ORCHARDS. 43 



foliage cnougli to sustain, may be seen within the limits of our 

 society. Dead limbs and suckers, so thick and so intertwined 

 that, should the attempt be 'made to gather fruit by climbing 

 such trees, it would be at the hazard of eyes and wearing 

 apparel. The aspect is truly forbidding, both in relation to 

 clearing off vermin, or gathering fruit in a proper manner, if 

 perchance there should be any. It need not be expected, how- 

 ever, that a large crop of vermin can be reared, and at the same 

 time a crop of good fruit matured. There is another view of 

 the case which appears to me consistent. In districts where 

 such neglect is prevalent, all right-minded persons must, at sight 

 of such negligence, experience a shock in their nerves which 

 can be better imagined than described ; and if the nerves are 

 seriously affected, the body must suffer. Apply the axe to the 

 root of all apple and black cherry trees which are not worth 

 caring for and preserving, until they are all razed to the ground. 

 Save what timber is suitable for knife handles, chisel handles, 

 shuttles, etc., and use the balance for fuel. Carefully clear the 

 dead branches and suckers from all remaining trees ; dig 

 around, spread compost or wood ashes, or do something to 

 invigorate the trees which need it ; and by all means keep them 

 clear of caterpillars and other vermin, in order to preserve the 

 foliage in a healthy state ; then you may reasonably hope for 

 compensation and reward in the harvests which will follow such 

 treatment. 



The remedies which in my experience I have found to be 

 the best against the insects and their larvae, which are trouble- 

 some in the orchard, may not be out of place here. On young 

 trees the clusters of seed (eggs) may be readily found after the 

 foliage is cast m autumn, and before it starts again in spring. 

 I refer particularly to the caterpillar, which, on older and 

 larger trees, may be more easily discovered when their tents 

 can be seen glistening in the sun. "With a ladder visit them 

 very early in the morning when they are all at home, carrying 

 a bail-basket or tin pail, into wdiich the whole mass can be 

 cleanly scooped ; yea, a dozen of them at one journey up the 

 ladder. Make clean work, if possible. Then put all, except 

 the vessel in which you carry them, under your boots. Brush- 

 ing, as is usually practised, scatters the crawling worms and 

 kills but few. Petroleum and other oils are recommended by 



