Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1836-08-11
THE BaEssIAN PLY.
Co'amuHioSi,dto 10, the Baltimore Patriot.
A REMEDY FOR TIE FLY IN THE
WHEAT


WnEAT.
Sometime since in a communication
published in the Baltimore papers, I
stated my views on the destruction OF
wheat by the Hessian hy, and offered
a remedy against its rsvages. As this
season will be remarkable for the de-
vastation committed by this insect. and
as the time is approaching for seeding
for the next crop, request a small
space IN your columns TO bring before
our farmers again the remedy there
proposed, fully believing, that if fol-
lowed, much good will result from it.
On observation, it has been found
that the insect producing the fy pro-
crosses with the growth of the wheat
and If the wheat is early sown. and
the season is favorable 10 luxuriant
vegetation, the fly will be very percep-
hble IN the autumn. The progress Of
the insect, as observed in a former COM
munlcation, is from the seed, upw ards,
and as many as 8 or 10 have been OBJ
servable on one stem between the roo,
and surface Of the earth. The qurs-
ton then arises. how is this insect gen.
Grated. and what means should be used
to destroy it; II is either generated
IN the grain Of wheat, similar TO the
bug which iniests the pea; OF the insect
rhen m MS winged state deposiies an
egg on the Surface of the grain when
in the ear, and thus phen The vheaf is
soun and begins 10 regetats the egg riri-
fes md the destructive vorm is formed.
For the following reasons, am
strongly inclined to the latter opinion.
IL IS known that this insect releases it,
self BY bursting the blade that covers
IT when the head is forming, and as
sumes its wnPed state, aud there is TO
my mind no doubt. that this fiji depo-
"fes IFS egg on the phea when filling
and coming to perfection. II had
any doubts on this subject they would
be removed by the fact that with the
aid Of a Microscope the egg is discern
able IN the form of a glutinous matter.
II this opinion be correct, the remedy
Is simple. and worthy, at least, Of a
fair tTial. Providence inflicis no evil
upon mankind without also prov lding
some remedy, and unless this is intend i.
ed as a special curse upon the husband
man. there is and must be a remedy.
which he must find out by actual ex-
pertinent.
10 the course Of twenty wears expe-
renee ~ this matter. have known but
one experiment made To destroy this
ay and that proved successful An
intelligent farmer IN Loudoun county.
Va. having understood that some Of M,
nelghbors with the aid Of a micros-
cope, had disoov red a gluiinoUs mat.
ter on the surface Of the wheat. which
they believed 10 be the egg Of the fly.
determined 10 try an experiment for
ITS destruction, and succeeded IN that
crop. but unfortunately II was not fol.
lowed up and whether II will be an
efeetuAl remedy in al seasons remains
vet TO be tested. The plan which he
followed, and hich II j. the object OF
this communication 10 recommend TO
ahf NbNtf " wv II aIWlfI, - SIMPLY 10
pass the seed " heat through . strong
brine or pickle. washing II well and
then rolling u IN slsckened lime fum.
liar TO rolling Il in plaster Of Paris)--
not preparing AZ one time more than a
day . sowing. Washing the wheat IN
brine and rollingi in the lime IS done
primarily Tor the purpose Of destroy.
ing the egg, but II answers another
good purpose, tina, Of preventing the
growth OF smut. The lime will also
be found 10 act asa powerful s,imulant
10 the growth Of tie wheat, and supe.
rior 10 that Of the plaster
THIS remedy being 30 SIMPLE. and as
! hmly believe 30 eihcacious, hope
there will be many farmers DISPOSED n
make a trial Of Il, and thereby fully
test its correctness. u ! should be
instrumental in srresiing the progress
Of this direful enemy Of the farmer. ]
shall Be amply compensated in the re-
Election that have discharged my du-
" 10 the community.
An AGRICULTURIST
o. MsartAEp.