THE PEAR. 89 



The Pear Tree Borer {jEgeria pyri). This 

 is a white grub, much smaller than the apple- 

 borer, which feeds upon the inner bark near the 

 base of the tree. Its presence may be detected 

 by the fine sawdust castings, and the larvae be 

 destroyed by puncturing with a wire. A mound 

 of ashes or lime around the trunk, or a coat of 

 caustic paste in early summer, would prevent 

 the deposit of eggs. 



The Pear Blight Beetle (Xyleborus pyri). 

 Though the effect of this insect upon the small 

 branches of the pear is similar to the fire blight, 

 the cause is quite distinct. Upon examination 

 the twigs will be found perforated, at the base of 

 the buds, with pin-holes caused by a small brown 

 beetle, about one tenth of an inch long. The 

 remedy is to cut off the blighted limbs as soon 

 as noticed, before the beetle has escaped, and 

 burn them. 



The Pear Tree Psylla is a small, yellow, jump- 

 ing insect, about one tenth of an inch long, which, 

 with its sharp beak, punctures the young growth 

 about the middle of May, causing the sap to 

 exude, and attracting numerous flies and ants to 

 gather on the drooping branches. Syringe with 

 caustic suds or with kerosene emulsion. 



The Pear Slug is a slimy, blackish creature 

 about half an inch long, with a small head and 



