i5 On Peach Trees, 



raising, which I am confident might be surmounted by 

 the above mode. 



I should now apologize for trespassing on your pa- 

 tience, were I not certain that your real zeal in similar 

 pursuits would render it unnecessary, and remain 



Yours sincerely, 



William Phillips.* 

 Dr. James Mease. 



* The success of the fruit on trees in the plantation 

 frequented by hog'S^ is evidently owing to the destruction by 

 them of the curculiones. See Dr. Tilton's letter, vol. I, page 

 isr. Mr. Phillips's farm is near the Delaware. Peaches ge- 

 nerally thrive best near rivers; and especially those of brack- 

 ish water. Digging round all trees is highly beneficial. See 

 ]Mr. Coxe's letter, vol. I, page 217. The lime promotes heal- 

 thv vegetation, but when the worm, or curcidioiies get pos- 

 session, they are not affected by lime. These latter are the 

 master-foes to all fruit. The fallen fruit is their nursery, 

 and w^hatever destroys that, is their enemy. Cherries and 

 other common fruits are in such plenty, that the banishment 

 or extirpation of the ciu-cid'io is an event more anxiously ta 

 be wished, than expected. They avoid moist atmosphere and 

 salt air, on the borders of rivers or the sea. In cities and towns 

 they do not delight. 



This is a bold and laudable experiment made by Mr. P. 

 on this short lived tl-ee. The result we shall be anxious to 

 know. We have unwilling doubts as to duration. 



