Reports to var20?ts Ciwrespoiidents. 43 



fTood, A figure is given of the best method of applying the bands 

 (Fig. 5). On old trees this is an easy process, but in young staked 

 stock it is necessary to either band above the stake or to band both 

 tree and stake. Mr. Robert Amos, of Perry Court, near Ashford, 

 writes that he had plain evidence this last year that the female moths 

 go up the stake into the tree. 



With regard to this grease-banding mucli depends on the quality 

 of the grease used ; some kinds sold are inferior and do not last on 

 the bands any time. Before buying the grease it is well to find on I 

 the best firms to obtain the grease from. 



Paper is another point to be looked to ; the thin grease-proof 

 paper once used, that can be bought at any grocer's, is enough, but 

 stout ]3apers are now made for this purpose which can undoubtedly 

 l»e left on the trees for two years without the trouble of removal ami 

 replacing fresh. 



Messrs. Ellis e^- Sou, fruit growers, Bramley, Surrey, wrote in 

 -July regarding the damage done by "Winter ]\loth larv.ie and asking 

 for any help in regard to destroying them. Their remarks regarding 

 the effect of Paris green are given elsewhere. It was pointed out 

 that much benefit is derived from grease-baading and the employment 

 of poultry in the orchards. 



Poultry and Pigs as Vermin Destroyers ; 

 in Orchards. 



The immense benefit derived from keeping poultry or pigs in 

 orchards is becoming more generally known. Xo one can appreciate 

 the benefit these domesticated birds and animals do unless they keep 

 part of their plantations with these useful and remunerative creatures 

 doing their work and part without. The difference is so marked that 

 no one can fail to detect it ; whilst the foliage of the latter will be 

 riddled or even cleared l)y "caterpillar," that of the former will be 

 bright and sound. 



Both fowls and pigs devotir the grubs of the Codling ]Motli, 

 ihe caterpillars of the Winter ]\[oth and other pests when they 

 fall to the ground, not to mention other subterranean enemies of 

 minor importance. Moreover, pigs are of great benefit in cleaning 

 a foul plantation overrun with weeds. During the present summer, 

 Mr. Clive Murdock, of Eeason Hill Farm, Linton, showed me some 

 very foul damson and gooseberry plantations overrun with l)ine-woed, 

 most difficult to destroy by cultivation. Pigs Avere penned on tho. 

 land and could be watched liurving tliemselves in the earth, grubbing 



