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,r>-^ * THE ENEMY OF THE CEBEALS. Methods of Destroying Them. Extracts from the Entomological Record of the Agricultural Department. , BY TOWNSEND GLOVER, EKTOMOIjOGIST. • The chinch-bug or Mormon louse of • Walsh, Micropus (Rhyparochro- tivus) devastator, is one of our most destructive insects to wheat and corn, iri some of the West- tern States, and has done considerable damage to the crops. Tlie eggs, to the number of about 500, are laid in ground about June, on or among the roots of plants, and the young larva?, which are of a bright-red color, are said to remain underground some time after they are hatched, sucking the sap from the roots, ' and have been found in great abundance at the depth of an inch or more. • The full-grown insects measure about one-, twelfth of an inch in length, and are of a black color, with white wings, and may be known by the white fore or upper wings, contrasting with a black spot in the middle of the edge of the wing. According to Dr. Shimer, an entomologist who has devoted much time and labor in the special study of this insect, the female occupies about twenty days in laying her eggs, which remain in the egg state fifteen days. The first brood matures from mid-July to mid-August, and the second brood hatches out lato in summer. Although only two generations are usually produced in tho course of one vear in Illinois and the more northern States, yet farther south there may be three broods. Some of the perfect insects continue alive throughout the winter, concealed under brush-heaps, logs, bark, stones, moss, &c., and revive in the spring to deposit their eggs in the earth. One specimen was taken in Washington, buried in the ground at a depth of about one inch and a half, in midwinter, and when first taken up appeared stiff and lifeless, but, after being placed in a warm room, it soon revived, and was as lively as ever. These insects in the larvie, pupae, and perfect states attack and destroy almost every description of garden-vegetables, grain, maize, herds and other grasses, wheat, oats, potatoes, and even injure buds of the pear and other trees, prefer- ing principally the most succulent parts, as the buds and.terminal shoots, puncturing them with their beaks, sucking the sap, and apparently poisoning the parts attacked. In the. summer of 1865, according to Dr. Shimer, the progeny of the broods of the preceding year were entirely swept off by an epidemic disease, which was doubtless produced by deficient light and electricity combined with the-exces- sive humidity of the atmosphere. This insect was named and described by Say, in 1831, as from Indiana, and in 1854 did considerable injury in Missouri. . In hot, dry seasons these insects are most destructive, but heavy rains destroy them. • In the single State of Illinois, Dr. Shimer estimated tho damage done in 1864 to the wheat and corn crops by the chinch-bug at over $73,000,000: and to give some idea of how these insects swarm in localities, it has been stated that in Ogle county, Illinois, as many as thirty or forty bushels a day were taken out of holes dug to entrap them, and the process was repeated until only three or four bushels could be shoveled out of the holes. THE NORMAL STATE. It is probable that the normal state of this insect is to take wing in spring and summer, during their love sesaon, but at other times they appear unwilling 'to use their wings at all; and it is said that there are two varieties, one with long" and the other with short wings. It is also stated that this insect is found in Canada, and was remarkable for having the wings only half as long as the abdomen. Chinch-bugs multiply much faster in dry seasons, wet weather being unfavorable to them. THEIR DESTROYERS. They are destroyed by several parasites, among which are several species of lady- bugs, (Coccindlidse.) The false chinch- bug, an insect mentioned below, and which, in outward appearance, very much resembles the true chinch bug, is"said to destroy them. The common'quail is stated to eat numbers of them, and therefore those birds should be preserved as much as possible, by wheat-grow- -^ 1 ers especia]ly*a8 the stomachs of 'gome shot in wheat-fields were found to be filled with these destructive pests. Tlie pseudo or false chinch-bug, or insidious flower-bug, above mentioned, has frequently been mistaken for the true chinch, as it resembles it somewhat in shape and size. It is found upon the same flowers, and leaves, but the larva; are of a bright orange color, and not of a vivid, red, like those of the true chinch; and the perfect insect is also smaller, of a broader form, and marked in a different manner. It is probably highly beneficial, by feeding on other insects. Two European species, A. minutus and memorum, have been well-known as preying on plant-lice. The perfect insects inhabit flowers, and the immature ones wander about in search of plant-lice, which they transfix with their sharp beaks, and suck out the juices. Our native species (Anthocoris insidiousus) mast probably also feeds on the true chinch and the grape-leaf gall-louse, (Pemphigus vitifolm.) This insect Ls extremely common in Maryland on the ox-eye daisy, and not unfrequently upon the fruit of raspberries and blackberriefl, and is one of the insects which produce such a disagreeable chinehy taste when taken into the mouth with the fruit, MANY REMEDIES have been recommended or suggested for the destruction of chinch-bugs, or to drive them away; among the rest, lime is said by some farmers to have been used with good effect, when dusted over the plants when the insects first appear. Other fanners, however, assert that they have used lime, and have derived no benefit from it. Burning the ground before plowing, or after the infested crops have been recommended, and all the. chaff and refuse remaining after winnowing grain ought likewise to to burnt. If small piles of refuse or trash bo heaped up here and there in the fields, and, after cold weather sets in and these heaps are dry enough to bum, they are fired on a chilly morning, all the insects sheltering under them will bo burned and destroyed, as the chinch-thugs are very apt to take shelter under such heaps from