The Opelousas journal. [volume] (Opelousas, La.) 1868-1878, 1868-07-18

points Of one and of the other, that would
not advance US one step towards their ex-
termination.
The fact seems to be, that the early grass
worm appears to US then in a peculiar shape
and color, because it feeds on the tender
grass of spring, whose green coloring prop
critics permeate its texture. It then diSap-
pears, and according to the great prolific
properties of this race of insects, it ought
to be reproduced 500 fold, and cover our
fields with untold numbers. For the year,
however, YOU hear nothing more of this
worm as grass worm, but if the season is
favorable, it appears in another garb, and
feeds Oil the cotton plant, because IN its
TRANSPORTATION it has been given new prop
critics and tastes suitable to the season, and
will no longer feed or grass which at this
date is tough and scarce, but on cotton
leaves which are abundant and tender, and
seem to be adapted to its newly acquired
taste.
Remark, if YOU please, that this worm re-
mains within the generic order OF things,
always a worm, eating grass in the early
spring. and cotton leaves, which arc also
grass, in the fall.
As to the number and disposition of its
legs, movements, springs, color and stripes
at one season, and its changes at another,
it is a mystery, no more explain1ble than
the cha ecs of the rcpulsive caterpillar TO
the graceful butterfly, or the dissolvlng col
ors Of the lizard.
These are impenetrab,c mysteries which
we shall. t'follows ito day apparently, they
have no immediate practical import. The
same remedy, this auto-daje, applies to
all kinds Of butterflies, the parent OF the
grass or cotton worm. Therefore, the i'm
portance of the systematic and general dis
play of fires, which has been this day re-
ported.
Indeed, Some practicable mode of action,
suitable to our circumstances, if this should
not be accepted, is desirable. We can not
remain any longer the apa hetic spectators
of our ruin. The interests involved arc
closely blended with our destiny. Where
is the man who, having lost periodically a
son, always affected by the same disease.
with the same symptoms, will not try some
re" medicinal agency, especially if the one
proposed should cost rothing, is near at
hand, is rational, and practical? Will he
lay on, in the delusive hope, that this year it
shall not be as on the previous one? viii
he trust simply to chance, when between
him and that chance there is poverty and
despair? Having fairly entered into this
great work of investigation, let us pcrsevere
indefatigably. Nothing valuable in this
world, is accomplished without work.
This year let us experiment on this pro-
posed method, SO that, fit should not be
found adequate to the purpose, if it should
not attain all our expectations, we may next
year enter into d Mt w field Of practice. With
the experience which we shall have acQuir-
ed, and with all the new thoughts which
our minds may have %engendered during the
performance of this year. Perchance, some
luminous idea, from some unexpected quar-
ter, may rise on the horizon ; and from so
many minds all straining to attain so desi-
rable. an en}, some new thought may be
elected, which shall finally redeem us from
this Egyptian plague.
believe that the principle proposed will
succeed, that it will shower upon US and
our children untold benefits, and that they
shall look upon us of today, as the regen-
orators Of the fortunes of the South.
hope every one will undertake and I'M
derstand the the import of this great work {;
that believing in it, each will depart from
here to teach it everywhere.