WIRE WORM. 
31 
observations of a large number of agriculturists in 1882,-1' I do not 
repeat them now; but at present there is one point sometimes too 
much lost sight of, and that is the great effect in lessening amount of 
presence of grubs near the surface of the land, which is brought about 
by feeding stock on it as heavily as can be done. 
Thus insect shelter is got rid of, likewise much of the attraction to 
the spot is got rid of by substituting the presence of sheep or cattle, 
and a changed condition of surface of the pasture consequent on their 
presence, for that of the pure grass; and where (as mentioned in 
detail in the Keport) stock can be hand-fed on patches hurdled in 
successively, so that the whole surface is trodden and impregnated 
with the droppings, the effect has been excellent. 
The following notes refer to observations undertaken by Mr. D. 
Sturdy, of Trigon, Wareham, relatively to special effect of rape-cake 
on Wire worm. 
An idea was at one time prevalent that the way in which rape- 
cake is of service in Wireworm-attack consists in the Wireworms 
eating it till they burst. As it is of considerable importance to know 
the exact way in which the application of rape-cake is beneficial, some 
special experiments were set on foot to prove (or disprove) the above 
views ; and in those carried on by myself with Wireworms that were 
allowed nothing but rape-cake to feed on, I found no bursting took 
place. 
In order to try the experiment on a more complete scale, Mr. 
Sturdy undertook some further observations, commencing in March, 
1883, and continuing until September, or somewhat later, in 1885. 
The experiment was begun by sowing two boxes of earth with Oats 
(in March, 1883), and, when about two inches high, one box was 
“ well-larded” with bits of Indian rape-cake about the size of hazel 
nuts, and an equal number of Wireworms were placed in each of tiie 
two boxes. The Oats with the rape-cake flourished greatly compared 
with those in the other box, which were a good deal injured by the 
Wireworms, whilst the rape-cake Oats were hardly touched by them ; 
and on May 1st, on examination of the Wireworms in the rape-caked 
box, these—“ everyone ”—were found looking fat and well. 
On January 31st, 1884, Mr. Sturdy further reported:—“On 
looking at the boxes I found that the lot that had Oats to feed on 
became ordinary Click Beetles, but that those that had E. Indian 
rape-cake only were still large and well-to-do-looking Wireworms, and 
so they still remain to this day” (Jan. 31st). 
* “Report on Wireworm,” ‘Journal of Royal Ag. Society for 1883,’ part i., by 
Consulting Entomologist of the Society; ‘Report on Injurious Insects for 1882/ 
published 1883, by Editor. Simpkin & Marshall. 
