108 CULTURE AND MANAGEMENT 



eggs each, in form like a snake's egg; which, in a 

 common season, begin to hatch about the 25th of 

 May, and finish about the 10th of June. These 

 nits produce a white animalcule, resembling a louse, 

 so small they are hardly perceptible by the naked 

 eye; which, immediately after they are hatched, 

 open the passage at the end of the blister, and 

 crawl out on the bark of the tree ; and there re- 

 main, with but little motion about ten days ; when 

 they stick themselves fast to the bark of the tree, 

 and die. From this little carcass arises a small 

 speck of blue mould, which is most plain to be seen 

 between the 10th and 20th of June, and continues 

 about fifteen days ; and then gradually wears off, 

 Until the old carcass appears, which, by this time 

 is formed into a new blister, arid contains the 

 spawns or nits before mentioned. 



" The&e blisters prevent the circulation of sap, 

 and prove as fatal to the tree as the canker worm. 



" In order to remedy the difficulty, I have made 

 many experiments within a few years; but long to 

 no good effect, not knowing then the particular 

 season when these animalcules could be most easily 

 destroyed. This, however, I have lately found to 

 be between the time they hatch, and that when 

 the mould leaves them.* The application that I 

 have found most effectual is, washing the trees 

 with lye or brine. Lime, also, mixed with lye, to 

 the consistence of white wash, may be useful. 

 And although the small branches cannot be cleans- 

 ed in this manner without much difficulty, still, if 

 the body of the tree, and the branches near the 

 body are kept clean until there comes a rough 

 bark, 1 think the lice will not kill the tree. 



" Some people have recommended the applica- 

 tion of train oil to the tree, which, indeed, is a 



* " It appears from this account, by Mr. Perley, that these 

 appearances can, in general, only occur between Mav 9,5 ; snci 

 July 5." 



