24 THIRD ANNUAL RiPORT OF 



easily run one of them. The whole machine does not weigh over 

 forty pounds. 



The above figure represents a back view of the machine, with 

 one side open and the other closed. The principle advantage of the 

 machine lies in this folding apparatus, which enables the operator to 

 defy the wind which on some days renders the original Hull machine 

 almost useless as it plays powerfully against the stretched canvas. 

 This feature also enables the owner to store the machine away with 

 less trouble. I have my doubts, however, whether the advantage 

 gained sufficiently compensates for the extra machinery. Another 

 advantage which Mr. Hooton claims for the machine is that it is so> 

 low that it will swing its broad folds under low-headed trees. That 

 portion of the wheel which rises above the platform is protected by 

 a circular box, and it is found that every time the canvass is ex- 

 panded, there is a slight jerk, which casts everything that has fallen 

 upon it to the centre, where the bugs and fruit consequently remain 

 until removed. The raised fingers to which the canvas is attached 

 at the centre, and similarly raised pieces along each side of the tree- 

 way, prevent the insects and fallen fruit from escaping; and there is 

 no receptacle below into which they can be brushed. The machine 

 is therefore built with the idea that it is as easy to pick up and re- 

 move the fallen beetles and fruit as it is to brush them into a recep- 

 tacle below. 



In operating the machine it is wheeled up to the tree while 

 closed, then expanded and drawn back a little so as to give the tree 

 a jar, and then closed and wheeled away to the next tree. Mr. Hoo- 

 ton has had a full sized machine in operation, and it seems to give 

 very good satisfaction. As there is considerable casting needed, the 

 ordinary fruit-grower will not be able to manufacture it as easily as 

 he can the Ward machine; but as all these machines will doubtless 

 be put upon the market the coming season, the reader must choose 

 for himself which he prefers. 



I have been urged to take an interest in two of these machines, 

 and even to take out a patent for certain improvements suggested ; 

 but as a public officer I have refused to do either. My object is to 

 give a disinterested and candid account of what I conceive to be the 

 merits or demerits of any machine that may appear, in the hope that 

 ere long we shall have something in the market, so cheap and effi- 

 cient that no peach-grower will have any excuse for not jarring his 

 trees. 



TWO TRUE PARASITES OF THE PLUM CURCULIO. 



TIIE SIGALPHUS CURCULIO PARASITE. 



Just 10 years ago, in his "Address on the Curculio," delivered at the 

 annual meeting of the N. Y. State Agricultural Societ}', Dr. Fitch 

 gave an account, accompanied with a figure, of a small Ichneumon- 



