The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1893-09-12
Gathering Corn-Weevils.

While it is true that the crops may remain
for an Indefinite time in the field without
apparent loss or jury, yet it is expedient
to gather it into the barn so soon as the ears
are sufficiently dry to keep we'll. AS a rule
eorn will keep if five or six weeks have elaps-
ed since the fodder was pulled off. In our
own farm practice We did not pull the
ears; then throw them in heaps on the
ground, then take them up in baskets and
empty into the wagon, about three hand
lings. Our plan is to have four hands, or
less. go with the wagon. The wagon
straddles one row and each hand takes
one one or two rows, as convenient,
breaks the ears off and throws them into
the wagon. The driver carries his own row
and manages the team, moving along and
stopping as may be necessary.
According to our experience of many years
this plan is much superior to the old
method.
In the southern half of the cotton belt
the corn weevil is one of the greatest pests
the farmer has to contend with. If actual
statistics of the ravages of this little insect
could be obtained we have no doubt they
would be startling-away up in the hundreds
of thousands of bushels, if not millions, of
corn destroyed annually. Various proven
tives and remedies have been in vogue among
farmers-all more or less futile, according
to experience.
The latest and most promising remedy is
the use of bi-sulphide of carbon. This is
fluid substance, very volatile and lnflamma-
BILE and of most disgusting odor, but IL is
certain death to every insect that breathes
the air that is saturated with it. The first
requisite to the successful use of this RENE
DIV is that the bin or crib shall be tight and
+I,tt ba
been busked or shucked. The bi-sulphide
NAV be sprinkled over the top of the bulk
of the corn, and the surface then covered
over with old shucks or blankets to keep
the vapor confined. A better way, however,
Is to place hollow column made of laths or
of boards in which holes have been plentl-
fully bored upright in the middle OF the
bin and reaching down to the center OF the
mass. Have bail of cotton with the bl-
sulphide and lower it into the opening.
The vapors will diffuse through the mass
of corn and effectually destroy the insects.
When a farmer has no tight cribs or bins,
it is practicable to build small, tight box
as quarantine bin. The corn may then
be placed in this quarantine, treated by the
remedy and then returned TO its place sup
piled by successive lots until all shall have
been treated Usually, one thorough fuml-
cation is all that is necessary.
Wheat and rye may be treated in the
same way, and generally with very little
trouble, as these grains are usually stored
In tight bins. The ordor of the remedy,
while exceedingly (overpoweringly) disgust
ing, soon passes away, leaving the grain en-
tirely free and uninjured. Care should
be used not 10 have fire about, from cigar
or other source until the ordor has passed
away, as the vapor of the bisulpbide is very
explosive.
1t may be bought at 10 cents per pound,
IN fifty pound cans, if ordered direct from
tn manufacturer, Edward +. Taylor, Chem
list Cleveland, Q.
The amount required TO destroy the wee
wills or other insects will depend on the
tightness Of the bin and the care in confin-
ing the vapor with the mass until the in
sects are all destroyed. About one to one
and half pounds to each ton of grain will
generally be sufficient. The material is
certainly not expensive and we hope many
of our farmers will try it. Several could
club together and buy u can, OF they may
induce merchant to order a can or two
End sell it at a small advance. If any farm
ers try it, we will be glad to publish the
results, whether favorable or otherwise.
Z. j. REDDING.