Insects and Other Enemies 345 



two-foot stick. It should be applied carefully so as 

 not to waste the solution, and at the same time to reach 

 all parts of the trunk and larger branches. Old and 

 neglected trees should be scraped before using any 

 wash, and then a proportionately large dose should be 

 given. Such washes should be used early in spring 

 and at intervals of two months thereafter till three ap- 

 plications have been given. 



Lime washes are beneficial to a certain extent. 

 They tend to protect the tree somewhat from sun- 

 burn, as explained elsewhere. The potash solutions 

 are much better, however. 



After borers have hatched and begun work in 

 the trees, no known solution will clean them out. The 

 only resource of the orchardist then is to dig them out. 

 This can be done with a pliable wire and a sharp knife. 

 The work is best done in early summer, when the chips 

 cast out by the borers, or the exuding gum, will reveal 

 the location of the little workers. It is easier to keep 

 borers out than to dig them out; and it is better for 

 the trees. 



The Apple Tent Caterpillar. — This pest, which has 

 been excessively troublesome in some parts of the 

 country within the last two or three years, occasionally 

 works on plum trees. In fact, its favorite feeding 

 ground seems to be in the wild cherry and plum trees 

 along the roadside; though in the orchard it appears 

 to prefer the apple trees. 



Considerable headway can be made against the 

 tent caterpillar by collecting and burning the egg- 

 masses in winter and early spring. The most feasible 

 campaign, however, begins with the egg picking and 

 is followed by thorough sprayings with paris green. 

 The first spraying should be made just as soon as the 

 leaves open. Another should be given in ten days, 

 and still another ten days or two weeks later, if the 



