|
Index of tips
|
|
"I planted a peach orchard," writes M. Story, of the Society of Horticulture
of France, "and the trees grew well and strongly. They just commenced to bud
when they were invaded by the curculio (pulyon), which insects were
followed, as frequently happens, by ants. Having cut some tomatoes, the idea
occurred to me that, by placing some of the leaves around the trunk and
branches of the peach trees, I might preserve them from the rays of the sun,
which are very powerful. My surprise was great, upon the following day, to
find the trees entirely free from their enemies, not one remaining, except
here and there where a curled leaf prevented the tomato from exercising its
influence. These leaves I carefully unrolled, placing upon them fresh ones
from the tomato vine, with the result of banishing the last insect and
enabling the trees to grown with luxuriance. Wishing to carry still further
my experiment, I steeped in water some leaves of the tomato, and sprinkled
with this infusion other plants, roses, and oranges. In two days these were
also free from the innumerable insects which covered them, and I felt sure
that, had I used the same means with my melon patch, I should have met with
the same result. I therefore deem it a duty I owe to the Society of
Horticulture to make known this singular and useful property of the tomato
leaves, which I discovered by the merest accident." The Farm and
Household Cyclopędia - circa 1888
|
|
|
