104 TREATISE ON 



Supply some good, fresh soil; cut away the rotted roots; destroy the grubs & the ants; 

 clean or shorten the chewed or moldy roots & replenish them with fresh earth. These are 

 the most effective ways of restoring the tree. 



7°. In loose & sandy soil, the trunk or some branches of trees planted on an 

 espalier facing south sometimes get dried out or badly damaged by the intense heat of the 

 sun. A batten or a large straw mat protects the trunk from this misfortune. Often 

 scorching by the sun rots the side of peaches affected by it and gives the whole fruit an 

 unpleasant bitterness. This is a rare problem if they're only exposed at the time that they 

 ripen. 



8°. I won't discuss at all sudden losses brought on by the sun, thunderstorms, 

 cankerous ulcers that are concealed underneath the swelling at a graft union or that are 

 spread out on the roots, &c, because there are no remedies at all for these. In the end, 

 trees go through old age & decline, & their lifetime is limited. 



Article II. On Tree Pests. 



1°. Large white grubs that turn into cockchafers or other scarab beetles chew the 

 bark off the roots of young trees. The best remedy is to dig them up with one's foot and 

 destroy them. But since they've done their damage around the beginning of spring before 

 they metamorphose, it's too late too look for them after the deterioration or the death of 

 the trees reveals their injuries. Manure attracts these grubs, and putting it down next to 

 the roots must be avoided. Or else take care to uncover the roots and check on them in 

 January or February. 



2°. The aphid is one of the most formidable peach tree pests. This viviparous 

 insect multiplies almost from the moment it's born. 



