Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1868-10-23
fxED rux Low.
FARMERS MEETING.


Fair vas held Al the Common Council Room
in Portland. on Wednss lay. There was
large attendance. The President OF the
Maine State Agricultural Society. Seth
Scammon, Esq +. Of Scarboro', occupied the
chair. The meeting vas called TO order NJ
quarter before eight o'clock.
President Scammon briefly stated the
Object Of the ting. and named the ques-
ton TOR discussion. viz. Farm crops and
insects injurious TO them, and how to de-
stroy the insects"
George r Bracke,t, Esq Of Belfast,
was called up to open the discussion. MIR.
Bracket has devoted much time for years
to the study and investigation of insects,
and his remarks were looked Tor with great
interest. He regarded the subject rs OF
great extent. and the question is where to
begin. As TO farm crops. he was sorry
that the exhibition this year was not larger
although there are some very fine -peci-
mems.
First-be called attention to Wheat"
and the ''Whesi nudge" The wheat crop
in Maine has been small. bu, of late years
j, had improved owing largely to the ab-
sence Of the nudge. Some call il erroneous
ly, however. the weevel." The nudge has
existed in this country for years. Some
courageous farmers have persisted in close.
ly following up these pests and obtained
fair crops. This year the crop will be-
double that of last. partly on accom-, Of
increasing premiums by Agricultural So
cieties. and partly owing to the absence of
the nudge. The nudge ha, been both
starved out aud also killed by its enemies
OF the insect species-the latter Il = small.
er than the mdgo itsell
Mr.. Bracket, gave an extended aud very
interesting description of the condition Of
the wheat crop, and the formation. growth
and habits OF the nudge, Offering many
valuable suggestions as to the mode OF Dc.
struction OF the pest. the best OF vhicl, he
regarded hand killing.
Barley and oats almost entirely escape
the ravages OF insects in Maine Iii. only
when insects are numerous tina, we notice
them. They exist at all times. either in
small numbers or in distinct localities.
Squasbes were next noticed Mr. Brack.
EFT said he saw mammoth squash on ex-
hibnion at the hall weighing some $50
pounds He did not want larger one in
fact he preferred smaller squ,shes. such
as the Hubbard. The little s,ripcd beetle
enormously called squash bug. was then
alluded to, aud the best way 10 XIII Il. Is
the sure way OF doing SO by haEd. Often
this insect DESTROYS a whole field OF squash.
es and pumpkins IN day Every one has
theory of getting rid OF these insects,
bu, The only way he advocated wa sep
srate death" lie alluded TO the box and
fence methods. but many will escape IN
these ways.
Potatoes are Eastern Names principal
crop. Among the best OF new varieties
are the Early Goodrich, Gleason. Early
Rose and others. lie referred TO the great
damage in the West from the potato bur
OF that section. The Dug here wa. very
different insect. /; is not often that an IN
sect preys upon a crop in both lar,s and
bug form. He gave interesting descIip-
tions OF the ten line pearmain bug and
three line bug. the black beetle. and other
insects peculiar TO crops. Death By hand
was also advised for this enemy Of the
staple article OF domestic cuisine.
Corn was next considered and the corn
worm At length referred to- The only
way TO get rid Of him is 20 dig him out
and destroy him. Some apply manures
and alkalie. but they are not efectual.-
Piums were next mentioned The curcu.
ho is their greatest enemy and should De
checked IN the larva state
Apples are the principal fruit here usual.
~, bnt this year the crop is small. owing
20 various Causes. The caterpillar. bark
louise and borer we're spoken Of at length.
and their habits oi life and modes Of at
tack described with clearness. Ia winter
~ you see the old dead she'll OF tho borrr
look under 1t and OF will find the eggs of
the next springs insect. Then is the time
TO destroy them. for when warm weather
begins they will come out IN scores and by
summer will be large enough 10 suck the
sap Of the fruit and tree. and in the fall
their shells will torn, tne covers Tor more
eggs, and 90 on till the tree is destroyed.
The common apple tree caterpillar w.
also alluded TO. IL has NOT ra,arrd onr
orchards as much tbis ear a. last Is
four Stages OF Isle were finely described.
a. follows - Egg, caterpillar. cocoon.
moth. The beautiful amber colored moth
We see hyrng about our gardens and or
chards Is the destructive insect The ,rps