WF FRUIT TREES. 93 



round my trees, to the extent of about two or three 

 feet from the roots, so that the whole diameter of 

 the opening was from four to six feet. I tarred 

 these trees as well as the others, and although I 

 had worms or grubs on most that were not limed, 

 I did not catch a single grub where the trees were 

 limed. I do not mean to speak with confidence ; I 

 am, however, strongly encouraged to believe the 

 remedy perfect. It was ascertained by professor 

 Peck, that the insect seldom descended into the 

 ground at a greater distance than three or four feet 

 from the trunk, and to the depth of four inches, or 

 that the greater part come within that distance. 

 The lime is known to be destructive to all animal 

 substances, and I have little doubt that it actually 

 decomposes and destroys the insect in the chrysalis 

 state ; at least, I hope this is the case. There are 

 many reasons which should encourage the repeti- 

 tion of this experiment. The digging round the 

 trees is highly useful to them, while tarring is very 

 injurious. The expense is not great ; a man can 

 dig round fifty large trees in one day. The lime is 

 a most salutary manure to the trees. After the 

 spot has been once opened and limed, the labour 

 of keeping it open will not be great. Three 

 hogsheads of air-slacked lime, or sweepings of a 

 lime store, will suffice for fifty trees, and will cost 

 three dollars. As it is done but once a year, I think 

 it cannot be half so expensive as tarring. I repeat 

 it, sir, that I mention ray experiment with great dif- 

 fidence, as being the first of my own knowledge. 

 It may induce several persons to try it in different 

 places, and where trees are surrounded with others 

 which are treated differently. All I pray is, that 

 it may prove to be successful, and relieve us from 

 this dreadful scourge, which defaces our country, 

 while it impoverishes and disappoints the farmer. 

 If it should succeed, Mr. Knapp will merit the 

 thanks of the publick for his ingenious experiment.- 1 



