44 ' On Peach Trees. 



in following years, as frequently as the trees appear to 

 require it. 



It is observed, however, sir, that you employed soap 

 suds without any beneficial effects ; and, therefore, you 

 may feel the less confidence in the present suggestion. 

 But it is probable that the soft soap, in substance, is more 

 operative ; and that having more strength and virtue than 

 the suds, as commonly made, it may more effectually 

 destroy the worms, bugs, and other insects which so ma- 

 terially injure the trees ; and it is believed to be chiefly 

 in consequence of their destruction that the bark and 

 branches are enabled to show so much improvement. 



It should be added, that one of the pear trees, (the 

 pound pear) did not exhibit this fair appearance after the 

 soap was applied. This was done last spring ; and in 

 the course of the summer some of the bark cracked and 

 peeled off: but the tree blossomed very well, and bore a 

 considerable quantity of pears. It now appears in a 

 thriving state, though the bark continues affected in the 

 same manner. This effect upon the bark is so uncom- 

 mon, that I cannot consent to ascribe it to the soap. It 

 is, moreover, probable that trees of any kind, though not 

 affected by insects, may receive much advantage in their 

 growth and appearance by the application of this article, 

 considering it as an active and substantial manure, de- 

 scending to their roots by the drippings from the trunks. 

 But it seems to act immediately upon the bark itself ; 

 which, from a hard and almost horny state, soon as- 

 sumes the gloss and smoothness which has been men- 

 tioned. 



If it shall be your pleasure to make a trial of this sup- 

 posed remedy, it will give me much satisfaction to learn 

 that the application shall have been successfully used. 

 I have the honour to be, &c. 



Nicholas Hammond. 



Richard Peters, Esq, 



