72 
JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 
[Vol. 13 
tended area. We are only at the beginning in learning the possibili¬ 
ties of insect control through crop manipulation. 
5. A careful and exhaustive investigation should be made as soon as 
possible to determine the probable origin of the scattering infesta¬ 
tions along the southern shore of Lake Erie. 
It goes without saying that a knowledge of methods of spread is a 
most valuable aid in preventing further dissemination. 
Outline for the Earlier Infested Territory 
The situation in eastern Massachusetts, especially in the badly 
infested area, is such as to require somewhat different treatment. It 
is very probable that the early planting of small plots of corn and the 
restrictions in regard to growing garden crops likely to be infested near 
corn would prove of considerable service. There is need of large scale 
demonstrations to ascertain the most practical methods of handling 
the pest in eastern Massachusetts and in time they may have to be 
extended to other portions of the country. There is a possibility that 
systematic and general work along the lines indicated below would 
ultimately result in a considerable decrease and perhaps a somewhat 
general limitation of injury. 
Corn and other infested plants in eastern Massachusetts should be 
handled in such a way as to reduce to a minimum the possibility of 
borers surviving, the most promising methods being the following: 
(a) Plow thoroughly, preferably in the fall and endeavor to cover 
the stubble deeply, since such measures undoubtedly destroy many 
borers. 
(b) Put the corn fodder in a silo or if that is not possible cut and 
shred the cornstalks, even salting them so as to promote their con¬ 
sumption by cattle. 
(c) Where other treatment is impossible, the stalks should be com¬ 
posted or burned provided the expense is not out of proportion to the 
benefits secured. 
(d) Partly consumed cornstalks should not be mixed with manure 
unless the latter is composted or handled so it will heat. 
(e) Cornfields and adjacent areas should be kept free from weeds 
and nearby weedy areas at least should be burned over during the fall 
or early spring. 
The situation in eastern Massachusetts is so serious that we believe 
it to be of national importance to test possibilities on a large scale and 
for this purpose we would favor the expenditure by the federal govern¬ 
ment of a liberal sum the coming season, possibly $500,000 in work of 
this character. 
Briefly, the urgent need is for a large appropriation, the larger the 
