Buchanan County bulletin. [volume] (Independence, Iowa) 1869-1891, 1876-06-09
For the Bulletin.
Potato Bug.

The season has arrived in which
the above named insect puts in his
claim for special attention. He has
already paid his respects to us under
very unfavorable circumstances. He
comes lank, lean and hungry; and he
will be obliged to sit around waiting
some time for fodder sufficient fol
the vast horde which has already
come.
With the appearance Of this insec,
there will come theories and stric
lures, many from scientific men, on
the nature, character and habits of
the bug; his wherefroms and where
tos, and his probable longevity.
Now, the patato bug is practical
being-is no myth; neither is he
within the range of philosophical re-
search. He is just what he is-no
more, no less; and it is only by close
observation that he becomes known
and appreciated. With the aid of a
microscope and a dissectlng tool, l
have made Mr.. Bug somewhat of a
study in the past, and | have resolved
to give the world the benefit of my
research.
The Colorado bug is very pretty
bird when fully developed, and when
looked at in state of rest and with
unprecedented feelings, seems perfect
ly innocent and harmless. His COM
ing forth in the spring is very differ
ant from common vegetation. He
puts in an appearance all of sudden,
in a state Of perfection and beauty
You may think you are not going to
have any-yet, on some warm, sunny
day You may find thousands summing
themselves on your vines, looking as
though they had always been there.
Their appearance would now suggest
to your mind that they had just come
from above, or from beneath.
Their habits are very regular; they
are early at work and late at rest, not
stopping long enough to take their
meals, but eating as they go. Their
chief end seems to be to multiply and
increase Oh the earth, hence, in due
time they lay their eggs, some one
thousand-more or less. In the course
of one week these eggs, of their own
accord, all hatch, and the little fell
lows act as though they were almost
starved. Now look out for your
vines. I have computed that pair
of bugs tit needs pair here as else
where) arc good for million of bugs
during good season.
They are much easier raised than
most other kinds of stock, requiring
no feeding OF watering, and the less
attention you give them the better
they thrive. 1t requires some three
weeks time to perfect young bug;
then he is ready for the business
of life. In the process Of their life
they become excessively fat, which
grease is No. l to make soft and
white ones hands. Let no lady be
afraid to try it. They are not poison
Gus. Go out for a few days and
take q handful and wash your
hands thoroughly with them, and
you will be astonished at the improv-
ed appearance of your hands and
vines.
One thing more. When the sea-
son is over for their usefulness here,
they go into winter quarters some
where and refresh themselves for
their next campaign.
They are very destructive on the
potato crop, but need not be feared.
They are very tenacious of life and
don't like to die any more than other
folks; yet die they must. They must
be checked IN their career, or we
must go without potatoes. In exper-
imenting on their determination, /
have found them hard to kill; the old
ones will play dead to save them
selves. have ground the life out of
them, and in short time seen them
start for a potato hill; l have put
them INTO dish of Paris green, and
they would fatten. At last | have
found out way that is "sure pop"
every time, a recipe for which will
sell for fifty cents. N. S.
Walker, Iowa.