Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1871-09-07
Agricultural,
Colorado Potato Bug Again.

C0l0rad0 PoCAtO bug ASsAn'
A week or two since We called the atten-
ton of your farmer readers to the Potato
Beetle, which has, been end ID making such
havoc with the potato fields of the West
Again. we allude to 1t, inviting the atten-
ton of our potato growers, because, being
farewarned of the impending peril, Is being
forearmed, and because, beyond all doubt
1t is onlv question Of time when our po-
,ato fields will be infested with these all
devouring bugs.
They are steadily extending their rava-
ges edstscdrd. Its first years advent being
in numbers few, and damage little, but
once a foothold. its numbers rapidly In
crease, with a corresponding increase OF
destructiveness.
Their appears TO be no preventative to
their ingress similar TO non-importation.
legislative edicts, or custom house resnla-
ton. TO stop the introduction OF " rinder-
pest" or other cattle-plagucs, for these
beetles come IN the face OF all law, wind
or water. The second year OF their com
ing they are in full working order for their
ravages From present indie tions II sp-
pears. that arter few years Of havoc.
they abandon their Old haunts and strike
out for new fields 10 devastatc. The far
mers OF those portions OF Minnesota
Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin and
Indiana, where for many years much Injury
has been done, are cncour aged 10 bcliev,
Fx.,. t.,.r fxr s...f
heading tIis way TO take u In turn.
Where they will go when they have finish
ed on the Atlantic side, whether. to re-
turn westward. re-swecping the fields over
which they have been. or remain a perrna-
nent pest, or disappear, time in the future
Is TO tell. Some extracts from the july
Report are subjoined to show. mainly. the
influences that are at work 90 destroy the
Colorado bug:
"Ldpesr County, Ntoh.-The potato crop
looks fair. The old bugs have nearly dis
appeared; the young ones may We, do some
damage.
CdrroQ County. M,ch.-The bugs appear
ed In great numbers; but the LADY bugs "
have eaten their eggs, and Paris green has
kept them at bay.
Sect County, M.-The potato bug is
being destroyed by another small bug
which Is about the same size. with 4 long
sharp bill.
~ CLAIR County. M.-Industrious people
who have gathered the bugs and destroy e.
them, will have fine crops Of potatoes.
Columbia Couaty. Ws.-Potstoes lool
well. BY perseverance aud Paris greer
the bugs have been kept at bay.
Douglas CogHig. Hs.-Coiorado bug,
more numerous than last year. They wer'
on the ground before the potatoes were up
Osdutee County, Hfs.-Everybody ha
fought the potato bug, and the yield OF 20
tatoes will be good.
RlchIdnd CouHty. Wis.-Colorado bugs d.
not seem to be doing any harm. There e
bug thst i killing them.
Green LAKE COUNT. Wts.-Bugs leaving
They have lett few eggs and some youu
bugs, but the latter are doing no harm
The crop looks well.
Franklin County. Iad.-Pota;oe- d.in,
better Just now. Colorado bug gone
driven Of with Paris green. when to
strong it injured the tops. one ounce c
green to one and 4 half pounds OF foni
busted or, will do.
Hotrdri County. Ind.-Thc Colorado bu
has almost disappeared.
Washington County. Iad.-The Colorad
bug has almos; eaten up the potatoes
wha; they lett the striped bug is now eat
ing
jennings County, Ind.-Colorado bug
plenty. The only remedy which promise
relief from the potato bugs j. industry ]
its destruction.
are destroyed 5y a small bug about one
third OF an inch in length red. with blac
spots.
Benton County. MHH.-Colora,lo Dn
disappearing old ones have about all gone
the Young ones don't seem TO thrive as 1
prev ious years.
.sAer5arne County. Hinn.-Colorado bu
destroyed by Paris green. In some case
the remedy is about a. bad as the bug.
owing 10 its too free use.
Licking County Ohio.-The Colorad
bugs made their appearance about the :
OF June. but have not done much damage
a. they have been Killed by the bushrl
franklin County, Ohio.-The Coiorad,
potato bug has been q great pest her, thi,
season. and has injured the crops 10 pc
cent The farmers fought them uncea- o.
~ or they would have stripped the fields
We propose 10 become no alarmist il
this matter. nor lend voice or pen IA
working up a bsq-f,uer. But when III,
signs, 50 wildly portray their coming.
little OF precaution nAy do deal Of goo
toheH they appear, but will do no mannei
OF harm. II they conclude TO stay away.
In the event Of the potato beetles com
Ing, we have the experience OF the west
ern farmers TO start with, which eaperienc.
cost the loss Of several years crop "a
learn We know at the onset that. tur.
keys, hens, and geese will not eat them
while ducks devour them with avidity. Ii
is marvel how the crop OF duck can be
capacious enough for the quantity the,
consume, unless they 90 right through like
corn through the hopper" The most ef-
fectual remedy, asyet is Paris green one
who knows says Paris green / pound,
and dour 10 pounds. We found perfect
dead-shot for these pests of the potato
patch. | have seen no evil effects follow
ing its application. : W.
Value OF the Sunfower.
Why do not our farmers cultivate the