580 Destruction of the A* phis. 



** reared, planted, and managed by my predecessor, Mr. Cad- 

 ness (whom I would be sorry to deprive of the merits due to 

 his good management), until eight weeks ago; consequently, 

 my only motive in this communication is a sincere desire to 

 disseminate any useful information which comes under my 

 observation, being perfectly indifferent whether the credit be 

 due to myself or others as it respects its origin. 



I am, Sir, yours, &c. 



Alexander Gordon. 

 Lowesby Hall, Leicestershire, Aug. 28. 1829. 



Art. XXIV. On the Destruction of the A s phis on Peach and 

 Nectarine Trees. By Mr. G. Jamieson, late Gardener to Mrs. 

 Bulwer Lytton, of Knebworth Park, Herts. 



Sir, 



The peach and nectarine trees, when planted against walls 

 having a south or south-east aspect, come into flower in the 

 end of March, or the beginning of April ; and in ten or twelve 

 days afterwards they come into leaf. About this season we 

 have generally cold dry winds from the north or north-east ; 

 and after these have prevailed a few days, the aphis commonly 

 makes its appearance. 



As I have been very successful in the destruction of this 

 pest of gardeners, it may, perhaps, be of some use to state my 

 practice. 



In the first place, water the tree over-head with a syringe 

 or garden-engine ; then put a quantity of gas tar into a flower- 

 pot or any open-mouthed vessel ; place it as near the tree as 

 you can, without incurring the risk of the heat of the process 

 to be described injuring the leaves. Then put into the vessel 

 as many burning coals as will set the gas tar on fire ; and in a 

 few minutes a dense cloud of black fetid smoke will rise up, 

 and, in a mild day, completely envelope the leaves of the trees. 

 If the day be not mild, you must carry on the operation either 

 under a temporary covering of mats, or wait till the wind 

 blows either against the wall, or in the direction of it. The 

 evening or the morning is the best season for this process ; a 

 very few minutes will suffice for each tree ; and, as soon as the 

 fumigation is over, the trees should be syringed, to wash off 

 the soot and the dead insects. 



I am, Sir, yours, &c. 



G. Jamieson. 

 £>. Sale Street, Edgxvare Road, London, Aug. 1. 1832. 



