APPLE. 29 



The Apple-tree Borer is among the most mischievous of 

 these insects. In June it assumes the form of a medium- 

 sized beetle, flying about in the night, and in the clay resting 

 and feeding on the leaves of the trees ; in this month, and in 

 July and August, she begins to lay eggs upon the bark of 

 the tree, and almost always near the ground. Her progeny 

 are whitish fleshy grubs, which eat through the bark, and 

 remain there the first winter ; the following season it ascends 

 some twelve or fifteen inches into the tree, throwing out dust, 

 by which it is usually detected. The third year it leaves 

 the tree, assuming the beetle form (Saperdabivittati). After 

 it has once penetrated the tree, it must be destroyed by 

 piercing it with some bit of wire or sharp instrument, or by 

 applying the knife or chisel. We have seen them extracted 

 in a perfect state by a lady with a simple hair-pin. 



The best of all modes for getting rid of these and other 

 insects are those which tend to keep the tree and soil, and 

 even the atmosphere, in an ungrateful, inhospitable attitude 

 towards them. 



In June, small bonfires destroy the beetle which is the 

 future borer, by thousands. They should be placed in dif- 

 ferent parts of the orchard ; a few shavings or a little tow, 

 a pitch-pine knot, or a few handfuls of any dry, combustible 

 matter, will answer the purpose. In June also, the bark of 

 the tree should be scraped, and be bathed with various 

 washes. A wash made of soap-suds and whale-oil soap, in 

 the proportion of two pounds of the soap to fifteen gallons of 

 water, is known to be beneficial. It is frequently applied 

 with a syringe. 



Water in which refuse tobacco-leaves, wormwood, and 

 burdock have been steeped, is also, if made into a strong de- 

 coction, efficacious. 



A solution of potash, of about a pound to two gallons of 

 water, is used with advantage. 

 3* 



