NAT. ORDER. AM.ADYLACEiE. 117 



in counteracting the frost, seems to produce its effect in a manner 

 analogous to tlie application of cold water to a frozen joint or limb, 

 which is injured by the sudden application of warmth.' An ac- 

 quaintance of mine informs mo that he protects his blossoms by re- 

 tardation ; and tiie means used are, detaching the branches of the 

 trees from the walls in autumn, and not refixing them till late in the 

 .•spring, when the blossoms are about to expand. In addition to un- 

 fastening the trees, a wedge is put in behind the main stem to throw 

 it forwai'd, in order that the trees may receive as little protection 

 from the wall as possible. 



Jfijic)iin<r Peaches on IrnfJci hravchcs. Wherever the part of the 

 bearing branch wliich extends beyond the fruit is without foliage, the 

 fruit itself rarely acquires maturity, and never its proper flavor and 

 excellence. This is supposed to be owing to the want of the re- 

 turning sap, which w^ould Ijave been furnished by the leaves ; this 

 .seems to have been proved experimentally by inarching a small 

 branch immediately above the fruit. The fruit in consequence ac- 

 quired the liighest degree of maturity and perfection. 



Insects and diseases. The leaves of the Peach-tree are liable to 

 the attacks of the acarus, its greatest enemy ; and also to be devoured 

 by the chermes, aphis, and even a much smaller insect, the thrips. 

 These are to be kept under by the usual means of watering over 

 the leaves, and fumigation with tobacco smoke. The honey-dew, 

 mildew, gum, and canker, are chiefly to be kept under by regimen ; 

 dusting with sulphur lias been found to destroy the mildew, but the 

 only certain way of remedying it is by a renewal of the soil, which 

 will commonly be found old mould, long in use, and too rich, and by 

 abundance of air. We are informed that I. Kirk tried renewing the 

 soil for fifty years, and always found it an effectual remedy. 



The young wood of the Peach-tree is liable to be covered with 

 black spots or blotches, which Kenment proved to be produced by 

 over rich soil. The fruit, when ripe, is liable to the attacks of the 

 wasp, tiie large fly, and especially the earwig, &c. ; the first two 



