168 FRUIT CULTURE. 



insects are however very hardy, and many of them lodge 

 in crevices of the bark or on the roots during winter. 

 The roots may also be infested in summer with a paler 

 form of the insect which causes the development of pro- 

 tuberances and gouty swellings, destroying their func- 

 tions, and so starving the tree. 



REMEDIES. So regulating the number of branches that 

 air and light may play freely on all parts of the tree, 

 while, at the same time, exposing the insect to its natural 

 enemies. When at any time during spring, summer, or 

 winter, the trees are observed to be infested, an onset in 

 real earnest should be made upon the insect ; and where- 

 ever any woolly matter shows itself, the part should be 

 well scrubbed with a hard half-worn brush just kept 

 moist with paraffin or kerosine emulsion, being careful 

 not to touch the leaves or buds with it. Other substi- 

 tutes that may be employed, are methylated spirits, 

 fir-tree oil, Gishurst's compound in lather from the cake, 

 tobacco- water, quassia decoction in water, strong solutions 

 of soft soap, or other strong insecticides. During Avinter 

 the stems and branches may be painted with various 

 mixtures, rubbing them well into the crevices of the bark. 

 Some of these materials, such as lime, soot, and soft 

 soap, may be used separately or mixed. After well scrap- 

 ing the bark it may be painted with potash and quicklime 

 in equal proportions. Dissolve them in water, till about 

 the consistency of paint, warm the mixture, and apply 

 it to the affected parts while still warm. For another 

 compound : To five pounds of lime add one of flowers of 

 sulphur, in two gallons of water, and heat the mixture 

 till the sulphur dissolves. Apply the mixture while 

 still warm. Where the roots are known to be infested 

 the soil should be removed to the depth of 6 or 8 inches, 



