THE LONESOME PINE

Is there an entomologist in the house?

This pine tree looked to be a goner 18 months ago. Its branches were turning brown, it was drooping and it was festooned with insect nests that looked like little tents high up in the branches. This tree is rare here. Normally, it grows only to the north along the Ligurian coast.

Locally, the inhabitants of these tents are called prosessionali because, when they've polished off one tree and move to another, they march in processions. These beasties are not friendly to humans, either. If they fall upon some skin, the result is like quite a severe burn.

As you can see, it is a tall tree. To spray with insecticide you'd need a helicopter. There is nothing systemic to water into the tree. It was doomed.

Along came our neighbour, Mauro, who knows everything. He said the only way to get rid of them was to shoot them off. Well, sure. We have a gun cabinet bristling with shot guns and rifles and we're both crack shots. Mauro to the rescue. He knew a man who would do it.

One morning the air was rent with gun shots which went on for an hour. To be honest, I didn't think it would do any good. Surely there would be survivors that would go straight back up the tree and continue where they left off. Apparently they don't like the local, crude pines, although they will make do with them so, to them, this tree was a delicious find.

Himself expected a hefty charge for the shooting because ammunition is not cheap and the man lived quite far away. No charge. The man had enjoyed the target practice.

The tree remained bedraggled for many months but the rains came and it decided to hang in there. It is now green and healthy.

As you can see, it is another fine day in Tuscany.