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WHEAT MIDGE, HESSIAN FLY. &c. 
We issued the annexed circular to upwards of one hundred gen¬ 
tlemen, engaged in farming, in May, 1858, in order, if practica¬ 
ble, to obtain some reliable information in relation to the history 
and ravages of these insects in our wheat crops. We regret to 
say that the annexed eight letters are all we have received in 
answer to this circular. We the more regret this from the facts 
which are given in the letters received ; as we feel assured, if a 
general response had been given, we should have had materials 
from which some valuable results would have been secured. We 
have some facts which are of value in these communications; and 
we are greatly indebted to the gentlemen who have answered our 
inquiries. Wo intend to re-issue the circular, hoping to secure 
a much more extended reply, and thus be enabled to ascertain 
more fully the appearance and ravages of the insect, as well as 
the means by which their ravages may be ameliorated, if not 
entirely prevented. 
The Hon. Gamaliel H. Barstow , of Tioga county, states that the 
wheat midge appeared in that section of the state about 1848; and 
that they came from the east, having been seen in Columbia Co., 
in 1838 ; that its ravages have been continued, mare or less in 
Tioga, since 1848; but much less for the past two years, and 
hopes are entertained that it may be passing away. The best 
remedy that has been found, is to have the lands well cultivated, 
good seed sown, so as to secure a healthy crop ; all other things 
being equal, the damage is much less. 
John Johnston , of Seneca county, says the midge appeared in 
that county in 1848—same year as in Tioga — coming from the 
east. It has continued its ravages more or less since. The best 
means of mitigating its ravages, have been thorough drainage and 
better farming—giving earlier crops. Crops on dry lands and 
uplands less liable to injury than low, sheltered lands. Mr. John¬ 
ston has usually grown good crops of wheat; since the midge 
appeared, his crops have not been under twenty-five bush, per acre, 
