California Farmer and Journal of Useful Sciences, Volume 19, Number 23, 31 July 1863 — Another Depredator in the Garden [ARTICLE]

Another Depredator in the Garden

We have seen in many gardens in and around Stockton, a new depredator, in the shape of a small, round heetle, a changeable, glossy-backed bug, the sine of an ordinary fly. These are seen on vines, plants, corn, roses, and even fruit-trees; they literally cover them and eat voraciously; but touch them, and they fall to the ground, and like the little "trained canaries," they keel over on their backs nnd seem to be dead. We recommend all who are thus troubled, to spread cloths under their plants, vines, or trees, Bhake them, and the bugs will drop off easily : then take up the cloths or sheets by the corners and carry your bugs to feed the chickens, turkeys, or ducks—tbey will not let one escape. This is a good and easy way lo get rid of them.