THE CURCULIO. Q 



Paving to prevent the Curculio. This is one of the remedies about which so much 

 has been written, and some who have tried it testify so positively as to its usefulness, 

 that it will be proper to devote some space to its consideration. 



In the horticulturist, Vol. iv., p. 62, 1849, Lewis F. Allen, of Buffalo, New 

 York, gives a long article about Lyman A. Spaulding's plan at Lockport, which he 

 considered successful. The Editor of the Horticulturist (Downing) testifies to the 

 plan as being excellent. 



At page 128, of the same volume, H. W. S. Cleveland, of Burlington, New 

 Jersey, writes to show that " Paving is not a preventive? And the Editor says it will 

 not answer in all cases. Probably only where the Curculio is not very abundant. 



The following is from the same volume, p. 244 : 



" Paving Plum Trees. Mr. Downing : Paving about Plum trees to thwart the Curculio always 

 appeared to me to be the sheerest nonsense. Whether they fly or not, the value is precisely the same. It 

 presents no obstacle to wings, and certainly facilitates progress to legs. Why won't gentlemen who are so 

 fond of recommending it, try the same experiment with their Cherry trees, to keep off the birds, or build 

 bridges over their garden fences to prevent the inroads of unruly boys, and enrich us with the record of their 

 sagacity ? If the Curculio passes up the body of the tree, as is claimed to be ' conceded,' why not invest 

 funds to the extent of a cent per tree in tar ? A sum not so exorbitant but most plum-growers might be 

 tempted to risk it ; and the expedient would certainly be more embarrassing to footsteps than brick 

 pavement. 



" The true worth of a recommendation for the preservation of fruit, in addition to being effectual, is its 

 capability of universal application. Paving, at $3 per tree, is as generally impracticable, and would be as 

 rarely adopted, as inclosing trees in glass houses. Its expensiveness and doubtful utility at least condemn it. 



" There is nothing known of the nature of the Curculio opposed to the probability that, having wings, 

 they fly, if necessary, to perpetuate their race ; nor of the grub, that, having legs, they also have wit 

 enough to convey themselves, after escaping from the fallen fruit, from where they can't burrow to where 

 they can, though in passing over pavements they sometimes doubtless perish, like bigger worms over the 

 deserts of Sahara. The sagacity of the Cur^lio provides against this difficulty, where it is possible, by the 

 selection of localities more favorable to the prosperity of the rising generation. 



"Hence, paved trees are shunned where others can be found. Let all be paved, and all would suffer. 

 I venture to predict that, unless Mr. Spaulding of Lockport has near neighbors, whose plum trees are not 

 paved, every one of his own will hereafter be attacked. By cultivating two sets one for himself and 

 another for the Curculio he has hitherto preserved his share ; but by paving the whole, I am mistaken if he 

 will not be the loser. Paving, on such terms, may by some be considered advisable ; but I don't apprehend 



a scarcity of brick will grow out of it. J. C. H., Syracuse, Sept. 18, 1849." 



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