. The American entomologist. Entomology. 12 THE AMERICAN ENTOMOLOGIST. 5th. All late varieties of the peach, although they are often stmig by the curculio, fail to \ develop the egg; or else, if the egg hatches out, ! the larva perishes when very young. I assured myself of the correctness of these j last two statements by examining in each case many scores of specimens, not only at this period, and near Alton, but elsewhere and subsequently. I therefore have but little doubt that Dr. Hull is also right as regards the first three statements, although 1 had no opportunity to verify them. In fact
. The American entomologist. Entomology. 12 THE AMERICAN ENTOMOLOGIST. 5th. All late varieties of the peach, although they are often stmig by the curculio, fail to \ develop the egg; or else, if the egg hatches out, ! the larva perishes when very young. I assured myself of the correctness of these j last two statements by examining in each case many scores of specimens, not only at this period, and near Alton, but elsewhere and subsequently. I therefore have but little doubt that Dr. Hull is also right as regards the first three statements, although 1 had no opportunity to verify them. In fact I find him so thorough and accurate an observer, that I would rather take his opinion on any matter respecting the habits of fruit insects, than that of any other unprofessional man with whom I am acquainted. Immediately after breakfast, and while insects are still dull and sluggish in the cool of the morning, we go out to see the practical opera- tions of the celebrated " Curculio-catcher," in- vented and for many years back used by Dr. Hull. As I have elsewhere explained, this is nothing but a gigantic white umbrella, turned bottom upwards, mounted upon an immense wheelbarrow, and split in front to receive the trunk of the tree which is to be operated uptn. At the interior end of the split in front is a padded bumper, wliich strikes against the trunk as the operator wheels the barrow, first against one tree and then against another, and with two or three sudden jars fetches all the insects ofl' the boughs into the white umbrella which gapes widely open to receive them. Really it is a most magnificent institution: but for its practical success three things are necessary ; 1st, that the land should be decently clean and not overgrown with rank weeds, four or five teet high; 2d, that the orchard be a sutHcientl>- large one to pay the interest on tlie prime cost of the machine—about $30; 3d, that the trees have a clean trunk of some three or four feet, instead of
Size: 2074px × 1205px
Photo credit: © Library Book Collection / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: ., bookcentury1800, bookdecade1860, booksubjectentomology, bookyear1
