New York AGricuLTuRAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 263 
cloth are tacked to the edges of the boards; short cleats nailed to 
the boards are inserted into the ground and hold the boards on 
edge and the free edges of the cloth are covered with dirt. 
During 1898, Mr. John O’Donnell, a market gardener of the 
Borough of Queens, tried the six-inch wire plate-covers on a large 
scale as shown in Plate XVIII. These cost two cents apiece when 
bought by the thousand; the cost per acre for first year being a 
trifle over $40.00. These covers are provided with a tin margin 
which is very convenient for forcing them into the soil, thus keep- 
ing the beetles from working under them. ‘This style of cover 
answered very nicely until the plants were up but, like all covers 
they have the disadvantage of protecting the vines only while © 
coming through the ground. If left over the vines too long, the 
latter are liable to become drawn and weak. At best there is 
danger when the covers are removed that a heavy wind will in- 
jure the vines to such an extent that they will never recover. Be- 
sides, all covers have the disadvantage when used alone, of not 
only giving the beetles a feeding place, but a breeding place when 
removed. 
TIME OF PLANTING. 
Growers who raise cucumbers for pickling purposes practice 
late planting; planting for this purpose during the last week in 
June and the first week in July and thus avoiding the ravages of 
the beetles during their spring feeding period. During the past 
few years, the ravages of the cucumber mildew on the late crop has 
made it desirable, on the part of pickle growers, to plant earlier. 
Furthermore, in preparing a grade of pickles known as “ dills ” 
an early pickle is preferred. Mr. Chittenden” states than in some 
sections planting in frames and hot houses, and transplanting to 
the field is advisable. By planting in the field as early as pos- 
sible, and following the directions given under the head of “ Trap- 
crops,’ the use of covers for melons and cucumbers can usually be 
avoided. 
15U. 8. Dept. Agr., Div. Ent., Cire. No. 31, 2d ser. 
