FIRING THE LOCUSTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 14465, 3 September 1910, Page 1 (Supplement)

FIRING THE LOCUSTS.

Mil. J. Barnard Jamks gives in tho National Review a graphic description of how the plague of locusts is scotched (or scorched) in South America. Let us suppose, ho remarks, that the advance of the enemy is perceived from a quinta, which, perhaps, by good luck, has been spared by tho parent locusts, or is just recovering from their ravages. The proprietor is no doubt congratulating himself on his immunity as he cats his juicy peaches and gazes on his clustering tomatoes. But now the wind is blowing direct towards his quinta, end presently the saltonas will arrive. Precautions must be taken to try and divert their march. Hastily summoned, every one about the place is soon engaged in preparations for their receptions, by making a great bonfire across their way. The line of fire must stretch without interruption from end to end of the quinta. Gallons of petroleum aro brought, out in order to keep it brightly Haming, and thero is plenty of dry fuel about the place. At lastand quite soon enough— saltonas arrive. Their opponents aro then divided into two foices; one to tend and replenish tho fires; the other to maintain a battle royal, waging war with rollers, spades, tree branches, and every conceivable implement. Millions, undeterred in their march, perish in the flames, spreading abroad «ji odour worse than that of a fried-fish shop ; millions are massacred by the rollers, the Hails, the horses' hoofs. But, nevertheless, other millions succeed in passing all obstacles, maimed or scathless, and carry their depredations into the ill-fated garden. However, if the wind continues brisk and hurries their course, sufficient numbers have been slain to reduce materially the subsequent damage, and witu the exercise of proper energy the gardeners may save the quinta from destitution.