84 



part of August. The trees were well loaded with fruit, and 

 no traces of canker worms could be seen upon the foliage. Mr* 

 Poster stated that until within two years the trees have been 

 completely stripped of their leaves. He then had " Matthews' 

 Protector " placed upon the trees, since which time they have 

 been entirely free from worms. 



The " Protector" is simply a covered metal trough encircling 

 the tree, and filled with crude petroleum. To prevent the 

 grubs crawling up under the " Protector," the space between 

 the trough and tree is carefully packed with dry oakum. The 

 protectors have never been removed from the trees since placed 

 upon them two years since. Mr. Poster stated that the total 

 expense of protecting two hundred and fifty trees was 1268 — a 

 little more than a dollar per tree. His orchard is compara- 

 tively young, and the trees of medium size. Your committee 

 are well aware that a premium given under these circumstances 

 implies an endorsement of the preventive used and hence have 

 endeavored to ascertain whether " Matthews' Protector" has 

 proved successful in other instances. 



From the best evidence that could be obtained, the Commit- 

 tee were satisfied that Matthews' Protector properly applied and 

 used, entirely prevents the passage of the grub. The chief 

 objection to its use is the expense — as its cost is ten cents per 

 inch in diameter, applied to the trees and ready for use. Proba- 

 bly orchardists having a small number of trees may find it for 

 their advantage to use such a protector even if somewhat ex- 

 pensive. 



But farmers having extensive orchards, will be likely to 

 hesitate before incurring such an expense, and inquire if some 

 other, cheaper methods cannot be found. We do not now pro- 

 pose to discuss this point, or the expediency of making such 

 an outlay on a large orchard. 



We will only add that in the judgment of the Committee, 

 " Matthews' Protector" is not a swindle, and that if farmers 

 are willing to expend the amount necessary to apply it, they 

 can in that way fully protect their trees from the ravages of 

 the canker worm. 



For the Committee — Joseph S. Howe. 



