Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1905-06-05
STATE HOUSE.
Prof. Hitchings Talks
About the CutWorm.
Tells Of Habits Of the Pest and
How to Destroy It.
ms. Gen. Davis Giving ID Regiment Property
Annual Looking Over.

menace to the vegetation of the State
III general, and to the farmers in par
ocular, with a view to reducing their
numbers, and eventually, as far as
possible. Kidding the State of their I'M
welcome presence.
In speaking of the different pests
which infest the vegetable garden and
the orchard, Prof. Hitchings said that
he had received many letters during
the past few weeks. telling of the dep
relations of the cutwOrm, in different
sections of the State. Last year, he said
the worm was quite prevalent and he
was Of the opinion that it would be
even more so, this year. This worm
Is one Of the worst pests with which
the farmer has contended, as he works
nights, and is seldom in evidence dur
ing the daytime.
His method of getting in his work
is, as his name implies. to cut off the
tender stems of such plants in the
vegetable line as suit his fancy, some
of which are lettuce onions, cabbage,
tomatoes and beans. and he also seems
to have a fondness for apple buds. to
secure which he climbs the tree dur
ing the night and cuts the buds off, as
he does the stems of vegetables. APP
larently he does his work more for
deviltry than anything else for while
he proba bly, eats some of the stems
which he cuts, the amount destroyed.
in proportion to what would be neces-
sary to sustain him, is enormous.
His taste. too, is apparently not very
delicate, as he attacks such strong fla
vOred plants as the onion, cabbage and
tomato, with as much relish as he does
lettuce, or other plants where the fla
vor is less positive. The cutworm is al
so partial to corn, and in some Sec
tions the farmers have given up try
ing to raise any, because of his pres
ence and the destruction that ne has
accomplished in previous seasons.
AS means of destroying the pest,
Prof Hitchings said that the best
thing that he had found. thus far. is
what is known as poisoned brann bait.
This bait is made by mixing bran. dry.
with Paris green. in the proportion of
one pound of Paris green to 40 pounds
of brann. When thoroughly mixed, add
water enough to make the mixture of
about the consistency of paste. then
apply, using about teaspoonful TO
each plant. AS the mixture is very
poisonous, if the garden where it is
used is near the house. the mixture
should be covered by piece of shin
gle. placed so that it will be a little
raised from the ground. Sometimes.
the water which is added to the mix
ture. to form a paste is slightly sweet
ened. which is thought by some to fur
nish an extra appeal to the appetite OF
the worm.
Prof. Hitchings will visit Casco,
Tuesday, where he will lecture before
the Casco Pomona, on the subject OF
spraying"
The railroad commissioners will hold
| a hearing at 10 o'clock, this forenoon.
at the passenger station. Belgrade De-
not. on the petition Of the Maine Cen
| trail Railroad asking for approval of
the location of n side track and a
| highway crossing at the place.
Erigadier General Chas. F.. Davis.
| inspector general on the Governor $
| staff. will devote the coming week 10
| the annual inspection Of the accounts.
| clothing and equipments of some or
| the. companies of the I'd Infantry of the
National Guard. commencing. today.
with the inspection of Co. X of Farm
| ington; Tuesday. Co. f of SkoWhegan.
| will be inspected; Wednesday. Co. A OF
| Gardiner; Thursday, Co. Fl Of Water
| VILE. and Friday, Co. 3 of Lewiston.
II is expected that Gen. Davis will re-
| turn to Augusta, Saturday.
The commissioners Of inland fisheries
and game have adopted the following
| rule relating to the times and places
| in which, and the circumstances I'M
| der which inland fish may be taken IN
the waters of Tufts. DuttOn and Grind
| stone ponds in the town of klnSreid'
| Franklin county:
| Section 1. 1t shall be unlawful for
| anv one person to kill or carry away
from Tufts, Dutton and Grindstone
| nonds. in the town of Kingfield. Frank
lin county, more than Is fish in all IN
| anv one day. for period OF four years
from June, 1, 1905.
Street Highway Commissioner Sar-
| gent. accompanied by Mrs. sargent
| was at his Office in the Capitol, 1or q
few hours, Saturday. on his return
from n trip to Massachusetts. In
speaking of the work of the Office Mr.
Sargent expressed the belief that the
nublic should first be interested IN tne
matter of good roads to that extent
that the people would demand the1n'
and a mart of his work will he to WIS.,
n many of the cities and towns OF the
| State and talk with the leading men.
He also believes in enlisting the assist
once of the press. feeling that the
newspapers will be great help in the
way of arousing the public interest n
the good roads movement. In regard
70 road building, 1t is his desire to es-
tabIlsh a uniform plan throughout the
State.
Miss Addie French. stenographes,t 10
the executive department. who aas
been -anjoxtng a few Ways at her home
IN WI hrab, 5returnedsto her duties at
the CapwSe saturday. u