Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1918-07-23
FIRE CANNON IN
WAR ON LOCUSIS
COSTA RlCANS USE METHODS OF
HUMAN WARFARE TO FIGHT
INSECT FOE
Rockets Sprayed With AsphySiatins
Gsses Employed in Battle.

San Jose, Costa Rica.-This coun'
try has recently completed the aes-
yruction of an invasion OF lOcusIs. IL
was the first appearance OF the III
sect here since 1878, and vas so eA'
tsnsiye that it called for The re-
sources of the government 10 ehecA IL.
The population was for u tine
thrown into a panic. and even women
ana children turned out TO Ilght the
insects. Some Of the methods used
in exterminating the pests were mol
unlike those employed in destroying
human beings on the European Dat
tie fields.
The invading army was bombarded
with cannon loaded with sand, and
with rockets sprayed with asphyAlaI'
ing gases and blown up with sunpo"'
der. The torch was also used. and
there was likewise let loose TO attack
the insects an army OF COCO Daclll,
mortal enemy OF the locust.
Disease among the locusts them
selves, however, did most 10 destroy
them. as has sometimes been the case
in human armies.
The locust came over the border
from neighboring Central American
republics. The press of the latter had
been reporting the deyastins effects
OF q locust plague for d year, which
were SO alarming that the Costa Hi
can government made preparations
for an invasion Of its territory.
Disheartening reports reached here
not only from Guatemala and Hon
duras, but also from Salvador ami
Nicaragua, where, through neglect or
for other reasons, no efforts 10 eradi-
cate the plague were made either BY
the government OF by private agri-
cultural interests.
The damage the insects wrought OH
crops in those countries advanced
cereal prices to such an extent thst
their governments were forced TO im-
port large shipments of grain which
were sold at moderate prices,
This, together with the increase in
the rate Of exchange caused by the
European war, caused dealers in this
country to ship large quantities CT
mo pto at "a,
suited in a considerable increase in
the local market price and all grains
underwent what might be termed q
boom.
In view OF the excellent prospects
for the sale Of the next crop, all farm
ers In this country, Notwithstanding
the threatened plague. were attract
ed to the planting of cereals and larg,
tracts of land were prepared and cul
tivated
AS a warning of the impending per
H. a small swarm Of locusts invaded
Costa RIGA territory by the province
Of Guanacastle, but owing to tn,
prompt action on the part OF the gov
eminent with sand loaded cannon ant
rockets, the swarm was easily repuls
ed and turned back into Nicaragua
territory.
After this. two or three month
elapsed in which the government hal
time to make more elaborate prepare
lions and adopt special measures.
certain quantity OF coco-bacilli Wa
imported by the ministry of publ
worlss, which was cultivated in III
national laboratory and held in read
ness Almost all signs OF the DANCE
seemed to have disappeared, whe
about the middle of May one hord
after another invaded Costa Rica
territory on the Nicaraguan border
The swarms were numerous and G
huge proportions Everybody, wit
out exception, helped in one way O
another to destroy the insect Pr
waite subscriptions were raised and /
many towns invaded the women an
children turned out with torche
lamps and other implements to al
IN liz humiliation,