Destructive Insects by M. E. Cornell

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 25, 1865

Destructive Insects.

By M. E. Cornell

ONE sign of the approaching end as given by the prophet Joel, is the ravages of destructive insects. He names the Palmerworm, Cankerworm, and Caterpillar. He describes them as a "great army," and "without number;"; climbing walls, entering windows, not breaking their ranks, &c., &c.

I see by the Agricultural papers that much apprehension is felt in regard to the increasing numbers and destructive power of insects.

What is known as the apple-tree caterpillar has destroyed whole forests in the state of Maine, so that on many of the trees not a whole green leaf was visible. In the distance it had the appearance of having been burnt with fire. The number of these destroyers is said to have increased more than ten fold since last year.

Last year, in one town they marched on their way, and crawled into the windows of a school house in such vast numbers as to cause both scholars and teacher to flee, thus for a time breaking up the school.

This present summer, in the township of Rome, after devouring all on one side of a stream, they absolutely swam across, and swept through the forest on the opposite side. Eye witnesses describe that the water was literally covered with them. No wonder Joel has described them as a "great army."

If they can cross rivers, break up schools and devour whole forests now, what may not be expected for two years to come? Some have tried to fight them and partially succeeded last year; but this year they came in such vast numbers, that no charge with Kerosene oil, or flank movement of furrows and ditches, could turn them back, or prevent their ravages. No such general attack was ever made upon grains and fruits in our day, or in that of our fathers. Truly the curse is fast devouring the earth, and there is a fair prospect that soon joy will be "withered away from the sons of men."

The Eighth Census Report, has the following reference to this subject, under the head of "Destructive Insects." "In many instances whole armies of destructive insects have rendered the labors of the husbandman unprofitable or fruitless. The wheat midge, the chinch bug, and the army worm, besides those that have for years preyed on the products of the orchard and garden, occasion the loss of millions of dollars annually." M. E. CORNELL.