CH. III.] THE STEM AND BRANCHES. 



129 



struction of the aphis lanigera, moss, &c. TMiether 

 this appUcation "will answer such piii'pose, I ^sill not 

 stop to argue, but >vill content myseK with observing, 

 that a more deleterious one is scarcely possible ; for 

 on the same principle that it destroys the parasites, 

 namely, by closing their spiracles and pores, and thus 

 suffocating them, it in a like manner clogs up the pores 

 of the infected tree, and. in every instance, insures a 

 weak and unhealthy vegetation ; for it is not a tran- 

 sient remedy, that will cease in its effects as soon as 

 it has attained the desired end. The oil dries, and, 

 as it were, forms a varnish over the epidermis for 

 years, unremoved by exposure to the atmosphere ; 

 and this effect is more decidedly insured by linseed 

 oil being the kind recommended, it being one of the 

 most unctuous and quick-drying of the oils. The 

 most effectual, most salutary, and least disagreeable 

 remedy is of trivial expense, and which a gardener need 

 but try upon one indi%adual to insure its adoption. 

 It is with a hard sci-ubbing brush, dipped in a strong 

 brine of common salt, as often as necessary, to insure 

 eaxih portion of the bark being moistened with it, to 

 scrub the trunks and branches of his trees at least 

 every second year. It most effectually destroys in- 

 serts of all kinds, and moss ; and the stimulating 

 influence of the application and the friction are pro- 

 ductive of the most beneficial effects. The expense 

 is not 80 much as that of dressing the tnmks ^vith a 



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