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EARWIGS, WASPS, GNATS, HORNETS, AND FLIES.
Earwigs are very numerous, and injurious to fruit, and the way to destroy them is, by placing hoofs, horns, crabs or lobsters claws on branches of trees, into which they will resort; early in the morning take them gently off and shake them into a tub of water, or on the ground, and tread on them. Or, cut a melon or apple, lay it to the ear, cut a hole in it, and lay on that side, and it will come into the apple.
to destroy wasps.
Put pieces of lighted brimstone rags into the wasps holes, where the nest lies, and presently fling a spade full of earth over the holes.
wasps stinging.
Apply a copper half-penny, and hold it for a little space, and it will ease the pain and prevent swelling.
TO DESTROY WORMS
1st. Water wherein the leaves and seeds of hemp is sodden, sprinkled on the earth, brings them out.
2d. Sea water sprinkled on the ground, kills them. Or salt and water made into brine, and sprinkled on the ground. Some say, soot strewed on the ground kills them. Others commend chalk and lime strewed on the ground.
to destory worms in gardens, &c.
Water your bed with the brine of salt meat, and it kills them; or water your garden with a strong lixivium made of ashes; or lay ashes or lime about any plant, and neither snails nor worms will come near it; as the moisture weakens, you may renew it. Some smoke their holes with ox or cow dung; or the mother of oil sprinkled on their holes, kills them.
