INSECTS .AND DISEASES. 135 



of the latter, which drops from the stem, and the larva 

 finds its way into the soil, undergoes another transforma- 

 tion, and reappears the next spring as the little winged 

 beetle above described. This is the usual process and re- 

 sult w T ith the plum, its favorite object of attack ; but with 

 the larger and hardier fruits, such as apples, pears, and 

 peaches, the effect is not so fatal. The nature and char- 

 acter of the attack is the same, but owing to the size and 

 vigor of the fruit, they are better able to resist and sur- 

 vive it. The consequence is that they are only spoiled, 

 or partially destroyed. 



It was once supposed by some that as soon as the fruit 

 was well set, the danger from the curculio was over ; and 

 that if it could be protected for two or three weeks from 

 the time of the fall of the blossom, the fruit would be 

 safe. But a better acquaintance with its habits has shown 

 that it continues its ravages throughout the summer, and 

 nearly, if not quite, to the ripening of the fruit ; and 

 this is especially true with the tenderer sorts, so that 

 nothing short of destruction or banishment to the de- 

 stroyer will save the fruit. 



The loss to horticulture from this enemy alone can 

 hardly be overestimated. It has almost banished plums 

 from our gardens, and changed hope and expectation into 

 fear and despair. When we think of the rich Golden 

 Drops, the delicious Gages, and the splendid Jeffersons, 

 which this inveterate and malignant foe has snatched al- 

 most from our lips, our disappointment and vexation 

 know no bounds. But should it, with like malignity, invade 

 our peach plantations, we should be driven to despair. 



Formerly, it was supposed that the character of the 

 soil determined, in a great measure, whether or not the 

 curculio would be troublesome ; and it was supposed that 

 stiff clay lands were a preventive, while light, sandy ones 

 were conducive, to its propagation and increase. Later 

 observations and experience, however, have demonstrated 



