INSECTS. 123 



spring. This treatment has been in a measnre suc- 

 cessful saving more than half the trees attacked. 

 The diseased wood was at once removed from the 

 orchard and burned. Among the trees badly in- 

 jured or killed by the blight were some of the most 

 vigorous in the orchard, giving no outward indica- 

 tions of an unhealthy condition. In some cases the 

 whole top of the tree was instantly killed as if by a 

 stroke of lightning. To the practical orchardist this 

 disease is in every way most alarming. 



INSECTS. To protect fruit trees from their insect 

 enemies requires constant watchfulness at certain 

 periods of the season. 



The work is not laborious, but calls for prompt 

 action. For the last four years the common tent 

 caterpillar has given us more trouble in the orchard 

 than any other insect. Unless instant measures are 

 taken to destroy them on their first appearance, they 

 soon make sad havoc with the foliage. The quickest 

 and most effectual way to prevent their ravages, is 

 to go over the orchard carefully in winter, and re- 

 move the eggs, which will be found deposited near 

 the ends of the young branches and twigs. These 

 eggs are protected by a glutinous substance which 

 makes a rough looking surface that can be readily 

 distinguished when the trees are bare of foliage. If 

 any of these nests escape the notice of the operator, 