the inclemency of tho weather. From other farmers we have received reports as to tile efficacy of gas-lime in driving the insects away from growing crops, but they say nothing about the benefit or injury the plants themselves receive from much an application. SOME EXPERIENCE. In a former report, Mr. Laughlin states that although ho used lime with no effect whatever, yet "tho application of salt to only one aero of wheat, in the proportion of one bushel to tho acre, drove all the insects away, and saved the crop on that single acre, while the rest of the ten acres planted was destroyed by the chinch- bugs." Salt, however, when applied too freely, would bo verj- apt to injure the plants themselves. Mr. Laughlin also states that he was satisfied that if he had sown lj bushels of rock-salt (not more) to the acre, by the first of June, or ten to fourteen days sooner, ho would have saved his whole crop ; and, at the same time, he recommends a spoonful of salt to be put to each hill of maize. Somo farmers at the West tried tho experiment of sowing Hungarian grass with wheat and other grains, and state that their crops have been saved by the chinch-bugs preferring the tender grass and leaving the grain uninjured. Open trenches or ditches, dug around the fields overrun with chinch- bugs, have been highly recomended as preventing the migrations of these insects from an infested field to another uninfected field in the immediate vicinity. Fried Potatoes. A great deal of good material is wasted for want of proper cooking. Food which might have been made delicious with little trouble, often comes upon the table coarse and almost uneatable. Of all the vegetables which suffer from ignorant handling, potatoes are the most ill-treated. Dav after day people are expected to tat boiled potatoes, watery and half done; baked potatoes; full of imperfections and also watery; mashed potatoes, yellow and "soggy" and tasteless, and "fried potatoes, cut thick, swimming in grease, and as detestable to the eye as they are abominable to a well-trained palate. The real Saratoga potatoes are easily prepared, and are delicious for breakfast or lunch. The first thing necessary for their preparation is the purchase of a small appliance of wood and steel, which somewhat resembles a carpenter's plane. This article is known to hardware dealers, housekeepers, and grocers as a "potatoe- cutter," a "dried beef-cutter," or "cabbage- cutter," as it is used to cut all these things. It costs only 60 cents, and very easily and neatly shaves off thc raw potatoes in slices almost as thin as paper. A handful of these slices Is thrown into boiling lard, and as soon .as they are nicely browned they are to be removed with a skimmer, care being taken to drain off every particle of the hot fat. They should be salted immediately, and kept in a hot dLsh by the fire nintil the right quantity has been prepared for the meal. The dish must not be covered, as that would mako them fat soaked., Potatoes cooked in • this way look as daintily as they taste, and are very quickly made readv with tho aid of the excellent little "cutter." CHRISTMAS GIFTS! ThQ Holiday Trade! NOTES FOR FARMERS' EYES. Firms Seeking their Trade . . y An "Indiana Farmer" correspondent tells what he knows about their business, present and prospective. A run about the city and vicinity. Yes, Christmas, the gala day of the world, is at hand, when Childhood's dreamy fancies will weave joyous pictures of Santa Claus and his toy-laden sleigh; when Youth's quick pulses will thrill with anticipations of gifts from lovers with the simple but eloquent inscription, "Dec. 25, 1875;" when Manhood's heart will glow with a strange, sweet peace, as the hour draws near when home's sacred alter will be again illumined by "Christinas Trees,' and when Age's solemn hour will be in Childhood's fairy realm again by remembrances from the children, young people and grown folks. But, preceding all this, stores, studios, offices, manufactories and work-shops, must be visited. To aid all readers of our paper in finding those firms which seek trade with the farmers, and, to inform them of the progress of business in which they are most interested, a Farmer correspondent asks thc reader to follow him in a visit to places of interest to them. To Clein a Rusty Plow.—Take a quart of water and pour slowly into half a pint of sulphuric acid. The mixture will become quite warm from chemical action, and this is the reason why the acid should l>o poured slowly into the water, rather than the water into the acid, and let it remain on the iron till it evaporates. Thon wash it again. Tlie object is to give the acid time to dissolvo the rust. Then wash with water and you will see where tho worst spots are. Apply somo more acid and rub on those spots with a brick. The acid and the scouring will remove most of the rust. Then wash the mould-board thoroughly with water to remove all the acid, and rub it dry. Brush it over with petroleum or other oil, and let it lie till spring. When you go to ploughing, take a bottle of the acid water to the field with you and apply it every bout to any spot of rust that may remain. The acid and tlie scouring of the earth will soon mako it perfectly bright and smooth.' If all iron work be washed off with petroleum as soon as we put our tools, implements,'and machines aside for the winter, it will keep them from rusting, and save a great deal of trouble and annoyance, to eay nothing of depreciation and loss. Toilet Articles. What is there more appropriate for a holiday present than an elegent toilet set, or a bottle of fragrant perfume. Of course thousands of our readers will soon be making their purchases of such things. We take pleasure therefore in refering to the Drug Store of E. A. Cobb, opposite Bates and'Occidental Hotels, whero a well selected stock of the above articles may be found, and also of Brushes, Combs, Pocket Books, Fancy Soaps, and everything else in the toilet line. a Thresher, Wood Saw, Cider Mill, Fodder and Straw Cutter, Slitting Saw, Grist Mill and Root Cutter. Those machines are all attached to one frame' wliich occupies a space of only about 3x5 feet, and can be converted from any one machine to another in about five minutes