t)F FRUIT TREES. 97 



these trees as well as the others, and although I had 

 worms or grubs on most that were not limed, 1 did 

 not catch a single grub where the trees were limed. 

 I do not mean to speak with confidence ; I arn, how- 

 ever, strongly encouraged to believe the remedy per- 

 fect. 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 in- 

 sect in the chrysalis state ; at least, I' hope this is the 

 case. There are many reasons which should encour- 

 age the repetition 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 keep- 

 ing it open will not be great. Three hogsheads of 

 air-slacked lime, or sweepings of a lime store, will suf- 

 fice 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 

 my experiment with great diffidence, 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 differ- 

 ently. All 1 pray is, that it may prove to be success- 

 ful, and relieve us from this dreadful scourge, which 

 defaces our country, while it impoverishes and disap- 

 points the farmer. If it should succeed, Mr. Knapp 

 will merit the thanks of the publick for his ingenious 

 experiment." 



The foregoing valuable communication frotn one so 

 highly deserving of confidence, it is hoped will have 



