PLUM PORTULACA 177 



how long this machine is to be run in the orchard will de- 

 pend entirely upon circumstances. It is advisable to use the 

 catcher soon after the blossoms fall, for the purpose of find- 

 ing out how abundant the insects are. If a few insects are 

 caught upon each tree, there is indication that there are 

 enough of the pests to make serious trouble. If after a few 

 days the insects seem to have disappeared, it will not be 

 necessary to continue the hunt. In some years, especially in 

 those succeeding a very heavy crop, it may be necessary to 

 run the curculio- catcher every morning for four or five 

 weeks ; but, as a rule, it will not be necessary to use it 

 oftener than two or three times a week during that season ; 

 and sometimes the season may be shortened by one-half. 

 The insects fall most readily when the weather is cool, and 

 it, therefore, is best to get through the whole orchard, if 

 possible, before noon. Upon cloudy days, however, the 

 insects may be caught all day. A smart man can attend to 

 300 to 400 full -bearing trees in six hours if the ground has 

 been well rolled or firmed, as it should be before the 

 bugging operation begins. But whether the operation is 

 troublesome or not, it is the price of Plums, and the grower 

 must not expect to succeed long without it. The same 

 treatment is essential to the saving of peaches and rarely, 

 also, of sour cherries. 



Poppy. These showy annuals and perennials 

 should be more generally grown. Nothing will lighten up 

 a corner better than the hardy oriental Poppy, or the 

 solid crimson or scarlet annual Poppies. All of the varie- 

 ties grow readily from seed, which, in most cases, should 

 be sown where the plants are to bloom. The seeds of the 

 oriental and the Iceland Poppy may be sown in pots, the 

 plants wintered over in a frame and carefully planted 

 out the second spring. The Poppy is very impatient of 

 root disturbance, however, and the safest method is to sow 

 the seed where wanted. 



Portulaca, or ROSE Moss. Brilliant little ten- 