time. Here are seven of the most useful machines used by farmers, which, by this ingenious combination, can be bought for less than half the price of an ordinary thresher. Tlie Thresher, Wood-Saw and Grist Mill require one horse to run them, while the other four can be used by hand power. Tlie Thresher's capacity is from 250 to 300 bushels per day ; the Wood Saw makes from 3,000 to 4,000 revolutions per minute ai.il will cut as fast as two men will handle cord-wood ; the Grist Mill grinds from eight to twelve bushels per hour; the Cider Mill Ls absolutely without a superior ; the Straw and Fodder Cutter Ls a self-feeding machine and cuts with strength and rapidity unequaled; the Root Cutter—for slicing carrots, turnips, etc., for cattle—shaves the roots into the finest slices. Tho machines are so wonderful and so worthy that every farmer ought to send for descriptive circulars, which gives cuts and minute details. Address Centripetal Power Co., or A. Tyner, State Purchasing .\gent, 133 S. Meridian St. laugh, should send for a copy as the following are the Terms, one copy, $0.00 Two copies, $00.00 Don't fail to visit the "WHEN" clothing house. Value of Papers and Books. Hamilton County, Ind., Dec. 6th. Editors Indiana Farmer :—I wish to have a little chat with the readers of the Farmer. I want to ask, why is it that so few take the leading papers of tho country ! Is it because of the cost, or stinginess ? If the former, let all consider for a moment that it only costs 3J to 4 cents per week per paper; and just think of the information, besides, the company, you have combined in a year. If people would take more newspapers, and encourage their families to read more, there would be a grand change in our community in a short time. Farmers, keep your boys at homo; give them more leisure and more useful books and papers to read, and you will reap twenty-fold reward in after years, and if one of your boys or girls want to write, don't scold them for wasting tho paper. Encourage them. A couple of dollars laid out for a good newspaper, and it read carefully, pays the largest per cent, of anything a man can purchase, let him be rich or poor. How often we find men who won't take a paper, and vet forever are borrowing. J. H. A. "WHEN!" The Capital House. A good hotel, at reasonable rates, is one of thc very desirable things to be sought for in these days of universal travel. The above house, now verj- popular with all farmers who have honored it with a call, is really a desirable one to all who want comfort, cleanliness, -light, airy rooms, an abundance of well-cooked food, and, who do not care, to pay for mere style, the price being but two dollars por day. Our Mr. Gerard, who boards there regularly, when' in the city, speaks from personal knowledge apd heartily recommends farmers, when in the city, to stop at the Capital House, 193 West Washington St. Child Bro.'s Organs. At the State Grange Purchasing -\gency of Bro. A. Tyner, 133 S. MeridLan Street, organs of the above firm were shown as, which, for artistic finish and perfection of tone are seldom excelled. The design is new and as beautiful as need adern rhe most elegantly furnished parlor. These organs are now in the hands of Patrons in all parts of the state and arc giving the best of satisfaction. Not only has Bro. Tyner sold thorn in all parts of our State, but this firm have tho united support of the follewing State Purchasing Agencies : Bro.'s Hill of Ohio, Kniflier of Wisconsin, Guthrie of Kentucky, and Chilson of Michigan. Tlieir business in Iowa is very large and indeed in all parts of the Union, a shipment just having been made to Oregon. At tho last meetipg of Purchasing Agents in this city this firm was endorsed as the only one who had boldly sought the trade of Granges, and hence the only one that the Order should patronize. This wide-awake firm have just completed a large ahd very handsome factory and ten dwelling houses east of thLs city which they will occupy about- January the 1st. The address of the firm, however, will continue, until further notice, to be at Dayton, Ohio. Patrons should remember those who have honored them with special terms and see to it that they have the patronage of tho Order. Centripetal Power Company. A call.was made at the office of this Company, 133 South Meridian Street and the merits of their new motive power carefully examined. Tho "Farmer's Combination" is composed of seven of the principal machines used on the farm, viz: Tliis diminutive word Ls usually, according to the lexicographers, an adverb of timo, but in this city it has a local and specific meaning, the history of which will not be without interest. Some nine months ago, a shrewd looking down-eastcr called at the counting rooms Of the city papers and contracted for large space in a conspieious place, in whioh he directed the editors to insert the single and nigmatical word "When"; no more, no less and with no explanation, as the shrewd dealer intended, every body old and young were puzzling over the mystery. About the 15th of that month "March 20th, 1875" -was added to the above word, on which date and immense stock of Clothing and Mens' Furnishings were opened at No. 5 Bates' Block, North Pennsylvania Street. From that time, every one in the city and for many miles around, the store has been known as the "When Clothing House," and this alone gave the store not only a wide reputation but and immense trade: For, curiosity led persons to. the house and when once there, they learned that the goods are all direct from the companies own .manufactories, not a garment going through thc hands of jobbers or middle-men, which enable this house to sell direct to the people at wholesale rates. Is it any wonder that their trade equals that of the oldest houses in the city? Having said this much historically, we now pass into the store, one of those elegant rooms in the new Bates Block, and are astonished at the immense piles of mens and boys clothing. Every passible shade, size, style, grad and price are in greatest profusion. In tho rear, clerks are busy opening immense boxes of new goods all of which are marked in plain figures, enabling a boy to buy as cheaply as a man. They have just finished making their annual