EIGHTH DISTRICT AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATION. 419 



the race perished from these tliree farms, and the fruit from them 

 commanded a preminni in market. 



A similar method used in this State by Mr. Cooke, in 1880, lias 

 proved successful, as reported by the Commissioners in their report of 

 1882. What these men have done others can do, and will do; such 

 examples are sure to be imitated; we all like apples without worm 

 holes. From a little foolish practice wdien a young man, I know 

 that tobacco is not good for me; neither is it good for the woolly 

 aphis; wasli off this pest with tobacco juice of a certain dilution and 

 temperature, and he will not live to come again. 



Pests have been multiplying, and the price of fine fruit has been 

 advancing. Professor C. H. Dwindle says, B. S. H. C, p. 14: "Foreign 

 markets have been secured, where our products are highly appre- 

 ciated ; and climate disasters have fallen upon other producing regions, 

 which have reduced the world's supply of choice fruit. Methods of 

 culture and desirable varieties are much better understood than for- 

 merly, so that it is comparatively easy to secure good crops of profit- 

 able fruit. The greatest dangers are from insect enemies. It is known 

 that most, if not all, of these can be mastered by vigilance and indus- 

 try. The important question now is, ' Who are to be one's neigh- 

 bors?' A few orchards can breed insects as fast as the most energetic 

 can kill them. Concert of action is necessary. The increased study 

 of entomology will secure this result." 



The labors of such men as Cooke and Dwindle and others, in the 

 field and in the lecture room, will become more and more highly 

 appreciated. The life and history of all these injurious insects are 

 becoming more fully known. And insects (as the ichneumon flies) 

 can be arrayed against insects; and these useful creatures are com- 

 mending themselves to the study and care of fruit raisers. 



When people learn that old boxes have their cracks and crevices 

 supplied with the eggs of these pests, they will not want them, at least 

 till they have been thoroughly cleansed, which can easily be done. 

 It is true that the price of the fairest fruit will be much vigilance, 

 but the fruit will be worth the cost. It is a feast for the eyes, and 

 delicious to the taste, and will bring money to the producers. 



A few years ago many orchards about San Jose were so badly in- 

 fested that property owners were in haste to sell at very low figures; 

 but the leaders in the war against pests went to their relief. " That 

 region is now noted for the clean condition of its nurseries." (C. H. 

 D.) A general exchange of boxes at great fruit markets is a good way 

 to exchange insects all over the country; no man knows what variety 

 of insect eggs he has brought to his ranch. In due time they will 

 hatch and multiply wonderfully. 



The woolly aphis has destroyed the apple interest in some locali- 

 ties; they have made it unprofitable. They work on the roots as well 

 as on the branches. By vigorous appliances this pest can be de- 

 stroyed; and a stock has been found upon which this insect so far is 

 not working. This may prove a valuable discovery. Refuse tobacco, 

 well steeped, one pound to the gallon of water when made, and 

 reduced by two or three times as much water before using, and at a 

 temperature of about 130 degrees, makes a good wash for this pest. 



Mr. W. B. West, of San Joaquin District, reports successful war 

 upon the red spider. (B. S. H. C, pp. 20, 21.) 



Mr. Felix Gillet, Commissioner of El Dorado District, thinks that 

 ichneumon flies may be hurled against the codlin moth with success, 



