1096 



FRUIT CULTURE. 



decide that you need stock, write to some old-established firm, ask- 

 ing them to send you a descriptive catalogue anch price-list. The 

 worst class of swindlers we have ever met with are the fruit-tree 

 peddlers. They tell you anything necessary to get an order, and 

 then fill it with the poorest trash. The price paid for the stock is 

 often exorbitant, but, high as it may be, it is but little compared to 

 the expense of caring for it for years, if it lives at all, uritil it comes 



B** 



Fig. 1494.— Larva. Fig. 1495.— Chrysalis. Fig. 1496.— The Beetle in its Perfect State. 

 Round-headed Apple-tree Borer. 



into bearing, only to discover that it is some worthless variety, and 

 thus find, that time, money, and labor are gone without returns. 

 Buy only of reliable parties ; and when you select trees, let them be 

 young and small, rather than oM and large. A young, vigorous tree 

 or plant will receive less check from transplanting than older stock. 

 A good root is more essential than a large top. The above words 

 of advice we feel free to offer from experience which we have paid 

 dearly for ; but purchased experience is valu- 

 able, and not easily forgotten. We only regret 

 that limited space prevents our saying many 

 things that suggest themselves on this, to us, 

 interesting subject. 



INSECTS INJURIOUS TO FRUIT. 



We now come to that part of our chapter 

 which embraces a subject immensely impor- 

 tant to every fruit-grower, — the protection 

 of his trees and vines from insect pests. 

 Their ravages are becoming more destructive 

 each succeeding year, and it is now acknowl- 

 edged that " to the victor belongs the spoils," 

 and if we would be the victors and save our 

 fruits we must be up and doing. 



Fig. 1497. — Flat-I 

 Apple-tree Borer. 



a, Larva; b, Chrysalis,' 

 c, Portion of body; d, Per- 

 fect insect. 



