246 OBSERVATIONS ON INSECTS, 



mixture keeps out the wet from the wounds, where it would 

 be likely to lodge, and both the soot and oil promote vegeta- 

 tion. When trees are cankery from having a bad sub-soil, 

 it is in vain to apply any remedy till the ground is properly 

 drained, and some fresh soil mixed with the natural soil, 

 also the tree replanted. When trees are known to be so 

 situated as to be particularly liable to the attacks of insects 

 or disease, they should be attended to at the time of Winter 

 or early Spring pruning, in order to destroy the insects in 

 their larva? state. 



The following compositions have been known to protect 

 fruit trees from the attacks of numerous insects, by berng 

 used as a wash to the tr<5es immediately after pruning. 

 The constitution of some trees will bear a much stronger 

 mixture of ingredients than others; but the proportions, as 

 hereafter described, will not be injurious to any, but will 

 be effectual in the destruction of the larvae of insects. 



For Apricot, Nectarine, and Peach Trees, To eight 

 gallons of water add one pound of soft soap, two pounds of 

 common sulphur, and half an-ounce of black pepper. 



For Apple, Cherry, Pear, and Plum Trees. To four 

 gallons of water add one pound of soft soap; two pounds of 

 common sulphur, two ounces of tobacco, and one ounce of 

 black pepper. 



For Figs and Vines. To four gallons of water add half 

 a pound of soft soap, one pound of sulphur, and a quarter 

 of an ounce of black pepper. 



All these ingredients must be boiled together for twenty 

 minutes at least, and when in a lukewarm state, applied to 

 the bark of the trees with a suitable brush. 



The most destructive enemy to our fruits, is the Curculio ^ 

 this insect passes the Winter in the earth in a chrysalis state, 

 and if suffered to remain unmolested by the gardener, will 

 be ready to commence his attacks at about the time the 

 blossoms appear on our fruit trees. The eggs are depo- 

 sited in the Apple, Pear, and all stone fruit, at a very early 

 stage of their growth ; these eggs soon hatch, and small 

 maggots are produced, which exist in the fruit, causing it to 



