FAEMEES' INSTITUTES. 95 



the curculios will then fall to the earth. Hence we have only to put a sheet 

 under the tree, strike the tree with a mallet, and gather up the beetles as before. 

 If the trees are numerous, the sheet had better be fixed permanently on a frame, 

 in the form of an inverted umbrella, and carried on a cart, to be pushed by han- 

 dles, something as a wheelbarrow is moved. Opposite the handles there is a 

 slit in the sheet, so that the center may be brought immediately under the center 

 of the tree top ; a small tin box may be attached under an opening at the center, 

 with a sliding cover, which may be opened and closed at pleasure by the man at 

 the handles. After the jar is given, the weevils may be shaken into this box, 

 after which the lid will be at once closed. The mallet may rest across the han- 

 dles when not in use. That tlie trees may receive no injury from the blow, a 

 spike should be driven into the same at a convenient height to be easily struck 

 with the mallet. After passing to all the trees, the curculios in the box should 

 be scalded or burned. 



The Cherry Orchard. 



If cherry orchards receive visitations from the curculio, so that wormy cher- 

 ries become a source of annoyance, then the trees should be treated in May and 

 June as described above, for the same insect in the peach and plum orchards. 



In the last days of June, and again in early September, it is not uncommon 

 to notice that the foliage of the cheriy and pear trees turns sear, as if scorched 

 by too close proximity of withering flames. When such an appearance is no- 

 ticed, quick-lime should be thrown into the trees, so that it will surely touch all 

 branches which are thus affected ; if lime is not convenient, road-dust will 

 answer, though it is not so sure or speedy in its eifects. We will thus kill the 

 slugs, the cause of the blight observed, and save our trees from great injury and 

 perhaps from death. 



The Pear Orchard. 



If the slug eats the outer skin of the leaves, causing them to wither aud die, 

 practice the same remedy as explained above in treating of the cherry orchard. 

 If the j)ears are wormy, use the bands and scrape off rough bark as mentioned 

 in directions for care of apple orchard. If the trunks are bored and the tr^'igs 

 wither from the effects of an insect, then use the soaj) and burn the twigs as 

 explained while speaking of apple orchards. 



As a preventive of pear blight, I would advise the soap application in June 

 and July, but would add one-fourth of a pound of concentrated solution of car- 

 bolic acid to eveiy three gallons of soap. This may not prove a cure, though I 

 have faith tliat it \riW prove a benefit. At least, let the experiment be made the 

 coming season, aud the results, whether favorable or unfavorable, reported. 



Small Fruits. 



a 



If the currant-bushes are threatened with defoliation in June, by a green 



worm," dotted with black, dust the leaves with powdered w'hite hellebore. 

 Or they may be sprinkled with a mixture of hellebore and w^ater, using one 

 ounce of the powder to a pailful of water. 



Let the currant bushes sprout freely, and the first of June cut out and burn 

 all limber and feeble stems. Bo sure to cut these the first week of June, and 

 do not fail to burn them. 



When it is contemplated to plant a strawberry bed, the ground should be kept 



