Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1854-08-02

tenacitv of life exhibited by the insect.
II would make its appearance from straw
that had been composted, and exposed to
all the vicisstudes of the farm yard
Some indeed were of the opinion that it
occasionally remains in the straw. under
such circumstapces, until fall, and then
comes forth in full perfection. Mr.. N,
however, had been an eyewitness to this
fact, and could not say positively that it
was so. He was assured that the fly
would sometimes come out in warm days,
in winter. Hence the necessity OF de-
stroying by fire, as far as possible, all pla-
ces in which they harbor.
Mr.. Garter said that if Mr.. Noland had
himself seen what he refers to, he would
consider himself bound to believe it-or
at least that he (Mr. N.Y. thought he saw
what he described. But, in the absence
Of such testimony, he would assert, most
positively, the Joint Worm could not be
delayed beyond the regular time appoin-
ted by nature for its leaving the straw
When the proper moment arrived, and
the animal was ripe for the purpose, it
must come, or die. Nothing short of a
miracle wrought by the Almighty could
make it otherwise. You could no more
alter the predestined course of this little
insect, than you could retard the accoacAe
ment of Queen Victoria (Which happens,
like that Of the Joint Worm, once year,
and delay the arrival of her royal offspring
Nature is uniform in all her works. and
her laws are as immutable as their Crca-
tor.
Mr.. Noland suggested that Queen Vic
toria was not OviParOuS.
Mr.. Garter maintained that this was
ga distinction without difference" -
The same laws govern all animated ma
ture in this respect.
Mr.. Jno. Murray Forbes described some
interesting observations which he had
made upon the insect preserved in a glass
Jar during the winter and spring. He
watched closely for its coming out, but it
finally made its appearance while he was
away from home. There were twenty
straws in the jar. and from these there
came about hundred flies. There was
an average Of about five holes in each
straw. He tried sulphur and other things
upon them, but it did not appear TO dis
turb their equanimity in the least.
After the resolution for the appoint
ment of the Committee to report the sense
Of the Convention with regard to prcven-
tive remedies had been disposed of.
Col. Winter Payne offered some re-
marks upon the means of reducing the
price Of guano, which he considered quite
rs important as the destruction OF the joint
! Worm. The present exhorbtant price
results from speculation among the COM
mission merchants. COL p. thought that
this Convention shoulI yi.e some express
sion of opinion upon the subject, in the
form of a memorial to the proper authori-
tics.
Mr.. Carter thought it would be of little
use. FrcightS are excessively high, and
as for the merchants, you might as well
undertake to memor!aizo the joint Worm
itself. They arc Il very blanl, courteous
and accommodating set Of gentlemen, but
touch their pockets, and rest assured your
OiSccr0 will be in danger.
Col. Payne had better opinion Of mer-
chants. They were careful Of their in:er-
est, but. as class, he believed them to
be reasonable and liberal. Our Govern
mcnt could offer such commercial advan-
tages to Peruvans, in exchange for cheap
guano, rs would bring them to terms
Aud if they are not willing to DO what is
enough to force them to do it.
MIR. Forbes explained the nature Of Pc
RUS engagements to England, the debt OF
: the former TO the latter. &c; and thought
that nothing We could do. would be likely
to have any effect.
The debate rested here until after din
ner, when Col. Payne resumed his re-
: marks, and, having made a motion to that
effect, secured the appointment of Il com
. mittee TO carry out his object.
The committee of twelve next reported
their resolutions, through their Chairman
Dr.. Pcyton, and a good deal of debate
arose upon the question of the recommen-
datlOn Of guanO, as an anti-J Oint Worm
fertilizer. Some were opposed to recon-
mendlng its use on rich lands; others
thought it should be applied to all soils
sown in wheat. Some believed it to have
a specific effect in protecting the grain
from the Worm, others We're of the opin-
ion that any good manure was equally eff
fective. The experience of farmers on
this subject appears to be conflicting
Tie merits of artificial fertilizers gener-
ally were discussed, and very different
ideas Of their value were evidently enter
tanned. Mr.. Lane of Rappahahnock
mentioned an interesting fact with regard
to the use of Mape's fertilizer on his OWE
farm. He found it fully equal to Peru
vian guano.
After the passing Of Mr. Carter's rcso,
luton. providing for the appointment Of
committees Of vigilance in all the magis
terial districts, the Convention passed Il
resolution complimcnting its officers. and
adjourned sine die.
Farmers of the Joint Worm District
the Convention has done its part. All
now depends upon you. We conjure you
by every consideration of your own inter