The Entomologist Volume 8 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1875 edition. Excerpt: ...for relief from the plague of locusts, to be used in the churches throughout his diocese. From the September Report of the Department of Agriculture, at Washington, we cull the following note from Kansas: --' The late summer and fall crops have been almost entirely destroyed by grasshoppers. The common jumping grasshopper did much damage through the early part of the season, but about the middle of August clouds of the flying ones made their appearance over the county, devouring and destroying vast quantities of vegetation. Gardens were quickly eaten up, corn-fields were stripped of leaves, and in many cases the corn was entirely eaten ofi'; fruit trees are left with naked branches, and in many cases the half-ripened fruit is left hanging on the trees, presenting a sickening sight of death and destruction. In addition to the actual loss by devastation, the loss caused by discouragement will be greater. Years of patient waiting, hard work, and self-sacrifice, have been destroyed in a few days, with no known remedy for protection; just as the fruits of labour were beginning to be realized, destruction came; and the question with many is: "Is it of any use to try again?" Here is a field for the Department of Agriculture. Some method of protection or relief must be had against the destruction of this insect, or an immense tract of magnificent country will never be what it would without this curse. I am one of those who believe all such things may be controlled by some practical method; it only requires study, enterprise, and means to learn how. This county (Doniphan) could well afford to pay 100,000 dollars for a guarantee that no grasshoppers should ever trouble it again. I have learned that vegetation highly...