THE PLUM. 



317 



them, as by a tight fence, or by a heap of fermenting ma- 

 nure ; the second, the direct and immediate destruction of 

 the insects while in the act of depositing their eggs; and 

 the third, the destruction of the young larva or worm in the 

 injured fruit to save the next season's crop. 



1. It has been found that the effluvia from fermenting 

 manure effectually repels the curculio. Trees standing near 

 stable-cleanings usually bear full crops, and heaps of fer- 

 menting manure placed for this purpose beneath the trees, 

 have yielded the same successful result. But other offen- 

 sive substances, as strong tobacco water with whale-oil-soap, 

 applied so abundantly as to coat thickly the young fruit, hrs 

 not deterred them in their attacks. In addition to these 

 means, the frequent passing near trees planted by door- 

 paths and other frequented places, and the presence of swine 

 in orchards, doubtless contribute to some extent towards tht, 

 same end, by frightening the insects away. 



2. Destruction of the insects while stinging the fruit is 

 thoroughly effectual, if vigorously and unremittingly ap- 

 plied. The best and indeed only practicable mode, is to 

 jar them from the tree upon white sheets spread beneath. 

 While lying upon the sheet they may not at the first glance 

 of an unpracticed eye be distinguished from the fallen, 

 withered blossoms; but a moment's attention will quickly 

 remove this difficulty. If the sheets are stiffened by i;:eans 



of a light frame, they 

 may be carried by a sin- 

 gle person and placed 

 readily beneath the tree. 

 A very large, coarsely 

 made umbrella, covered 

 with white muslin, with 

 a slit in one side, two- 

 thirds in to receive the 

 trunk of the tree, has 

 been found very con- 

 venient for young or mo- 

 derate-sized trees, the 

 umbrella being spread 

 in an inverted position, 

 Fig. 345. as exhibited in the an- 



