Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1856-07-10
The Wire-Worm.


the destruction of the wire worm arenumerous,
but none of them have proved universal in their
benefits Experiments have been made with
various chemical substances, but what was
found to destroy them, generally injured the
plants. Quick-lime is recommended to be ap-
piled, but experiment has proved that an INNER
sion of twenty-four hours in quick-limc bath
will not injure them. They will live for half
an hour in aquafortis, which eats the mouth,
but does not affect the body. A crop of buck
wheat for two seasons on the same land, is said
to destroy them. 1t is affirmed by some that
late fall ploughing will destroy them by expos
ing them to the frosts of winter, but it has not
proved always efectual Hog manure is recon-
mended as proving too strong for them this
remedy should be tried effectually, for unlike
many Others even though it do not affect the
worm, is first rate manure, especially for
corn. Some say that guano will kill them, but
experiment proves otherwise Soda has been
used at times with success. Salt has its advo
Gates, but it is not universal panacea Flood
ing has been tried, but it cannot be drowned
Rolling is recommended to destroy them in grass
lands, and we are inclined to recommend thi
remedy because the act itself is beneficial, ever
though the wre-worm should still live.
For preserving the corn-crop, it is recommend
ed that the seed be STEPPED in strong coppera
water, and rolled in plaster before planting
This may affect the grain, but we doubt its Ell
feet will not extend to tho young plants. 1t
also announced that pounded corn cobs mike
in the hills or sowed broadcast over the field an
ploughed in, will attract them from corn, an
lead them to feed on the pith of the cob bu
we would not trust to this remedy. 1t is re
marked that certain plants have the power
expel the wire-worm These are wood an
white mustard; and experiment in England ha
proved that if crop of either of these plant
bo taken from field infested with the wire
worm, it will be completely expelled.
Considering its hardness of structure and te
naClty Oh HE, We hdNe pub ltIlc ldlJu III III
application of any preparation to the soil, t
destroy it, that will not injdre the crops Al
ter a careful examination and consultation {
the authorities, we have but one remedy to sue
gest, which will destroy it, and at is fire.
We alude to the principle of pairing and burr
ing practiced extensively in England for tt
purpose of improving the soil.
In executing this process, the surface, gene
ally to the depth of three inches is plough
or pared up, (thcrc are instruments made
purpose for it,) and allowed to dry 1t is tn
narrowed and made fine and brushwood la
in rows through the field, and the pared 81
heaped on the brush, and all set on fire. 1t
fcctually destroys the roots and seeds of wcct
and all insects, their larvae and eggs. I
burning is supposed to improve the land me
than its cost, SO that those who feel disposed
try this plan have the certainty that the rene
will not cost as much as the injury received frC
the worms.
If any of our reeders can furnish any adj
, tional information, we wonld be pleased to
) ceive it. Western Agr'culturist.