388 ANNUAL REPORT 



marks of the curculio, each succeeding crop has shown a marked de- 

 crease in the numbers of the insect, the last crop being practically free 

 from her ovipositing marks, and showing by careful estimate a 

 decrease in the five years of ninety-eight per ^cent, and this without 

 anything whatever being done to destroy the insect or to protect the 

 fruit from her. (5) These facts prove, I think, that a large amount 

 of these plums in fruit will free a neighborhood of this most perni- 

 cious insect; that the fruiting of these plums alone in quantity will 

 do it, and in that way deliver all our other fruits from its ravages. 

 And, besides, we have absolute experimental proof that spraying the 

 plum trees, as before mentioned, will protect the other fruits near by. 



Propagation. — For the North, all the native plums should be on 

 their own roots, or those of other fully hardy plums of the North. 

 The " sand plums " and " sand cherries " of the West may prove use- 

 ful. Your cherries should be top-grafted on these hardy plums. 



Soil and Experience. — These plums are partial to a deep, rich, 

 moist soil; near the base of a hill is a choice place for them, though 

 they do finely on any reasonably good soil; but, if possible, should 

 have a location somewhat sheltered from the strong winds of spring. 

 This bush, in all its hardy varieties, yon will find a most excellent 

 windbreak for shelter. Many are planting them for that purpose. 

 They fruit finely when growing very thickly. 



P. S. Since writing the above, I have received a letter from Dr. C. 

 V. Riley, Chief of the U. S. Entomological Division of the Depart- 

 ment of Agriculture, Washington, D C. , in which he makes certain 

 admissions and explanations, that settles for the time all questions in 

 dispute, and I forward him my answer to his criticism on my paper. 

 In the position that Dr. Riley sustains before the whole American 

 people, he is obliged to be very communicative on new questions of 

 fact, and knowing him intimately for twenty-five years, and having not 

 the least doubt of my facts, I have no hesitation in placing the whole 

 matter in his able hands for future adjustment. For the grower of 

 stone-fruits a new era has dawned. 



