New Yorx Agriovtrura, Experment Station. 719 
emulsion of this strength would endanger the plant. The emul- 
sion may be used with safety, however, at a strength of one part 
of the emulsion to nine parts of water, and at this strength 
will kill the young bugs. 
4, The squash field should be free from rubbish and anor be 
cleaned up and plowed in the fall. 
5. Bits of boards, chips, squash leaves, etc., placed underneath 
the vines make good traps. They should be examined daily and 
the bugs destroyed. 
6. In the early spring pick the old bugs from the vines and 
destroy them. | 
Tue SeuasH Vine Borer. 
(Mellitra ceto, Westw.) 
Of late years the squash vine borer has become an unusually 
well-known pest in all parts of the State and especially on Long 
Island and in the vicinity of New York city. Although not 
feeding above ground, its presence is plainly indicated by the 
appearance of the affected vines, which at first turn to a very 
light shade of green and then suddenly wilt and finally wither 
and die. As hereafter explained, the adult is but indirectly the 
cause of this condition of the vines, as the injury is done by the 
immature form only. In this stage it has proved}to be one of 
the most destructive pests of the past season. Under date of 
August 9, Mr. William A. Fleet, of Cutchogue, L. L, writes: 
“The squash vine borer has been very plenty for several years, 
so much so that I have about given up trying to grow squashes, 
cucumbers and melons, except very late planted.” Mr. Fleet has 
evidently had much the same experience as many other growers. 
In the vicinity of Jamaica and Brooklyn the work of this 
insect was observed in a number of fields of squashes. As a rule 
from about one-third to one-half of the vines were found to be 
more or less affected, and from estimates made by careful grow- 
ers it is safe to say that nearly if not quite 50 per cent. of the 
crop of late squashes was destroyed by the work of this pest 
during the past season. Of the squashes, the borer seems to pre- 
fer the Hubbard and marrowfat varieties. Cucumber, melon 
and pumpkin vines are also liable to attack. 
