Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1831-10-24
PEACH TREES

| The following observations on the insect which
Is SO destructive to Peach Tree. takou from
Says Entomology:
The egg is oblong dull yellow, and so small M
to be only discernible by the naked eve Exceptinr
when confined, the female has rarely been seen in u
state o rest and then she is observed perched ON
Leaf which is possibly the place OF deposit though
he Is inclined to the belief that the egg i, laid on
some part OF the bark ofthe tree The Young insect
or arva,is ola white colour, tie head being Of rcd
dish brown 1t Is difficult to discover the movements
OF the larVa' IN consequence OF its snal! size. but
destructive career certainly commences about the
last OF September or early i'll October, by its enter
ing the tree through the tender bark under tho
surface OF the soi after having passed. through the
bark 1t proceeds downwards into the root and
finally turns its course towards the surface where
1t arrives about the commencement of the succeed
ing July,
Having attained its full growth tho larva chan
ges to the pupa state between the first and middle
OF July; cnvooped in its covering, it may then be
seen close to the trunk, surrounded by the gun
which oozos from the wound. In this state it con
tnues from the 10Th July 10 the latter part OF that
month, or beginning of August. Mr. Warth exa-
mined his fruit trees the teuth of July when he
obtained twenty of the coverings and about thirty
larva or grubs, which had all arrived near the sur
face OF the ground for the purpose of undorg Ding
their great change into winged insects.
Against the deprcdations Of this insect, remarks
Mr.. Say, many supposed remedies have been pre-
scrIbed, and such as the application of hot water
tanners bark und flour of sulphur, to the root of
the tree, and soft soap and lime wash 10 the trunk;
but 1t IS obvious that application of this kind can
njure the insect, without coming in contact with
1T whilst 1t remains i'll the egg, or infante state
on the outside of the tree for having penetrated to
the interior, superficial application can effect
1t. The various substances placed round the root
of the tree, such ashes and sand the uncovering
It's base during the winter and covering again
for the summer are all inefficient and even
injurious the health Of the trees
Mar WaIih recommends the practice pursued by careful
gardeners, n take brcklsyer' Iowel early in the
month OF July, and opening the grosud around tia tnk
the Judgment Of the insect will discovered. by
M re efeciuhIy he advises that from the first the
middle of August, swinging IoP piece Of hairy
hide, the hlr inside but turned the top, be Ien
close around the trunk OF the tree under bepF
just covered with earth 10 prevent any passage bn
nealh about the middle ol September remove the band
ami Immediately gjso the whole trunk of the tree
covering OF soh soaP lime wash yell brushed on,
that spot from the tor To The remain rnouch
ed EUUe5 this mode Of treatment bandage Of :ohac
co leaves or stems ought 10 Ec applied the FIRST
OF September ard KEPT TIL Novennh-f
Another Of the decline of rea.h trees is not srir;n
III the ground This occasions the disease called ir
yellow which is o6en Prevented by simply poirgiinq
AMI keeping the cath free and clear Eom grass ~,
iamS OF this CRY, that he has found great benc
NJ TO his trees, by orenng small basin around the fuS
ni the tree, and filing with the asAes Of common an
iTac'e coal lis trees treated in thu manner, assumed
afalby appearance than Others and ere no, in
icsied by the insects In the American Farmrr j, is
ia ed that coat oil line mortar about half an inch Ihic
abound tine body. with the earth drawn it, highly
eficaclous; Mr. Say thinks this the useful
We make no apology al present the lo7eis n good
peaches Tor occupying much space with this suisC u
possesses interest for both farnlrIs and citizens and will
tend 10 prove, hope, that the labor, naurasts are
! not wholly without utility