220 



Bulletin 176. 



we unraveled or pnlled out tlie cross threads on the upper end for a 



distance of about three inches, so that we could bring the strands 



together closely around the tree. The next year, we slit down the 



upper end for about three inches, making tlie slits about half an 



inch apart ; we found this the quicker method, and it also served 



our purpose better. We dug out all the borers, placed the wire 



netting around the tree so that it extended from below ground 



where the roots were given off to about a foot above the surface. 



An inch or more of space was left between the cylinder and the 



tree, and at the top a slitted wire was carefully brought together 



arora.d against the tree and tied. Great care was taken, especiall}'- 



the second year, to make and to keep this cage so tight at the top 



that by no possibility could one of the moths have gotten inside 



of it during the season. In figure 55 is shown one of our wire cages 



in position. Here we have a theoretically perfect protector from the 



attacks of this pest. We could apply such a cage at a cost of about 



five cents per tree, but each protector would doal)tless last for two or 



three years, hence the final expense was really not greater than that 



of many other methods which must be renewed annually. We 



felt confident that this wire cage or protector would surely solve the 



question of perfect protection against the peach-tree borer. 



The following results show what little regard the borers had for 



our theory : 



1894-1895. 



When applied. 



June 26, 1894 . . I 



Number 

 of trees 

 treated. 



21 



When examined. 



April 29, 1895.. ( 

 May 23, 1895... f 



Number 

 of trees 

 infested. 



12 (47^ 



Number 



of borers 



found. 



21 



Largest 



number 



of borers 



in one 



tree. 



Effect of 

 applica- 

 tion on 

 tree. 



None. 



