200 THE FRUIT GARDEN. [jAN. 



This operation should be repeated every winter, 

 some time between the fall of the leaf and the first 

 of March, as may be found most convenient. The 

 solution is effectually destructive of all kinds of in- 

 sects, their eggs or larva?. 



If there be any specific for the cure of the canker 

 other than the preparation of a good and kindly 

 soil, lying on a comfortable bottom, (see the section 

 on Soils), it is this unction, as it contains the two 

 ingredients thought most efficacious for its destruc- 

 tion, viz. soap and sulphur. And if these have any 

 effect, I think this a preferable season for their ap- 

 plication, to summer ; as, by dusting the foliage 

 merely over with sulphur, the blood of the tree is 

 not purged. In order to be effectual, the sulphur 

 must be rubbed into the pores of the wood, and must 

 be detained there some length of time. Now, this 

 glutinous liquor, if properly applied, will continue 

 to act upon the pores and juices of the tree for many 

 weeks, or even months ; whereas sulphur alone, ap- 

 plied to the foliage, is dissipated by the wind, or 

 washed off by rains, perhaps in a day. * 



For the mildew, which is a minute parasitical 

 fungus, and is greatly encouraged by the sickliness 

 of trees, when their juices are corroded, or conta- 

 minated by improper treatment, nothing is so, effec- 

 tual a remedy, if we except the preparation of a fit 

 soil, as this liquor. ; with which the shoots of trees 

 affected with this disease should be carefully wash- 

 ed, as above directed. 



