16 OBSERVATIONS ON INSECTS, 



The most destructive enemy to our fruit is the Curculio ; 

 this insect passes the winter in the earth in a chrysalis state, 

 and if suffered to remain unmolested by the gardener, will 

 be ready to commence its attacks at about the time the blos- 

 soms appear on our fruit trees. The eggs are deposited in 

 the Apple, Pear, and also all stone fruit, at a very early stage 

 of their growth ; these eggs soon hatch, and small maggots 

 are produced, which exist in the fruit, causing it to drop off 

 prematurely, with the little enemy within. If this fruit be 

 gathered up, or immediately devoured by liogs, geese, or 

 other animals, a check may be put to their ravages in suc- 

 ceeding years ; but if suffered to remain on the ground, they 

 will supply food to myriads of their destructive race, which 

 may not be so easily extirpated. 



The canker-worm is another enemy to our fruits, for the 

 destruction of which many experiments have been tried. 

 Some apply bandages round the body of the tree, smeared 

 over with tar or ointment, to annoy or entrap the females 

 in their ascent to the tree ; but as these tormentors are fre- 

 quently on the move from November to the end of June, 

 this must be a very tedious as well as uncertain process. As 

 this insect is supposed to exist within four feet of the trunk 

 of the tree, and not more than three or four inches from the 

 surface of the earth, good culture, and a moderate use of 

 lime, ashes, or any other pernicious ingredient, is the most 

 likely way to destroy them. 



The bark-louse is another pernicious insect ; they resem- 

 ble blisters, and are so near the colour of the bark as to be 

 imperceptible ; they often prove fatal to the Apple tree, by 

 preventing the circulation of the sap. These insects may be 

 conquered by washing the trees with soapsuds, tobacco 

 water, lime water, or brine, or a wash may be made of soapy 

 water, salt, and lime, thickened to the consistency of cream 01 

 paint, with sifted sand or clay, which may be applied with 

 a brush to the trunk and limbs of the trees ; this should be 

 done at the latter end of May, or early in June, and the 

 cracks in the bark should be completely covered. 



