SLUGS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIV, Issue 179, 29 July 1903, Page 8

SLUGS.

In the "The Garden" of April 10 (p. 320) there are some Interesting remarks ny

"J.C.C." On this subject. X have bad larse experience in the matter, being interested in a f-arden o f about an acre and a quarter as joint tenant, with a colony of innumerable slugs, with whom I have to wage incessftnt war in order to secure some portion of Ihe produce of the land. I am quite suro that the severest winters do not at aJ diminish the supply of sings: they merely burrow deeper into the ground, and lie still rill the frost abates; nevertheless I believe

they commit more depredations in mild winters because they set to work earlier. For instance, in this present year they were feeding energetically in January and February, whereas in colder seasons they da not usually come to the surface till March, or April.

I do not believe in any of the ordinary preventive measures so confidently recommended by many, such as soot, ashes, oocoanut fibre, etc.: they ajre of some use while fresh and dry, but they lose till theis virtue when beaten down by rain: and, moreover, slugs have an awkward way o£ burrowing and coming up just under the plant; nor do I attach much importance to keeping the garden free from leaves and other haunts, for they take refuge undee little bits of clod or in lawns, whence they, sally out in the evening to feed. Nor have I much faith in dustings of lime, for unless a fair quantity reaches the slug lit* manages to purge himself of the encumbrance.

After many years' trials I have come t<s the conclusion that the only effectual remedy is the one suggested by your correspondent to catch the offenders and kill them, and that the most, if not only effectual trap is grains. But I am more economical than "J.C.C.," for I make a quart of grains serve for a good many traps. My plan is to take up a loose handful of grains and spread them on the ground, covering them over with a bit of slate or wood, and on the following morning the gardener goes his round with a bit of stick and a pan of salt and water, which kills them instantly, and captures the plunderers. TJioyi appear to gorge themselves at night aad are found huddled together in the morning. I suppose they must travel some distance to partake of the tempting food to" I have repeatedly found thirty, forty or fifty slugs under one bit of slate " Jlio victims may be killed on the spot by a llcht sprinkle of salt, but that spoils the traps for further use, whereas the traps will retain their attractive power for severn.l days if the covering of slate is replaced after capturing the slugs. T have cemiiuiy diminished the stock considerably, and am now able to grow many flowers and pin -its which were invariably eaten up in former years.—G.H.W.