124: CUECULIO. 



then in the spring, when the young caterpillars 

 make their first appearance in weaving their tents, 

 instant measures should be taken for their destruc- 

 tion. Practically I find the best way to destroy 

 these pests, is to remove the tents by hand, crush- 

 ing the caterpillars at the same time. This can be 

 done with or without a buck-skin glove. I have 

 tried all other methods recommended, and consider 

 this best. 



The most effectual and easy way to fight the 

 curculio with pears, is to have the pear trees vigorous 

 and healthy by keeping the ground in good heart. 

 For a number of years I have noticed that on strong 

 healthy trees the pears very soon outgrow the cres- 

 cent mark of the curculio, while on weak or sickly 

 trees the fruit is usually disfigured, and worthless 

 for market purposes. However, all such I remove 

 from the trees at once, and also allow none that drop 

 off to remain on the ground longer than twelve 

 hours before being gathered, and taken to the hog 

 pen. The safest method is to endeavor to keep the 

 bearing trees healthy, and to remove at once all dis- 

 figured and worm-eaten fruit, whether found on the 

 tree or ground. 



