92 NECTARINE. 



fence ; and it has been discovered by others, that the Nec- 

 tarine, like the Grape vine will yield best in sheltered situ- 

 ations. That eminent horticulturist, Mr. David Thomas, 

 observes, that "A vast quantity of fruit is annually destroyed 

 by the Curculio, which causes the Plum, Apricot, and Nec- 

 tarine prematurely to drop from the tree. To prevent this 

 loss, let the tree, after the blossoms fall, be frequently shaken 

 by a cord connected with a swinging door, or with a work- 

 ing pump-handle, &c. ; or let the bugs be jarred from the 

 tree and killed. Or keep geese enough in the fruit garden 

 to devour all the damaged fruit as it falls. We know that 

 this last method is infallible.'' 



As some may object to shaking or jarring fruit trees, for 

 fear of disturbing the fruit, such are here reminded, that if 

 the blossoms set more fruit than can be supported, it will not 

 come to full perfection, and the trees may be injured in theii 

 future bearing ; for these reasons, when fruit sets too thick, 

 it should be thinned in an early stage of its growth. 



The Nectarine, as also the Peach tree, is subject to injury 

 by an insect different from the Curculio species, which feeds 

 on the sap beneath the bark, principally near the surface of 

 the earth ; but if not checked, will commit ravages on the 

 trunk and root, so as eventually to destioy the tree. The 

 eg is supposed to be first deposited in the upper part of the 

 tree ; and in the months of June and July, it becomes a very 

 small maggot, which drops to the ground, and approaches the 

 tree near the surface. If the ground be kept clear around 

 the roots, as it ought always to be, the worm can readily be 

 detected by a small speck of gum, which appears on the tree 

 after it has made its entrance, which gummiriess will increase 

 in quantity as it progresses ; but if the trees are thoroughly 

 examined about once a week or ten days, and the gum, 

 wherever found, removed by means of a small knife or 

 pointed wire, the worm may be at once defeated from mak- 

 ing any havoc on the trees. An orchard of several acres 

 may be kept free from worms by going over it a few times. 



