234 THE FRUIT GARDEN. [APRII,. 



The force-pump engine is a most useful instru- 

 ment in the garden, as it can be applied to so many 

 purposes ; but to none can it be applied better in 

 the summer months than frequently washing with it 

 the leaves of wall-trees ; which both keeps them 

 clear of this and other insects, and to a very great 

 degree promotes their health, by thus refreshing 

 them, and keeping them clear of dust. The even- 

 ing, a few hours before sunset, is the most proper 

 time to perform this work, as, if done in the morn- 

 ing, the effect soon goes off, the moisture being sud- 

 denly exhaled by the sun's heat. In the early 

 months, however, if the air be frosty, and if there 

 be a necessity for watering the foliage, let it be done 

 about eight or nine in the morning ; as, if done in 

 the evening, the frost would take the harder on the 

 trees, by their being moist. 



The coccus, or scaly insect, and chermes of many 

 species, are troublesome to wall and other fruit-trees. 

 The time for their destruction, however, is not now, 

 but in winter ; of which, see January, on the head 

 destroying insects. 



Snails and slugs are often very troublesome to 

 wall-fruits, especially if the walls be old and ragged, 

 and eagerly devour young setting apricots, peaches, 

 and plums. They should, therefore, be carefully 

 looked for, mornings and evenings, and be destroy- 

 ed. Those that harbour about the holes in the wall, 

 may often be surprised in their lurking-places ; and 

 others, that lodge about the ground, may be decoy- 

 ed, by placing bits of tile, slate, or small boards, in 

 such a way as that they may take shelter under them, 



