ten o’clock the next 
day, notwithstanding they are disabled from flying or depositing their 
eggs soon after taking the poison. 
“I consider this discovery of immense value to tobacco planters, 
and, if it or any similar method should lead to the destruction of the 
cotton caterpillar and boll-worm, which is highly probable would be 
the case, it will be of incalculable benefit.” 
From this statement, it will be seen that, if such a plan is really 
of utility when applied to the cotton-fly, there can be no reason why 
it should not answer also in regions where honey-bees are not kept, 
for all such insects as are attracted by sweet substances ; and it is to 
be hoped that experiments will be made the ensuing season, and re- 
ported for the public good. The thing to be chiefly desired now is. 
to find out the favorite food of the particular kind of insect to be 
destroyed ; then to discover and use some efficient poison for the 
accomplishment of the purpose. If, however, birds should perish 
