344 IIeport of the IIorticultukist of the 



the import ant ingredients in most of them are the same as in the 

 one given above. 



These washes probably have the effect of softening and loosen- 

 ing the old bark so that it is more readily shed, thus relieving the 

 bark bound condition and inducing a vigorous growth. Bordeaux 

 mixture is beneficial in this respect as a smooth, shiny appear- 

 ance of the bark is a characteristic of well sprayed trees. 



A discussion of the necessity of thorough cultivation and fer- 

 tilization of orchards need not be entered into here, but it may be 

 said that any treatment that tends to promote the vigor of the 

 trees indirectly gives them greater power to resist disease. This 

 fact was strikingly illustrated in the inoculation experiments with 

 nursery stock where it was found that the trees that were making 

 a feeble growth were far more susceptible to the action of the 

 fungus than those which were making a vigorous growth. 



Usually but little attention is given to slight wounds that are 

 made here and there on the trees, but it should be remembered 

 that a majority of cankers start from some mechanical injury. 

 Too much care cannot be exercised not to wound or bruise the limbs 

 when trimming the trees or picking the fruit. Wounds are fre- 

 quently made by the chafing of ladders against the limbs or by 

 the workman's boot when climbing through the trees. Serious 

 wounds are also frequently made by propping the limbs when 

 they are overloaded with fruit. The props should be padded or 

 have the corners rounded where thev come in contact with the 

 limbs; they should be put in place carefully and not be driven 

 under the limbs as is sometimes done. All wounds, whether ac- 

 cidental or made in trimming, should be protected with thick 

 paint or grafting wax. 



Cankered limbs should be cut out wherever practicable, or in 

 some cases it may pay to cut off the diseased bark and cover the 

 wounds as recommended above. Then as a preventive measure 

 we feel warranted in recommending thorough spraying with Bor- 

 deaux mixture, giving the first treatment before the leaf-buds 



