Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1900-05-31

| Examination of other fields of clover in
various other sections Of the State also re-
vealed the fact tina, this pest was doing con.
siderable damage to peaches, and to red and
scarlet or crimson clover over wide area
We found the pest abundant in limited area
in cloyer field Of F. P. Roe & Bro, Greens.
boro, Caroline county. In both Charles and
Caroline county fields we found that the
louise was being attacked by fungus disease,
and many of them were being destroyed +.
In one instance fifty-eight dead lice were
found on the single lobe of clover leaf.
With this condition we feel quite certain
that the disease has destroyed large number
of lice but at the present time they are still
abundant in certain sections, doing much
damage to clover. Mr.. Chas. T. Day, of
Boyds, Montgomery county, Md. writes me
May 10Th, as follows ION going to my clover
field situated on the back part of my farm, a
few days ago, l found six or seven acres com.
pletely destroyed by an insect that is appar
emily new in this section. will send you
today by mail a box containing cloyer infcst
ed with insects for yonr examination and
report Kindly let me know what they are
and how to prevent their spread into other
fields if 1t can possibly be done at this time.
A large number of farmers in this section are
very uneasy about this matter"
In view of this condition of affairs and
from personal observations in various sec
lions where this insect is confined in clover
fields In local areas, would advise farmers
to plow down without delay all infested
areas; harrow the ground thoroughly aud roll
it afterwards. This will prevent the rapid
spread of ike species over this area of infest-
alton, inssmuch as the insect spreads rapidly
as soon as the plant begins to decline. This
louise is represented by both winged and
wngless forms, the winged forms predom-
mating when there is not sufficient vitality in
the plant to furnish food for the colony. At
the present time they attack, blight, and
spread rapidly into adjoining fields; the de-
struction therefore of these infested districts
without delay will prevent to great extent
the development and spread of this pest,
which must necessarily follow where the
clover IS allowed to shrivel and die in the
field. Such condition would nec,ssitate
the flight of the insects to other fields for
feeding purposes. AS stated in our previous
circulars where this insect infcsts peas espec.
tally where they are planted IN rows, we
suggested the brush and cultvator method.
A boy should precede the cultlYator and
brush the peas backward and forwards knock
ing the insects upon the ground the cultiya.
tor following Immediately. By this system
very large percentage of the insects are
destroyed.
We also desire to impress upon farmers
the necessity of keeping close watch upon
clover fields in the vicinity of pea fields and
the immediate destruction of any infested
area as noted above We also desire to i'm
press the fact that with the present prevailing
conditions most of these insects can be de-
strcyed by simply brushing them on the
ground in the hot sun, preferably between
eleven and three o'clock.
We have determined by a series of expert
ments and observations that the lice are
actually roasted to death when they are
knocked off in the hot sun in the middle Of
phere ranges from 90 to SO or more.
We should be very glad to have any per
sons in this State who have had experience
with this pest give us report of their obser-
glad to report at this time that the Chisholm
Scott Company of Baltimore have now prac
tically demonstrated the feasibility of the air
exhaust or sucker for the destruction Of these
insects over large areas erpeclally in pea
fields where they are planted in drills and
not In rows
This same apparatus if successful will also
be available for the destruction of this insect
IN clover fields, We are following up pre-.
hminary examinations in connection with
this Company and will report at the earliest
possible moment the outcome of results.
We do not have much confidence In the
system of spraying at this time for the de-
struction of this insect either upon peas or
clover The tobacco caustic potash whale
Gil, together with kerosene, has been given
thorough and practical test over large areas
but we cannot say that 1t has any especial
advantage except as a last resort, when the
vines are literally covered with the insects.
andin that event will destroy large quantity
where 1t reaches them.
On the whole we feel confident that the
brush cultivator and roasting method can be
used with the best possible advantage to meet
the prevailing conditions at this time.