holiday reduction on the entire stock, which reduction puts their goods below New York jobbing prices. Such figures have rarely been put upon goods in the west, and it is astonishing what a splendid suit can be bought with a small amount of money. In underwear the stock Ls most unusual, in amount,there being no less than twenty- five different qualities of goods in thLs line alone and which are offered at case prices. Gloves, too, of one hundred varieties, they are retailed at case prices. They have prepared a fresh stock, specially for the holiday trade, of scarfs, hosiery, neckwear, cuffbuttons, studds, and linnen, and paper collars and cuffs, indeed, everything in gents' furnishings. It Ls especially worthy of rememberance that this firm manufacture, not only their own goods, but own the mills where the matcrial.is manufactured, which enables them to sell at rates wholly beyond the reach of competitors. As a positive evidence of the immense trade of the house, thoy are compelled to enlarge their rooms, present quarters being too small, and in the spring the room adjoining on thc north, No. 6 Bates' Block, will be added, giving them the largest space of any clothing house in the State. Tlie firm are the publishers of the "Indianapolis Illustrated Times," which is an additional evidence of the enterprising spirit of the proprietors. It is brim full of interest, and, he who would have a healthful, side-splitting A young man having preached for a reverend doctor was anxious to get a word of applause for his labor of love. The grave doctor, however, did not introduce the subject, and his younger brother was obliged to bait the hook for him. "I hope, sir, I did not weary your people by the length of my sermon to-day?" "No, sir, not at all nor by the depth either!" The young man was silent. That was an irreverent and ribald youth, who, to his aged parent desiring to retire from the retail trade and take a Government position said: "You in the post office! Nice old party you'd be in the post office. What could you do in a post office except to stand in the doorway with your mouth open for folks to wet postage stamps on your tongue?" American Genius. Moody & Sankey. The great revivalists, Messrs. Moody and Sankey, who electrified, staid old England witli tlieir eloquence and enthusiasm, are fair samples of American genius. Springing from among tlie common people, tlieir sympathies are alive to the wants of the whole people, and herein lies the secret of tlieir great success. Those who seek to be popular must study and be familiar with the wants of the masses, and prove loyal thereto. To this fact we may trace the grand success in business, as well as in religious undertakings, which many Americans have achieved. Striking illustrations of these suggestions is that great establishment, located at Iiuffalo, N. Y., and known as the "World's Dispensary."—a most appropriate name, indeed, for that vast institution, within whose walls are manufactured remedies which are in demand in even- quarter of the globe, and at which a corps of distinguished physicians and surgeons, under the personal direction of Dr. Pierce, are constantly, administering to the needs of thousands of sufferers everywhere, and whose success in the treatment of all forms of chronic ailment has become so well known that there is scarcely a hamlet in the land in which his name is not familiar. Its proprietor, says the "Herald and Torchlight," of Detroit, "isa mas of the people, writes for them, and to them tenders his eminent professional services." Like the great revivalists, his enthusiasm is multiplied by tbe unparalleled success of his enterprise, as well as by the efficacy of his remedies in curing disease. The people believe in him and his remedies, because, as the New York Tribune says: "he synathizes with them in all their afflictions, efforts, and attainments." Hence, Dr. Pierce's Golden Medical Discovery is to-day more largely employed as a blood and liver medicine, and also as a cough remedy, than any other remedial agent in the world. His Favorite Prescription, he does not reccommend as a "cure all," as is often done by compounders of worthless, humbug nostrums, but for all diseases and weaknesses peculiar to women it has proved itself so much of a specific that it now enjoys great popularity and universal confidence. Dr. Pierce's Pleasant Purgative Pellets, "scarcely larger than mustard seed," have proved so agreeable and reliable as a cathartic that they are rapidly taking the place of the large, nauseous pills heretofore so much in usej while his Compound Extract of Smart- Weed is a favorite remedy for Colic, Cramps, Summer-complaint, Diarrhoea, Dysentery, Cholera and Cholera Morbus, and also as a liniment. Of Dr. Sage's Catarrh Remedy, and Pierce's Nasal Douche, little need be said, as they are known everywhere as the greatest specifics for Catarrh and "cold in the head," ever given to the public. And besides this large measure of success, Dr. Pierce seems likely to achieve as great renown as an author as lie has as a physician. His Common Sense Medical Advise^, a book of 900 pages, wliich he sells at the unparalleled low price of $1.50. has already been sold to the extent of exhausting two editions amouting to forty thousand copies. The secret of Dr. Pierces success, as well as that of the great revivalists, and scores of other Americans, who by their genius have advanced step by step from obcurity to affluence and distinction, consisting in treating the people.jvith consideration, sympathy, candor, and honesty. "No man, who hopes to attain either wealth or distinction, can afford to deal unfairly with the world or be indifferent to the wants and best interests of humanity. Tested by Time, Foe Throat Diseases, Colds and coughs, "Browms Bronchial Troches" have proved their efficacy by a test of many years. The Next President.—Our views on the political issues of the day are well known, and we now take occasion to say that we know of no better remedy for coughs, colds and disorder of the throat and lungs than Hall's Balsam. It should form a staple in the family medicine chest. It has been the standard remedy in the West for the last forty years. Price, $1.00 per bottle. Sold everywhere.
