162 Wisconsin State Horticultural Society. 



are identical in several instances, whether the theory of cause be 

 insects or other influences of* an atmospheric character, soil, or both 

 combined. This appears rational enough, because it is possible 

 that wash applications and slitting the bark may be obnoxious or 

 destructive to the insects as well as renovating to the trees. Con- 

 current testimony, gathered from widely scattered localities, does 

 certainly establish the fact of the usefulness of sulphur and lime 

 wash, as directed by the superintendent of the botanical gardens 

 at Washington. This may be prepared with " a half bushel of 

 lime and six pounds of sulphur, and cold water enough to keep it 

 in a semi-fluid state; apply to the body and limbs two or three 

 times during a season." Slitting the bark is regarded by many as 

 very beneficial, but not enough positive testimony yet appears to 

 warrant it as an infallible remedy to check blight. Linseed oil 

 applications are extensively commended, and strong caustic soda 

 wash is declared by those who have witnessed its effects to be the 

 most efficient remedy yet applied to check it and renovate the 

 trees smitten with it. Until we know more than we now do of this 

 subject, we can take our choice of remedies and use them as the 

 best known at present. In conclusion, it is proper for me to say 

 of my researches, that the weight of evidence recorded favors the 

 zymotic fungus theory of blight, viz: certain conditions of the 

 atmosphere or soil, perhaps both combined cause a disease. Soon 

 after the fermenting sap begins circulating the discolored spots on 

 the limbs and bodies appear. It is a very plausible theory in this 

 climate, but not so clear in many other parts of the country, where 

 it is confidently asserted no such conditions of the soil and atmos- 

 phere exist. In localities where, until recently, fruit growers have 

 raised pears for forty years undisturbed, they desire to know why 

 the "peculiar conditions" had not engendered the disease before. 

 It is the easiest way out of the mysteries of blight to call it insect 

 work and quit; but to verify this theory, it is necessary to specify 

 what form of animal life does the work, and not only hunt their 

 holes, but capture the little rascals and learn their methods of 

 operating. Where is the state entomologist? Horticulturists are 

 generally sanguine and enthusiastic people, even under discourage- 

 ment; but a sense of helplessness comes over some of us as we 

 contemplate the destruction we have witnessed by this scourge. 

 In brief periods the labor and care of years has been made profit- 



