Photo 3. 



was not one sound apple on it. Why? L/ook at the slaughtered trunk and branches 

 below, in photo 2. This tree is rotten clear through its whole body, and the microscope 

 reveals the decay in the twigs, and in the "water-sprouts" it is visible to the naked eye. 



The failure to obtain sound apples, the one most desirable and staple of fruits, is pro- 

 ducing grave apprehensions throughout the United States. Apples, even from some of 

 the western states, where there are but comparatively few insects, are becoming defective, 

 and the tendency is to blame it all to the rapid invasion of insect pests. Scarcely anyone 

 seems to think that it is we unwise creatures who have created the conditions for this 

 alarming increase of our enemies, the innumerable billions of insects. In the front of 

 your house is a tree whose branches intercept your view. This you will not tolerate. 

 You get the ax and saw and call the hired man: ''Ho! James; come here. I want you 

 to trim that tree." James goes to work at it, following your directions, or using his best 

 judgment. Sir, or madam, you have spent your money freely to procure your fruit and 

 shade trees, and now, after kind nature has lent her assistance to give you favorable 

 results, you unintentionally commit one of the gravest of blunders. If your child's arm 

 or leg has to be amputated, whom do you call to perform the operation? 



Do you send for the butcher, because he can do a quick and cheap job? No! The 

 time it takes and what it costs are scarcely thought of. There is a life at stake, and the 

 most skilful surgeon you can procure is the one you will endeavor to get. Did you ever 

 stop to think, for a moment, that the tree has life just as really as you have? You know 



6 



