OF FRUIT TREES. 77 



united, and is covered with new bark. In many oth- 

 er instances, he made similar experiments on various 

 kinds of fruit trees with satisfactory success. He is, 

 therefore, of opinion, that Forsyth's remedy affords a 

 radical cure for diseases, defects, aud injuries in all 

 kinds of fruit trees, and that in pruning, especially 

 where large amputations are made, the composition 

 ought always to he appplied, as it prevents the exud- 

 ing of the vegetable juices through the wounded parts, 

 aids and precipitates the healing of the wounds, pro- 

 motes the vigour and health of the trees, and adds to 

 the size and flavour of the fruit. 



The composition of Mr. Forsyth does not, at this 

 day, sustain such high reputation as formerly. It is 

 not supposed to possess great efficacy as a medicament 

 when applied to diseased trees ; and for the purpose 

 of defence against wet and heat, it is not perhaps pref- 

 erable to an ointment composed of rosin, beeswax, and 

 turpentine. It is probable, that a composition consist- 

 ins: of clay, tempered with horse dung and urine, 

 would be found of equal utility. We are not unac- 

 quainted with instances of surgeons acquiring great 

 celebrity by the application of certain medicaments to 

 old ulcers, when in verity the cure was effected by 

 the efforts of nature. But as a remedy against in- 

 sects, a strong decoction of tobacco, with the addition 

 of a little quick lime, is, if I mistake not, of superiour 

 effiracy to all other applications. It is therefore 

 strongly recommended, that after scraping off the 

 rouirh scales of bark, this wash be faithfully applied to 

 ihe trunks of trees, from their roots to the branches, 

 every fall and spring, by which, much may be done to- 

 wards the annihilation of the tribe of destructive in- 

 sects. A weak solution of potash would have a pow- 

 erful effect as a remedy against insects, but both this 

 and quick lime, on account of their caustic quality, 

 should be employed with much caution ; as a too free 