Object Description
Title | Indiana farmer, 1875, v. 10, no. 50S (Dec. 18) |
Purdue Identification Number | INFA1050S |
Date of Original | 1875 |
Subjects (LCSH) |
Agriculture Farm management Horticulture Agricultural machinery |
Subjects (NALT) |
agriculture farm management horticulture agricultural machinery and equipment |
Genre | Periodical |
Call Number of Original | 630.5 In2 |
Location of Original | Hicks Repository |
Coverage | United States - Indiana |
Type | text |
Format | JP2 |
Language | eng |
Collection Title | Indiana Farmer |
Rights Statement | Content in the Indiana Farmer Collection is in the public domain (published before 1923) or lacks a known copyright holder. Digital images in the collection may be used for educational, non-commercial, or not-for-profit purposes. |
Repository | Purdue University Libraries |
Date Digitized | 2010-11-01 |
Digitization Information | Original scanned at 300 ppi on a Bookeye 3 scanner using internal software. Display images generated in CONTENTdm as JP2000s; file format for archival copy is uncompressed TIF format. |
Description
Title | Page 1 |
Subjects (LCSH) |
Agriculture Farm management Horticulture Agricultural machinery |
Subjects (NALT) |
agriculture farm management horticulture agricultural machinery and equipment |
Genre | Periodical |
Call Number of Original | 630.5 In2 |
Location of Original | Hicks Repository |
Coverage | Indiana |
Type | text |
Format | JP2 |
Language | eng |
Collection Title | Indiana Farmer |
Rights Statement | Content in the Indiana Farmer Collection is in the public domain (published before 1923) or lacks a known copyright holder. Digital images in the collection may be used for educational, non-commercial, or non-for-profit purposes. |
Repository | Purdue University Libraries |
Digitization Information | Orignal scanned at 300 ppi on a Bookeye 3 scanner using internal software. Display images generated in CONTENTdm as JP2000s; file format for archival copy is uncompressed TIF format. |
Transcript | ,r>-^ * THE ENEMY OF THE CEBEALS. Methods of Destroying Them. Extracts from the Entomological Record of the Agricultural Department. , BY TOWNSEND GLOVER, EKTOMOIjOGIST. • The chinch-bug or Mormon louse of • Walsh, Micropus (Rhyparochro- tivus) devastator, is one of our most destructive insects to wheat and corn, iri some of the West- tern States, and has done considerable damage to the crops. Tlie eggs, to the number of about 500, are laid in ground about June, on or among the roots of plants, and the young larva?, which are of a bright-red color, are said to remain underground some time after they are hatched, sucking the sap from the roots, ' and have been found in great abundance at the depth of an inch or more. • The full-grown insects measure about one-, twelfth of an inch in length, and are of a black color, with white wings, and may be known by the white fore or upper wings, contrasting with a black spot in the middle of the edge of the wing. According to Dr. Shimer, an entomologist who has devoted much time and labor in the special study of this insect, the female occupies about twenty days in laying her eggs, which remain in the egg state fifteen days. The first brood matures from mid-July to mid-August, and the second brood hatches out lato in summer. Although only two generations are usually produced in tho course of one vear in Illinois and the more northern States, yet farther south there may be three broods. Some of the perfect insects continue alive throughout the winter, concealed under brush-heaps, logs, bark, stones, moss, &c., and revive in the spring to deposit their eggs in the earth. One specimen was taken in Washington, buried in the ground at a depth of about one inch and a half, in midwinter, and when first taken up appeared stiff and lifeless, but, after being placed in a warm room, it soon revived, and was as lively as ever. These insects in the larvie, pupae, and perfect states attack and destroy almost every description of garden-vegetables, grain, maize, herds and other grasses, wheat, oats, potatoes, and even injure buds of the pear and other trees, prefer- ing principally the most succulent parts, as the buds and.terminal shoots, puncturing them with their beaks, sucking the sap, and apparently poisoning the parts attacked. In the. summer of 1865, according to Dr. Shimer, the progeny of the broods of the preceding year were entirely swept off by an epidemic disease, which was doubtless produced by deficient light and electricity combined with the-exces- sive humidity of the atmosphere. This insect was named and described by Say, in 1831, as from Indiana, and in 1854 did considerable injury in Missouri. . In hot, dry seasons these insects are most destructive, but heavy rains destroy them. • In the single State of Illinois, Dr. Shimer estimated tho damage done in 1864 to the wheat and corn crops by the chinch-bug at over $73,000,000: and to give some idea of how these insects swarm in localities, it has been stated that in Ogle county, Illinois, as many as thirty or forty bushels a day were taken out of holes dug to entrap them, and the process was repeated until only three or four bushels could be shoveled out of the holes. THE NORMAL STATE. It is probable that the normal state of this insect is to take wing in spring and summer, during their love sesaon, but at other times they appear unwilling 'to use their wings at all; and it is said that there are two varieties, one with long" and the other with short wings. It is also stated that this insect is found in Canada, and was remarkable for having the wings only half as long as the abdomen. Chinch-bugs multiply much faster in dry seasons, wet weather being unfavorable to them. THEIR DESTROYERS. They are destroyed by several parasites, among which are several species of lady- bugs, (Coccindlidse.) The false chinch- bug, an insect mentioned below, and which, in outward appearance, very much resembles the true chinch bug, is"said to destroy them. The common'quail is stated to eat numbers of them, and therefore those birds should be preserved as much as possible, by wheat-grow- -^ 1 ers especia]ly*a8 the stomachs of 'gome shot in wheat-fields were found to be filled with these destructive pests. Tlie pseudo or false chinch-bug, or insidious flower-bug, above mentioned, has frequently been mistaken for the true chinch, as it resembles it somewhat in shape and size. It is found upon the same flowers, and leaves, but the larva; are of a bright orange color, and not of a vivid, red, like those of the true chinch; and the perfect insect is also smaller, of a broader form, and marked in a different manner. It is probably highly beneficial, by feeding on other insects. Two European species, A. minutus