124 _ CURCULIO. 
then in the spring, when the young caterpillars 
make their first appearance in weaving their tents, 
instant measures should be taken for their destruc- 
tion. Practically I find the best way to destroy 
these pests, is to remove the tents by hand, crush- 
ing the caterpillars at the same time. This can be 
done with or without a buck-skin glove. I have 
tried all other methods recommended, and consider 
this best. 
The most effectual and easy way to fight the 
curculio with pears, is to have the pear trees vigorous 
and healthy by keeping the ground in good heart. 
For a number of years I have noticed that on strong 
healthy trees the pears very soon outgrow the cres- 
cent mark of the curculio, while on weak or sickly 
trees the fruit is usually disfigured, and worthless 
for market purposes. However, all such I remove 
from the trees at once, and also allow none that drop 
off to remain on the ground longer than twelve 
hours before being gathered, and taken to the hog 
pen. The safest method is to endeavor to keep the 
bearing trees healthy, and to remove at once all dis- 
figured and worm-eaten fruit, whether found on the 
tree or ground. 
