1044. To Preserve Flowers, Leaves, and Fruit, from Caterpillars.—These depredators are destroyed by oils, which close the lateral pores by which they breathe. For this purpose it is advised, that on the approach of spring, a cloth, dipped in train oil, be laid on such parts of the tree in which there is the least appearance of them.
1045. Method to destroy or drive away Earth Worms, and other Insects, hurtful to Fields and Gardens.—Three parts of quick-lime, newly made, and two parts of soap-boilers' ley or potash dissolved in water, will produce a somewhat milky liquor sufficiently caustic, and highly hostile and poisonous to earth-worms and other small animals; for as soon as it touches any part of their bodies, it occasions in them violent symptoms of great uneasiness. If this liquor be poured into those holes, in which the earth-worms reside under ground, they immediately throw themselves out as if driven by some force, and, after various contortions, languish and die. If the leaves of plants or fruit-trees, frequented by the voracious caterpillars, which are so destructive to them, be sprinkled over with this liquor, these insects suddenly contract their bodies and drop to the ground. For, though nature has defended them tolerably well by their hairy skins, from any thing that might injure their delicate bodies; yet, as soon as they touch with their feet or mouths the leaves which have been moistened by this liquor, they become, as it were, stupefied, instantly contract themselves, and fall down.
1046. To destroy Earwigs and Wood Lice.—A very simple way of ensnaring them, and by which they may be taken alive in great quantities, is to place four inch-cuts of reeds, bean-haulm, or strong wheat-straw among the branches, and also lay a number on the ground, at the bottom of the wall. In these the insects take refuge at day-break, as they depredate chiefly in the night; and any time through the day they may be blown into a bottle with a little water in it, and so be drowned. Or, a cheaper way is to burn the straw, and scatter fresh on the ground.
1047. To destroy Fleas on Dogs.—Rub the animal, when out of the house, with the common Scotch snuff, except the nose and eyes. Rub the powder well into the roots of the hair. Clear lime-water destroys the whitish flea-worm without injuring the skin or hair. Oil of turpentine will likewise do so; but if there be any manginess, or the skin be broken, it will give the animal much pain.