and memorum, have been well-known as preying on plant-lice. The perfect insects inhabit flowers, and the immature ones wander about in search of plant-lice, which they transfix with their sharp beaks, and suck out the juices. Our native species (Anthocoris insidiousus) mast probably also feeds on the true chinch and the grape-leaf gall-louse, (Pemphigus vitifolm.) This insect Ls extremely common in Maryland on the ox-eye daisy, and not unfrequently upon the fruit of raspberries and blackberriefl, and is one of the insects which produce such a disagreeable chinehy taste when taken into the mouth with the fruit, MANY REMEDIES have been recommended or suggested for the destruction of chinch-bugs, or to drive them away; among the rest, lime is said by some farmers to have been used with good effect, when dusted over the plants when the insects first appear. Other fanners, however, assert that they have used lime, and have derived no benefit from it. Burning the ground before plowing, or after the infested crops have been recommended, and all the. chaff and refuse remaining after winnowing grain ought likewise to to burnt. If small piles of refuse or trash bo heaped up here and there in the fields, and, after cold weather sets in and these heaps are dry enough to bum, they are fired on a chilly morning, all the insects sheltering under them will bo burned and destroyed, as the chinch-thugs are very apt to take shelter under such heaps from the inclemency of tho weather. From other farmers we have received reports as to tile efficacy of gas-lime in driving the insects away from growing crops, but they say nothing about the benefit or injury the plants themselves receive from much an application. SOME EXPERIENCE. In a former report, Mr. Laughlin states that although ho used lime with no effect whatever, yet "tho application of salt to only one aero of wheat, in the proportion of one bushel to tho acre, drove all the insects away, and saved the crop on that single acre, while the rest of the ten acres planted was destroyed by the chinch- bugs." Salt, however, when applied too freely, would bo verj- apt to injure the plants themselves. Mr. Laughlin also states that he was satisfied that if he had sown lj bushels of rock-salt (not more) to the acre, by the first of June, or ten to fourteen days sooner, ho would have saved his whole crop ; and, at the same time, he recommends a spoonful of salt to be put to each hill of maize. Somo farmers at the West tried tho experiment of sowing Hungarian grass with wheat and other grains, and state that their crops have been saved by the chinch-bugs preferring the tender grass and leaving the grain uninjured. Open trenches or ditches, dug around the fields overrun with chinch- bugs, have been highly recomended as preventing the migrations of these insects from an infested field to another uninfected field in the immediate vicinity. Fried Potatoes. A great deal of good material is wasted for want of proper cooking. Food which might have been made delicious with little trouble, often comes upon the table coarse and almost uneatable. Of all the vegetables which suffer from ignorant handling, potatoes are the most ill-treated. Dav after day people are expected to tat boiled potatoes, watery and half done; baked potatoes; full of imperfections and also watery; mashed potatoes, yellow and "soggy" and tasteless, and "fried potatoes, cut thick, swimming in grease, and as detestable to the eye as they are abominable to a well-trained palate. The real Saratoga potatoes are easily prepared, and are delicious for breakfast or lunch. The first thing necessary for their preparation is the purchase of a small appliance of wood and steel, which somewhat resembles a carpenter's plane. This article is known to hardware dealers, housekeepers, and grocers as a "potatoe- cutter," a "dried beef-cutter," or "cabbage- cutter," as it is used to cut all these things. It costs only 60 cents, and very easily and neatly shaves off thc raw potatoes in slices almost as thin as paper. A handful of these slices Is thrown into boiling lard, and as soon .as they are nicely browned they are to be removed with a skimmer, care being taken to drain off every particle of the hot fat. They should be salted immediately, and kept in a hot dLsh by the fire nintil the right quantity has been prepared for the meal. The dish must not be covered, as that would mako them fat soaked., Potatoes cooked in • this way look as daintily as they taste, and are very quickly made readv with tho aid of the excellent little "cutter." CHRISTMAS GIFTS! ThQ Holiday Trade! NOTES FOR FARMERS' EYES. Firms Seeking their Trade . . y An "Indiana Farmer" correspondent tells what he knows about their business, present and prospective. A run about the city and vicinity. Yes, Christmas, the gala day of the world, is at hand, when Childhood's dreamy fancies will weave joyous pictures of Santa Claus and his toy-laden sleigh; when Youth's quick pulses will thrill with anticipations of gifts from lovers with the simple but eloquent inscription, "Dec. 25, 1875;" when Manhood's heart will glow with a strange, sweet peace, as the hour draws near when home's sacred alter will be again illumined by "Christinas Trees,' and when Age's solemn hour will be in Childhood's fairy realm again by remembrances from the children, young people and grown folks. But, preceding all this, stores, studios, offices, manufactories and work-shops, must be visited. To aid all readers of our paper in finding those firms which seek trade with the farmers, and, to inform them of the progress of business in which they are most interested, a Farmer correspondent asks thc reader to follow him in a visit to places of interest to them. To Clein a Rusty Plow.