APPLYING COMPOSITION. 



87 



trees as far as it can be done. Its effects in 

 all kinds of fruit trees are not only apparent 

 in the destruction of insects, but it also clears 

 the trees of lichen, and prevents its reproduc- 

 tion. This very materially contributes to the 

 health of them, for when trees are covered 

 with it, the pores of the wood in those places 

 are closed, which always renders a tree un- 

 healthy. 



I do not find it necessary to use the 

 composition every year, for when the trees 

 have not been infested by insects during 

 the preceding summer, nor subject to lichen 

 or moss, I omit it for that year, but do not 

 fail to apply it the year following. The ex- 

 pense of the composition is very trifling, a 

 large tree when entirely washed over will 

 not cost more than threepence. 



