“REALLY, there is some truth in that,” said Billy. “I’m not certain that I can remember much about the subject; but, since you are so anxious to learn, my children, I’ll refer to my trusty note book, and read to you about—
If we examine the various insects which injure plants, we find they do the harm in two different ways, according to their method of feeding. The different methods of feeding are by—
Biting insects have mandibles, or jaws.
The biting insects most familiar to you are beetles, grasshoppers, and many “worms,” or larvæ.
If you catch a grasshopper, and hold a blade of grass in an upright position close to its mouth, you will observe that the jaws do not move up and down, but sidewise. This is true of all insects.
It is quite easy to see the holes in leaves, bark, flowers or fruit where biting insects have been feasting.
Sucking insects, instead of jaws, have a haustellum or proboscis, which is a sucking tube, or beak, somewhat like a sharp hollow bristle.
This they use to thrust down through outer layers of bark or leaves into the inner tissues where they draw up the sap or lifeblood of the plant.
Among the sucking insects are aphids and scale insects.
Now, it is an easy matter to throw poison on the parts of the plants that biting insects devour, where they will eat and swallow it, and then die; but it is almost impossible to place poison in the inner portions of the plants where sucking insects feed.
Fortunately, most sucking insects have soft bodies which are easily destroyed; but it is a rather difficult task to do this work of destruction of sucking insects, because every insect must be touched by the destroying material to smother it, or destroy its breathing pores. Every farmer is familiar with some insecticides, or insect poisons.
The trouble with using poisons, however, is that most poisons which will kill insects will also kill people, so it is better for young gardeners to use remedies harmless to human beings, but deadly to insects, of which there are a few.[H]
Insecticides or insect poisons are applied to plants in two ways: by—
A “sulphur gun” is a great help in applying powder; although an old can with holes in the top may be used as a sprinkler.
Liquid sprays may be applied with a patent “sprayer,” which may be purchased from any seed house; or with a whisk broom.
It is absolutely essential to reach the under sides of the leaves in applying insect destroyers.
Among the best insecticides which are non-poisonous to human beings is Hellebore.
Following is a list of remedies for insects oftenest found in gardens.
Fungi of various kinds attack plants. Mildew is a form of fungi.
| For Fungi—Mildew | — | Dust the plant well with Flowers of Sulphur. Bordeaux Arsenate of Lead is used as a spray in early Spring, to prevent fungi, but it is deadly poison and should not be used by children. |
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| For Insects that Feed Under Ground | — | Severe poisons are generally used, the fumes of which kill the insects. Tobacco tea, made by boiling a pound of tobacco stems in a gallon of water, or Ivory soapsuds, if thrown on the ground, will discourage these insects. |
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| For Cutworms, and Insects Feeding on the Surface of the Ground | — | Poison Baits are used: that is, bran or grass is sprinkled with sweetened poison. (Note: It is better for children to use the precaution of paper collars as already explained to Mary Frances in the talk on the Cutworm.) |
There are also many excellent remedies sold by seed firms under commercial or “patent” names.
“Well, Billy,” cried Eleanor, “if I remember one-tenth of the lesson, I’ll be satisfied!”
“And I, too!” echoed Mary Frances.
“If I’d thought,” continued Eleanor, “you were such a wiseacre, Mr. Professor Billy, I’d have brought a note book.”
“Oh, you girls can see my notes any time,” said Billy, pleased with their compliments.
“What I didn’t like, Billy, was the constant reference to ‘children,’” Mary Frances went on.
“Now, little girls,” began Billy, “that is just for ‘Safety First.’ When you are a little older and more experienced in gardening——”
“Oh, Billy, if you tease, you’ll spoil everything!” declared Mary Frances. “Do keep your old poison secrets. I don’t like the idea of killing bugs even.”
“Nor the fellow ‘who needlessly puts his foot upon a worm,’” quoted Billy. “I bet Bob would rather like that lesson, even if you and Eleanor didn’t.”
“I’m going to write down what I can remember for Bob,” declared Eleanor. “May I use your desk, Mary Frances?”
“Nothing could please me better,” answered her friend, leading the way through the play house door.