FRUIT-GARDENING. 129 



by an insect different from the Curculio species, which feeds 

 on the sap beneath the bark, principally near the surface of the 

 earth, but if not checked, will commit ravages on the trunk 

 and root, so as to eventually destroy the tree. The egg is sup- 

 posed to be first deposited in the upper part of the tree ; and 

 in the months of June and July it becomes a very small mag- 

 got, which drops to the ground and approaches the tree near 

 the surface. If the ground be kept clear around the roots, as 

 it ought always to be, the worm can readily be detected by a 

 small speck of gum, which appears on the tree after it has 

 made its entrance, which gumminess will increase in quantity 

 as it progresses. But if the trees are thoroughly examined 

 about once a week, or ten days, and the gum, wherever found, 

 removed by means of a small knife or pointed wire, the worm 

 may be at once defeated from making any havoc on the trees. 

 An orchard of several acres may be kept free from worms by 

 going over it a few times. After a shower of rain is a good 

 time, as the gum can then be more easily discovered ; and when 

 it is removed, the wound will soon heal up, and the danger is 

 over, provided the ground be kept cultivated around the trees, 

 and the collar, or that part from which emanate the main roots, 

 be near the surface. 



ILL EFFECTS OF PLANTING TOO DEEP. 



This is an important precaution, and should be attended to 

 at the time of transplanting all descriptions of trees and smaller 

 plants ; because deep planting prevents the essential circulation 

 of the juices of plants in their regular and natural courses, and 

 consequently causes disease and premature death ; and it must 

 be admitted, that from the circumstance of this fruit being 

 generally raised on standard trees, and in a light soil, our cul- 

 tivators are apt to plant too deep ; and thus act contrary to 

 sound judgment and philosophy, with a view to save the 

 trouble and expense of staking or otherwise supporting their 

 newly-planted trees, which precaution is absolutely necessary 



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