The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1876-11-30
Fall Flowing for the Cutworm.

l have been somewhat interested in
reading different articles on the subject of
fall blowing that have been published in
several periodicals during the past few
years, and in the meantime have protited
from others experience.
A year ago last fail l had piece OF land
that wished to plant to corn the follow
ing season. 1t had been down to grass for
three years, the clover having been killed
| out the spring after it was seeded. The
June grass came in that, with the red top
formed a stiff sward. Some years before
had tried corn on the same field under
similar circumstances, by p.owing as
early in the spring as the weather would
admit; but each time the cutworm would
destroy the first planting, making itneces-
sary to plant the second time about the
first of June, which is too late for this
climate. This time, in hopes of holding
! the ts drea 6 destr9yers in check gloWed
that it was very dry fall, and when |
finished blowing the whole field resembled
bed of dry ashes.
The next spring proved to be a very
late one to most farmers, but for me 1t did
very we'll. The water passed from the
surface of the ground very rapidly, and
ere my neighbors could pillow at all could
cultivate my piece with good effect. The
results were that had no trouble in
planting early; my crop did not suffer
from the drouth. which was very severe in
this part of the State last season; while
the cutworm scarcely made itself mani
fest by the destruction of single hill. l
might name many other advantages to be
derived from fall blowing, but have only
time to consider the One-the cut worm
destruction.
There seems to be two theories as to
how fall blowing proves remedy for
this pest. Some hold that the larva is
turned to the surface, where it is left ex-
posed to temperature sufficient for its
destruction. Now a portion Of this state
ment I admit as fact, for there must be
a general resurrection, but when unpro-
tected larva can survive temperature OF
thirty degrees, as I know they can,
we may be slow to credit the
freezing method of destruction. l am,
however, ready to believe that there IS no
more sure way to ward off cutworm in
iuries than to thus enter into partnership
with the birds. in which it is our part Of
the task to pillow the land early in the
fall, so that bluebird, robin and blackbird
may have a cutworm feast before leaving
for more genial climate. Deep harrow.
ing or cultivating, as early in the spring
as the season will admit, will insure .
Thanksgiving repast of the same nature. l
feel very sure that from this cause alone
would originate the unquestionable fact
that fall blowing is an advantage.
Our early spring birds being much put
to it for sufficient food for themselves and
hrord will with This OnDOrtynitv he
come chief abettors in cutworm destruc:
ton. That the three birds above-named
do merit the loudest praise for such valu-
able service we all have personal proof.
Another way of remedy lis to dig them
from the hill; but this seems too tedious
to be practiced, except in the garden. As
this plan implies loss of at least one
stock for each larva, it is very prudent
planting to practice the advice Of the
poet: "Two for the black bird, two for the
crow, two for the cutworm and four to
grow."-A. A. Crane, tn Grand Ledge
(Micla.) Independent.