13 



But this is not all that is essential to give efficacy 

 to our labors. There is an evil to which many kinds 

 of trees and plants are subjected, that demands our 

 particular attention, and even when that has been 

 patiently and zealously exercised, it has proved only 

 partially successful. The numerous kinds of insects 

 which not only produce incalculable mischief to the 

 health, and beauty, and productiveness of the tree, 

 but deprives us of no inconsiderable portion of their 

 fruits, has hitherto eluded the vigilance and the in- 

 genuity of man, in his efforts to provide either a pre- 

 ventive or a remedy for the injury thus occasioned. 

 The insidious mode of attack in which they are 

 guided by an unerring instinct, would seem to require 

 the exercise of almost super-human skill, to avert or 

 repress their ravages. 



Cleanliness is indispensable to the health, and beau- 

 ty, and usefulness of fruit trees. The moss- covered 

 wall is venerated as an object of antiquity ; but the 

 moss-covered tree excites no such reverential emo- 

 tions. Nor is our respect for the sentimental cultiva- 

 tor of caterpillars, elevated in the ratio of success he 

 attains in the pursuit of his favorite art. It were well 

 enough while it administers to his pleasures, and 

 gratifies his taste, that he should enjoy the exclusive 

 benefit of his labors, and far better if he would re- 

 strain those objects of his regard within the limits of 

 his own domain. If the propagation of those inge- 

 nious architects is an interesting employment ; if he is 

 gratified by the exhibition of their industry, and is 

 impressed with the belief that it would be an act of 