—Take a quart of water and pour slowly into half a pint of sulphuric acid. The mixture will become quite warm from chemical action, and this is the reason why the acid should l>o poured slowly into the water, rather than the water into the acid, and let it remain on the iron till it evaporates. Thon wash it again. Tlie object is to give the acid time to dissolvo the rust. Then wash with water and you will see where tho worst spots are. Apply somo more acid and rub on those spots with a brick. The acid and the scouring will remove most of the rust. Then wash the mould-board thoroughly with water to remove all the acid, and rub it dry. Brush it over with petroleum or other oil, and let it lie till spring. When you go to ploughing, take a bottle of the acid water to the field with you and apply it every bout to any spot of rust that may remain. The acid and tlie scouring of the earth will soon mako it perfectly bright and smooth.' If all iron work be washed off with petroleum as soon as we put our tools, implements,'and machines aside for the winter, it will keep them from rusting, and save a great deal of trouble and annoyance, to eay nothing of depreciation and loss. Toilet Articles. What is there more appropriate for a holiday present than an elegent toilet set, or a bottle of fragrant perfume. Of course thousands of our readers will soon be making their purchases of such things. We take pleasure therefore in refering to the Drug Store of E. A. Cobb, opposite Bates and'Occidental Hotels, whero a well selected stock of the above articles may be found, and also of Brushes, Combs, Pocket Books, Fancy Soaps, and everything else in the toilet line. a Thresher, Wood Saw, Cider Mill, Fodder and Straw Cutter, Slitting Saw, Grist Mill and Root Cutter. Those machines are all attached to one frame' wliich occupies a space of only about 3x5 feet, and can be converted from any one machine to another in about five minutes time. Here are seven of the most useful machines used by farmers, which, by this ingenious combination, can be bought for less than half the price of an ordinary thresher. Tlie Thresher, Wood-Saw and Grist Mill require one horse to run them, while the other four can be used by hand power. Tlie Thresher's capacity is from 250 to 300 bushels per day ; the Wood Saw makes from 3,000 to 4,000 revolutions per minute ai.il will cut as fast as two men will handle cord-wood ; the Grist Mill grinds from eight to twelve bushels per hour; the Cider Mill Ls absolutely without a superior ; the Straw and Fodder Cutter Ls a self-feeding machine and cuts with strength and rapidity unequaled; the Root Cutter—for slicing carrots, turnips, etc., for cattle—shaves the roots into the finest slices. Tho machines are so wonderful and so worthy that every farmer ought to send for descriptive circulars, which gives cuts and minute details. Address Centripetal Power Co., or A. Tyner, State Purchasing .\gent, 133 S. Meridian St. laugh, should send for a copy as the following are the Terms, one copy, $0.00 Two copies, $00.00 Don't fail to visit the "WHEN" clothing house. Value of Papers and Books. Hamilton County, Ind., Dec. 6th. Editors Indiana Farmer :—I wish to have a little chat with the readers of the Farmer. I want to ask, why is it that so few take the leading papers of tho country ! Is it because of the cost, or stinginess ? If the former, let all consider for a moment that it only costs 3J to 4 cents per week per paper; and just think of the information, besides, the company, you have combined in a year. If people would take more newspapers, and encourage their families to read more, there would be a grand change in our community in a short time. Farmers, keep your boys at homo; give them more leisure and more useful books and papers to read, and you will reap twenty-fold reward in after years, and if one of your boys or girls want to write, don't scold them for wasting tho paper. Encourage them. A couple of dollars laid out for a good newspaper, and it read carefully, pays the largest per cent, of anything a man can purchase, let him be rich or poor. How often we find men who won't take a paper, and vet forever are borrowing. J. H. A. "WHEN!" The Capital House. A good hotel, at reasonable rates, is one of thc very desirable things to be sought for in these days of universal travel. The above house, now verj- popular with all farmers who have honored it with a call, is really a desirable one to all who want comfort, cleanliness, -light, airy rooms, an abundance of well-cooked food, and, who do not care, to pay for mere style, the price being but two dollars por day. Our Mr. Gerard, who boards there regularly, when' in the city, speaks from personal knowledge apd heartily recommends farmers, when in the city, to stop at the Capital House, 193 West Washington St. Child Bro.'s Organs. At the State Grange Purchasing -\gency of Bro. A. Tyner, 133 S. MeridLan Street, organs of the above firm were shown as, which, for artistic finish and perfection of tone are seldom excelled. The design is new and as beautiful as need adern rhe most elegantly furnished parlor. These organs are now in the hands of Patrons in all parts of the state and arc giving the best of satisfaction. Not only has Bro. Tyner sold thorn in all parts of our State, but this firm have tho united support of the follewing State Purchasing Agencies : Bro.'s Hill of Ohio, Kniflier of Wisconsin, Guthrie of Kentucky, and Chilson of Michigan. Tlieir business in Iowa is very large and indeed in all parts of the Union, a shipment just having been made to Oregon. At tho last meetipg of Purchasing Agents in this city this firm was endorsed as the only one who had boldly sought the trade of Granges, and hence the only one that the Order should patronize. This wide-awake firm have just completed a large ahd very handsome factory and ten dwelling houses east of thLs city which they will occupy about- January the 1st. The address of the firm, however, will continue, until further notice, to be at Dayton, Ohio. Patrons should remember those who have honored them with special terms and see to it that they have the patronage of tho Order. Centripetal Power Company. A call.was made at the office of this Company, 133 South Meridian Street and the merits of their new motive power carefully examined. Tho "Farmer's Combination" is composed of seven of the principal machines used on the farm, viz: Tliis diminutive word Ls usually, according to the lexicographers, an adverb of timo, but in this city it has a local and specific meaning, the history of which will not be without interest. Some nine months ago, a shrewd looking down-eastcr called at the counting rooms Of the city papers and contracted for large space in a conspieious place, in whioh he directed the editors to insert the single and nigmatical word "When"; no more, no less and with no explanation, as the shrewd dealer intended, every body old and young were puzzling over the mystery. About the 15th of that month "March 20th, 1875" -was added to the above word, on which date and immense stock of Clothing and Mens' Furnishings were opened at No. 5 Bates' Block, North Pennsylvania Street. From that time, every one in the city and for many miles around, the store has been known as the "When Clothing House," and this alone gave the store not only a wide reputation but and immense trade: For, curiosity led persons to. the house and when once there, they learned that the goods are all direct from the companies own .manufactories, not a garment going through thc hands of jobbers or middle-men, which enable this house to sell direct to the people at wholesale rates. Is it any wonder that their trade equals that of the oldest houses in the city? Having