16 On Peach Trees. 
raising, which I am confident might be surmounted by 
the above mode. 
I should now apologize for trespassing on your pa- 
tience, were I not certain that your real zeal in similar 
pursuits would render it unnecessary, and remain 
Yours sincerely, 
Wixtitram Pui tuips.* 
Dr. James MEASE. 
* The success of the fruit on trees in the plantation 
frequented by hogs, is evidently owing to the destruction by 
them of the curculiones. See Dr. Tilton’s letter, vol. I, page 
187. Mr. Phillips’s farm is near the Delaware. Peaches ge- 
nerally thrive best near rivers; and especially those of brack- 
ish water. Digging round all trees is highly beneficial. See 
Mr. Coxe’s letter, vol. I, page 217. The lime promotes heal- 
thy vegetation, but when the worm, or curculiones get pos- 
session, they are not affected by lime. These latter are the 
master-foes to all fruit. The fallen fruit is their nursery, 
and whatever destroys that, is their enemy. Cherries and 
other common fruits are in such plenty, that the banishment 
or extirpation of the curculio is an event more anxiously to 
be wished, than expected. They avoid moist atmosphere and 
salt air, on the borders of rivers or the sea. In cities and towns 
they do not delight. 
This is a bold and laudable experiment made by Mr. P. 
on this short lived tree. The result we shall be anxious to 
know. We have unwilling doubts as to duration. 
