This theory, which I have thought fallacious, appears to be so distinctly proved by the observations of Miss Morris, that I feel almost compelled to give in my adhesion to her views. Perfectly aware of the fact that the curculio and other insects were to be found in the swellings, I imagined that they were the effect, not the cause, and had taken up their abode there, merely because they found a convenient lodging. The late Mr. Downing, 1 believe, entertained this view of the case, while Profs. Peck and Harris held the opinion which is adhered to by Miss Morris.

It is rather satisfactory than otherwise to find, (if it is so,) that the same villainous little insect is the cause of both the chief ills that the plum seems heir to, for it is certainly better to fight one enemy than two or more; and 1 believe for one, that if all plum-growers would, for three or four seasons, persistently and thoroughly employ the sheet and mallet, we should have little cause either to fear or dread the depredations of the curculio, or rhynchaenus, hereafter.

Messrs. Ellwanger and Barry are perfectly successful in preserving their plums in this manner. I had the pleasure of meeting the late editor at their place, upon the occasion which he so pleasantly mentions, (at page 483,) and 1 certainly never saw such a magnificent crop of plums as was just then at maturity upon their trees. I have tried, and seen tried, various other preventives, such as lime, netting, pigs, poultry, etc., but have faith in nothing but shaking and killing. A war of extermination is only to be relied upon, and at any other game the rhynchaenus will be pretty certain to beat.