said this much historically, we now pass into the store, one of those elegant rooms in the new Bates Block, and are astonished at the immense piles of mens and boys clothing. Every passible shade, size, style, grad and price are in greatest profusion. In tho rear, clerks are busy opening immense boxes of new goods all of which are marked in plain figures, enabling a boy to buy as cheaply as a man. They have just finished making their annual holiday reduction on the entire stock, which reduction puts their goods below New York jobbing prices. Such figures have rarely been put upon goods in the west, and it is astonishing what a splendid suit can be bought with a small amount of money. In underwear the stock Ls most unusual, in amount,there being no less than twenty- five different qualities of goods in thLs line alone and which are offered at case prices. Gloves, too, of one hundred varieties, they are retailed at case prices. They have prepared a fresh stock, specially for the holiday trade, of scarfs, hosiery, neckwear, cuffbuttons, studds, and linnen, and paper collars and cuffs, indeed, everything in gents' furnishings. It Ls especially worthy of rememberance that this firm manufacture, not only their own goods, but own the mills where the matcrial.is manufactured, which enables them to sell at rates wholly beyond the reach of competitors. As a positive evidence of the immense trade of the house, thoy are compelled to enlarge their rooms, present quarters being too small, and in the spring the room adjoining on thc north, No. 6 Bates' Block, will be added, giving them the largest space of any clothing house in the State. Tlie firm are the publishers of the "Indianapolis Illustrated Times," which is an additional evidence of the enterprising spirit of the proprietors. It is brim full of interest, and, he who would have a healthful, side-splitting A young man having preached for a reverend doctor was anxious to get a word of applause for his labor of love. The grave doctor, however, did not introduce the subject, and his younger brother was obliged to bait the hook for him. "I hope, sir, I did not weary your people by the length of my sermon to-day?" "No, sir, not at all nor by the depth either!" The young man was silent. That was an irreverent and ribald youth, who, to his aged parent desiring to retire from the retail trade and take a Government position said: "You in the post office! Nice old party you'd be in the post office. What could you do in a post office except to stand in the doorway with your mouth open for folks to wet postage stamps on your tongue?" American Genius. Moody & Sankey. The great revivalists, Messrs. Moody and Sankey, who electrified, staid old England witli tlieir eloquence and enthusiasm, are fair samples of American genius. Springing from among tlie common people, tlieir sympathies are alive to the wants of the whole people, and herein lies the secret of tlieir great success. Those who seek to be popular must study and be familiar with the wants of the masses, and prove loyal thereto. To this fact we may trace the grand success in business, as well as in religious undertakings, which many Americans have achieved. Striking illustrations of these suggestions is that great establishment, located at Iiuffalo, N. Y., and known as the "World's Dispensary."—a most appropriate name, indeed, for that vast institution, within whose walls are manufactured remedies which are in demand in even- quarter of the globe, and at which a corps of distinguished physicians and surgeons, under the personal direction of Dr. Pierce, are constantly, administering to the needs of thousands of sufferers everywhere, and whose success in the treatment of all forms of chronic ailment has become so well known that there is scarcely a hamlet in the land in which his name is not familiar. Its proprietor, says the "Herald and Torchlight," of Detroit, "isa mas of the people, writes for them, and to them tenders his eminent professional services." Like the great revivalists, his enthusiasm is multiplied by tbe unparalleled success of his enterprise, as well as by the efficacy of his remedies in curing disease. The people believe in him and his remedies, because, as the New York Tribune says: "he synathizes with them in all their afflictions, efforts, and attainments." Hence, Dr. Pierce's Golden Medical Discovery is to-day more largely employed as a blood and liver medicine, and also as a cough remedy, than any other remedial agent in the world. His Favorite Prescription, he does not reccommend as a "cure all," as is often done by compounders of worthless, humbug nostrums, but for all diseases and weaknesses peculiar to women it has proved itself so much of a specific that it now enjoys great popularity and universal confidence. Dr. Pierce's Pleasant Purgative Pellets, "scarcely larger than mustard seed," have proved so agreeable and reliable as a cathartic that they are rapidly taking the place of the large, nauseous pills heretofore so much in usej while his Compound Extract of Smart- Weed is a favorite remedy for Colic, Cramps, Summer-complaint, Diarrhoea, Dysentery, Cholera and Cholera Morbus, and also as a liniment. Of Dr. Sage's Catarrh Remedy, and Pierce's Nasal Douche, little need be said, as they are known everywhere as the greatest specifics for Catarrh and "cold in the head," ever given to the public. And besides this large measure of success, Dr. Pierce seems likely to achieve as great renown as an author as lie has as a physician. His Common Sense Medical Advise^, a book of 900 pages, wliich he sells at the unparalleled low price of $1.50. has already been sold to the extent of exhausting two editions amouting to forty thousand copies. The secret of Dr. Pierces success, as well as that of the great revivalists, and scores of other Americans, who by their genius have advanced step by step from obcurity to affluence and distinction, consisting in treating the people.jvith consideration, sympathy, candor, and honesty. "No man, who hopes to attain either wealth or distinction, can afford to deal unfairly with the world or be indifferent to the wants and best interests of humanity. Tested by Time, Foe Throat Diseases, Colds and coughs, "Browms Bronchial Troches" have proved their efficacy by a test of many years. The Next President.—Our views on the political issues of the day are well known, and we now take occasion to say that we know of no better remedy for coughs, colds and disorder of the throat and lungs than Hall's Balsam. It should form a staple in the family medicine chest. It has been the standard remedy in the West for the last forty years. Price, $1.00 per bottle. Sold everywhere. |
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