234 THE FRUIT GARDEN. [aPRIL. 



The force-pump engine is a most useful instru- 

 ment in the garden, as it can be applied to so many 

 purposes ; but to none can it be applied better in 

 the summer months than frequently washing with it 

 the leaves of wall-trees ; which both keeps them 

 clear of this and otlicr insects, and to a very great 

 degree promotes their health, by thus refreshing 

 them, and keeping them clear of dust. The even- 

 ing, a few hours before sunset, is the most proper 

 time to perform this work, as, if done in the morn- 

 ing, the effect soon goes off, the moisture being sud- 

 denly exhaled by the sun's heat. In the early 

 months, however, if the air be frosty, and if there 

 be a necessity for watering the foliage, let it be done 

 about eight or nine in the morning ; as, if done in 

 the evening, the frost would take the harder on the 

 trees, by their being moist. 



The coccus^ or scaly insect, and chermes of many 

 species, are troublesome to wall and other fruit-trees. 

 The time for their destruction, however, is not now, 

 but in winter ; of which, sec January, on the head 

 Destroijivg Insects. 



Snails and slugs are often very troublesome to 

 wall-fruits, especially if the walls be old and ragged, 

 and eagerly devour young setting apricots, peaches, 

 and plums. They should, therefore, be carefully 

 looked for, mornings and evenings, and be destroy- 

 ed. Those that harbour about the lioles in the w^all, 

 may often be surprised in their lurking places; and 

 others, that lodge about the ground, may be decoy- 

 ed, by placing bits of tile, slate, or small boards, in 

 5uch away as that ihev mav take shelter under them, 



