THE PLUM. 121 



(open half way up, to allow the tree to enter 

 and stand in the centre) is spread under the 

 tree, extending out as far as the branches. 

 Upon a sudden jar of the tree the curculio 

 instantly drops upon the sheet, with folded 

 limbs, as if in the repose of death. Such de- 

 ceit should be quickly made a reality. Small 

 trees may be jarred b}' hand. For larger trees 

 the stump of a limb, or an iron spike driven 

 into the tree, may serve as a place to give the 

 blow with the mallet, thus avoiding bruising 

 of the bark. It is essential to commence in 

 season, and to follow up the process as long 

 as there are any beetles to catch. With this 

 care success is certain. Probably an easier 

 and more effectual mode of destroying the 

 beetle will be found in spraying the trees with 

 the arsenites as soon as the fruit is set, and 

 again ten days after. The mode of applying 

 is described on page 219. 



The Plum-Gouger QCoccotorus scutellaris'). 

 This is an insect much resembling the curculio 

 in habits, but instead of the crescent-shaped 

 puncture, it makes a round hole in the fruit. 

 The larva also penetrates the stone, instead of 

 working around it. The beetle drops in the 

 same manner as the curculio, but is more alert, 

 and therefore is not so readily caught. It is 



