78 
Believes that entomological prediction based on meteorological 
records promises the most important aid. Thinks that such rec¬ 
ords are sufficient to give a forecast of the coming year with ref¬ 
erence to rainfall with reasonable certainty, at least in the North¬ 
west, and that farm crops may consequently be selected to avoid 
injury by insects most likely to appear. Prediction that “chinch 
bug will not be injurious next year (1882) in the Northwest, (1) 
because year will not be dry; (2) because these insects have not 
been known to appear generally and in great numbers for two 
successive seasons; and (3) because the recent rains have to a great 
extent destroyed them.” Mentions as remedies especially applica¬ 
ble to chinch bug, irrigation, burning in winter quarters, and crop¬ 
ping against them. Advises Central and Southern Illinois farmers 
“to cease raising so much corn and to rely to a greater extent 
upon oats, grass, and other crops.” Says that corn, spring wheat, 
and barley are the crops that chiefly assist in developing these 
insects. Early crops least likely to suffer. Early varieties of oats 
and corn should be selected when chinch bug is apprehended. 
In discussion following (pp. 48, 49), reported as saying that “if we 
ever get rid of this pest we must quit raising corn.” In Kansas 
they are legislating to prevent the raising of winter wheat as onqj 
means of reducing this insect. “If we abandon the growing ofl 
winter wheat and corn they must perish.” 
Johnson, J. S.—[Chinch-Bug Notes.] (Trans. Ill. State Hortl 
Soc., 1831, v. 15, p. 49.) 
Reported as saying that chinch bugs were plenty in 1848 neaa 
Nauvoo, where he lived, and that in 1849 they took the cornj 
Found in myriads in the grass the fall succeeding. Has held them 
in water more than an hour without injury to them. Took corn 
this year, a mile away from any wheat. 
Prairie Farmer, - 1882. [Destroying Insects.] 
“When chinch bugs are prevalent in corn the stalks should be 
raked together and burned, and all dead grass-bottom should be 
served in the same way.” 
Thomas, Cyrus.— Best Means of counteracting our Insect Foes. 
(Trans. Ind. Hort. Soc., 1881, p. 81.) 
Prophecy that the chinch bug would do little damage in 1882. 
Treat, Mary. —The Chinch Bug. (Injurious Insects of the Farm 
and Garden, pp. 112-120.) 
Feeds on grasses and cereals. Short-winged form in Canada 
and more northern states. Hibernates as an adult. Two-brooded 
in Middle States; probably three broods in more southern states. 
Eggs deposited under ground on roots of food plants; the more 
compact the soil, therefore, the less this operation is facilitated, 
and hence the advantage of fall plowing for spring grain, or of 
repeated rolling after seeding if plowing is done in spring. et 
land, heavy rains, and open winters prejudicial to it. Instances 
