204 



The Apple-Blossom Weevil. 



Sulphide of potassium diluted with water in the proportion 

 of 2j ounces of sulphide to five gallons of water, and sprayed 

 over and under the leaves in a fine spray, has been found to 

 be efficacious. This dressing should be applied very early 

 when the leaves are small and young, and should be repeated 

 in about sixteen days. 



The Bordeaux mixture, as used for potato-disease, may be 

 used with advantage — sprayed on by means of a knapsack 

 sprayer in a very fine spray when the leaves are fully formed. 

 The mixture should be made of 3 lbs. of sulphate of copper 

 and 3 lbs. of lime to 25 gallons of water. If used later in the 

 season, when the foliage is strong and fully developed, 4 lbs. 

 of sulphate of copper and 4 lbs. of lime may be employed 

 with 25 gallons of water. But care must be taken in the use 

 of these applications when the gooseberries are large and 

 intended for early picking. 



The Apple-Blossom Weevil [Anthonomus Pomorum). 

 [See Coloured Plate.) 



This insect frequently causes much harm to apple and 

 pear trees. In the last four or five years its injuries have 

 much increased in fruit-producing districts, and in some 

 instances they have been attributed to the caterpillars of the 

 Winter Moth. Close examination of the blossoms has, 

 however, shown that the larvae, or maggots, of the weevil 

 were in the centres of the flowers, destroying their powers 

 of fructification, though at the same time caterpillars were 

 feeding upon the blossoms and leaves. The action of this 

 weevil upon the fruit blossoms of apple and pear trees 

 is often mistaken for the effects of white frosts, when the 

 petals have become brown or rusty-coloured ; but if they are 

 closely examined either the pupa of the weevil will be found 

 within them, or a round little hole in the side of the withered 

 flower-bud will be noticed, showing that the perfect weevil 

 has cut its way out of its cradle. 



