190 FARMER** ASSISTANT. 



phur and Scotch snuff; and with a brush lay this on the 

 scraped part, forming a ring round the tree an inch or two 

 wide ; and no insect will ever attempt to pass this barrier, 

 as long as the composition has any considerable moisture 

 left in it. 



Let it be repeated when it inclines to harden ; though 

 perhaps this is not necessary, Let it be done early in the 

 Spring, before the insect comes from the ground. 



Another method, which it is believed will be found 

 equally effectual, though attended with more trouble, is to 

 scrape off the shaggy bark from the body of the tree ; and 

 then whitewash that part well with lime and water and a 

 little sulphur added. 



In place of this, however, Mr. Forsyth directs that the 

 body of the tree be covered with a composition of old urine, 

 kept some time for the purpose, soapsuds, and fresh cow- 

 dung ; and this he says will keep off all insects. Let it be 

 laid on plentifully. 



Another method, we have heard recommended, is to 

 fasten a strip of sheepskin, with the wool outwards, round 

 the body of the tree, taking care that no place be left for 

 the insect to creep up between the strip and the bark. The 

 wool should be frequently combed to keep it loose. 



A streak or ring of tar made round the body is also 

 effectual, as long as the tar remains soft; but, as it soon 

 becomes so hardened on the exterior, that the insect can 

 crawl over, it requires to be repeated very frequently. 

 Perhaps such a ring of tar and oil, or blubber, mixed to- 

 gether, would answer better* 



Lastly, a strip of oiled paper put round the tree, with the 

 lower edge projecting out considerably, forms a barrier 

 which the insect cannot pass. Let the lower edge of the 

 paper be kept well oiled. 



In regard to all insects which are injurious to trees, by 

 climbing them, and commiting depredations upon them, in 

 various ways, we believe, from the most correct information 

 we have been enabled to obtain, from various sources, that, 

 by taking the earth away from the roots ctf the trees, very 

 early in the Spring, and destroying whatever may appear to 

 be the abode of any insects; and then returning the earth 

 back, mixed with a small quantity of sulphur, sprinkling 

 some of this upon the surface, will keep every insect from 

 ascending any such tree. 



The effect of sulphur, for this purpose, is very durable. 

 Probably one operation of this kind will last for several 

 years ; though, on this point, we have no particular inform- 

 ation. Other repelants of insects may be found repelanfs 

 only for a time, more or less limited ; but perhaps may an- 

 swer the purpose for one Spring; such as quick- lime, fine 



