14 OBSERVATIONS ON INSECTS, 



branches in a decaying state ; shoots growing from the roots, 

 instead of from the stem or trunk ; the stem diseased in its 

 bark, the gum oozing from various parts thereof, are all 

 proofs of the existence of disease. The Peach tree is sub- 

 ject to a disease called the yellows; and the discoloured 

 leaves and feeble branches are often ascribed to the worms 

 which so frequently attack the root ; where these are found, 

 they may be removed by a knife or chisel ; but if it should 

 appear that the tree is diseased, it should be removed, to 

 prevent other trees from being infected. The Pear, and 

 also the Quince, and sometimes other trees, are subject to 

 the fire blight ; this malady may be completely checked on 

 its first appearance, by cutting off and immediately burning 

 the injured branches. Generally speaking, careful pruning, 

 cleaning the bark all over with a brush, applying soap or 

 tobacco water to the leaves, and occasionally putting good 

 earth and good manure to the roots, will remedy most dis- 

 eases in fruit trees ; removing them from a bad to a better 

 soil will, of course, effect this, where it proceeds from a 

 poorness of land ; for the old adage, " Remove the cause, 

 and the effect will cease," will be here exemplified. To 

 cure the oozing of the gum, nothing more is necessary than 

 to cut away the diseased parts of the bark ; and by thus 

 assisting nature in casting out the excrementitious, or nox- 

 ious juices, a complete cure may be effected. 



When a tree is affected by mildew, let it be immediately 

 sprinkled with soapsuds, and then be dusted over with sul- 

 phur and tobacco dust, or snuff; at the same time, dig 

 around the tree, and examine the soil and subsoil ; if it be 

 wet and cankery, it should be taken away, and replaced with 

 good healthy soil, and the ground drained ; if, on the coiv- 

 trary, the ground be dry, give it a plentiful watering ; the 

 same remedy may serve as a preventive of the extension of 

 blight, if applied in time. When any canker is observed, 

 the part affected must, at the time of pruning, be cut clean 

 out, and the part thus dressed be pared, so that no water 



