DW TEE'S GUIDE. 11 



The Borers should be looked after twice each year; the best time is 

 during the months of May and September, but almost any other time will 

 answer quite as well. The Borer is a fleshy white grub about one-halt 

 an inch in length and attacks the tree at the collar near the surface of 

 the ground. As a rule the surface indications of the bark (resembling 

 fine saw dust) will disclose its presence when it is readily found and des- 

 troyed. Occasionally, however, it will have worked its way some dis- 

 tance in the tree; then you must follow along this line with a strong 

 wire or some other slim, stiff instrument. It is, of course, important to 

 exterminate these Borers. Neglected, feeble growing trees or trees 

 grown permanently in sod ground without cultivation, are much more sus- 

 ceptible to the ravages of the Borers than those of a vigorous con- 

 stitution. 



The Caterpillars — These are very annoying and destructive insects 

 and seem to come in more or less quantities with increasing regularity 

 each Spring. They should be destroyed at once, before they have a 

 chance to spread and multiply, otherwise they will in a few days' time 

 strip the tree of its foliage, the result of which, while not necessarily 

 fatal, is of course very injurious to the welfare of the tree. You can 

 cope with these easily and successfully if you attack them in their early 

 stages in the Spring. The Caterpillar seems to have a special like and 

 reverence for the apple and peach trees; they will, however, when left un- 

 molested, build their castle in any fruit tree, "hang up their hats" and 

 make themselves at home and comfortable. 



Protecting the Trees from the ravages of mice and rabbits during 

 the Winter months is very necessary in some localities. The remedy is 

 very simple and easily applied. Wrap hardware paper about the trunk 

 of the tree and coat it with coal tar; it is advisable to add a small 

 quantity of coarse oil to the tar as it prevents it from cracking; remove 

 the soil from about the collar of the tree to the depth of about two inches, 

 and start your paper at that point, always filling in the soil when the 

 work is completed. The proper time to apply this coating is in October 

 and should remain on the tree until May. 



Spraying — This is not at all times an absolute necessity, but whether 

 or not your trees are diseased spraying is beneficial, therefore we advise 

 It both as a preventive and safeguard and as one of the essential re- 

 quirements to bring about the best results. Thorough and persistent 

 spraying under all conditions or circumstances adds very materially to 

 the vigor and health of your trees; it influences and helps to develop a 

 large and rich system of foliage, which of itself is a necessary fore-run- 

 ner to the largest, highest colored, most uniform and best flavored fruit. 

 We follow with the best orchard formula spray: 



BORDEAUX MIXTURE — Copper sulphate, 6 lbs.; quicklime, 4 lbs.; 

 water, 45 gals. 



The copper sulphate should first be dissolved in the water, which 

 should be done as follows: Place the copper sulphate in an earthen or 

 wooden vessel (do not use metal), and pour on the water accasionally 

 until the blue crystals are dissolved. Slake the lime in 3 or 4 gal- 

 lons of water; stir well, and when cooled off, strain through a fine sieve 

 or cheese cloth into the vessel prepared for the mixture. The copper sul- 

 phate solution sihould always be poured into the lime. Do this 

 carefully, that nothing may pass through the strainer which 

 might stop up the nozzle of the sprayer. Add sufficient water to make 50- 

 gallons of solution, and it is ready for use. Then to this add one quart 

 of any kind of molasses, which will make it more adhesive; then dissolve 



