fct Htttf TREES. 107 



stinct directs it to enter the tree, for its future resi- 

 dence and support. The most obvious mode of pre- 

 vention, therefore, which reflection has suggested, is 

 the following. Early in the spring, let the soil from 

 around the trunk of the tree be removed, down to 

 the roots, and (ill up the vacant place with some sub- 

 stance that would prove obnoxious to the fly or worm, 

 or that would infallibly resist, its powers to penetrate 

 the bark. Among the substances which appear most 

 likely to prove successful, [ will mention the flax 

 rubbish and sea-weed, page 61 of this volume. The 

 next which occur, are ashes, lime, sea-shells, sea-sand, 

 mortar-rubbish from old buildings, clay, tanner's bark, 

 fragments of leather from the tanner's and shoema- 

 ker's shops, &c. Some, or perhaps any of the above- 

 mentioned substances, if pressed closely round the 

 trunk of the tree, must inevitably prevent v the fly or 

 worm from having access to the bark, and of course 

 prove an effectual remedy. Should it be the case, 

 that the worm advances from some distant part in 

 search of the tree, it is possible, on meeting foreign 

 substances, to which it has not been habituated, its 

 instinctive faculties may be baffied, or it may die be- 

 fore it can effect its object. Besides the expedient 

 just described, another remains to be mentioned ; it 

 is the application of the clay paint, page 79, or the 

 following composition, which is preferable. Take 

 equal parts of quick lime, cow dung and clay, which 

 by the addition of soap suds and urine, should be re- 

 duced to the consistence of common paint. To make 

 it more adhesive, add a little hair. Let the whole 

 stem, from the roots to the branches, be enveloped 

 with a coating of this composition, and occasionally 

 repeated, and it will scarcely be possible for the fly or 

 worm, or insects, to injure the trunk of the tree ; 

 and it will at the same time prove conducive to its 

 health and vigour. It might even be recommended 



