The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1889-08-05

asSDo,VJt nee. 10 ICllOR the hunters iuT-
ther deies comprehension. Many have
writtea4ne: "We cannot imagine where
the lice could come from so quickly and
rapidly The above fact explains this
physiological riddle.
This not the first season that this aphis
aven8 has come like a destroying food
upon .he grain fields. In 1851 the lice
swarned upon the cereal crops Of New
Englnd and New York, at which time DR..
Asa itch fully described it i'll his sixth
repot. In 1866 aud again ten years later
it dill great damage in various sections of
the vest We see then that this louise does
not come yearly but at long intervals.
Why is this9 1t is doubtless owing in some
measure to the weather, but more TO its
inset enemies. Even now as we visit the
oaJ and wheat fields we find many forms
different from any previously described.
These have short, rounded bodies, which
are of dirty white color. The cause of
this Is that these are attacked by parasites,
which are eating them up. We have reared
several Of these little belefactors, and find
them now busily engaged in the fields lay
ing eggs that will destroy the lice. These
minute parasitic insects lay a great many
eggs, one in each louise, and their presence
and prosperity mark the doom of the lice.
Thus through the agency of these minute
parasitic forms, aided by climatic influences,
We are to be saved from raid by this grain
aphis next year, and will be greatly bene-
tited this year. Indeed, in some cases, these
little friends will very likely save us from
serious damage. Why the parasites are not
able to come successfully to the rescue each
year is still unknown. Very likely this
problem will receive a very valuable prac-
teal solution in the future. In these para
sites the etomologist sees the doom of the
lice, but not, fear, till great harm is done.
Dry weather is a great, promoter of insect
productiveness. 1t is more than probable
that the exceeding drought of 1887, 1885,
with the mild winter of lSSSlS9, had
much to do with the present invasion. We
might expect much aid from our frequent
June rains, but l fear they were too late
Observation shows that the lice are more
than holding their own, so we may con-
clude that the warm rains are not greatly
depicting their ranks.
Where the lice are very numerous, as
they seem to be over a widespread area of
our country, they must do great injury.
Where ten or twelve lice are collected
about a single kernel of wheat, as l have
actually seen in the past few days, there is
little hope for that kernel. l have counted
one hundred and sixty lice on single head
of wheat. 1t is hoping too much of the
little parasite flies to expect them to save
the present crop. We can but expect much
injury, especially where the lice are in
such countless numbers as are now seen in
many of the wheat fields of Indiana, Ohio
and Michigan.
The excellent specific against plant louise
ravages, the kerosene aud soap
mixture, cannot be used with
out injury to the crop. To apply it
it might be like the jump from frying pan
to fire. Again the lice are SO protected by
the close cluster of the kernels that very
likely the remedy would not be fully effect
i've. could not, therefore, recommend its
application IN this case. We are now max
ing extensive and accurate experiments, SO
that at the time of future aid we can
speak with positiveness in this matter. We
are aiming to find just what the damage is
just how many lice it requires on a head or
kernel to blast it, and just how effective
the remedy is, and how serious the damage
of its application will be to the plants.